Guns 'n' Roses, The Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers (amongst others) were all inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this weekend, but the build up to the big event did not come without controversy. The high profile inductees were all without a key member for the ceremony, each choosing not to attend for their own reasons. This week G'n'R's infamous frontman Axl Rose wrote an open letter to the 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."





Axl Rose has always been a difficult individual with a rocky relationship with both colleagues and fans, but it would seem he wasn't missed. The first mention of his name was met with boos from the impressive crowd.





Higher Ground - RHCP with Slash, Ronnie Wood, George Clinton and Billie Joe Armstrong

The Red Hot Chili Peppers' most dominant creative force over the years also refused to attend. Ex-guitarist John Frusciante, who left the band in 2009 after 2 stints and 5 of their best recieved albums, didn't feel comfortable with the whole affair. His friend and frequent collaborator Josh Klinghoffer replaced him as the band's guitarist in 2010 and last night became the Hall of Fame's youngest ever inductee. Stevie Wonder held the previous title, he was inducted 6 years older than Klinghoffer.





Adam 'MCA' Yauch of the Beastie Boys also pulled out with short notice, meaning a planned Beastie Boys performance had to be cancelled.





The ceremony took place at the Rock and Roll hall of fame & museum in Cleveland, Ohio last night. All the original members of Guns 'n' Roses were in attendance to accept induction, and to knock out some old jams. Ohio's rock fans turned out in their hundreds to hear classic anthems and old stories from the key inductees. RHCP and G'n'R of course both emerged from the sunset strip in the 80's, both with hard rock

, but ultimately turning down very different musical avenues from there on in.





It was a tale of two coasts of course, Beastie Boys emerged from New York around the same time. Mike Diamond and Adam horovitz were the 2 members on hand to accept the award, and thanked the city of New York for helping raise, and give them the music they grew up with. Other inductees included Freddie King and the Scottish Donovan of 'Mellow Yellow' fame.









influencesDespite missing figures the night was ultimately a success. The show ended with Red Hot Chili Peppers' cover of Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground, featuring George Clinton, Billie Joe Armstrong, Ronnie Wood and Slash. I think their better days are past them, but a fantastic look back to the Hollywood 80's was more than welcome. All brilliant artists in their own right, all certain to produce interesting work until they are no longer physically able.