The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony goes down Saturday in Cleveland. The event is always packed with music royalty, and this year is no different. The 2012 inductees include Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donovan, Beastie Boys and more. What’s notable this year is who has said they won’t be attending.
Who won’t be there
While Guns N’ Roses is being inducted, the band’s lineup has changed over the years, and lead singer Axl Rose is the only original member remaining. Rose won’t be in Cleveland this Saturday. He released a statement Wednesday refusing the induction or the implication “that [he is] included in any purported induction of 'Guns N' Roses.'"
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante has also declined an invitation to the ceremony, though without such a hissy fit. Frusciante, who played on classic albums Mother’s Milk, Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Californication, has simply ignored the invitation.
Who will be there
The performances and collaborations at the ceremony usually provide some surprises, so there’s no telling what to expect this year. The Hall of Fame has announced who will be presenting each inductee.
The Beastie Boys will be inducted by Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Green Day will present Guns N’ Roses and comedian Chris Rock will do the honours for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Stevie Van Zandt of the E Street Band will be on hand for the Small Faces. Smokey Robinson will present a handful of inductees, including the Crickets, the Comets, the Midnighters, the Blue Caps, the Famous Flames and the Miracles.
Folk singer Donovan has given up a few details of what we can expect from his performance. John Mellencamp will present the singer. Donovan has said that Jim James of My Morning Jacket may join him for a duet of “Season of the Witch.”
A couple of departed artists will also be inducted. Bette Midler will present late singer-songwriter Laura Nyro and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill will honour late bluesman Freddie King.
Who still isn’t invited
The list of artists who have been overlooked is almost as impressive as the inductees. Rock legends like Judas Priest, Kiss, Rush, Deep Purple, Chicago, Peter Gabriel, Iron Maiden, Steve Miller, Yes and Heart are still waiting for a call. If only Axl knew how lucky he was.
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