Top 10 Moments From 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony

Sheryl Crow Starts the Night Off Right

The night time started with one of the inductees, Sheryl Crow, who took the stage with a trio of well-known friends. First was Olivia Rodrigo, the younger pop star who was already making her second profession look on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (she beforehand carried out a tribute to Carly Simon in 2022). Crow and Rodrigo carried out “If It Makes You Happy,” a lot to the delight of the followers in attendance and streaming at dwelling. After some phrases from actress Laura Dern, Crow delivered a rendition of “Strong Enough” alongside one of her idols, Stevie Nicks. The two singers have been then joined by guitarist Peter Frampton for a rousing efficiency of “Everyday Is a Winding Road.”.

In her speech, Crow thanked Nicks, Frampton and additional artists who influenced her profession, together with Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner and Nancy Wilson. “This is a little bit like getting an Oscar for a screenplay you haven’t finished writing yet,” she joked whereas accepting her honor.

READ MORE: Sheryl Crow Duets With Stevie Nicks at Hall Induction

Ain’t Nobody Does It Better Than Chaka Khan

After being nominated three earlier years, Chaka Khan lastly earned induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the 2023 class. She was the night time’s subsequent honoree. The singer – who ventured into soul, R&B, funk, pop, disco and jazz throughout her spectacular profession – was launched by Jazmine Sullivan, who famous the affect Khan has had on her personal profession.

Later, Khan took the stage to play a number of songs. The first was “I Feel for You,” alongside rapper Common. Khan memorably turned the Prince-penned tune into a success in 1984. The singer was then joined by H.E.R. for renditions of “Ain’t Nobody” and “Sweet Thing,” earlier than closing her set with “I’m Every Woman,” that includes visitor Sia.

George Michael Honored By a Trio of Stars

Singer George Michael was a exceptional expertise – a lot in order that having only one star cowl his work wouldn’t have completed it justice. Instead, three stars took the stage to honor his induction.

After a speech by Michael’s former Wham! bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley, chart-topping R&B singer Miguel took the stage and delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Careless Whisper.” He was adopted by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, overlaying the 1987 mega-hit “Faith.” The third and ultimate performer of Michael’s materials was Carrie Underwood, who introduced the group to their ft with a stirring model of “One More Try.”

Kate Bush Pushes Boundaries (Even When She Doesn’t Show Up)

Genre continues to be a sizzling subject yearly on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as purists – who insist the establishment ought to follow solely rock – verbally battle those that welcome rap, nation and hip-hop artists into the Hall. This yr’s induction of Kate Bush stood as a reindeer that some artists defy style utterly.

It was an idea introduced up by Big Boi, one half of the rap duo Outkast, and an avid admirer of Bush’s work.

“I know what some of you are thinking: What does Kate Bush have to do with hip-hop?” the rapper famous throughout his speech. “She is such a unique artist, you might as well also ask: What does Kate Bush have to do with rock ‘n’ roll? Obviously our music is very different. But in important ways, we’re exactly the same. What I love about Kate’s music is that I never know what sound I’m gonna hear next.”

Bush wasn’t in attendance however launched a press release saying she was “completely blown away” by the glory. St. Vincent admirably stuffed in for the English singer, delivering an emotional efficiency of “Running Up That Hill.”

Willie Nelson: Still Cool at 90

Even at a black tie occasion just like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, Willie Nelson has a method of making everybody really feel comfortable. Every facet of his portion of the night was relaxed, from Dave Matthews’ lighthearted introduction (through which he regaled viewers with a narrative of getting excessive on Willie’s tour bus), to Nelson’s acceptance speech.

The Red Headed Stranger thanked many of his former collaborators, together with Ray Charles, Booker T. Jones, Leon Russell, and his Highwaymen companions, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. He additionally brazenly campaigned for the latter two musicians to someday get inducted as properly (Cash already went into the Hall in 1992).

Nelson then delivered a free and simple efficiency of three traditional tunes. The first was “Whiskey River,” performed alongside nation star Chris Stapleton, adopted by a duet of “Crazy” with Sheryl Crow. Nelson’s ultimate track featured all three friends – Matthews, Stapleton and Crow – becoming a member of in for a vigorous rendition of “On the Road Again.”

Jimmy Page Makes a Surprise Appearance

Jimmy Page was not introduced as one of the night time’s performers or presenters, so when he confirmed up in a pre-recorded message, honoring inductee Link Wray, it got here as a pleasing shock. What occurred subsequent was even cooler.

After describing Wray as his hero and expressing what a profound impact the guitarist had on his personal profession, Page’s video got here to an finish. At that time, the Led Zeppelin rocker appeared in particular person onstage and started rocking by way of Wray’s legendary tune, “Rumble.”

It’s uncommon to see Page making a public efficiency – in accordance with Setlist.fm, this was the primary time he’d completed so since 2014. Still, the guitar god confirmed no indicators of slowing, masterfully taking part in the traditional instrumental to perfection.

Bernie Taupin Addresses the Elephant within the Room

In the months main as much as the induction ceremony, Jann Wenner, the person who began Rolling Stone journal and co-founder of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, bought embroiled in controversy. Some of his extra inflammatory remarks included that Black and feminine artists weren’t “articulate enough” to speak about rock on an “intellectual level.”

When Bernie Taupin was inducted into the Hall by his longtime collaborator, Elton John, he made certain to shine a light-weight on Wenner’s gaffe.

During his speech, Taupin hailed all of the “articulate women” and “articulate Black artists” within the Rock Hall who encourage him. His feedback acquired loud applause from the group.

READ MORE: Elton John Inducts Bernie Taupin into the Rock Hall of Fame

All-Star In Memoriam Tribute

As they do yearly, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame spent a phase of the night time honoring these from the music group who’ve died within the final yr. Following a video, the stage lights got here on to indicate Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton, Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard and Elton John able to carry out.

“This is for you, Robbie,” Crow stated into her microphone because the acquainted notes of the Band’s “The Weight” started to play. The tune was a nod to Robbie Robertson, who handed away in August.

Each star took a verse on the track, their voices coming collectively every time “The Weight” returned to its well-known refrain. It was a goosebump-inducing second, and a uncommon mixture of expertise that solely comes collectively for the Rock Hall.

Tom Morello Shows Up Solo, But Still Bring the Rage

Predictions as as to if or not Rage Against the Machine would attend or carry out on the ceremony ran rampant within the days and weeks main as much as the occasion. As it turned out, there was no efficiency to honor the politically-charged ‘90s rockers, however guitarist Tom Morello was on hand to accept on behalf of the band.

After acknowledging that he and his bandmates had very different views on many things, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Morello took the chance to inspire and empower the band’s followers.

“The lesson I’ve learned from Rage fans is that music can change the world,” Morello declared. “Daily, I hear from fans who’ve been affected by our music and in turn have affected our world in significant ways. Organizers, activists, public defenders, teachers, the presidents of Chile and Finland have all spent time in our mosh pit.”

“Can music change the world?” he requested moments later. “The whole fucking aim is to change the world. Or, at a bare minimum, to stir up a shitload of trouble.”

Hip-Hop Pioneers Shine Brightly

Once once more, hip-hop acts offered some of the night time’s most memorable moments. Early on, it was DJ Kool Herc, the DJ whose 1973 efficiency at a home occasion within the Bronx is usually thought to be the birthplace of hip-hop. The style pioneer was delivered to tears as he expressed appreciation for his induction, and honored artists resembling James Brown and Harry Belafonte who impacted his life.

Later, a unique hip-hop icon, Missy Misdemeanor Elliott, was given the glory of closing the occasion. She did so with gusto, performing an emphatic medley of some of her largest hits, together with “Get Ur Freak On” “The Rain,” “Pass That Dutch,” “Work It” and “Lose Control.”

Elliott becoming a member of the Hall was monumental, a truth Queen Latifah – who was doing the induction – made certain everybody was conscious of. With tonight’s honor, Elliott turned the primary feminine rapper enshrined by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It was a historic and energetic method to finish the night. Now everybody will get one other twelve months to relaxation earlier than we do that once more.