Duff McKagan: This Isn’t About Axl Rose

Ex-Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan has spoken out about the bands’ induction into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame today, insisting that it has nothing to do with Axl Rose’s decision not to attend the ceremony.

Rose released a statement earlier this week explaining his decision to stay away from the event and asking not to be inducted ‘in absentia.’ But McKagan, writing on SeattleWeekly.com, said:

“In the end, it’s not about who does or doesn’t show up from the original band, and I back whatever reason this guy or that has for not coming. It’s all good. The songs are the important bit here… and the message they most certainly still must carry.”

Until last week, rumours suggested that the original line up of Guns N’ Roses would get back together to perform at the induction ceremony. Former band members, Slash, Steven Adler and Matt Sorum are all thought to be attending the event this evening, but a performance is unlikely.