A new report suggests Axl Rose has filed a takedown notice to Google over pictures of a bloated version of himself performing live in 2010.
The images, shot by Winnipeg Free Press photographer Boris Minkevich, were featured in the media outlet’s coverage of GNR’s January 13, 2010 show at the city’s MTS Centre (click link to view).
The photos later resurfaced online as a source of countless memes taking shots at the rocker’s physique.
According to Torrent Freak, an online Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) database details a copyright claim by Rose sent to Blogspot and GoogleUserContent on May 31, 2016 demanding the removal of the pictures.
“Copyright image of Axl Rose. Please be advised that no permission has been granted to publish the copyright image so we cannot direct you to an authorized example of it,” the notices sent by Web Sheriff on behalf of the singer read.
Torrent Freak report that they contacted Minkevich to confirm the photo was his, which he did, while adding he had no idea that Rose was trying to “cleanse the web” of the image.
The question of whether or not Rose has an ownership claim remains to be seen, but Web Sheriff tells Torrent Freak: “We can gladly confirm that all official / accredited photographers at [Axl Rose] shows sign-off on ‘Photography Permission’ contracts / ‘Photographic Release’ agreements which A. specify and limit the manner in which the photos can be exploited and B. transfer copyright ownership in such photos to AR’s relevant service company.”
While Rose makes an effort to shut down the images, the new headlines caused by his actions ironically are helping them be viewed by more people than ever before.
The Winnipeg Free Press reported Monday that the original concert review and companion image “started getting tens of thousands of hits” while “more people have seen Minkevich's Axl Rose photos this week than when they were published 2,335 days ago.”
Rose is currently on tour with AC/DC in Europe and will launch a partially-reunited Guns N’ Roses summer stadium tour of North America at Ford Field in Detroit, MI on June 23.
See also:
VIDEO: Duff McKagan recalls meeting Axl Rose in documentary preview
Guns N’ Roses: Duff McKagan documentary coming to theaters
Guns N’ Roses announce first opening acts for summer stadium tour
Guns N’ Roses expand North American summer tour
Search Guns N Roses at hennemusic
