Axl Rose Opens Up About TMJ Struggle: ‘Feels Like My Jaw Is Going to Fall Off’

Axl Rose didn’t experience the poetic numbness described in the lyrics of Guns N’ Roses’ “Civil War.” Instead, during the band’s extensive three-hour performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the iconic frontman revealed he was battling the physical numbness brought on by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

While introducing his talented bandmates—Slash, Duff McKagan, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus, and Isaac Carpenter—Rose lightened the mood with characteristic humor. He joked that it felt like Bugs Bunny was actively hopping around inside his ear, adding that he had undergone dental procedures just days prior to manage the condition. According to medical experts, TMJ disorders affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, frequently causing discomfort, limited movement, and distinct clicking or popping sounds.

“So now this side of my mouth is still completely numb, which makes things interesting,” the musician chuckled, gesturing to his face. “And this side had work done two days ago. So it’s quite a challenge.”

“You’re singing away and suddenly hearing strange internal noises… and honestly, neither doctors nor dentists have a real frame of reference for what vocalists do. When you have TMJ, they simply tell you, ‘Try not to chew.’ Great, I just won’t eat!” Rose deadpanned. “Furthermore, it’s impossible to describe the physical strain when you’re contorting your face in countless ways trying to sing the way I do.”

The frontman continued to poke fun at his medical hurdles. “You hear all these bizarre sounds while performing, making you think, ‘I really shouldn’t be doing this right now, because that sound definitely implies my jaw is about to detach or slide sideways.’ Frankly, that would be quite the spectacle!”

TMJ commentary aside, Rose and company delivered an unforgettable setlist for their world tour stop, drawing from their deep catalog of hits and side projects. They kicked off the evening with a thunderous rendition of “Welcome to the Jungle,” followed by fan favorites like “Patience,” “You Could Be Mine,” Velvet Revolver’s “Slither” (with Axl stepping in for the late Scott Weiland), “Attitude” led by Duff McKagan on vocals, and a rousing cover of Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne. The legendary night culminated in an energetic performance of “Paradise City.”

Hip-hop legends Public Enemy set a powerful tone earlier in the evening, performing timeless anthems including “Fight the Power.” True to form, Flavor Flav delivered an impassioned speech to the crowd, firmly declaring that he has “no time for racism.”

“This world comprises countless diverse cultures and backgrounds, but ultimately, regardless of our skin color, native language, beliefs, or origins, we are all humankind sharing Planet Earth,” the rapper shared, championing unity in an increasingly divided society. “We have to stand together and foster a collective harmony. So if you’re with me, remember this: there is only one race, my friends, and that is the human race.”

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