The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an odd entity. I’ve visited the Rock and Roll Hsll of Fame in Cleveland and I would recommend that any fan of rock and roll check out the extraordinary collection of memorabilia and exhibits. If you find yourself in Cleveland for any reason, it is a great way to spend the day . However, the fan voting and the television special that is the induction ceremony has become embarrassing.
While the Hall of Fame induction has rejuvenated the careers of acts such as Heart, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and now Cheap Trick, it has become obvious through the years that the Hall of Fame “committee”, for what it is, is primarily trying to create a mix of acts that will draw the greatest interest to the widest possible television audience. How else could Donna Summer, Madonna, and now, inexplicably, Janet Jackson be included as nominees while the Moody Blues watch from the sidelines. The pop sensation Janet Jackson is touring this summer so I am somewhat surprised that she was not inducted this go round but with a possible two year tour on deck her odds would appear to be good for next year. Who next, the uber talented Justin Timberlake; a great talent but not “rock and roll”?
The innovative band Chicago thankfully finally got its due, prior to their 50th anniversary next year as the original members are getting up in age and are in varying degrees of health. Chicago can apparently thank its extraordinarily loyal fan base for voting in large numbers.
Progressive rock is still being ignored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as Yes was passed over and sadly the legendary Yes bass player, and original member, Chris Squier recently passed away so the eventual Yes induction someday will have a bit of a somber tone when it should happen.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame business is thriving, and for the inductees the marketing possibilities are endless, but let’s stop diversifying and watering down the rock and roll brand for the sake of television ratings. The Hall of Fame committee should induct the legendary and deserving “rock and roll” performers and give them their moment in the spotlight while they are still with us to enjoy the acclaim.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 8th, 2016.
While we are on the topic of rock royalty, the David Bowie tributes continue. As I listen to Bowie’s version of “Across the Universe” during Breakfast with the Beatles on Q104.3 FM in New York, I am reading how Bruce Springsteen honored David Bowie on the opening date if his The River tour in Pittsburgh last night. Bowie recorded one of Springsteen’s songs before Bruce got famous and he went down to Philadelphia to visit Bowie during the recording of the Young Americans album which contained the John Lennon classic “Across the Universe”.
As we have quickly come full circle, I will leave you with a plug for the completely and instantly sold out Music of David Bowie shows scheduled for Carnegie Hall on March 31 and, due to popular demand, at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2016.
A Day in the Life
Rock on
GQ