Celebrities IQ

What Is Axl Rose's IQ?

By Samantha Davis, Psychology Writer
Published on August 17, 2024 | Updated on August 22, 2024

Image by Kreepin Deth, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Why We Believe Axl Rose's IQ Is Around 115

Axl Rose, the famous lead singer of Guns N' Roses, has made a huge impact on rock music. Starting from Lafayette, Indiana, he rose to international fame thanks to his hard work and unique talent. Known for his powerful voice and incredible range, Rose has helped create many hit songs that are still loved by fans today. You've probably heard some of these hits which include "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Welcome to the Jungle," and "November Rain"!

Beyond his musical achievements, Axl Rose is also recognized for his sharp intellect, with an estimated IQ of 115. According to Duff McKagan, the band's bassist, Axl is a "super-smart guy" who is deeply concerned about his country and well-versed in various subjects. McKagan noted that Axl's thoughtful approach to political discussions on platforms like Twitter (now known as "X") highlights his depth of knowledge and intelligence. He emphasized that anyone attempting to compete with Axl intellectually would likely lose, given his extensive reading and well-rounded perspective on issues!

Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler also praised Axl's intelligence and talent, expressing his admiration for the frontman despite their past differences. He reflected on the band's early years and the magic that happened when their diverse personalities and musical influences came together. According to him, Axl was a driving force behind their success and highlighted his respect for Rose's abilities, both as a musician and a thinker.

Axl Rose's IQ
115
profile picture of Axl Rose
How Did We Estimate Axl Rose's IQ?
Low Confidence

Average Confidence Level

Low

The estimate of Axl Rose's IQ was determined using two different sources: The Scientific Place and ABTC.

The Scientific Place
115 IQ Low Confidence Confidence Level: Low
ABTC
115 IQ Low Confidence Confidence Level: Low

5 Times Axl Rose Revealed Impressive Brain Power

  • High IQ Estimate: Axl Rose is estimated to have an IQ of 115, indicating above-average intelligence. This has likely played a role in his strategic thinking and creative songwriting.
  • Self-Taught Pianist: Axl Rose taught himself how to play piano, demonstrating his natural musical talent and ability to learn complex skills independently.
  • Complex Compositions: His work on the epic 'November Rain' showcases Rose's ability to compose intricate and enduring music pieces, blending rock with orchestral elements.
  • Master Strategist: Rose's navigation of the music industry, including the strategic release of albums and management of the band's brand, reflects a high level of strategic and analytical thinking.
  • Lyrical Depth: Axl's ability to write lyrics that are both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating demonstrates his deep understanding of human emotions and experiences.
Image by Edvill, used under CC BY 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

How High Is Axl Rose's IQ Compared to the Rest of the World?

Axl Rose's IQ of 115 places him in the upper echelons, achieving a score higher than 84% of the general population. This level of intelligence reflects a significant capacity for complex thinking and creativity. It's a notable statistic, especially in the eclectic and often unpredictable world of rock music. Despite this impressive number, his IQ falls short of the threshold for some of the most selective high-IQ societies like Mensa, which requires a minimum of 130. Rose's IQ does, however, suggest a sharp mind capable of nuanced understanding and sophisticated artistic expression. While not qualifying for Mensa or the Triple Nine Society, his score still speaks volumes about his intellectual abilities.

Image by Kreepin Deth, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Comparing Axl Rose's 115 IQ to the IQ of Other Musicians

Axl Rose's IQ of 115 places him as highly intelligent, particularly in the world of rock music. But how does he compare to the smartest musicians on the planet? Could he be one of the smartest musicians on the planet? The examples below show that intelligence and artistry often go hand in hand, transcending genres and breaking stereotypes. Let's consider Brian May's IQ of 170 for example. It's clear that brilliance knows no genre boundaries. An astrophysicist and Queen's legendary guitarist, he proves that music and science can blend seamlessly. Brian May's mind isn't just about creating iconic guitar riffs but also exploring the mysteries of the cosmos.

Cardi B, with an alleged IQ of 95, may not rank as high as May's, but her sharpness and street smarts have propelled her to the top of the music industry. Her achievements in a competitive field, coupled with her savvy in branding and social media, demonstrate that intelligence isn't just about numbers. Cardi B's success is a testament to how determination, creativity, and strategic thinking can lead to incredible accomplishments, regardless of traditional measures of intelligence.

Lady Gaga, with an IQ of 166, is the perfect mix of brains and talent. Not only has she wowed us with her music and creativity, but she’s also shown she’s got some serious smarts when it comes to business. It's no wonder her career is so impressive!

Moving on to a true legend, Michael Jackson, often hailed as the King of Pop, had an IQ of 159. This impressive score highlights not just his incredible musical genius but also his deep emotional and intellectual complexity. He had a geniuine ability to connect with audiences around the world, through both his music and his thought-provoking lyrics.

Lastly, Marilyn Manson, often seen as controversial, surprises many with an IQ of 155. He is living the proof that creative rebellion and high intellect can indeed coexist!

Illustration composed of multiple sources: images by Raph_PH under CC BY 2.0, kentarotakizawa under CC BY 2.0, Katie Krause under CC BY 3.0, John Bauld under CC BY 2.0, Alan Light under CC BY 2.0, Sven Mandel under CC BY-SA 4.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

What's your reaction to Axl Rose's IQ score? Scroll down and drop us your thoughts below!

Check Your IQ Too!
See how your IQ compares to Axl Rose and other musicians by taking our quick, adaptive IQ test!
Start IQ Test celebrity-iq-report

Explore the IQ of Other Celebrities


Table of Contents

toc-bg
Are you brighter than Axl Rose? Take our quick IQ test and find out your IQ score now! Start IQ Test

Check Your IQ Too!

See how your IQ compares to Axl Rose and other musicians by taking our quick, adaptive IQ test!

Start Online IQ Test Now
IQ test online