But Thursday, in his column for Seattle Weekly, Duff opened up a little to share his thoughts on the honor.
“Music to me has never been a competitive sport," writes McKagan. "We do what we do, and if you connect with an audience and write the songs that feel good to you in the process, that is reward enough. Getting a Grammy or an American Music Award seems a little bit weird in this whole context. I mean, are you BETTER than all those other bands? No. You are just doing YOUR thing, and they theirs. It's not a competition.”
“But it became very apparent to me that fans of GN'R felt very motivated for our band to ‘get into the Hall.’ All of those fans ARE very important to me, and thus getting this RRHOF nod was a victory for them. And so I am deeply honored and feel very good about this whole deal. Thank you all.”
“I've done my best to avoid doing any interviews that pertain to our induction, and maybe this column will serve as all I really need to say for now. I am a grown-up now, and hope that we can achieve some grace and class when that ceremony comes. But in the end, I am only responsible for myself.”
“My band Loaded has been asked to play a couple of shows with Axl [Rose] this weekend in Seattle and Vancouver. I was somehow reluctant at first to do this. I love that dude, but wanted to sort of stay out of the fray, especially after that whirlwind tour of the world we had just done. AND that damn book tour.”
“But this fray is only a fray if I let it be. And now I am actually pretty excited to see my old pal. His band is the nicest bunch of fellas, and I will be home after all. The Key Arena will be rocking tomorrow night . . . and I hope you all show up. After all, it is just some dudes doing what they know how to do best: connect with the audience, that fan-ship that has honored us with their presence for so damn long. And THAT, my friends . . . is overwhelming.”
There’s more – read Duff’s full column at Seattle Weekly here.
Guns N' Roses Guns N’ Roses – Knocking On Heaven’s Door
With guest Duff McKagan
Original by Bob Dylan
02 Arena – London, UK – October 14, 2010
See also:
Guns N’ Roses: Axl Rose presented with key to Utah city
VIDEO: Matt Sorum shares his final days with Guns N’ Roses