The other night I watched the new inductees for 2024. What a show! It started with Cher. I love her, I even have a CD of hers, (which says an awful lot). I admire everything about her. I remember watching The Sonny & Cher Show. I loved it. They had on great guests, her clothes were to die for. She was the reason I loved the show. As she was being inducted, they were showing her career in the background. No one is as cool as Cher. As a side note, I asked for and received her new autobiography, Cher, A Memoir, part 1. Haven’t started to read it yet because I need to have no interruptions. I would like to see her in concert.
Next came, Kool and the Gang. Background included all of their hits, including the one I always dreaded played at weddings, “Celebration”. I forgot how many great songs they had. There was a performance by them of all of their hits and it was spectacular. Their songs are timeless and you can’t help but move and sing along. I even appreciated “Celebration” by the time they sang it, I was just so into the music.
As if it couldn’t get any better, next came Peter Frampton. When “Frampton Comes Alive”, came out I was in high school. I owned the album. They also went through his career. I learned that him and David Bowie met in school and were friends, that David Bowie asked him to be in his band. I have followed his history throughout the years and know that he had never made it as big as that album, which he talked about. I know that he has a nerve disease and can empathize with his frustrations. Then he sat down with, get this Keith Urban! They performed “Show me the Way.” He even used the voice box. What a show of guitar gods, I was in heaven. Nothing better than two guitar vituoso’s playing together. I know Keith Urban is country but he plays guitar as good as any rock star!
I saw Peter Frampton live when I lived in NY. There was a small refurbished theater in Peekskill, NY called The Paramount Theater, and they had some very big names. He was touring doing the “Frampton Comes Alive Tour.” I had gotten front row seats, went with three friends, and of course it was a great show. I wish I could see all my idols in a small theater like that. I also saw Gregg Allman, George Carlin, and The Fab Faux there.
The music continued with the induction of Foreigner. Again I was surprised by all of the hits. Most of the band members have gone and Kelly Clarkson, (great voice) came out and sang some of their hits and was then joined by the original singer. Slash was on the guitar. More dueling guitars, awesome!
There was Mary J. Blige, (whom I like), MC5, Tribe Called Quest, Dionne Warwick and others I won’t comment on. As good and relevant that these artists are, I personally don’t feel that they should be in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, same with country artists.
I enjoyed Jimmy Buffett‘s induction presented by, James Taylor, who then performed with Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally. Dave Matthews also did a tribute to Jimmy Buffett.
Speaking of Dave Matthews, he was also inducted into the hall by Julia Roberts. I do like the Dave Matthews Band, have never bought a record, but I can enjoy listening to them. Their music is on the mellow side for me.
When I thought it started to wind down guess who was the next performer inducted into the hall of fame? Ozzy Osbourne! He had already been inducted as part of Black Sabbath, this was as a solo artist. Needless to say the show picked up momentum quickly. Jack Black was the one who inducted him. Surprisingly Ozzy was sitting on a makeshit black throne, with a cane. I know his health isn’t good and he sat there through all of his history, alcolades and spoke about Randi Rhodes. Then came the performance. Ozzy still sitting and you could see him singing along. Again, Wow. Guitar gods unleashed again. Out came Zack Wilde. Billy Idol was singing, along with others who I can’t remember. He certainly deserves this as a solor artist.
I saw Ozzy in concert at Madison Square Garden, Zack Wilde was on guitar. I was going out with this guy Eric. We were in the 2nd row. The first row ended up torn down before Eric pulled me out of there, much to my dismay. I was so into the music I had tuned out anything that was around me. One of the best times of my life!