Birthplace of Rock?

Some of you might know that I was slated to interview Doro backstage before her show Thursday night in Cleveland.

Sadly, I had to cancel that interview because my husband had a significant medical emergency.

Still, we had prepaid for a hotel the entire weekend, and I wanted to get some use out of the overpriced room so we packed up and headed north.

In fact, I'm writing today's entry on my laptop from my hotel  room.

We didn't do much while in Cleveland except visit the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. I've been there once before, but that was nine years ago. Eric has never been to the Hall, so I think his expectations were a little high.

For those of you that don't know, the Rock Hall is like any other museum in that it features special exhibits from time to time. During our visit, The Clash and The Doors were highlighted. These special installations were interesting, as I like both bands.

Most exhibits in the Hall are in the bottom floor. As we toured around, I kept my eyes peeled for a little 80s glam.

Remember, Van Halen was recently inducted into the Hall, and I was expecting to see at least one Eddie Van Halen guitar.

Nope.

Zilch.

Zero.

Nada.

There was nothing from Motley Crue, Poison, Quiet Riot...or Van Halen. Perhaps I can understand the first three, but there's no excuse for the lack of Van Halen material.

The Hall features "decades," with important bits locked behind glass. You get the 50s, 60s, 70s...and 90s.

They skipped the 80s!

To say that nothing of musical importance happened in the 80s is absurd. To be fair, there is a tiny Michael Jackson display, showing off the famous rhinestone glove and red leather jacket from the "Thriller" video.

As I wandered the dark museum, I grew increasingly angst-ridden over the entire situation.

During my first visit the Hall was still in its infancy, and the only thing I remember was a giant Aerosmith display. That display no longer exists. Instead, there are three Aerosmith stage costumes and a Joe Perry guitar and Tom Hamilton bass on display.

I can see that at just about any Hard Rock Cafe.

I suppose all is not lost. I had media tickets so I didn't have to pay admission and in the gift shop I found a very gaudy shirt on clearance.

Oh, and there is a special exhibit on the Warped Tour, featuring important artifacts on such legendry bands as My Chemical Romance and Flogging Molly. I had fun mocking those bands as the teeny boppers looked on in awe, and made comments like "Gerad Way is the best songwriter...ever!"

I liked muttering things back like, "Oh yes, he's so much better than Lennon."

The 16 year olds looked confused.  I guess I did my job.

Comments

[Rob Rockitt, Hard Rock Hideout]

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a total joke. Until they induct some bands that have been rocking for multiple decades, KISS, Deep Purple, Rush etc, I wont waste my money on admission. The fact that they skipped the 80's confirms my beliefs.

[aXe mAn]

I have always wanted to go their. But, now it doesn't sound so great. I can not believe that they don't have any 80's bands! That is not right. They should have Van Halen & AC/DC at least. I also think that Motley Crue definately deserves to be in their.
Thanks for the report Allyson.

[bobvinyl]

I find the whole idea of a rock n roll hall of fame absurd. It institutionalizes something that should be free of rules and elite boards. Tom Petty once accepted an award and said something like, "As I understand music, there really is no such things as 'best.' Thanks for thinking I'm pretty good though." I like that sentiment. I was glad that the Sex Pistols refused to show for their induction.

I will say that part of why you don't see as much from the 80s is because it's only just now becoming "classic." Give it time and it too will be recognized by the hall for whatever that's worth.

Allyson, I'm glad to see you like "the only band that matters."

[Christian Graus]

Sounds like you had fun anyhow. Someone showed me the Rolling Stone top 500 albums book yesterday, and I said that it was going to be a joke to start with, but how can you say the number 1 album is better than number 2 ? Art doesn't work that way. Some days I want to hear Motley, others, I want (early) Metallica, others, I want Dylan. So, which is better ?

[Metal Mark]

I have no desire to go to the Rock and roll hall of fame. Hope your husband is doing better.

[bobvinyl]

For some reason, I came back and read this and realized that you mentioned Flogging Molly. The point of interest for you is that their singer is Dave King. Yeah, it's the guy from Fastway. Anyway, thought you might be interested. I've actually seen Flogging Molly (on the Warped Tour no less) and they're a very, very good live band. On record, I still prefer the Pogues though.

Also, your point is well-taken regarding My Chemical Romance's greatness. However, don't dismiss them too soon. Their last album is awfully good. I actually plan to put a review up on my blog next week.