When Glen Campbell first recorded “Wichita Lineman” in 1968, the Jimmy Webb-penned ballad went straight to classic status. In Dylan Jones’ book The Wichita Lineman: Searching in the Sun for the World’s Greatest Unfinished Song, legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan even dubbed it the “greatest song ever written,” and over the years, countless artists have tried their hand at covering the timeless track.
One of the more surprising champions of the hit by the Rhinestone Cowboy? Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose, who has been sliding the Campbell favorite into the band’s setlists for years.
A TikTok video of Rose singing “Wichita Lineman” recently reignited the debate, with fans split over whether the gravel-voiced rocker should be crooning Campbell at all.
Guns N’ Roses Fans Weigh In
Many loved the unexpected switch-up.
“He can nail a Glen Campbell ballad on the head like a hammer, brother,” wrote one admirer.
“He actually sounds better singing that than his own songs,” another chimed in.
“Wow, this is BEAUTIFUL,” praised a third, and a fourth added, “He must really love that song! Sounds great! I love this song!!!”
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And one long comment defended the risk-taking: “Singers and bands get so pigeonholed, it’s ridiculous. When they do something different, people lose their minds. Appreciate the change and open-mindedness. I like this GnR! Thank you for changing it up 💯👍❤️❤️❤️.”
Others weren’t so kind, calling the cover “terrible” and insisting Rose should stick to his own catalog.
“November pain,” quipped one fan, while another added,” Forgive him, Glen 😳.”
“Right.. that’s what his fans came to hear – a little bit of Glen Campbell,” wrote a third fan, and another chimed in with, “Glen is rolling over in his grave!”
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Still, the mixed reaction proves what Dylan recognized decades ago: “Wichita Lineman” is a song so iconic that any interpretation is bound to spark fervent debate.
Guns N’ Roses is currently on its 2025 World Tour, with the Latin America leg of the tour kicking off on October 1.
The upcoming GnR tour dates and locations are as follows:
Wednesday, Oct 1, Estadio Nacional, San Jose, CR
Saturday, Oct 4, Estadio Cuscatian, San Salvador, SV
Tuesday, Oct 7, Viva Claro, Bogota, CO
Saturday, Oct 11, Estadio Atanasio Girardot, Medellin, CO
Tuesday, Oct 14, Estadio Nacional, Santiago, CL
Friday, Oct 17, Estadio Huracan, Buenos Aires, AR
Saturday, Oct 18, Estadio Huracan, Buenos Aires, AR
Tuesday, Oct 21, Arena Opus, Florianópolis, BR
Saturday, Oct 25, Allianz Parque, São Paulo, BR
Tuesday, Oct 28, Pedreira Paulo Leminski, Curitiba, BR
Friday, Oct 31, Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá, BR
Sunday, Nov 2, Arena BRB, Brasília, BR
Wednesday, Nov 5, Estadio Nacional Stadium, Lima, PE
Saturday, Nov 8, Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico City, MX
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
