2012 HBO Rock Hall Induction Ceremony Thoughts
Having watched the condensed version of the 2012 Rock Hall Ceremony, I'm more convinced than ever in who I think belongs there from this year's class, and who doesn't.
The obvious sore thumb in the whole batch are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a band I don't hate, but don't think have ever been Hall worthy. It didn't help that the Hall brought out Chris Rock who told us nothing about why they belonged, or that the Peppers best musician, John Frusciante was a no show. And now, is no longer in the band.
These no shows make me laugh, and I've already blogged about Axl. But not showing up to make a point is just stupid. Unless you're sick, like Rod Stewart was, then you have no excuse to show up and thank family, fans, friends and whoever got you that Hall trophy.
I'm still ambivalent about Freddie King. I think Albert King was a more important Blues figure. But ZZ Top's induction speech was pretty persuasive for those who are on the fence about Freddie. Now, while still hazy about whether he belongs, I'm not fretting it. Let's hope the Hall finally gets to Stevie Ray (or Albert King), or even Johnny Winter next.
The Small Faces are still a mystery to a lot of people. We all know the one hit, and I've delved into their catalog the last couple years. Still on the fence about them. Sorry.
But the Faces! Excellent band, and I have to admit, I thought they would always be overlooked. BTW- Mick Hucknall was pretty good filling in for Rod Stewart.
And that's about it. Laura Nyro is the other name from this year's class that got the likes of Eddie Trunk all worked up. But her presentation by Bette Midler was excellent, and there is an influence there, even it wasn't commercial.
The much talked about Guns N' Roses segment was also good (as was the Beasties one). But why did Green Day play one of their own songs at the start of the show? And, frankly, I don't get the connection between them and G N' R. The performance by the put together G N' R, sans Axl, was good, though. As for sourpuss Rose, I hope the Hall never invites him back ever again to induct someone. The boos in the crowd were deserved.
A lot of future Hall acts took the stage: Chuck D, LL Cool J (he'll get in, but he wait may be long), Green Day, LIttle Steven (E Street Band).
The In Memoriam segment was also touching, although they added Dick Clark and Levon Helm, since both were alive when the Induction ceremony took place.
The Hall continues to look for big names to induct people, even those names aren't remotely influenced by the artist. Mellencamp-Donovan? If you say so. Chris Rock-Peppers? See my comments above. Little Steven-Small Faces/Faces? No. Robbie Robertson-The Music Engineers/Producers? No again.
But they want star power, always have. But they could at least match things up better.
On to 2013.
The obvious sore thumb in the whole batch are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a band I don't hate, but don't think have ever been Hall worthy. It didn't help that the Hall brought out Chris Rock who told us nothing about why they belonged, or that the Peppers best musician, John Frusciante was a no show. And now, is no longer in the band.
These no shows make me laugh, and I've already blogged about Axl. But not showing up to make a point is just stupid. Unless you're sick, like Rod Stewart was, then you have no excuse to show up and thank family, fans, friends and whoever got you that Hall trophy.
I'm still ambivalent about Freddie King. I think Albert King was a more important Blues figure. But ZZ Top's induction speech was pretty persuasive for those who are on the fence about Freddie. Now, while still hazy about whether he belongs, I'm not fretting it. Let's hope the Hall finally gets to Stevie Ray (or Albert King), or even Johnny Winter next.
The Small Faces are still a mystery to a lot of people. We all know the one hit, and I've delved into their catalog the last couple years. Still on the fence about them. Sorry.
But the Faces! Excellent band, and I have to admit, I thought they would always be overlooked. BTW- Mick Hucknall was pretty good filling in for Rod Stewart.
And that's about it. Laura Nyro is the other name from this year's class that got the likes of Eddie Trunk all worked up. But her presentation by Bette Midler was excellent, and there is an influence there, even it wasn't commercial.
The much talked about Guns N' Roses segment was also good (as was the Beasties one). But why did Green Day play one of their own songs at the start of the show? And, frankly, I don't get the connection between them and G N' R. The performance by the put together G N' R, sans Axl, was good, though. As for sourpuss Rose, I hope the Hall never invites him back ever again to induct someone. The boos in the crowd were deserved.
A lot of future Hall acts took the stage: Chuck D, LL Cool J (he'll get in, but he wait may be long), Green Day, LIttle Steven (E Street Band).
The In Memoriam segment was also touching, although they added Dick Clark and Levon Helm, since both were alive when the Induction ceremony took place.
The Hall continues to look for big names to induct people, even those names aren't remotely influenced by the artist. Mellencamp-Donovan? If you say so. Chris Rock-Peppers? See my comments above. Little Steven-Small Faces/Faces? No. Robbie Robertson-The Music Engineers/Producers? No again.
But they want star power, always have. But they could at least match things up better.
On to 2013.
posted by Tom Lane at 8:19 AM
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