Finish What Ya Started

Everyone said the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony would be a train wreck.

Sadly, everyone was right.

When it was finally time to induct Van Halen, the crowd was fidgety and I was growing weary. Van Halen came after the Ronettes and punk hero Patti Smith. As predicted, only Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony showed up for their accolades.

Both men gave short, classy speeches. Hagar lamented his missing band mates, saying he wished they could make it but, "It's out of our control."

Of the Van Halen debacle, AP music correspondent Nekesa Mumbi Moody writes "...the absence of most of Van Halen's founding members was downright sour."

After their short speeches, Velvet Revolver played "Ain't Talkin 'Bout Love" before Sammy and Mike jumped on stage for a seemingly impromptu performance of "Why Can't This Be Love." Of course, Sammy and Mike were backed by the CBS Orchestra which was a little more than painful to say the least.

I still say good for them for jumping on stage and doing the right thing. They tried to smooth over the mess, and I think they honestly wanted to give their fans a little treat.

I have to admit I didn't stay awake long enough to watch the finale "jam" session with all the artists at the end, but I'm told Sammy and Mike didn't participate.

On a high note, the broadcast was completely commercial free, an unheard feat in this day and age. It was also cool to hear Aretha Franklin sing "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You)" as a special tribute to late Atlantic records founder Ahmet Ertegun.

If you missed last night's roller coaster ride, the entire broadcast will repeat this weekend on VH1.

Comments

[Hard Rock Hideout]

Eddie Trunk was ranting last night about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last night.

He had some pretty good points. How can you induct an artist like Grandmaster Flash, who has NOTHING to do with rock, and never have considered bands like KISS, Deep Purple, Judas Priest or Rush.

Maybe they need to change their name to the Music Hall of Fame, because they sure don't have any idea what the heck rock is up there.

Until they get their head out of their tush, that museum will be considered the mistake on the lake by me.

[Metal Mark]

I think the Rock and roll Hall of fame is a joke. Music is not a sport and their criteria for admittance is sketchy at best. So I really don't care much if bands I like are admitted or not.

[aXe mAn]

I did not get a chance to watch all of it!
I'll have to watch it when it replays!
That is to bad that Van Halen didn't play!