Since 1986, the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” based in Cleveland/Ohio has accepted bands and artists for special musical achievements in the temple of honor. According to the statutes, this honor can take place at the earliest 25 years after the appearance of a first publication by the artist. Again and again in recent years there has been criticism of the “male bias” in the “Hall of Fame” selection.
Now Alanis Morissette (48) canceled an appearance at the ceremony on Saturday (November 5th) at short notice – and caused some confusion. She originally wanted to sing Carly Simon’s famous song “You’re so Vain” with Olivia Rodrigo in honor of the latter’s induction into the Hall in 2022.
Morissette announced on Instagram Monday after the break that “there is no reason for me to spend time in an environment where women are put down!”. Variety magazine previously reported that Morissette was in rehearsals last Friday and was listed on all internal schedules for the show. But it remained unclear why she was not present at the ceremony. Rodrigo sang Simon’s hit solo.
Morissette began her statement by paying tribute to her fellow artists, announcing:
“I admire Carly Simon and Olivia Rodrigo and Dolly Parton and Janet Jackson and Pat Benatar and Sheryl Crow and Pink and Brandi Carlile and Sara Bareilles – and all the amazing people and artists that were there.”
Afterward, she pointed out that she’s “spent decades in an industry beset by an overarching misogynistic sentiment.” She has endured “a lot of degradation and disrespect, rejection, breach of contract, lack of support, exploitation and psychological violence” over the course of her career.
The singer-songwriter added that “Hollywood is notorious for its disregard for the feminine in all of us.” Morissette, who obviously gave up on the spot and took this as an opportunity to talk tacheles, ended her contribution with a rather optimistic outlook:
“Fortunately, I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I don’t have to spend time in an environment that disadvantages women. I’ve had countless incredible experiences with production teams of all genders in my life. So many, and so many fun ones. There is nothing better than a team of different people working together to accomplish a task. In such an environment, I will continue to appear with great enthusiasm.”
So far there is no further information as to what exactly caused the US Canadian to break out. Neither the management of Alanis Morissette nor the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” responded to inquiries from the American ROLLING STONE.
In addition to Rodrigo’s performance, around 7,000 visitors that Saturday in Cleveland also saw Bruce Springsteen, Dr. Dre, Steven Tyler, Pink, The Edge, Alice Cooper, Brandi Carlile or Ed Sheeran in an illustrious stage soiree. Only one from the program booklet was missing.