Earlier this month, on January 12th, Lisa Marie Presley (the daughter of Elvis Presley), passed away. Presley died at the age of 54 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The rock and roll world deeply mourns the passing of Presley, and as reported by Blabbermouth, a memorial service was held for her on January 22nd.
Among the rock celebrities who attended the memorial, there was Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose. In paying tribute to Presley, Rose not only spoke at the memorial, but he also performed the band’s song “November Rain.”
You can check out Rose’s performance at Lisa Marie Presley’s memorial service below, as well as find a transcription of what he said during his speech (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
Lisa Marie Presley was a talented singer-songwriter who released three studio albums and a plethora of singles throughout her career. She was also Elvis’ only child.
Rest In Peace Ms. Presley <3
Axl Rose speech:
“With Lisa’s passing, I knew if I was invited, I needed to come to these ceremonies. I hadn’t planned on speaking, and when I was put on the spot, I really didn’t know what to say. And I was tongue-tied and nervous. And I didn’t even really know what I said. But I, as I’m sure many of you are still in shock, as I feel I’ll continue to be for quite some time. I feel like I’m supposed to be texting her, like right now, saying I’m here, telling her how wonderful everyone is.
“I never in a million years imagined singing here, and especially under these circumstances. This is truly devastating and I’m sure excruciating for everyone here and all of those affected by her passing. At the same time, one can see how hard everyone’s worked, and is working, to make this as beautiful for Lisa as it can be and is. I’m honored to be here for Lisa and her family.
“I don’t know that I deserve to be here, especially speaking amongst those that have known Lisa for longer and were much closer than her and I, especially her family and those that have known her most of their lives or even all of hers. I do know Lisa loved her family very much, and was fiercely protective of her father, his legacy and both her love for him and his love for her.
“She was extremely proud, as proud as anyone could ever be of her father and his many accomplishments, his place in music, America and American and world history. She was also very proud of the ‘Elvis’ movie, and how she felt it portrayed her father, and the care that was put into the film by those involved — Mr. Luhrmann’s vision and direction, and Austin Butler’s dedication to the role of her father.
“With Ben’s passing, Lisa’s life, and the rest of her family, and his loved ones, took a turn down a hard road that she was honoring to the best of her abilities, seeking out help and choosing to help others who experienced or were experiencing such a loss and pain.
“We are gathered here today to pay our respects to Lisa and her family, and to share our memories, console one another to the degree that we’re able. And though under such difficult, heartbreaking and somber circumstances, also to celebrate the life of a friend, a loved one, a beautiful and good soul and a cherished and deeply missed family member.
“Lisa’s loved and missed by many, and will continue to be loved and missed by all those whose lives she touched.
“Thank you.”