The Rock Hall continued moving on from old white guys to a more diverse group of artists and musical styles, exemplified no better than this year’s headline inductee, Missy Elliott (on the heels of last year’s Dolly Parton). Here’s a complete list of the 2023 inductees:
- Performers: Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, The Spinners, and Rage Against the Machine.
- Musical Influence Award: DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray
- Musical Excellence Award: Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin
- Ahmet Ertegun Award (non-performing industry professional): Don Cornelius
For the first time, the Induction Ceremony was livestreamed (Disney+ on November 3rd). The telecast was also later than usual (New Years Day) and on ABC instead of the customary HBO. I know not everybody likes Awards shows, but this one, along with the Emmys and Oscars have always been on my radar. I usually discuss the Hall of Fame show chronologically, but this year I’m highlighting the good, the bad, and the mixed.
The Good
An unannounced Jimmy Page channeling Link Wray and shredding “Rumble.” Don’t recognize “Rumble?” You will when you listen to it. An iconic instrumental that Page played all the way through accompanied by standup bass and drums.
Sheryl Crow – Inducted by good friend Laura Dern, joined by Peter Frampton and Stevie Nicks on “Everyday is a Winding Road,” singing “Crazy” with Willie Nelson, and joining Elton John, Chris Stapleton, and Brittany Howard on “The Weight,” in memory of Robbie Robertson.
New Edition’s sweet performances of The Spinners‘ “I’ll Be Around” and “Could It Be That I’m Falling in Love.” The stage was transformed into Soul Train in tribute to Don Cornelius.
Elton John performing “Tiny Dancer” as part of Bernie Taupin’s induction.
The Bad
No Super Jam: Although kind of forced and cheesy at times, the all-star finale is a longstanding tradition at the Hall of Fame. It’s a fitting conclusion to the evening that brings together the different sounds and styles for what is typically a feel-good sing-along number. (Over the years everything from “Green Onions” to “Rockin’ in the Free World.”) Last year Rob Halford, Simon Le Bon, Annie Lennox, Pat Benatar, and more accompanied Dolly on “Jolene.” Sheryl, Willie, Elton, Missy, Tom, and Chaka could have elevated any rock standard (and Jimmy, Stevie, and Peter were there hanging around, too).
Adam Levine: I may have been inclined to give Levine a hard time after watching his awful performance on CNN’s New Year’s Live. But his lackluster take on “Faith” as part of George Michael’s induction doesn’t bode well for the future of Maroon 5.
The Mixed – The No Shows
I’ve never been a fan of the inductees who don’t bother to show up at the ceremony. Todd Rundgren and Mark Knopfler are two recent examples. Despite the problems they may have with the Rock Hall’s criteria, politics, or legitimacy, can’t they put that aside and accept what many musicians believe is the honor of a lifetime. If nothing else, why not show up for the fans that helped vote them in. There were two shows this year; 3/4 of Rage Against the Machine and Kate Bush.
Rage Against the Machine. If you think (as I do more and more) that the Rock Hall doesn’t do blistering rock and roll anymore, look no further than these guys to dispel that notion. The best word I’ve come up with for them is incendiary. The full band would have burned the house down. So, thank you Tom Morello for at least being there and graciously accepting on your band’s behalf.
Whereas the three members of Rage made their “no thanks” abundantly clear, we can’t say the same for Kate Bush. She didn’t say why she wasn’t there, and she expressed great thanks, humility, and love for her fellow inductees. She’s also notoriously reclusive and lives in England, so maybe I’ll give her a break. Big Boi of Outkast (huh?) inducted her and St. Vincent did another memorable performance at these ceremonies with “Running Up That Hill.” (Her “Lithium” as part of Nirvana’s induction in 2014 is worth checking out.)
Trivia: Who was the first inductee into the Hall of Fame?
Trivia #2: Who is the only artist to be inducted three times?
Answers Below
Here’s Jimmy Page inducting Link Wray and playing “Rumble.”
Answers: Chuck Berry (inducted in 1986) and Eric Clapton (The Yardbirds, Cream, and solo)