Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2012 Induction Ceremonies 04.15.12
In New York, it may be just another night at the Waldorf-Astoria, but when the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies are held in Cleveland, it is especially cool that the general public can to buy tickets to the main event. True, earlier in the evening a banquet dinner is enjoyed on the venue’s main floor by high rollers, and by the corporate and private sponsors who are essential to the Hall of Fame and Museum’s support.
But come showtime, the U-shaped balcony bowl of Public Auditorium opens up to some 5000+ everyday Clevelanders who love the music as passionately as any sports fans love their favorite teams. This year’s ceremony and concert was fully sold out. Here are a few random observations from one ticketholder high in the stands.
BEST INDUCTION SPEECHES
Halfway through Bette Midler’s loving paean to Laura Nyro, her tears starting flowing, and never stopped. But her voice never cracked as she eloquently described Nyro’s fiery talent, unorthodox career and passionate social values. Midler is a class act. But you knew that.
Billy Joe Armstrong prepared a heartfelt tribute to Guns N’ Roses, breezily walking the line between adulation and realism. Armstrong dialed in just enough levity to diffuse the thick tension in the air caused by the Axl Rose missing-person controversy.
Carole King brought a welcome breath of enthusiasm and authenticity in her speech inducting producer Don Kirshner, for whom she worked as a songwriter.
By 12:45pm, Chris Rock’s loose outlook was a refreshing relief, as he summed up the whole evening before inducting the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And to paraphrase the best joke of the night: “Don’t feel so bad about Axl not showing up. Even if he was supposed to come, he still wouldn’t be here by now.”
WORST INDUCTION SPEECHES
John Mellencamp has paid his dues in the music biz, and he has surely been magnanimous toward Donovan over the years. But his lengthy, slurred induction speech was so about himself it was embarrassing. The Troubador, meanwhile, waited calmly in the wings, sniffing on a rose until his moment came.
No doubt Steven Van Zandt has also way earned the right to make a podium speech, but he might have given a little thought to what he was going to say. Hint: a teleprompter 50 yards away isn’t going to be of much help if you can’t read it.
BEST ACCEPTANCE SPEECHES
Donovan’s recitation of a poem written for the occasion shored up to his reputation as the romantic bard of a generation.
Glyn Johns, one of the great engineer architects of classic rock sound, gave a brief and deferential speech, acknowledging that without great artists, great recordings would have no reason to be made. Modesty is a virtue.
MOMENTS TO SAVOR
Ledisi singing “At Last,” complete with a spot-on string section, in tribute to those who moved to rock ‘n’ roll heaven over the past year, including Etta James, Don Cornelius and Jani Lane.
Sara Barielles, singing Laura Nyro’s “Stoney End,” with full choir and strings. Barielles fully embraced her assignment as Nyro stand-in, playing a nine-foot grand piano in a flowing gown and raven hair. Even her profile is a ringer. And she delivered a spine-tingling performance.
Darlene Love, singing the Chiffons’ “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” which was written by Carole King at the behest of producer Don Kirshner.
The Faces reunion. God knows how long it’s been since these blokes were in the same room, but they sounded like they’ve been jamming for years, thanks to Ronnie Wood’s exceptional tone and substitute singer Mick Hucknall’s professionalism. Too bad that neither Steve Marriott nor Rod Stewart could make the gig (although for different reasons).
Septuagenarians get their due. In the spirit of “it takes a band to make a hit,” (not just a lead singer), the surviving members of the Famous Flames, the Crickets, the Midnighters, the Comets, the Blue Caps and the Miracles lined up to receive their Rockie trophies. It was a testament to the collaborative effort, artistic support and mutual respect that is required to attain musical heights. Too bad Guns N’ Roses never got that memo.
In the disabled list department, the biggest disappointment was neither Axl Rose nor Rod Stewart, but Adam Yauch, of the Beatsie Boys. Following sparkling accolades for the group delivered by rappers Chuck D and LL Cool J, and after extended thank- yous from Beasties Mike D and Ad-rock, it turns out that the Beastie Boys did not perform, due to the serious illness of Yauch. Instead, a threesome of pinch hitters in matching track suits, (rappers Black Thought, Kid Rock and Travie), backed by Beastie DJ Mixmaster Mike plus the entire line-up of the Roots, sang their props the newly-inducted trio. But the flavor was just a little sour, knowing of Yauch’s condition.
The closing jam. This year’s “who wants to play?” smashup finale was built on the Chili Peppers’ complete lineup, including their three drummers, joined by Ron Wood, George Clinton, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Slash. The song was Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground.” Musically, of course, it was a bit of a mess, but was a fine lark for artists and audience alike. And was that Kidd Funkadelic himself rolling around on the floor and dropping trou right in the middle of it all?
The music didn’t stop until1:30am. During the night you could hear cheers, jeers, props and heckles comingfrom the distant reaches of the balcony. This probably jostles the nerves of VIPs, TV producers and other production professionals who apply their own significant talents to making such a tight and professional production come together. But this is Cleveland, man. If you want the cred that comes with this town, if you want to shout “Cleveland Rocks” to a working-class crowd of discerning music lovers, you have to take the meat with the gristle. Despite the formalwear, the massive budget, the gourmet platters and the trophy girlfriends, this is, after all, rock and roll. We’re just keeping it real.
Review by Jordan Davis
Photo of George Clinton arriving on the Red Carpet in the Euclid Beach Rocket car with his entourage. Photo by Thomas Mulready.
View the Cool Cleveland Flickr stream for more Rock Hall Red Carpet photos here.
Watch Cool Cleveland video of Rock Hall festivities here.