Ever since the mysterious cabal that lords over the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced that Guns N’ Roses would be part of this year’s induction class (first ballot!), the big question has centered around the giant cornrowed elephant in the room: Would Axl Rose, who parted ways with the other members of his legendary band long ago and has been carrying on with the name that is legally his for way longer than the proper lineup was together, show up?

Initial indications seemed hopeful. The other Gunners all seemed to feel that a full-on reunion was a possibility, and many of the old grudges appeared to have been settled. The Hall even assigned Green Day to handle Guns’ induction, a decision that makes no real musical sense but did give them the most high-profile spot on the ceremony’s card.

However, after much speculation and only a few days before the induction ceremony this weekend in lovely Cleveland, Rose has announced that not only is he not showing up to the party, but he has no interest in being a part of their little club either.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”

In a letter sent to the Los Angeles Times, Rose explained that he has given the whole scenario a lot of thought, and that he has been in constant contact with representatives from the Hall. In laying out his relationships with the other Gunners being inducted, he noted that he’s on good terms with both Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan, though he was upset by comments that Steven Adler made regarding a classic lineup reunion following some shows in 2010. He does not mention Slash in the letter.

Rose comes across as genuinely divided regarding his decision, but ultimately he put this reunion — as well as the future possibility of other reunions — to bed for good. “So let sleeping dogs lie or lying dogs sleep or whatever,” he wrote. “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.”

It’ll be interesting to see whether or not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame adheres to Axl’s wishes and leaves him off the roster that is going into the sorta-shrine this Saturday. UPDATE: “We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his induction in person,” said a spokesperson for the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, in a statement.

What’s your take? Did Axl handle this well? Should the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame still go through with the induction? Does it even matter?

-music-mix.ew.com