Some of you will find this very hard to believe, but it’s been twenty five years since Irish rock legends The Stunning released their debut album, ‘Paradise In The Picturehouse’. Fear not though, the band aren’t letting the significance go unnoticed.

To celebrate the twenty fifth anniversary, The Stunning have announced they’ll be reforming for a show at Dublin’s Vicar Street on September 21^st where they’ll perform the album in its entirety (and of course other hits from ‘Once Around the World’ and ‘Tightrope’). Tickets go on sale Monday, June 4^th from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide (and ticketmaster.ie) priced €28 plus booking fee. Doors open at 19:00 hrs. with the show kicking off at 20:00.

It’s my belief that history is a wheel. “Inconsistency is my very essence” -says the wheel- “Rise up on my spokes if you like, but don’t complain when you are cast back down into the depths. Good times pass away, but then so do the bad. Mutability is our tragedy, but it is also our hope. The worst of times, like the best, are always passing away” – Boethius, (524 AD) (and err – Tony Wilson apparently)

It’s been 32 years since The Happy Mondays first formed in Manchester, 25 since their first album, 22 since they hit global success, 10 years since the film 24 Hour Party People brought them a second wave of mass interest and here they are again, reformed and ready to rock. If Boethius was correct and history is a wheel, then the Mondays are strapped to perpetual motion. Tonight, the original line-up of the band are back together and playing their first Dublin show since….well, last night actually. The original line-up, the always gorgeous and incredible Rowetta and fellow Madchester legends; Inspiral Carpets – it’s going to be a good one – F**kin’ MAD4IT!

Opening the show at the happily wedged Olympia are the carpets. Clint Boon passes up the decks for his customary keyboards and along with singer, Stephen Hall keep the crowd on their toes for a good 40 minutes. Classic tracks like ‘Joe’, ‘She Comes In The Fall’, ‘This Is How It Feels’, ‘I Want You’ and ‘Move’ still sound fresh and get everyone – fan or not; on board, while new track, ‘You’re So Good For Me’ shows the band might have some surprises in store for us further down the line’. A great set from a band that still have a lot to offer and hopefully they’ve made enough of a mark tonight to come back for their own show soon.

With the DJ wrapping up, pints in hand and a packed Olympia; it’s time for the main event. The reported absence of Bez from the tour disappointed some, but as soon as the house lights go down the iconic dancer appears to introduce the band (for the first time in 19 years) before the Mondays strut on to the stage as if they’ve never been apart. Paul, Gary, Mark, Paul Davis, Shaun and Rowetta assemble themselves, kicking off the slow build up on ‘Loose Fit’. Every note echoes everything the crowd loves about the Mondays and proclaims – ‘we are back’. You can’t help but notice how well the iconic (and often infamous) band look and sound these days. Any hesitations that the Mancunian heroes may be past it are instantly dashed as the band thunder through a hit packed set. As the first notes of ‘Kinky Afro’ roar out, Bez returns, maracas in toe; jerking everyone to their feet and with that, the night has well and truly arrived.

‘Donavon’, ‘God’s Cop’, ‘Judge Fudge’ and ‘24 Hour Party People’ pack up the early set which sees Shaun continuingly interacting with the band and fans, even managing to get the notoriously quiet Paul Ryder to say a few words. The band is obviously enjoying the reunion as much as the fans as they smile and joke their way through the gig. ‘Rave On’ and ‘Cowboy Dave’ give hard-core fans a real treat while ‘Hallelujah’ let’s Rowetta’s ever inspiring voice bring the house down. ‘Bob’s Yer Uncle’, ‘Mad Cyril’ and ‘Step On’ (which again sees Bez re-emerge to another rapturous cheer) finish off the main set with a blast before the Mondays come back to attack ‘Jellybean’ from the Monday’s last album, ‘Uncle  Dysfunktional’ before closing the night with ‘Wrote For Luck’.

There’s no doubt about it, the Mondays are back and they are still a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully this reunion will carry on for a long time to come because some bands were made to play together and this lot are definitely one of them. Mancunians Rave on!

The June Bank Holiday is looking better with a city stopping showcase of Irish metal. On Saturday, June 2nd; Dublin’s Edenfire launch their new EP and they’re bringing a few friends with them to get the job done right and proper.

Support on the night comes from Dead Label, Animator and Tickets There favourites; EXZELTIC. It all takes place at The Pint, June 2nd and entrance is only €5 on the door. CD’s of the new E.P. will also be available on the night for an additional €5.

Initially formed in 2003, after a few different iterations 2010 saw the best line up so far settled upon with Dan Monaghan (Guitar & Vocals), Tony Murphy (Bass & Vocals), Paul Murphy (Guitar) and Steven Maloney (Drums). Fusing a combination of melodic and thrash metal, Edenfire are a mainstay in metal gigs in Dublin. This is the first E.P. the band has recorded and it was made @ TrackmixTrackmix Studios earlier this year.

This is massively overdue but Tickets There would like to extend our congratulations to Dublin death metallers, Warpath, for securing the winning spot in the Irish leag of the 2012 Wacken Metal Battle. Competing against Exzeltic, Beltbuckle Overdrive (who both came joint second), Psykosis, Zealot Cult and Celtachor, Warpath stormed their way to victory and will crusade across the content to the world final @ W:O:A in August.

Winners aside, the competition really showcased the incredible talent that exists in this country’s metal scene. With Primordial and Darkest Era starting to hammer down the road to greatness, it seems there are many more bands waiting in the ranks for their chance to unleash hell, raise carnage and put some metal up your ass.

Congratulations to all who entered and best of luck to Warpath at Wacken this summer!

“Axl’s not coming, he fell off a table in Russia and isn’t allowed to fly at the moment”. Just leaving the central bar on O’Connell Street to catch the Luas down to the O2 and one waiter talks himself out of ever getting my custom again with that little comment. But then again, what’s a Guns N’ Roses gig without a little drama?

Entering the O2 tonight brings back some of those worries and dreads from 2010 (the elephant in the room), but these are dashed instantly as a completely different crowd and atmosphere await. There’s no-one falling over the place, spilling their blue WKD’s and roaring insults at everything in sight. There’s no booing, complaining or bickering. Instead there’s an excitement in the air and the sight of Thin Lizzy taking the stage only heightens that.

Anyone that’s caught the Irish legends over the past few years will attest that they are the strongest line-up of the band since their glory days with Philo. Brian Downey and Scott Gorham are still there, looking and sounding great but the show stealer is frontman, Ricky Warwick. He avoids the cliché of adopting Phil’s moves and style to the letter, choosing instead to inject his own road tested brand of rock n’ roll energy and deep vocals which boost the songs energy and the band’s performance. Tonight they magnetically blaze through classics such as ‘Emerald’, ‘Jailbreak’, ’Don’t Believe A Word’, ‘Cowboy Song’, ‘Whiskey In The Jar’ and ‘The Boys are Back in Town’ before finishing off with ‘Black Rose’, noted favourite of Guns singer Axl Rose. The announcement of a headlining show later in the year doubtfully went un-noted by tonight’s attendees. Now, on to the main event!

Lizzy leave the stage around 9:30 and it’s time to let the anticipation begin. Unlike Guns’s previous show in Dublin, the crowd tonight seem more than happy to wait things out as the bar queues extend, the smoking area expands and everyone kicks back and relaxes with good tunes coming from the PA. Before we know it, the house lights go dark and it’s time to rock n roll.

Under their massive video backdrop, guitarist DJ Ashba climbs on high to deliver the show’s signature opening of ‘Chinese Democracy’ before their legendary frontman explodes to life amidst a massive pyro display. The crowd give a rapturous welcome to the band as they commandeer every inch of the stage, taking no prisoners in their mission to give their fans the greatest show possible. Guitarists Ron Thal, Richard Fortus and especially DJ Asba barely stand still for a moment as they rocket from side to side, lapping up the crowds cheers and delivering note perfect performances while Axl’s razor sharp vocals and on stage magnetism conquers all. Despite persistent rumours that he’s gained hundreds of pounds in weight, lost his voice and is apparently stuck in Russia, he is on stage, looking incredible, sounding better than ever and 100% guaranteed – is not a hologram. Even with his very recent and very serious looking leg injury, Axl still dances and moves across the stage likes there’s no tomorrow, even climbing up to the podiums on either side to greet everyone.

Set classics such as ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘It’s So Easy’, ‘Mr. Brownstone’ and ‘Rocket Queen’ electrify the crowd while Chinese Democracy heavyweights ‘Sorry’, ‘This I Love’, ‘Street of Dreams’ and ‘Better’ bellow through the audience with incredible energy and force.

The band appears in great spirits, obviously delighted with the change since their last performance. Axl interacts on several occasions with the crowd even quipping that despite his leg injury (I’m) “probably moving a lot more than the last time I was here” before grinning and carrying on. Solo’s from the band add refreshing breaks from the onslaught of heavyweight classics and Chinese Democracy juggernauts and give each of the guys a chance to show the fans why they’re members of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time. Tommy Stinson performs ‘Motivation’, a song from his previous band The replacements. DJ Ashba moves in with his own ‘Mi Amor’ solo. Dizzy Reed gives us a little ‘Baba O’Riley’ from The Who and Ron Thal knocks out his take on the Pink Panther theme before slipping in a little ‘Danny Boy’ for the crowd.

‘You Could Be Mine’, ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’, ‘November Rain’ (preceded by Axl Rose’s piano solo) and ‘Don’t Cry’ deliver hit after hit before the band kick back with a cover of AC/DC’s ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ – doing the DC proud! The mighty and rarely heard ‘Estranged’ adds a wave of euphoria to those in attendance who swear it’s the bands greatest recorded moment before the epic ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’ and assaulting ‘Nightrain’ bring the main set to a close. Just when you think they’ve nothing left in them, the band return for a quick jam before launching into ‘There Was A Time’, one of the most accomplished songs in their arsenal before delivering ‘Civil War’ and one final blowout performance of ‘Paradise City’. With red confetti flying in the air, thousands of fans screaming and cheering the band on, Axl and co bow before their final signoff – three hours after walking on stage, “Thanks for coming out, thanks for putting up with my lame ass and thanks for not throwing shit”. Anytime Mr. Rose because good things come to those who wait – come back soon!

The wait is almost over folks. Tonight, GUNS N’ ROSES return to the O2 arena, Dublin. With support from Thin Lizzy and Vengeance and the Panther Queen.

6.30: Doors
7.00: Vengeance and the Pantger Queen
8.30: Thin Lizzy
(times subject to change)
9.15: GUNS N’ ROSES

As we told you back when this show was announced, Guns may be late on stage do 1- pace your drinking, 2- take in the sights n sounds of the lovely O2 Arena, enjoy the hell out of Lizzy and 4 – BRING TAXI MONEY !!

Guns are playing roughly 23 songs in their set, including Chinese Democracy gems and greatest hits! Axl, DJ, Ron, Richard, Frank, Tommy, Chris and Dizzy have been enjoying the relaxing city of Dublin over the past few days, tone for us to have a good time.

If you’re going, have a great night. If you’re not, well – tickets are still on sale. Don’t miss you’re chance to catch these legends!

Guns N’ Roses 2012 European Tour kicks off tomorrow night in Moscow and one week from today, they’ll take the stage at Dublin’s O2 Arena with Thin Lizzy and Vengeance & the Panther Queen as special guests. It’s been two long years since their last Irish shows and this writer for one is dying to welcome them back to the Emerald isle. Home of Paradise City, Guinness and a welcoming crowd.

Old Tickets There decided to celebrate and have a bit of fun with NME’s recent ’18 Reasons why Axl Rose is a….’ can’t actually remember what they were aiming at. Either way, let’s see why Axl Rose is as big a legend as he is.

18: His Attitude

Nuff said really – Axl’s attitude is second to none. He doesn’t let people push him around or tell him what to do, something the population of the Ireland (and indeed the world) could do with a little bit more if we’re ever to convince the courts to hang / castrate the remaining members of Finna Fail, the ‘bankers’ and Dana.

17: Tommy Hilfiger-gate

Axl Rose got into a fight with Tommy Hilfiger, do you care? It lasted all of two seconds in a pub. Imagine that, a small scuffle in a pub. Tisk, Tisk, Tisk!

16: He’s not a one-woman man

Axl Rose in proper rock star fashion sleeps with a lot of women. If you were single, had lots of money and were the front man of Guns N’ Roses, you’d do the same. If not, you’d still try your darndest!  Not NME though, they have a very strict Morrissey A-Sexual policy. Keep on keepin’  down the big fella lads, he’ll only land ye in trouble with mommy.

15: Bob Guccione Jr-gate

Axl Rose got into a fight with Bob Guccione Jr. Do you care? Yes you do because that fight got taken into the awesome ’Get In The Right’. Weighting in at 850 lbs, Guns N’ Roses’. How many of you have had fights turned in to savage songs?

14: Scared of seaweed? WTF?

Apparently Axl doesn’t like seaweed….do you care? Suppose, it’s horrible slimy sh*t. Some people like to bath in it, other people like to whip themselves in worship to God or the Gods of Berlin’s nightlife. Let the man have his pet-fear. Mine is rats, some people keep those as pets. Basic message, people like / hate random sh*t – except at NME where they favor A-sexual men and a confrontation free environment….except of course when they write hate blogs J

13: His non-existent sense of humor?

He told me this joke one time, you would have sh*t yourself. Prove me wrong!

12: He’s got no Patience

Miss-heading heading here, I believe it’s Slash’s fans that have no patience. Axl will distill his talent until it’s perfect.

11: Metallica-gate

Axl Rose and Metallica do not get along so well. Guess it just p*ssed off Metallica that they had to open for Guns way back in 1992. People think it’s because of Montreal, but Metallica’s ‘A Year and a Half In the Life of’ video will show otherwise.

10: He hates poodles

Cannot blame the man, what a waste of life. Silly looking dogs for Beverly Hill wannabes.

9: Not a fan of ‘fans’ …. getting this shit kicked out of them.

A few years back, Axl stopped a show to kick out three security guards after witnessing them getting extremely rough with fans in the front row. Axl stopped the show, pointed to the three men and demanded they be removed. Once they left, Guns carried on. Uncle Axl has your back! Watch the video below if you like (you won’t find this one on NME)

8: Velvet Revolver-gate

Band members fall out. One crowd starts a new band – they have a cyber-spat. Six trolls all doing their best.

Also, Scott Weiland did make that whole comment about being remorseful towards Axl once he learned firsthand what it was like to be in a band with certain old Guns…. Ahem (link – http://gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=1984  )

7: It’s hard enough remembering lyrics…

A lot of artists use monitors for lyrics. Legendary bands and those that can afford them of course. When you write songs and make a successful career out of that art it doesn’t suddenly mean you’re memory is gifted with the space of terabyte memory stick. When Axl sits in front of one with glasses on and reads them off, then we’ll worry.

6Nirvana-gate

Nirvana is a harsh word. Basically Axl Rose told Kurt Cobain to shut Courtney Love up. Now honestly, wouldn’t we all have loved if it had worked? Maybe Kurt wouldn’t … well, you know, and maybe Courtney Love would actually have shut the f**k up. If you’re listening love, do us all a favor and shut the f**k up you twisted, dried up *insert words commonly used aside ‘epidemic of the late 1980’s* *insert word often associated with degenerate scum who ((should resort to)) sell(ing) their body for sex and almost always follows the first expletive word*

5: White dreads

Axl is so cool he braved the media and put his head in dreads! Didn’t last long, but fair play for trying something new!

4: Terrible dress sense

Terrible, sorry that’s an NME typo. Awesome was the word we were going for there. Axl’s dress sense on tour has always been something that gave Guns some of their character. Mixing and matching everything from SWAT gear, to kilts, to union jack jackets and bandanas. Axl has been at the forefront of everything that was cool about the late 80’s and 90’s and now he’s doing it for the new millennium. The infamous yellow jacket was worn at a very wet show and doesn’t make regular appearances so don’t judge an Axl by an NME.

3: ‘Chinese Democracy’

First they released the (arguably) biggest rock album in history, follow that with a massively successful EP and then two massive double albums that spawned numerous successful singles and were chock full of fan favorites. Then there was the covers album, live album, greatest hits and eventually, the most anticipated album in music history. Impressive?

During its conception, announcement and eventual release, Chinese Democracy amassed more stories than the folklore of a small European country, provided music analysts with world breaking stats (most expensive album in history..yaday..etc) and countless comparison arguments (Beatles entire recording career was completed in half the time of the recording of Chinese Democracy… Remember that?). Ex-members, managers, session players, friends and family of the band were inundated for a decade+ about the album. It’s been toured since 2002 and finally saw release in late 2008. Upon the album’s release, there were rumors that the record company had simply snapped the mix from Axl’s hand and gone ahead with the release he did not endorse. In response, Axl snubbed all partnerships and release hysteria and basically dropped off the face of the planet for several weeks before finally re-emerging to answer fans questions…directly. No middle man, nio pushy agenda ridden media drone – Axl went online directly to Guns N’ Roses fan forums and spent several hours a night for over a week talking to fans, answering their questions and giving his version of events for the first time in roughly two decades.

The album could have been the biggest seller of 2008, but due to Axl’s refusal to acknowledge its release, it managed the number 3 on the US Billboard Top 200 and debuted in the top 5 position of 26 different sales charts. In the four years since it’s release, Chinese Democracy has started to win original naysayers over with some critics begin to voice the opinion that it stands the test of time extremely well and the more you distance yourselves from the line-up controversy, the album stands out as the gem it truly is.

2: Cornrows

After trying the dreads, Axl went for cornrows and they actually looks pretty savage.

1: Guns N Roses

Love him, hate him – Axl is the spirit of Guns N’ Roses. After Izzy, Slash and Duff all quit, Axl was left without the core lineup that helped write those magic songs and make them famous. Fortunately, he was able to replace them all with extremely talented, sh*t coll musicians including Tommy Stinson from The Replacements. DJ Ashba from Sixx:AM and Beautiful Creatures. Guitar virtuoso, song writer, producer and all round legend – Ron Thal. The incredible Richard Fortus who doubles as lead and rhythm in Guns three guitar attack lineup. Richard has played The Psychedelic Furs and Thin Lizzy as well as Guns. Live drummer Frank Ferrer has been with the band since 2006 when he had to jump in to fill the gap left by Brian Mantia who left the tour after he became a father. Frank has since become the backbone to their powerful live sound and has extensive touring / recording experience. Dizzy Reed (Rock N’ Roll inductee and twenty two year Guns N’ Roses veteran) is still there providing backing vocals and keyboards with a little help from Chris Pitman who plays keyboards, bass, 12 string guitar and mellotron (sher why not?). Chris has also been involved in writing some of the highest profile tracks on Chinese Democracy as well as playing on them all.

Together they make up a band of younger, aggressive musicians who aren’t afraid to explore new sounds and shake up the confines that some fans wish to banish Guns to. Life changes, if you don’t change with it you gain two things – moss and guided tours. Guns N’ Roses are still fresh, still fighting fit and sounding better than ever. The man who wrote / co-wrote 46 of Guns N’ Roses 64 studio tracks still stands tall as leader of this great band and one of rock n’ roll’s greatest legends.

GUNS N’ ROSES: LIVE @ THE O2 DUBLIN – MAY 17^th. TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The Irish final of the Wacken Metal Battle takes place this Saturday, April 21^st at The Pint on Eden Quay. The six finalists from around the country will take the stage and battle for a place in the world final which takes place at the W.O.A. (Wacken Open Air) Festival in August.

The six bands that will compete to represent Ireland at this long running battle are Warpath, Exzeltic, Psykosis, Zealot Cult, Beltbuckle Overdrive and Celtachor. With a helthy mic of thrash, death and Full on mother f**king metal, this is guaranteed to be one hell of a night. Tickets There would like to say we’re not bias, but our money goes on the mighty Exzeltic!

Feel like seeing one of your local head bangers showing Metallica how it should be done? Then pop on down to the Pint on Saturday night and show the colours.

The top prize includes 1, a gig at Wacken Open Air in August (the final – duh), a yearlong recording contract with Nuclear Blast Records (Anthrax, Dimmu Borgir, Behemoth, EXODUS, Hammerfall, Sepultura, Nile, Testament, VADER – frickin’ endless list of legends) and assorted endorsements from the festivals sponsors. Not too shabby eh?

First band are on stage @ 21:00 sharp. Tickets can be bought on the door for E5,

21:00 – 21:22 Warpath 21:37 – 21:59 Exzeltic 22:14 – 22:36 Psykosis … 22:51 – 23.13 Zealot Cult 23:28 – 23:50 Beltbuckle Overdrive 00:05 – 00:27 Celtachor

Dublin trad/rock quintet, The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock will officially release the follow up to their highly praised debut album tomorrow night in Whelan’s. ‘The Brutal Here and Now’  has been picking up rave reviews recently with Hot Press even hailing it as a contender for Irish Album of 2012. The album is streaming over on Harmlessnoise for a limited time and gets its official release tomorrow night, April 13^th in Whelan’s Dublin. This will be followed by several dates nationwide. Please see below for details.

Whelan’s tickets are on sale now priced €12 (plus booking fee)

12/04 Triskel Arts Centre, Cork
13/04 Whelan’s, Dublin
14/04 Bridge Brook Arms, Thomastown, Kilkenny
19/04 Boyle’s, Navan
21/04 Brandon’s, Ennis
26/04 The Róisín Dubh with Windings, Galway
27/04 Joe Lee’s with Glimmermen, Tullamore

03/05 The Menagerie with Mudbitch, Béal Feirste, Belfast
06/05 Vantastival, Louth

Guns N’ Roses will not be re-uniting for the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. Despite early hopes from fans (ourselves included) that that classic Appetite for Destruction line-up may get up on stage for a couple of tunes at this Saturday’s ceremony, it is now confirmed this will not happen. In what can only be described as a couple of turbulent weeks of scathing comments (thank you Steve – the Knob – Adler) and suggestive stabs (good man Slash), lead singer Axl Rose has finally broken his silence and confirmed he will not only refuse his invite to the ceremony, but has also refused induction, even by another member of the band.

In an open letter sent to several media outlets, Axl Rose has refused to be inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. In 2006, notorious punk rockers The Sex Pistols refused to attend the ceremony, even going as far to call the museum a ‘piss stain’. Now Axl has refused not only his invite, but the (so called) honour of induction which, according to reports this morning, the Hall are refusing to acknowledge and will continue with the induction of Axl, Slash, Steven, Duff, Izzy, Matt and Dizzy.

Axl Rose Letter (April 11th): 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.’

Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Statement (April 12th) :”We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his induction in person,” Lauren Bishop, a spokeswoman for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, said in a statement.

The news will no doubt be a blow to any hangers on who expected the band to drop the anger and move on together. For the rest of us, Guns N’ Roses kick off theior 2012 European Tour next month in Russia and hits Ireland on May 17th, O2 Arena with Thin Lizzy as support. For all the latest Guns news, check out out Guns N Roses 2012 Tour Page (Click Here)

Axl Rose Full Open Letter

Original – http://www.facebook.com/notes/guns-n-roses/axls-letter-to-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-guns-n-roses-fans-and-whom-it-may-/10150928055678222  

“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.’

“This decision is personal. This letter is to help clarify things from my and my camp’s perspective. Neither is meant to offend, attack or condemn. Though unfortunately I’m sure there will be those who take offense (God knows how long I’ll have to contend with the fallout), 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.

“In regard to a reunion of any kind of either the ‘Appetite’ or ‘Illusion’ lineups, I’ve publicly made myself more than clear. Nothing’s changed.

“The only reason, at this point, under the circumstances, in my opinion whether under the guise of ‘for the fans’ or whatever justification of the moment, for anyone to continue to ask, suggest or demand a reunion are misguided attempts to distract from our efforts with our current lineup of myself, Dizzy Reed, Tommy Stinson, Frank Ferrer, Richard Fortus, Chris Pitman, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal and DJ Ashba.

“Izzy came out with us a few times back in ’06 and I invited him to join us at our LA Forum show last year. Steven was at our show at the Hard Rock, later in ’06 in Las Vegas, where I invited him to our after-party and was rewarded with his subsequent interviews filled with reunion lies. Lesson learned. Duff joined us in 2010 and again in ’11 along with his band, LOADED, opening in Seattle and Vancouver. For me, with the exception of Izzy or Duff joining us on stage if they were so inclined somewhere in the future for a song or two, that’s enough.

“There’s a seemingly endless amount of revisionism and fantasies out there for the sake of self-promotion and business opportunities masking the actual realities. 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.

“Maybe if it were you it’d be different. Maybe you’d do it for this reason or that. Peace, whatever. I love our band now. We’re there for each other when the going get’s rough. We love our fans and work to give them every ounce of energy and heart we can.

“So let sleeping dogs lie or lying dogs sleep or whatever. 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.

“But hey if ya gotta then maybe we can get the ‘no show, grandstanding, publicity stunt, disrespectful, he doesn’t care about the fans’ crap out of the way as quickly as we can and let’s move on. No one’s taking the ball and going home. Don’t get it twisted. For more than a decade and a half we’ve endured the double standards, the greed of this industry and the ever present seemingly limitless supply of wannabes and unscrupulous, irresponsible media types. Not to imply anything in this particular circumstance, but from my perspective in regard to both the Hall and a reunion, the ball’s never been in our court.

“In closing, regardless of this decision and as hard to believe or as ironic as it may seem, I’d like to sincerely thank the board for their nomination and their votes for GUNS‘ induction. More importantly I’d like to thank the fans for being there over the years, making any success we’ve had possible and for enjoying and supporting GUNS N’ ROSES music.

“I wish the Hall a great show, congratulations to all the other artists being inducted and to our fans we look forward to seeing you on tour!!

“Sincerely,

“Axl Rose

“P.S. RIP Armand, Long Live ABC III”