Axl Rose is demanding that Google take down the “fat memes” of himself that have been splashed all over the Internet as of late. The Guns N’ Roses frontman claims that he owns the copyright to the photos, which were taken by Boris Minkevich for the Winnipeg Free Press back in 2010. Clearly, Rose has shed some major weight since the photos were taken in preparation for the Not In This Lifetime Tour, as well as dates with AC/DC.
According to Torrentfreak, Axl has sent a cease and desist order to Google itself to remove the photos from the Internet.
“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 Web Sheriff notice sent to Google said according to Consequence of Sound.
In another statement a Web Sheriff representative said that Rose does indeed own the copyright although he did not photograph himself.
“We 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.”
As of yet, Google has not complied with the notices sent by Rose.
In other Rose news, tour dates were set for his run with AC/DC in late August through late September following his dates with Guns N’ Roses. The AC/DC tour had initially been slated for March 26, but ended up being rescheduled when lead singer Brian Johnson quit due to hearing issues. Rose’s first date with the band is on Aug. 27 in Greensboro, North Carolina and his last is on Sept. 20 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
