Aussie wrote:

Well my take on the whole thing....

First thoughts are he is a very bitter old man that doesn't appear to have grown one ounce over the last 20 odd years.  Rather he seems to have gotten worse, he is even more bitter and nasty now if that's possible.  Not that I needed this HOF statement to confirm that.

As Monkey said, it seems the fact that he can't control this whole thing is definitely an element in his decision not to be there.  Sounds like he has tried to negotiate with them over who is going, or who gets to play or maybe even who gets inducted.

If he has to stand on stage with individuals who have sued him multiple times for his livelihood, badmouthed him in the press, and outwardly lied about past events in an effort to smear him, then, yes, he should be willing to walk away from a situation where he could be embarrassed or forced to do something he is uncomfortable.

I thought this comment was interesting:

the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony doesn't appear to be somewhere I'm actually wanted or respected.

Maybe it was a big shock for him to come up against someone that actually said "NO" to him for a change. Must be a slap in the face to find out that not everybody bows down at the Rose Altar.  Although just because someone didn't agree with him or bend over to accomodate him it doesn't automatically mean he's not wanted or respected.  But then again when those people you sourround yourself with for years don't have the word "No" in their vocabulary when you want something, it must come as quite a shock when confronted with it.

You have a very distorted view of Axl Rose. He isn't under any obligation to attend, especially considering there are people on stage who have sued him for millions of dollars, accused him of fraud, theft, and even attempted to seize control of the band in court.

I also find these two statement contradictary:

had discussions with the president of the Hall Of Fame,......Under the circumstances I feel we've been polite, courteous, and open to an amicable solution in our efforts to work something out.

Neither I or anyone in my camp has made any requests or demands of the Hall Of Fame. It's their show not mine.

If you haven't made any requests or demands then what is there to "work out".  If you are after an "amicable solution", this implies a solution that is acceptable to both parties.  Therefore it must involve some type of requests or demands from both sides.  So which is it?

Axl's camp was in negotiations with the HOF, but never demanded that a set of conditions be met for his attendance. We don't know if he submitted an official request, but may have inquired about the induction, speeches, performances, dressing rooms; he may not have been comfortable with the arrangements and asked if there were any alternatives.

Finally, to refuse to accept his induction altogether is unforgiveable.  That to me is another chance for him to indirectly control/influence the other old guys by basically shitting on their parade.  By all means don't go for whatever petty reasons but seriously, don't fucken refuse the award.  Yes it's his right, but fuck me have some level of graciousness and consideration for others for just once in your life.

Why exactly? A lot of people don't believe the RRHOF really stands for anything substantial. A lot of great bands/artists aren't in the Hall. In fact, the criteria for induction is so nebulous, no one really knows what it is.

So yeah. If Axl felt that he didnt want to be associated, then that is his right. Other bands have done exactly what he has.

ottosporteman wrote:

To me, as Guns N' Roses always was, it's about holding on to what you believe.

I agree with most of your post except they owing us ANY thing and the no longer support for Axl n' Izzy.

Axl and Izzy's post-GN'R efforts are still pleasant for me. Both Slash and Duff came to play in my city, in my neighbourhood actually, and I didn't bother to go see them. I've travelled far for GN'R (won't anymore until a new album is released or new material is being played) and would travel to see Izzy.

Both of 'em, love it or hate it, live on their own terms and you gotta respect that. Also, it's not that fame did it to them. If you read biographies and know the story of the band, you'll know that they were starving and acting the way they are now.

A one-off reunion for this award would do no harm in my opinion but I totally respect Axl not wanting to do it and Izzy avoiding the drama.

A reunion tour or album would make me lose the little respect I have left for Axl (and Izzy). It would be the last thing that needs to fall in order for me to move on. I want new music, I want the vault opened and dissecated, I want more from Axl musically, artistically.

Slash and Duff's solo efforts, except on some glimpses, do not motivate me so I don't support it but not because I hold a grudge - only because it doesn't interest me. And it also doesn't mean I'm an Axlite.

Chinese Democracy, to me, is a 7 good/amazing off 14 songs album. Izzy's solo career has more things I like but has the same rate of good/bad of 50%.

Shor version: a one-off reunion don't mean NOTHING to me at this point. A full reunion means GN'R is dead (sounds strange hun?).

Excellent post. Def agree with the 7 out of 14 comment on CD also. +1