Yesterday, Axl Rose released a lengthy statement that he would not be attending Guns N’ Roses induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this Saturday (April 14). The singer even went as far as to request that he “not be inducted in absentia.” Following Rose’s open letter, the Hall Of Fame made one thing clear: that they don’t give a fuck what Axl wants.
“We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his induction in person,” the Hall Of Fame said in response to the news. While rather vague, the Hall Of Fame essentially state that they are ignoring Rose’s request and will induct him anyway. Of course, this isn’t the first time a musician made it publicly clear via letter that they had no interest in receiving the “honor.” Most notably, the Sex Pistols released a (much shorter and more to the point) letter informing everyone that they would not attend their 2006 induction. Like with Rose, though, the Hall Of Fame inducted the punk pioneers anyway, and even had a few laughs at their expense while Jann Wenner read aloud their letter at the ceremony.
So what does this mean for Saturday’s induction ceremony in Cleveland? Well even though Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, and Matt Sorum will be on hand, it’ll likely resemble the awkward 2007 Van Halen induction (where only Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony showed up). It might not be the reunion the Hall Of Fame were originally hoping for, but they’re likely more than fine with the shit show that will occur instead. Let’s just hope Green Day inducting GN’R also doesn’t involve them performing in their place.
