NEW YORK (Top40 Charts) - It was more sedate backstage at this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony than in previous years, with
Eddie Vedder,
Jakob Dylan,
Alicia Keys,
Anthony Kiedis,
Marty Stuart,
Steve Cropper, Jim Stewart, and
Brian Setzer avoiding the press.
At New York's Waldorf Astoria Monday (March 18) night's 17th annual ceremony, the Ramones became the first punk band to be inducted into the Hall, while the Talking Heads (who performed together for the first time in 14 years) became the first new wave band in. Other inductees this year were Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Isaac Hayes, Gene Pitney, Brenda Lee, Chet Atkins, and Jim Stewart.
Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads said there was no reunion planned, that it was basically a one-night affair. The rest of the group commented: "The evening helped smooth over some things." (David Byrne) "If it wasn't for the press we wouldn't have had any acrimony." (Tina Weymouth) "People perceived us as acrimonious and angry. It's a false perception. We're grateful to have a happy night and a good vibe." (Chris Frantz)
Ramones |
Tommy Ramone noted that it was "very important to Joey that we got inducted into the Hall of Fame," and Marky stated that he felt bad that CJ was left out by the Hall. No one picked up the award for Joey. Later backstage, Joey's mother and brother said they were not invited by the Ramones to take the stage during the award ceremony, but did have Joey's trophy later in the evening.
On her rise to fame, Brenda Lee talked about how "'Sweet Nothin's' propelled me to rock and 'I'm Sorry' propelled me to pop in a male-dominated industry." Gene Pitney, an eight-time nominee, quipped, "Yes, I knew I would get in this year. I voted for everybody over the years. I knew what my credentials were."
Isaac Hayes |
Isaac Hayes, dressed in a long black robe, said it was "very satisfying and a very validating experience being recognized with all the giants of the music industry." He reiterated his plea to the recording industry for artists to get their due royalties: "To all the guys that are sitting on my writers', artists', producers' royalties, I'm just asking you to practice some business ethics and a little humanity. Do the right thing by me and my contemporaries."
Hayes also advised the new generation of hip-hop artists: "It's not all about bling-bling and all the gold and Cristal. Know the business, learn the business, own something. Don't slip into the traps, and don't forget about your 'hood, the kids in the 'hood. Remember, you're disposable, so take advantage while you can."
