Sure Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen and other high profile rockers didn’t attend the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 27th induction ceremony at Cleveland’s Public Hall but the lack of star power was overwhelmed by real people power, aka the paying customers.
The five-hour-forty-minute ceremony was edited down to less than half of that timeframe for a broadcast at 9 p.m. EST May 5 on HBO. Viewers received only a small taste of the effect that comes about when an audience is involved. The 8,000 in the upper level sections – VIPs were seated at tables on the floor – were a raucous bunch, especially when it came to the night’s favorite inductees – Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N’ Roses, Beastie Boys and the Small Faces/Faces.
But they also deserved credit for showing their appreciation for honorees that are important to rock’s history but not as well-known – Laura Nyro, Freddie King, the Blue Caps, the Comets, the Crickets, the Midnighters, the Miracles, and producers Glyn Johns (The Who, The Clash), Tom Dowd (Allman Brothers Band, Aretha Franklin) and Cosmo Matassa (Fats Domino, Little Richard).
Although the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum resides in Cleveland, the city is only allowed to host the event every three years. Being well aware of that fact the crowd loudly booed when Rock Hall President and CEO Terry Stewart thanked the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, which is based in New York and pulls the strings and votes on who does and does not make it into the Hall of Fame. An angry and embarrassed Stewart restated his appreciation, knowing full well that such co-operation between offices and the millions of dollars New York provides to put on the show is necessary now and in the future.
And despite the Boo Birds, the Rock Hall’s Powers That Be should keep the ceremony open to the public, when it returns to New York in 2013 and 2014 and back in Cleveland the following year. The reaction by the 9,000 in attendance made it much more of a rock ‘n’ roll event than the usual insider slap-on-the-back party that occurs at its usual setting, New York’s Waldorf-Astoria.
Shortly after 8 p.m. the proceedings began with a major surprise as Green Day played “Letter Bomb” from American Idiot. The three members would return after the deafeningly-loud performance to induct Guns N’ Roses. At that time Billie Joe Armstrong confessed that they considered doing a cover of GN’R’s “Patience” but he watched a 12 year-old on YouTube play it better then he could so that idea was cancelled. Besides, he considers himself an amateur guitarist when compared to Slash.
On a side note, due to the band’s commercial and critical history plus cooperation with the Rock Hall, it wouldn’t be surprising to find Green Day an inductee when the group’s available in 2015.
Surprisingly Rolling Stone publisher and Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation Jann Wenner wasn’t lustily booed, probably because he quickly said all the right things in appreciation of the inductees, the host city and rock music, and exited stage left.
With those opening remarks out of the way, it was now time to start the inductions.
EARLY INFLUENCE: FREDDIE KING ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top did the honors. Hill revealed that he toured with King before joining ZZ. King’s daughter, Wanda, accepted the award. She spoke of a meeting between her father and a 14 year old Stevie Ray Vaughan who sought his advice. The elder told him, “You can’t get to rock ‘n’ roll unless you can play the blues.” Obviously, Vaughan took that to heart and played the hell out of material from both musical worlds. Then, recognizing her time was elapsing Wanda told one more story. It dealt with the shocking experience of being a six year old going to a concert and seeing her dad onstage for the first time. Describing his playing as “wild” she believed she knew why. Wanda and some of the other children broke her dad’s Les Paul guitar.
Following this Gibbons and Hill were joined by Joe Bonamassa and Derek Trucks, performing “Hide Away” and “Going Down” with Bonamassa on vocals.
PERFORMER CATEGORY: DONOVAN Cigarette in hand, John Mellencamp inducted him. The video montage that preceded each induction showed Donovan move from being an English Dylan to the Sunshine Superman folk hippie. Mellencamp said that “I was stealing all the shit from Donovan” and then sarcastically rephrased that to the traditional version of “musicians call that being inspired.” He showed that his statement of intense affection for him wasn’t just a line by holding up his copy of Donovan’s 1965 album Fairytale. He then pointed out that his name is written at the top of the sleeve so he didn’t lose it at any parties. Citing that what Donovan did wasn’t a gimmick he busted the Red Hot Chili Peppers onetime wardrobe choice in the process. “You know what a gimmick is? You wear nothing but a sock onstage.” He also pointed out that Donovan taught John Lennon and Paul McCartney clawhammer picking on the guitar, which led to songs such as “Dear Prudence.”
When he came onstage Donovan recited a lengthy poem that he wrote in lieu of a speech when he found out he was finally being inducted (“…the brightest searchlight on my music the world can shine.”)
He then performed “Catch the Wind” solo, “Sunshine Superman” with full band (featuring members of Late Show with David Letterman’s CBS Orchestra). Prior to “Season of the Witch” he said, “This is for all you witches out there. You know who you are.” He was also joined by Mellencamp on the final number.
PERFORMER CATEGORY: LAURA NYRO As she spoke of her admiration for the late singer-songwriter Bette Midler was sincere to the point of tearing up. Still, the length of her induction speech started to lose the audience. One of her better lines was an encouragement for “young women to listen to the Laura we all fell in love with.” Besides her successful solo albums, Nyro also contributed hits for Blood, Sweat & Tears (“And When I Die”), Three Dog Night (“Eli’s Coming”) and the Fifth Dimension (“Wedding Bell Blues”) among others.
Nyro’s son Gil Bianchini accepted the award. It was followed by Sarah Bareilles performing a rousing version of “Stoney End,” which was a major hit for Barbra Streisand.
AHMET ERTEGUN (NONPERFORMER): DON KIRSHNER Carol King inducted the Man with the Golden Ear whose career included music publishing, producing, managing, creating the Monkees and hosting a television program, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, that featured performances spanning the Rolling Stones, the Allman Brothers Band and David Bowie to ABBA, Ohio Players and New York Dolls. King called him “…one of the most significant influences on popular music in the 20th century.” Kirshner’s widow Sheila accepted his award.
Paul Shaffer did his Kirshner impression, which he was popular during his days on Saturday Night Live, and introduced Darlene Love. She sang “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”
IN MEMORIUM: A video montage screened while Ledisi sang the late Etta James’ “At Last.” The loudest applause went to Don Cornelius, Clarence Clemmons, Heavy D, Davy Jones, Whitney Houston and Jane Scott. Scott was the Cleveland Plain Dealer writer who may have looked like your favorite aunt but talked to and was known by everyone in the music world since the Beatles and the Who first toured America through the punk, hip-hop and alt-rock movements.
PERFORMER CATEGORY: THE SMALL FACES/FACES Steven Van Zandt did double duty as he inducted two bands. He called the lead singers for both acts – Steve Mariott and Rod Stewart – “two of the greatest white soul singers in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.” And in reference to how handsome the young members of Small Faces were he said. “I’m not good enough to imagine all the sex they probably had.”
Moving on to the transition from Small Faces to Faces after Marriott’s departure he first brought up how he was in disbelief to find out that Stewart was white when he was shown his photo on the back of the Jeff Beck Group’s debut. Summing up about the Faces he said they “made some of the most soulful beautiful music.”
Members Kenny Jones, Ian McLagan and Ronnie Wood along with the late Marriott’s daughter, Mollie, walked onstage to a standing ovation. There’s a clear affection that they still have for each other, and it was a wonderful moment to see them honored. The musicians also praised and fondly recalled the Faces late bassist Ronnie Lane. “Steve and Ronnie are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in heaven.” Before Mollie spoke, Wood interrupted with a proud, “She looks_ just_ like her dad!” Stewart wasn’t there due to flu or strep throat. The audience showed no mercy and booed when he was mentioned.
Their live set with Mick Hucknall flying in as a last-minute replacement on vocals included Small Faces’ “All or Nothing” followed by the Faces’ “Ooh La La,” which was originally sung by Lane. The opening riff of “Stay with Me” brought about another standing O and the VIPs near the front went nuts. When it’s over, MacLagan got in one final thought, “Thank you so much. This was better than imagined.”
PERFORMER CATEGORY: THE BLUE CAPS, THE COMETS, THE CRICKETS, THE FAMOUS FLAMES, THE MIDNIGHTERS and THE MIRACLES Before Smokey Robinson began his induction speech he gave a shout out of praise to Berry Gordy who sat at a nearby table. Including these groups was a method of righting a wrong and recognizing their contributions to early rock ‘n’ roll. The frontmen for these groups have already been inducted — the Blue Caps (Gene Vincent was inducted in 1998), the Comets (Bill Haley was inducted in 1987), the Crickets (Buddy Holly was inducted in 1986), Famous Flames (James Brown was inducted in 1986), the Midnighters (Hank Ballard was inducted in 1990) and the Miracles (Smokey Robinson was inducted in 1987).
Showing that the crowd was as classy as it was rowdy it gave a standing ovation for what remained of the members of these groups who are lined up across the stage. A mic was passed from one person to the next. One of the Comets offered the classic line as part of his thank you, “At our age it’s great to be anywhere.” He also credited actor Glenn Ford’s son, Peter, for playing “Rock around the Clock” at home. The song ended up being placed in the film “Blackboard Jungle” and helped it become a massive hit.
PERFORMER CATEGORY: BEASTIE BOYS Watching Chuck D and LL Cool J induct them, I’m reminded of Ben Stiller joining the members onstage during the Get Out and Vote Tour and him rapping along in the film, “Awesome: I Fuckin’ Shot That!” He must be soooo jealous right now. As an aside, the Beasties opened for Madonna on May 16, 1985 in the same venue.
Chuck D asked if he can give three-and-a-half minutes to hip-hop as part of tribute to Ad-Rock, MCA and Mike D.
LL Cool J then recalled his first introduction to the trio. I thought, “What a bunch of punks.” He suddenly shouted out, “You’ve Gotta Fight for Your Right…!” Without missing a beat the crowd loudly responded “To Parrrrrr-teeeee!” “Run DMC brought rap to the edge of suburbia. The Beasties drove it right into the center of town.” He also credited them for playing his demo for Def Jam records.
Adam Horovitz and Mike Diamond minus Adam Yauch, who, sadly would pass away a few weeks later. Both thanked New York multiple times for among other reasons, the city’s many flavors of music. “New York taught me everything. New York is everything,” said Horovitz. It was interesting that one of the first bands he thanked was Bad Brains. He also read a speech written by Yauch.
The two didn’t perform. Instead, the Roots supplied the backing to an ad hoc group of rappers – Kid Rock, Gym Class Heroes’ Travie McCoy and Black Thought (of the Roots). Together, they did a medley that included “No Sleep Til Brooklyn,” “So What’cha Want” and “Sabotage.” In the middle of the final number Questlove supplied the line, “Let Me Clear My…Throat!” which was followed by Kid doing the song’s lengthy scream before it kicked back in again and then detoured for the “Ali Baba and the 40 thieves” line from “Rhymin’ and Stealin’” before concluding.
PERFORMER CATEGORY: GUNS N’ ROSES There’s no letting up as Green Day induct Guns N’ Roses. Billie Joe Armstrong discussed how dangerous the band seemed when he watched their video on MTV. He concentrated on GNR’s debut, mentioned Lies, Appetite for Destruction I and II and even The Spaghetti Incident but skipped Chinese Democracy. After talking about each band member he said with a devilish grin, “Now, let’s see…who am I missing?” Knowing that MIA Axl Roses was left, the crowd booed long and loud. His pleas to quiet down went unheeded. So Armstrong yelled, “Shut the fuck up!” He then praised Rose’s charisma and voice.
On hand to accept their awards were Slash, Duff McKagan, original drummer and Cleveland native Stephen Adler and his replacement Matt Sorum. McKagan said, “It doesn’t matter who’s here tonight, because it’s about the music the band created. We’re here because we’re overwhelmed.” Wearing a “That Metal Show” t-shirt, Adler was just beaming in the spotlight and for the honor. Slash simply thanked the fans. Raconteur Matt Sorum spoke of how an offhand remark to Slash that he wanted to leave his spot as drummer in the Cult led to him receiving a call to join GN’R. He said that he brought the cocaine to band’s “opium den” in order to get them to wake up and get out onstage and rock ‘n’ roll.
Slash, Duff and Matt with Cleveland native and former GN’R member Gilby Clarke on guitar and Myles Kennedy of Slash’s band and Alter Bridge on vocals tackle “Mr. Brownstone.” Billie Joe Armstrong joins in on backing vocals. Adler and Matt switch for “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Then, it’s on to “Paradise City.” Between the volume onstage and the crowd going nuts, it’s possible the 90 year old building or my eardrums would explode. When it’s over, they took one last bow and Adler threw drumsticks up to the balcony.
AWARD FOR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE: Before Robbie Robertson began his induction speech he asked that “We all need to send out love and prayers to my Band mate Levon Helm.” The unsung heroes who helped make recorded music come alive get their due – Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns.
Although the elderly Matassa was there, his grandson gave his speech. Dana Dowd, Tom’s daughter spoke for her late father, and encouraged everyone to watch the documentary Tom Dowd and the Language of Music to know more about him. Johns offered that, “The biggest thrill this evening was seeing the Small Faces and Faces inducted.”
PERFORMER CATEGORY: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Before Chris Rock inducted them he let loose with, “Let’s face it. Even if Axl was coming tonight he wouldn’t have been here by now.” He then explained how he became a fan when due to accidentally attending one of the group’s shows early in their career. Although it didn’t make total sense Rock got off another great line, “If Brian Wilson and George Clinton had a kid it would be ugly as fuck, but it would sound a lot like the Chili Peppers”
Anthony Kiedis, Flea and Chad Smith were joined by new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, former members Jack Irons and Cliff Martinez and the late Hillel Slovak’s brother, who said a few words of appreciation and accepted his award. John Frusciante did not show up but was acknowledged for his major contributions.
An emotional Flea was brought to tears several times. “I see George Clinton. I love you, man. You give me a reason to live so many times.” (Clinton produced the band’s 1985 album Freaky Styley ). Kiedis emphasized the brotherhood among the members and ended with a story of how his drug addiction nearly got him ousted multiple times. One particular incident had Flea dispatched to give him the news but when he woke out of his haze he told him, “But I was going to be the James Brown of the ‘80s.” Somehow, that plea made enough sense that Kiedis was given another chance.
As the three current members walked over to their instruments, Kiedis said that, “Josh Klinghoffer is going to give his speech by playing for you.” He followed that with, “By the way, we love you Adam Yauch. Sending light and support.”
The band played “By the Way, “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” and “Give It Away.” As a nice gesture Kiedis wore a trucker hat with “OFF!”written on the front. It referenced the name of the L.A. hardcore punk supergroup that includes members of Black Flag/Circle Jerks, Burning Brides, Redd Kross and Rocket from the Crypt.
It was more of a get together than a jam session that ended the night. The Chili Peppers were joined by Ron Wood, Slash Billie Joe Armstrong Tre Cool and Kenny Jones on a cover “Higher Ground.” George Clinton left his VIP table to come onstage as well as P-Funk guitarist Michael Hampton.
As the crowd exited, I could only think of this. Done. Deaf. Delighted.
