Rock And Roll HOF (politely) Gives Axl Rose the finger.

The massive build-up of rumors suggesting that the original five-piece line up of Guns N' Roses would reunite for the bands induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame have proven too much for Axl Rose.

Posting an open letter on the band's facebook page, Rose stated that he would not be attending the ceremony, going as far as also wishing that the induction award remove his name. Here is a piece of the letter:

To: The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N' Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern,
When the nominations for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame were first announced I had mixed emotions but, in an effort to be positive, wanting to make the most of things for the fans and with their enthusiasm, I was honored, excited and hoped that somehow this would be a good thing. Of course I realized as things stood, if Guns N' Roses were to be inducted it'd be somewhat of a complicated or awkward situation.

Since then we've 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.

Under the circumstances I feel we've been polite, courteous, and open to an amicable solution in our efforts to work something out. 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.

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.

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".

Despite the seemingly well mannered request, the Rock and Roll HOF is having none of it. In a quote seen in the LA Times, a spokesperson for the hall stated  “We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his Induction in person."

Ouch! The brief reply tells you all that you need to know about the Hall's response to Axl, politely informing him and the world that Mr. Rose is being inducted into the Hall whether he likes it or not. No doubt there are many in the rock and metal community who are simply tickled that Axl did not get his way.