Some praise the Guns N' Roses lead singer for following his heart, but others slam him for being egoistical and diss the new lineup as a 'cover band.'
- Apr 12, 2012
AceShowbiz - Axl Rose finally answers questions on whether or not he will attend this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, where he's supposed to be inducted along with the other original members of Guns N' Roses. In a letter written to fans, the rocker reveals that he won't come to the event nor will he allow anyone to induct him in absentia.
"I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia," he states. "And please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me 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'."
Fans have since shared their thoughts on his decision. Some show their supports for him, but there are others who bash him for skipping the event. One supportive fans wrote, "Bravo to you Axl. Why does he have to please the world and not himself? The 'appetite' GNR version is what is was, now he is working with people he actually likes - nothing wrong with that."
Another positive note read, "I respect your resolve to not get caught up in the 'bulls**t' for lack of a better word. .. Standing for your beliefs and convictions is what makes a true person strong and a strong person true. I can appreciate and admire someone who takes an unpopular position, not for the purpose of starting controversy, but because it is the right thing to do. Good for you."
As for those who are against him, one posted, "His pride and feed your ego buries fans." Another chastised him, "It's sad he can't put his personal feelings aside for the sake of the other members of the band. I guess 3 hours out of his life is too much to ask for. Don't expect fans to feel for you." Some even attacked the new lineup by calling it a "cover band."
Axl himself explained he never meant to let fans down, but it's a "complicated or awkward situation." "I certainly don't intend to disappoint anyone, especially the fans, with this decision," he said. "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."
The decision was made after he "listened to fans, talked with members of the board of the Hall of Fame, communicated with and read various public comments and jabs from former members of Guns N' Roses, had discussions with the president of the Hall of Fame, read various press (some legit, some contrived) and read other artists' comments weighing in publicly on Guns and the Hall with their thoughts."
Despite his rejection, he insisted, "This letter is to help clarify things from my and my camp's perspective. Neither is meant to offend, attack or condemn." He added, "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."
He once again stressed that "until every single one of those generating from or originating with the earlier lineups has been brought out in the light, there isn't room to consider a conversation let alone a reunion." He added, "So let sleeping dogs lie or lying dogs sleep or whatever. Time to move on. ... Life doesn't owe you your own personal happy ending especially at another's, or in this case several others', expense."
Guns N' Roses are set to be introduced to the Hall of Fame by Green Day at a ceremony taped on April 14 in Cleveland, Ohio for an airing on HBO on May 5. Slash, Duff McKagan and Steven Adler confirm they will attend the show and so does Matt Sorum. On the contrary, another original member Izzy Stradlin has chosen to skip it.
If the band got together at the Hall of Fame, it would have been Axl and Slash's reunion since the last time they shared stage in 1993. Earlier this month, Slash told Rolling Stone that the bad blood between them haven't been cleared. "He hates my guts," he said. "It's over a lot of different stuff; I don't even know. There's just no communication between us."
