Axl Rose. Sigh.

Rose has recently come forward and declined to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this Saturday, along with his band, Guns N Roses.

…I’ll give you a minute to absorb that.

I’d say if you look up “self-righteous has-been” in the dictionary, you’d find a picture of Rose. But, alas, he probably declined his induction to that as well.

In a rather long statement (which you can read here) Rose states several reasons for declining to attend the ceremony, and rejecting his induction, including what he sees as a lack of respect from the Hall.

Slash and Duff McKagan are still expected to attend, and Guns N Roses will still be inducted, despite Rose’s issue.

There were long-standing rumors that Guns N Roses would reunite the original lineup for the first time since 1992, following their induction to the Hall, presented by Green Day.

But no. Rose couldn’t let Guns N Roses fans have their moment. He couldn’t leave the past behind and play a few lousy songs with his former bandmates.

Now, I am definitely not a hardcore Guns N Roses fan. I’m a “greatest hits fan”, if you will, but I will still pretty damn excited to see Guns N Roses get back together, play Paradise City, and accept their nomination.

Now, this isn’t the first time the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been snubbed in such a way. In 2006, the Sex Pistols declined to be inducted. The group wrote a letter to the Hall, referring to them as a “piss stain.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame still inducted them, much against Johnny Rotten’s wishes.

But come on! The Sex Pistols! The godfathers of punk. This was to be expected from them. Sticking it to the man is what punk has always been about.

Somehow, when the Pistols did it, it seemed credible. With Rose, it just screams, “diva.”

So, in closing, Rose should just shut-up, be thankful anyone is recognizing him, and learn not to bite the hand that feeds.