DUFF McKAGAN (ex-GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER, DUFF McKAGAN'S LOADED) pens a column for Seattle Weekly, an excerpt from his most recent entry (dated December 15th) reads as follows:

"So I played a gig last night in Hollywood that commemorated DIMEBAG DARRELL and RONNIE JAMES DIO. The gig, called DimeBash, is a very public fundraiser that sells out annually and draws press from around the world. Last week, Guns N' Roses was given the 'nod' for the Rock Hall of Fame.

Music to me has never been a competitive sport. 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.

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 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 KeyArena will be rocking tomorrow night... and I hope you all show up."

To read Duff's blog in its entirety, click here.