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Trent Reznor, an industrial sunshine.
Photo: HBO
As has been the trend with the finer things in our lives since March, the annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony went virtual (or, as HBO imagines, an “exclusive special”) due to the coronavirus pandemic. . Yes, it sucks that the eclectic group of Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, Doobie Brothers, T. Rex, Depeche Mode, Notorious BIG, Irving Azoff and Jon Landau (or those who accept on behalf of posthumous candidates) can’t bask you in the glory of their introduction on a stage in Cleveland with their families and friends – where, somehow, know Steven van Zandt would find a way to make an appearance while someone else (ahem) extends his speech in a comical way. But give HBO due under the circumstances – the special is beautifully produced and full of heart, even if its short duration (just over two hours) meant it was missing a few full length pieces that made these inductions so rockin ‘in the first place. Read on for all the highs, lows, and whoas of the night, then start thinking about what class 2021 is and that it might look like induction.
Dave Grohl is for 2020 rock as Walter Cronkite is for 1960 news, so it was pretty inevitable, but still lovely, to see Grohl open this year’s induction with some soothing words about how we shouldn’t worry about this whole thing. virtual. “This rock and roll family of ours, like so many others, sadly cannot meet in person to enter the Hall of Fame class of 2020,” explained Grohl. “The artists are all very different, but they share a crucial virtue in common: the immortal spirit of rock and roll. Tonight we’re celebrating this new Rock Hall class like we’ve never done before. And as they tell their stories, we also tell ours. ”He also said that the Rock Hall“ isn’t just a place, it’s an idea, ”which… yes.
Photo: HBO
We can only imagine, man, how much fun the Doobieliner brought to the skies.
Photo: HBO
Frankly, we would have been surprised if Iggy Pop done wears a full set of shirting cloth, but his introductory speech for Nine Inch Nails may have been the best (and certainly the most baroque) of the night: he compared Trent Reznor to “a face of 15th century Spain” and he insisted that “if he had been alive at the right time he could have been painted by Velázquez or El Greco, and his portrait would have hung in the Prado today.”
With this year’s induction already significantly reduced in execution due to the lack of performances (more on that later), it was an unwelcome surprise that there was an additional time-cutting element at play: the speeches were relegated to the most prominent members of the Doobie Brothers, Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode. (For example, Trent Reznor spoke on behalf of the entire Nine Inch Nails, while Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons were considered the most worthy of the Doobies.) “It was a creative decision and something we were working towards, frankly. , during live shows, to make the shows shorter and a little tighter so everyone doesn’t talk for the band, “Joel Peresman, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, told Vulture in a recent interview. Foundation asked about the run of the show. “Can you get some of the guys to represent the others? So you don’t have to make them all talk. “
In perhaps the most incredible pivot of ideology in Rock Hall history, Trent Reznor – who previously claimed he “doesn’t give a fuck” and “honestly couldn’t care less” about the institution – humbly accepted his induction. with Nine Inch Nails and thanked Hall for the “recognition” of industrial rock music. “You guys are the best,” he added to the band’s fans. “We ended up in strange places together, and you are an intense group that can drive me crazy, but you are the best. This journey is far from over if I have a say, so let’s stop fooling around and patting ourselves on the back. “
“It wouldn’t be the first time they’ve brought in someone who can’t sing or play an instrument.” He dropped this blazing bomb while inducing longtime manager of the Eagles Irving Azoff to receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award, which honors industry professionals who have had significant influence in the rock genre. Given Don Henley’s story, he might, uh, refer a lot to his bandmates.
Speaking directly to young artists, Azoff – by far one of the most successful managers in music history – provided free advice that would normally be reserved for a $ 2,000-an-hour billable meeting. “It is time for the rules to be broken, but they will not be broken,” he said. “If I can give you some advice, be brave, own as much as possible, do not depend on anyone but yourself, protect intellectual property at all costs, take the long way, do not be afraid of anything or anyone. I promise you it will pay off. ”Taylor Swift can also identify with this.
Photo: HBO
Sure.
We could have watched these cuties for an hour! Dave Gahan, Andrew Fletcher and Martin Gore were the designated speakers for the induction of Depeche Mode, and thanks to the powers of Zoom and AirPods, they were able to collaborate and enjoy the moment together. Gahan thanked everyone who “gave a bunch of strangers a chance to wear eyeliner from Essex, and all the wankers who didn’t,” with Fletcher joking that Gahan “would steal anyway. machines “if it wasn’t for the power of music. Five stars.
Photo: HBO
Always peace and love, baby.
Rock Hall found speeches and performances superfluous, but had no trouble including a five-minute tourist ad for their museum? With a bunch of randos? Interesting. And by interesting we mean boooooooo.
Whitney Houston is one of several 2020 recruits who have been honored after their death, with her longtime manager and sister-in-law Pat Houston recalling how significant a career milestone would be for the iconic singer. “This is something Whitney has always wanted. I remember in 2009, when we were in London, Whitney looked at me and said: This is really special, but only one thing is missing. I gotta get the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,“Houston explained, presumably referring to Whitney’s” Nothing But Love “world tour.” This moment right now proves there’s only one matchless Whitney Houston, and she would be very proud and honored to receive this award tonight. ” At least one hologram was not accepted on Houston’s behalf.
No backyard acoustics, no studio gigs, no star jams, no nothing. What the hell!?! Despite several awards, the shows are capable of performing unique performances (and performing them good) in the coronavirus era, Rock Hall shied away from its tradition this year. In the same interview with Vulture, Peresman attributed the decision to geographic and logistical factors too difficult to manage, as well as, strangely, a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the Hall itself. “In the spring and summer, it got really overwhelming to try and make it,” Peresman explained. “There were so many events that were starting to happen with people doing shows on their iPhones and then they got a little more sophisticated. We thought it was a bit boring trying to get over the hoops of having artists performing with no audience, or just doing it with family or friends. It didn’t make any creative sense. “We were already deprived of the bewildered reaction of the crowd at Nine Inch Nails’ performance of” Closer “at the Cleveland Public Auditorium. Did Rock Hall really fail to arrange a virtual song or two? fans, it certainly wouldn’t have been “boring” at all.
Photo: HBO
Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers! Even a fool would believe it.
Photo: HBO
Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers! That yacht rock $$$ is no joke.
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