Axl Rose snubs rockers’ Hall of Fame honor
This August 29, 2002, file photo shows singer Axl Rose of Guns 'n Roses performing at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. The band whose only original member remaining is Rose, will release its first album in 12 years on November 23, 2008. AFP
LOS ANGELES—Guns N’ Roses star Axl Rose says he will not attend a weekend ceremony to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — even if the music pantheon insists it will admit him anyway.
In an open letter published Wednesday, Rose said he doesn’t want to be admitted to the prestigious club, either in person or in absentia, along with former bandmates and other acts at the Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony Saturday.
In the lengthy missive to the Los Angeles Times music blog, he cited the various line-ups of the hard rock band over the years, saying he did not oppose other ex-members turning up to the Hall of Fame show in Cleveland, Ohio.
“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.
“That said, I won’t be attending The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction 2012 Ceremony and I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N’ Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame,” he said.
Guns N’ Roses reigned over the hard rock scene from 1987 to 1993, selling close to 100 million albums with its potent mix of metal and nihilistic punk showcased in epic anthems “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
The band’s last album of original material was released in 1994. Rose is the only remaining original member of the group, which was formed in Los Angeles in 1985.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its inductees in February, including Guns N’ Roses, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beastie Boys and Donovan, all of whom are expected to be at Saturday’s show.
Rose said, however, that he won’t be attending and doesn’t want the honor anyway.
“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,” he said in his letter.
“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.'”
A spokeswoman for the Hall of Fame said: “We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his induction in person,” but added that “he will still be acknowledged in the induction ceremony — he just won’t be present.
“We are still proceeding forward with inductions of Guns N’ Roses — that includes him,” she told AFP in an email.
Other former G N’ R members — including guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum — have joined with ex-Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland to form the band Velvet Revolver.
The LA Times noted that Slash has spoken in favor of a Guns N’ Roses reunion, despite Rose’s opposition.
“He hates my guts,” Slash told Rolling Stone in April. “It’s over a lot of different stuff; I don’t even know. There’s just no communication between us,” he added.
