George Michael Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Friday night saw the induction of the 2023 class for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Among the inductees was my beloved George Michael. The induction was overdue and it is such a shame it didn't happen while he was alive, but I am so glad George was finally included in the Hall.

The ceremony was carried live on Disney+ but I do not have that service, so I will have to wait to watch I guess. The Rock Hall did share a few bits via social media, including some of the remarks Andrew Ridgeley made while inducting his friend and WHAM! bandmate George. See below:

It also seems like Carrie Underwood is a true fan - the snippet shared of her rendition of "One More Try" seems downright amazing. Props.

And the award itself:

TIL: 'Alone' Is A Cover

I cannot be the only person to just learn that Heart's blockbuster "Alone" is a cover!

How did I find this out in the year of our lord 2023, you ask? By looking up Carrie Underwood's setlist for her recent opening gig for Guns n' Roses. (Really, it's more a double bill, but whatever).

Edit this setlist | More Carrie Underwood setlists

I've shared the video many times of her performing "Alone" back in her American Idol days. I'm convinced that performance really helped propel her to a win and eventual career superstardom. So I wasn't surprised to see lots of rock covers in her set - she's always been a vocal 80s metal fan. Anyway, I notice "Alone" on her setlist and it says "I-Ten cover" next to he song.

So off to YouTube I go... and lo and behold "Alone" really is a cover! It was originally recorded by I-Ten, a duo of Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. They released the song back in 1983. It is on the album Taking A Cold Look. "Alone" was overlooked - and did not chart. Don't feel bad for Steinberg and Kelly. They were a hitmaking duo, writing huge tracks for artists like Madonna and Whitney Houston.

"Alone" was also apparently used in an 80s sitcom and released as a single. Again, the track did not chart.

Then Heart comes along, Ann Wilson destroys that bad boy and we've got a number 1 hit on our hands.

Since then, the song has been covered by all sorts of superstars including Underwood and Celine Dion. I wonder how much Steinberg and Kelly made off this one song? Hopefully millions and millions.

Here's Carrie Underwood live the other night before Guns n' Roses. She really should make a rock album.