Netflix’s Guns N’ Roses Biopic “Rock and Roll” Faces Backlash from Axl Rose’s Sister

As Netflix ramps up promotion for its much-anticipated Guns N’ Roses biopic Rock and Roll, the film has already struck a sour chord—this time, not with critics, but with Axl Rose’s own family. Amy Bailey, the sister of the legendary frontman, has voiced her disapproval over a key aspect of the movie’s casting.

Bailey’s concern centers on the lack of authenticity in the actors selected to portray the iconic rock band, particularly their connection—or lack thereof—to Los Angeles, the city where Guns N’ Roses was born and bred. In a recent statement, she questioned why none of the principal cast members are from L.A., arguing that this disconnect could water down the spirit of the film.

“This is a story that belongs to Los Angeles,” Bailey said. “It was forged in the streets of Hollywood, in grimy clubs, late-night rehearsals, and that raw, West Coast energy. You can’t fake that. None of these actors are from L.A.—and to me, that’s a huge miss.”

Guns N’ Roses, formed in the mid-1980s, rose from the heart of the Sunset Strip scene to global superstardom with their explosive debut album Appetite for Destruction. The band’s legacy is inseparable from the gritty, rebellious atmosphere of Los Angeles during that era. From Whisky a Go Go to The Roxy, the band’s journey was steeped in the sounds and sights of L.A.’s rock underworld.

While Netflix has remained tight-lipped about the casting process, the streaming giant has assembled a star-studded ensemble of actors, none of whom hail from Los Angeles. Though many fans are excited by the talent attached, Bailey’s comments have sparked a conversation about the importance of cultural and regional authenticity in biopics.

“I’m not saying they need to be born on Sunset Boulevard,” Bailey added, “but how can you truly capture the soul of a band if you’re not connected to where it all started?”

Bailey also clarified that she has no involvement in the production and doesn’t represent Axl Rose or the band officially, but as someone who witnessed their rise firsthand, she feels protective of how the story is told.

As Rock and Roll heads toward its release, Bailey’s remarks serve as a reminder that telling the story of a band like Guns N’ Roses isn’t just about great acting—it’s about capturing the energy, roots, and authenticity of a movement that could only have happened in Los Angeles.

Whether Netflix’s take lives up to that challenge remains to be seen.