Axl Rose turns down Hall of Fame appearance

Axl Rose has stunned Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bosses by officially declining his induction as a member of Guns N' Roses.

The rocker has written to officials at the Ohio museum to announce he will not be attending Saturday's (14Apr12) gala.

In a letter, obtained by the Los Angeles Times newspaper on Wednesday (11Apr12), Rose states, "I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 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.

"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."

But Rose insists he did try to settle differences between himself and his former bandmates, adding, "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."

The statement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding a possible band reunion onstage at the induction ceremony.

Fans' hopes of a get together were dashed earlier this month (Apr12) when guitarist Slash told Rolling Stone magazine, "He (Axl) hates my guts. It's over a lot of different stuff; I don't even know. There's just no communication between us."

And in his letter to the Hall of Fame officials, Rose writes, "Time to move on. People get divorced. Life doesn't owe you your own personal happy ending especially at another's, or in this case, several others' expense."

In recent weeks, Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Steven Adler have all indicated that they will be attending the ceremony, where Green Day will honour them.