Axl Rose has declined induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and requested that he not be inducted solo, as part of Guns N’ Roses, or in absentia.
“I won’t be attending The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony and respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N’ Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame,” frontman Rose said in a letter ahead of this week’s ceremony.
The rocker, who is reportedly dating Lana Del Rey, adds, “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 any induction for me or speak on my behalf.”
Guns N’ Roses, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Small Faces/Face, Laura Nyro, and Donovan are all set to be enshrined in Cleveland on Saturday.
Rose, who has had a long-running feud with Slash and several other former band members, doesn’t really explain his reasoning for rejecting the honor.
Nor does his letter take any real cheap shots; it’s actually rather polite. Axl’s vague explanation continues with the following pseudo-explanation:
“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 (that for the record are decisions I don’t agree with, support or feel the Hall has any right to make), and how (albeit no easy task) those involved with the Hall have handled things… no offense meant to anyone but the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony doesn’t appear to be somewhere I’m actually wanted or respected.”
“For the record, I would not begrudge anyone from Guns their accomplishments or recognition for such. Neither I or anyone in my camp has made any requests or demands of the Hall Of Fame. It’s their show not mine.”
“This decision is personal. This letter is to help clarify things from my and my camp’s perspective. Neither is meant to offend, attack or condemn.”
“Though unfortunately I’m sure there will be those who take offense (God knows how long I’ll have to contend with the fallout), I certainly don’t intend to disappoint anyone, especially the fans, with this decision.”
“Since the announcement of the nomination we’ve actively sought out a solution to what, with all things considered, appears to be a no win, at least for me, “damned if I do, damned if I don’t” scenario all the way around.”
Follow the link to read the full text of Axl’s letter to the Hall of Fame.
[Photo: WENN.com]