The Rock & Roll HOF Induction Ceremony
I was able to go to the Rock Hall induction ceremony this past Saturday and it was fantastic, if you have the $s the next time it is in CLE I would recommend it for any type of music fan. One general comment I will make is that I was one of those folks that was not sure Hip Hop should be in the Rock Hall, well after Saturday I heard enough comments and music to move over to the other side and agree it needs to be included. Do I wish more good Heavy Metal or Progressive should be in, yes! But as a branch of Rock, Hip Hop has a place especially in light of the live performance LL Cool J gave Saturday evening. HBO will show a condensed version of this later in November so you can get a feel for how it went down.
Some stand out moments:
- Carole King: Great way to open the show and the body of songs she wrote is incredible. Taylor Swift and Jennifer Hudson gave great interpretations of some of the best songs of the 20th century; the entire arena was silent just taking in the majesty of the moment.
- Tina Turner: It was unfortunate that her health kept her from making the trip; guest stars were also the most uneven with H.E.R. and Keith Urban (stepping in for a COVID positive Ran Adam's) being the low point of the show.
- LL Cool J: Performance of the evening, as much rock as the Foo Fighters set was. Guy worked the stage and had the entire arena up on their feet ready to party and then Eminem and J Lo show up. Blew the roof off.
- Todd Rundgren: Wasn't there and no guest performances. Probably one of the more deserving artists to get in this year but his video montage made him look like a bitter old man as he complained about not getting any love from the industry. Come on dude give it up and show up for an honor.
- Go Gos: Came across as a competent bar band which is fine live, everybody knew all the tunes so it was fun to dance and sing but not an earth shattering performance. Got in because of an all female group controlling all aspects of the art so I get it.
- Jay-Z: No performance of his music at all but best introduction speech by Dave Chappelle and acceptance speech by an artists of the evening. Guy really is well spoken and surprisingly humble; did a good job of explaining rap's place in the HOF.
- Foo Fighters: Solid live set by probably the most popular contemporary rock act out on the road. Paul McCartney's induction speech was weak at best as well as him joining the group for a quick run through of Get Back. Everyone was also very tired as they didn't hit the stage until well after 12:00 when the show started at 7:45.