Max Cavalera recently defended Axl Rose against online body-shaming. He addressed the issue in a statement shared on Appetite For Distortion Podcast.
The Soulfly frontman expressed his frustration with internet trolls who criticize musicians based on their physical appearance rather than their musical contributions.
“My wife showed me the other day where there was some people shit talking Axl, and it’s, like, come on, man. Fuck you all. It’s such bullshit. Leave the guy alone,” Cavalera said. “‘Cause I had a little bit of that. You gain a couple pounds and people gotta talk shit about your weight. What is this? Are we models? Are we Vogue models or are we rock and rollers?”
Cavalera emphasized that music should be the focus, not physical appearance.
“It was never about the fucking weight. Who gives a fuck what somebody weighs? It’s about the music, man. It’s about what they play. It’s about what you like in the music,” he continued. “So, yeah, I heard that and I was, like, totally, I was, like, ‘Fuck this shit.’ This is just cowards [talking shit online].”
The musician also addressed the natural aging process that affects everyone.
“It’s, like, what? Are you never gonna get old? Dude, it happens to everybody. All of us, most of us are gonna get old, and you’re not gonna be the same,” he said. “I fucking wear that shoe with pride, the white hair and the stitches. I take pride in that. It took a long time to get that.”
Cavalera concluded by expressing interest in meeting Rose. He noted their potential connection through Brazilian associates. “I never got to meet Axl, but I’m sure we’d hit it off pretty good. I kind of heard that some of his assistants are Brazilian,” he said.
This defense comes from an artist who has faced similar scrutiny throughout his career. He understands the pressures of being in the public eye.
Blabbermouth reported that Cavalera has previously commented on Rose’s role filling in for AC/DC’s Brian Johnson during their tours. He admitted he wasn’t sure if Rose fit the band’s outlaw image but respected their legacy. This shows Cavalera’s long-standing awareness of Rose’s career moves and challenges.
The Brazilian-born musician’s own journey with personal struggles adds weight to his defense of Rose. Louder Sound revealed that Cavalera experienced a personal turning point in 2006 when he stopped drinking after being arrested for shoplifting vodka. This experience illustrates his understanding of the human side of artists and the struggles they face beyond their public personas.
Cavalera’s reference to Rose’s Brazilian connections is particularly meaningful given his own heritage. Blabbermouth noted that Rose’s management company Team Brazil and his longtime personal assistant Beta represent significant Brazilian influences in the Guns N’ Roses frontman’s professional life.
The Soulfly leader’s passionate defense reflects a broader issue within the music industry. Veteran artists often face criticism about their appearance rather than recognition for their continued musical contributions. Cavalera’s stance emphasizes the importance of focusing on artistic merit over physical appearance in rock music.
