Metallica - Mustaine Turns Down Metallica Hall Of Fame Invitation

Former METALLICA rocker DAVE MUSTAINE has turned down the chance to join the band when they are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April (09).

Mustaine joined the group in 1981, but left after less than two years because of conflicts caused by his alcohol and drugs consumption.

Mustaine wrote a string of songs during his brief stint as Metallica's lead guitarist, prompting founding members Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield to invite him to the upcoming ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio.

But touring commitments with his current band Megadeth will force him to stay away.

He writes online, ”Metallica, as you know, has been selected to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, it is with much respect that I say congratulations!

“I also had the nice surprise of hearing that they called to invite me to the pre-ceremony party the night before, and then to the actual ceremony. Unfortunately, as you all know, I will be winding down our European tour with Judas Priest, so I will be unable to attend. However, I’d like to say to Lars (Ulrich) and James (Hetfield), I am so very proud of all you have accomplished.

“Thank you for the invitation and thinking of me.”

Metallica will be joined in the Hall of Fame by Jeff Beck and Run-D.M.C. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first material.