Live performances with tons of star power, memorable acceptance speeches, a sensational return to the stage and a missing Kate Bush: that was this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.
In 2023, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame invited people to the big induction ceremony again. On November 3, 2023, a large number of celebrities gathered at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York to be honored or to honor their colleagues. There were a number of memorable moments.
The evening’s new additions: Kate Bush (who did not attend the ceremony), Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners. In addition, Link Wray, who died in 2005, and DJ Kool Herc were awarded the “Musical Influence Award”, Chaka Khan and Bernie Taupin were awarded the “Musical Excellence Award”, while Don Cornelius received the “Ahmet Ertegun Award”.
Sheryl Crow performs with Olivia Rodrigo, Peter Frampton and Stevie Nicks
Sheryl Crow opened the live program together with Olivia Rodrigo. The two performed the Crow song “If It Makes You Happy” together. Crow later returned to the stage again – and performed the piece “Strong Enough” with Stevie Nicks before Peter Frampton supported them with “Everyday Is A Winding Road”.
Willie Nelson breaks age record
Country icon Willie Nelson, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, is the oldest musician to ever attend his own induction ceremony. Harry Belafonte was five years older when he received Hall of Fame honors, but he stayed away from his celebration. US rock star Dave Matthews acted as a laudator for Nelson. In his speech, he praised Nelson not only for giving people hope in difficult times, but also for paying off his tax debts with TV commercials. “He took the money from the companies and gave it to the government, which is what you should be doing anyway,” Billboard quoted Matthews as saying.
During his acceptance speech, Nelson called for his colleagues Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings to also be inducted into the Hall of Fame. “Now that Johnny and I have been inducted, I would also like to recommend Waylon and Kris,” Nelson said. He then gave a brilliant performance where he not only played three songs but also welcomed Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews and Sheryl Crow as guest musicians.
Jimmy Page celebrates his return to the stage
Jimmy Page’s surprise appearance was also spectacular that evening. Page honored guitarist Link Wray, who died in 2005, with a live performance. That evening he played the piece “Rumble” by Link Wray & The Wray Men. The instrumental piece with the distinctive vibrato guitar was released in 1958 and is considered groundbreaking. In addition to the vibrato sound, Wray also made early use of the distortion effect. Back in 2018, the song was inducted into the then new singles category of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2023, Wray was posthumously honored with the “Musical Influence Award” – and a performance by Jimmy Page.
Andrew Ridgley pays tribute to George Michael
The eulogy for George Michael was given by Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgley – he jokingly referred to Michael as “the not-so-good-looking one in Wham!”. Miguel, Adam Levine and Carrie Underwood then honored the British pop star, who died in 2016, with performances.
Rage Against The Machine disagrees over honor
Rage Against The Machine were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. As Tom Morello made clear in his acceptance speech, not all band members really appreciated the honor. “I am very grateful for the musical chemistry I was able to share with Brad Wilk, Tim Commerford and Zach de la Rocha. Like most bands, we have different views on many things, including Rock Hall induction,” said Morello. He then continued: “From my perspective, tonight is a great opportunity to celebrate the music and the mission of the band, to celebrate with the fifth member of the band: the incredible fans of Rage Against the Machine. The best way to celebrate this music is if you carry on this mission and this message.”
Many people didn’t find it really surprising that Kate Bush, who was considered to be media-shy, stayed away. However, Bush had previously stated that he was very happy about the honor. “I have to admit that I am completely shocked at the news of being inducted into the Hall of Fame! This is something I never expected. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. It means a lot to me that you thought of me. It’s a great honor”. At that time she hinted that she might want to attend the ceremony – it seems as if she then changed her mind. No reason was given for her absence.