'I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,' frontman posts on Facebook.
By James Montgomery
Axl Rose
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images
Ever since Guns N' Roses were announced as Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees in December, speculation has swirled about just who from the band's lengthy list of current (and former) members would show up at the ceremony.
Well, now we know who won't: mastermind Axl Rose, who announced Wednesday (April 11) that not only does he have no plans to attend Saturday's induction ceremony in Cleveland, but he wants nothing to do with the Hall at all.
"I won't be attending ... and I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," Rose wrote in a Facebook message. "I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized, nor may anyone be permitted, to accept my induction or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should imply, whether directly, indirectly, or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of 'Guns N' Roses.' "
Rose added that his reasoning behind the message was "personal" and "neither meant to offend, attack or condemn" any GN'R members who decide to attend the induction. He also hinted that, since Guns were announced as inductees, he'd worked with Hall officials to find an appropriate solution to the very real problem of who would be inducted under the name of Guns N' Roses, hoping to avoid "a complicated or awkward situation."
But, apparently, no solution could be reached.
"I feel we've been polite, courteous and open to an amicable solution in our efforts to work something out," Rose wrote. "Taking into consideration the history of Guns N' Roses, those who plan to attend, along with those the Hall — for reasons of their own — have chosen to include in 'our' induction ... and how those involved with the Hall have handled things ... [it] doesn't appear to be somewhere I'm actually wanted or respected."
"We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his Induction in person," a spokesperson for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame told MTV News in a statement on Wednesday.
Rose also used his open letter to (once again) put to rest any and all speculation of burying the hatchet with former members — like guitarist Slash or drummer Steven Adler, to name a few — and launching a full-scale reunion tour, writing:
"Time to move on. People get divorced. Life doesn't owe you our own personal happy ending, especially at another's — or, in this case, several others' — expense," he wrote. "Maybe we can get the 'no show, grandstanding, publicity stunt, disrespectful, he-doesn't-care-about-the-fans crap out of the way ... no one's taking the ball and going home. ... From my perspective, in regard to both the Hall and a reunion, the ball's never been in our court.
"In closing, regardless of this decision and as hard to believe or ironic as it may seem, I'd like to sincerely thank the [Rock Hall] board for their nomination and their votes for Guns' induction," he added. "More importantly, I'd like to thank the fans for being there over the years, making any success we've had possible and for enjoying and supporting Guns N' Roses' music. I wish the Hall a great show, congratulations to all the other artists being inducted, and to our fans, we look forward to seeing you on tour!"
What do you think of Axl's note? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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