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

Sheryl Crow Begins the Night time Off Proper

The night time started with one of many inductees, Sheryl Crow, who took the stage with a trio of well-known company. First was Olivia Rodrigo, the younger pop star who was already making her second profession look on the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame (she beforehand carried out a tribute to Carly Simon in 2022). Crow and Rodrigo carried out “If It Makes You Glad,” a lot to the delight of the followers in attendance and streaming at residence. After some phrases from actress Laura Dern, Crow delivered a rendition of “Sturdy Sufficient” alongside one in all her idols, Stevie Nicks. The 2 singers have been then joined by guitarist Peter Frampton for a rousing efficiency of “On a regular basis Is a Winding Street.”.

In her speech, Crow thanked Nicks, Frampton and additional artists who influenced her profession, together with Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner and Nancy Wilson. “It is a little bit like getting an Oscar for a screenplay you have not completed writing but,” she joked whereas accepting her honor.

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

Ain’t No person Does It Higher Than Chaka Khan

After being nominated three earlier years, Chaka Khan lastly earned induction into the Rock & Roll Corridor 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 primary was “I Really feel for You,” alongside rapper Widespread. Khan memorably turned the Prince-penned tune into successful in 1984. The singer was then joined by H.E.R. for renditions of “Ain’t No person” and “Candy Factor,” earlier than closing her set with “I’m Each Girl,” that includes visitor Sia.

George Michael Honored By a Trio of Stars

Singer George Michael was a outstanding expertise – a lot in order that having only one star cowl his work wouldn’t have carried out it justice. As an alternative, 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 “Religion.” 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 Extra Strive.”

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

Style continues to be a scorching matter yearly on the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame, as purists – who insist the establishment ought to keep on with solely rock – verbally battle those that welcome rap, nation and hip-hop artists into the Corridor. This 12 months’s induction of Kate Bush stood as a reindeer that some artists defy style fully.

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

“I do know what a few of you’re considering: What does Kate Bush should do with hip-hop?” the rapper famous throughout his speech. “She is such a singular artist, you would possibly as nicely additionally ask: What does Kate Bush should do with rock ‘n’ roll? Clearly our music may be very totally different. However in essential methods, we’re precisely the identical. What I like about Kate’s music is that I by no means know what sound I’m gonna hear subsequent.”

Bush wasn’t in attendance however launched an announcement saying she was “fully blown away” by the respect. St. Vincent admirably crammed in for the English singer, delivering an emotional efficiency of “Operating Up That Hill.”

Willie Nelson: Nonetheless Cool at 90

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

The Purple Headed Stranger thanked a lot of his former collaborators, together with Ray Charles, Booker T. Jones, Leon Russell, and his Highwaymen companions, Johnny Money, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. He additionally brazenly campaigned for the latter two musicians to in the future get inducted as nicely (Money already went into the Corridor in 1992).

Nelson then delivered a free and straightforward efficiency of three traditional tunes. The primary was “Whiskey River,” performed alongside nation star Chris Stapleton, adopted by a duet of “Loopy” with Sheryl Crow. Nelson’s ultimate music featured all three company – Matthews, Stapleton and Crow – becoming a member of in for a energetic rendition of “On the Street Once more.”

Jimmy Web page Makes a Shock Look

Jimmy Web page was not introduced as one of many night time’s performers or presenters, so when he confirmed up in a pre-recorded message, honoring inductee Hyperlink Wray, it got here as a nice 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, Web page’s video got here to an finish. At that time, the Led Zeppelin rocker appeared in particular person onstage and started rocking by Wray’s legendary tune, “Rumble.”

It’s uncommon to see Web page making a public efficiency – in accordance with Setlist.fm, this was the primary time he’d carried out so since 2014. Nonetheless, 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

Within 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 Corridor of Fame, bought embroiled in controversy. A few of his extra inflammatory remarks included that Black and feminine artists weren’t “articulate sufficient” to speak about rock on an “mental stage.”

When Bernie Taupin was inducted into the Corridor by his longtime collaborator, Elton John, he made positive to shine a lightweight on Wenner’s gaffe.

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

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

All-Star In Memoriam Tribute

As they do yearly, the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame spent a phase of the night time honoring these from the music group who’ve died within the final 12 months. Following a video, the stage lights got here on to point out Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton, Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard and Elton John able to carry out.

“That is for you, Robbie,” Crow mentioned 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.

Every star took a verse on the music, 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 Corridor.

Tom Morello Reveals Up Solo, However Nonetheless Convey the Rage

Predictions as as to whether or not Rage Towards the Machine would attend or carry out on the ceremony ran rampant within the days and weeks main as much as the occasion. Because it turned out, there was no efficiency to honor the politically-charged ‘90s rockers, nonetheless guitarist Tom Morello was readily available to simply accept on behalf of the band.

After acknowledging that he and his bandmates had very totally different views on many issues, together with the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame, Morello took the possibility to encourage and empower the band’s followers.

“The lesson I’ve realized from Rage followers is that music can change the world,” Morello declared. “Each day, I hear from followers who’ve been affected by our music and in flip have affected our world in important methods. Organizers, activists, public defenders, academics, the presidents of Chile and Finland have all hung out in our mosh pit.”

“Can music change the world?” he requested moments later. “The entire fucking purpose is to alter the world. Or, at a naked minimal, to fire up a shitload of bother.”

Hip-Hop Pioneers Shine Brightly

As soon as once more, hip-hop acts supplied among the night time’s most memorable moments. Early on, it was DJ Kool Herc, the DJ whose 1973 efficiency at a home get together within the Bronx is usually considered the birthplace of hip-hop. The style pioneer was delivered to tears as he expressed appreciation for his induction, and honored artists equivalent to James Brown and Harry Belafonte who impacted his life.

Later, a distinct hip-hop icon, Missy Misdemeanor Elliott, was given the respect of closing the occasion. She did so with gusto, performing an emphatic medley of a few of her greatest hits, together with “Get Ur Freak On” “The Rain,” “Cross That Dutch,” “Work It” and “Lose Management.”

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