The "Axl/Slash/Duff + 2 Mystery Players Re-banded But Not A Reunion Tour" Thread - Announcement Imminent!

[NachoLZ]

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".

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

[RussTCB]

I hear ya brother. As a fan ofcourse I want them to reunite.

But you got to understand that the past 20 years of rumors and fizzled out expectations of albums and delays and hopes for a kick ass promotion/interviews and then all you get are cryptic tweets here n there which you can hardly call as communication.... You need to be cynical about this.

I can dig that. We're all in the same boat and it's totally understandable.

I've been the Charlie Brown to Axl's Lucy for close to 20 years now, so for some reason I always fall right back into hoping/expecting the best. Dumb, I know, but it's how I roll haha

[Tyler Drama]

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".

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

There's been a huge 180, that's for sure.

[RussTCB]

I actually hope Axl goes ahead and addresses that on Kimmel. I'd be happy with him just saying "Hey, shit happens. People change their minds" or something that simple. Not that anyone owes me an explination, but it would just be cool to hear his perspective on the obvious "why now" question.

[IncitingChaos]

I liked when people said the hall of fame was the last chance at a reunion haha yea the biggest reunion in rock is going to take place on a HBO broadcast in front of a small audience for next to nothing in return....

Looking back on that Axl made the best decision ever, the anticipation for the reunion now is much higher for it.

[Darkness Descends]

I actually hope Axl goes ahead and addresses that on Kimmel. I'd be happy with him just saying "Hey, shit happens. People change their minds" or something that simple. Not that anyone owes me an explination, but it would just be cool to hear his perspective on the obvious "why now" question.

Hehehe.

IF IF IF there is a reunion... the way Axl words his sentiments and the length of those... I doubt a 7 minute segment of Jimmy Kimmel show would be enough to decipher what changed. I mean I just re-read the post above of his rock hall decline... god... such huge sentences that go on for so long that you lose track midway.

[evergreen_layne]

Axl, Slash, and Duff walk into a bar.....

[slash23579]

Looks like GnR will share their headlining title with LCD Soundsystem

http://www.spin.com/2015/12/lcd-soundsystem-coachella-2016-indio/?utm_source=spinfacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spinfacebook

[31illusions]

I do love to see Axl eat his own words. Spending time writing "lawyer" sized letters about how there will never be a reunion, or a tour and how Slash is a cancer... and now this, what a true jack-ass.

[evergreen_layne]

Looks like GnR will share their headlining title with LCD Soundsystem

http://www.spin.com/2015/12/lcd-soundsystem-coachella-2016-indio/?utm_source=spinfacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spinfacebook

Nah GNR will go on last both weekends.

Remember in 2006 how this place exploded for the first Hammerstein show? Yeah Coachella is gonna be like 10 times that.

[Wake up its time to die]

I'd definitely like to hear Axl answer the why now question on Kimmel. I don't for a second believe it's all for the money. The money for a reunion has always been there for the taking. Just reading that RRHOF email from Axl it's clear a lot needed to be worked out before this was a remote possibility. I'm so damn excited but still nervous. Comes with the territory of loving this band. Peace, folks enjoy the ride!

[Spirit]

Looks like GnR will share their headlining title with LCD Soundsystem

http://www.spin.com/2015/12/lcd-soundsystem-coachella-2016-indio/?utm_source=spinfacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spinfacebook

Coachella usually has three headliners. (Sometimes co-headliners for one of the days)

3 days, 2 weekends.

[Subtle Signs]

Looks like GnR will share their headlining title with LCD Soundsystem

http://www.spin.com/2015/12/lcd-soundsystem-coachella-2016-indio/?utm_source=spinfacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spinfacebook

Nah GNR will go on last both weekends.

Remember in 2006 how this place exploded for the first Hammerstein show? Yeah Coachella is gonna be like 10 times that.

That's doubtful. People go Coachella for the experience not usually for specific bands. They sell thousands of tickets before bands are even announced based on the Festival name alone. There'll be tons of casual fans.I think the real pop will be at the first stadium show in a city with hardcore fans like Toronto or Montreal.

Nevermind! You meant the Forum will explode,not the Coachella auduence. You are right about that.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Subtle Signs

[Vic Sage]

I always thought that letter was more for DJ's and the others sake than anything else.Axl didn't wanna hear the kids bitching and moaning so he wrote that statement.So something changed between then and now.Axl pulls up in the burger truck and tells Jimmy that people change their minds all the time and after years of putting up with pop divas,talent show winners and mindless Disney bimbos they have returned to save us all.

[GNRfan2008]

I do love to see Axl eat his own words. Spending time writing "lawyer" sized letters about how there will never be a reunion, or a tour and how Slash is a cancer... and now this, what a true jack-ass.

One might say he's a Double Talking Jive Motherfucker.

Edited December 31, 2015 by GNRfan2008

[Tyler Drama]

I always thought that letter was more for DJ's and the others sake than anything else.Axl didn't wanna hear the kids bitching and moaning so he wrote that statement.So something changed between then and now.Axl pulls up in the burger truck and tells Jimmy that people change their minds all the time and after years of putting up with pop divas,talent show winners and mindless Disney bimbos they have returned to save us all.

Hear the kids bitching and moaning? I think DJ would've loved it if Axl had gone to the Hall of Fame.

[niceguy]

I guess it's true what they say:

Money heals all wounds

[evergreen_layne]

The sudden change in heart afther the RRHOF no-show is

Looks like GnR will share their headlining title with LCD Soundsystem

http://www.spin.com/2015/12/lcd-soundsystem-coachella-2016-indio/?utm_source=spinfacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spinfacebook

Nah GNR will go on last both weekends.

Remember in 2006 how this place exploded for the first Hammerstein show? Yeah Coachella is gonna be like 10 times that.

That's doubtful. People go Coachella for the experience not usually for specific bands. They sell thousands of tickets before bands are even announced based on the Festival name alone. There'll be tons of casual fans.I think the real pop will be at the first stadium show in a city with hardcore fans like Toronto or Montreal.

I'm pretty sure Coachella will be the first big show.

[FuriousStyles]

I liked when people said the hall of fame was the last chance at a reunion haha yea the biggest reunion in rock is going to take place on a HBO broadcast in front of a small audience for next to nothing in return....

Looking back on that Axl made the best decision ever, the anticipation for the reunion now is much higher for it.

+1

Axl and company deserve to ride the gravy train into the station. I hope they can finally enjoy the fruits of their labour and they all make even more millions doing it.

Perhaps it's best Fortus is up there. Because if I hear Axl scream "never to retuuuuuuurrrrn! TAKE IT!" and see Slash and Izzy walk up to the front of the stage, my head will explode Scanners style.

[shjtjustgotreal]

goddam i got lost somewhere between the past 62 pages...

[Darkness Descends]

goddam i got lost somewhere between the past 62 pages...

Dont worry. 362 pages over zero confirmation... all rumors. The best thing that came out of it... recent Axls pic. Thats it.

[Vic Sage]

I always thought that letter was more for DJ's and the others sake than anything else.Axl didn't wanna hear the kids bitching and moaning so he wrote that statement.So something changed between then and now.Axl pulls up in the burger truck and tells Jimmy that people change their minds all the time and after years of putting up with pop divas,talent show winners and mindless Disney bimbos they have returned to save us all.

Hear the kids bitching and moaning? I think DJ would've loved it if Axl had gone to the Hall of Fame.

He might but I bet the others wouldn't be thrilled about it because it would have everyone talking about the Big 5 and not the then current NuMetal Gn'R.

[MrSoftie]

Slightly off-topic, but does anyone know if Slash's show will be live streamed tonight?

[Ghostie]

he looks better than i expected, he looks better than in 2010

I dunno man, looks pretty spot on here

I was at the show that the top picture was taken at, and I can assure you that it's not an accurate representation.

[shjtjustgotreal]

he looks better than i expected, he looks better than in 2010

I dunno man, looks pretty spot on here

I was at the show that the top picture was taken at, and I can assure you that it's not an accurate representation.

wait what?