GUNS N’ Roses are said to be parting ways.
Frontman Axl Rose is said to be planning to call time on the hard rock group after they complete their Las Vegas residency on June 7, almost 30 years he created the band while living in Los Angeles.
A source told RadarOnline.com: “Band members have been told their calendars are free following Vegas.
“Axl is considering retiring and it’s done. Band members and support staff were surprised when told the news and are actively looking for work.”
The 52-year-old singer is the only remaining founding member of the band with lead guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, drummer Steven Adler and rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin having all quit over the years.
The current members of Guns N’ Roses are Tommy Stinson, Dizzy Read, DJ Ashba, Frank Ferrer, Chris Pitman and Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal.
The ‘November Rain’ hitmakers, who have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, begin their Las Vegas residency on May 21, playing nine dates at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Another source said: “Axl has made enough money and wants to stop touring. He is considering retiring.”
However, Loudwire.com is reporting that a source has told the site that the split rumours are “bullsh*t” and the band members are taking a break, giving them chance to focus on other projects.
Bass player Duff - who quit Guns N’ Roses in 1997 - briefly rejoined the band in April, standing in for Tommy for five shows across South America.
Axl and Slash have barely spoken since the guitarist quit the band in 1996 due to a breakdown in their songwriting partnership and the collaborative process between the entire group. Their rift only worsened when Axl refused to join the other original band members at their induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in February 2012.
