Nirvana, Kiss among new members of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

WASHINGTON — The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced Monday that Nirvana, Kiss, Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oates, Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt will be inducted next year.

The Cleveland, Ohio institution also said Brian Epstein, manager of the Beatles from 1962 until his death in 1967, will be inducted for Lifetime Achievement.

So will Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, the hall of fame said, saying he propelled the Stones to “worldwide stardom and crafted their bad boy image so well it became both their brand and burden.”

Oldham “helped shepherd a run of landmark recordings that continues to bear influence a half-century later.”

Another honoree is The E Street Band, which Bruce Springstreen formed in 1973. It helped “establish Springsteen’s legendary reputation as one of the greatest performers in the history of rock and roll.”

Springsteen himself was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

The rule for eligibility to join the Hall of Fame as a performer, composer or musician is to have released a record at least 25 years prior to the year of induction and “have demonstrated unquestionable musical excellence,” in the words of the Hall of Fame.

Nirvana, led by the late Kurt Cobain and whose first single “Love Buzz” came out in 1988, is getting in in their first year of eligibility. “That’s really no surprise to me,” Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Joel Peresman told Rolling Stone magazine.

Cobain, who struggled with substance abuse, committed suicide in 1994 at the age of 27.

The induction ceremony will be held in April of next year in Brooklyn, New York.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Blackmore doesn’t care about Deep Purple Rock Hall nod

Ritchie Blackmore insists he won’t be present if Deep Purple are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.


The iconic band have been nominated for the first time after having been eligible for 20 years. Also on the 2013 list are Rush, who have been entitled for 15 years, plus Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Procol Harum.

But guitarist Blackmore, who left Deep Purple in 1993 after three stints with the band he formed, tells Billboard: “Personally I couldn’t care less.

“I would never go – I’m not really a fan of that stuff. Considering some of the people that are in the Hall of Fame, I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.

“I think our fans seem to care more than I do. They’re always saying, ‘You should be in the Hall of Fame.’ If I can pay the bills that’s all I care about.”

Blackmore and wife Candice Night are working on what will be the eighth studio album of their band Blackmore’s Night.

The guitarist says: “From my point of view it’s the same of crap we’ve been doing for a long time. I’m not a person that goes in any direction – I just play whatever I feel like at the time.”

Deep Purple have been working on a new album with producer Bob Ezrin, although no release date has been set. Founding keyboardist Jon Lord died in July after a fight against cancer.

Meanwhile, two albums by Blackmore’s post-Purple band Rainbow will be re-released in two-disc deluxe format on November 5. Live recording On Stage from 1977, and third studio album Long Live Rock’n'Roll from the following year,  both feature Ronnie James Dio on vocals. The second disc in each set includes bonus material, some of which has never been released before.

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Newsbites: Kroeger not expecting Hall of Fame call

Chad Kroeger admits he doesn’t expect Nickelback to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. “I think it will probably show up the same time as our first Grammy,” he says. The band are getting better and better at laughing about their massively negative press. Discussing the backlash against their appearance as half-time entertainment at a football game last year, where over 50,000 people signed a petition to have them dropped, the singer says: “The National Football League was calling us twice a day going, ‘We’re so happy – the viewership just went up by 15 million…’” [Edmonton Journal]

Beastie Boys producer Mario C says the band have a large catalogue of unreleased music which may be heard despite the death of Adam Yauch in May. But he adds: “We’ll take it slowly. No one’s thinking of doing anything right away – it’s too soon.” Ad-Rock made his first public appearance since his bandmate’s death when he played a support concert for jailed Russian band Pussy Riot earlier this week.

The house Ringo Starr grew up in has been saved from demolition. After a sustained public campaign Liverpool city bosses decided not to knock down the 1880s terrace building at 9 Madyrn Street in the Dingle area. A total of 32 properties in the ‘Welsh streets’ part of the city will be refurbished and sold, although 400 are still scheduled to be demolished. UK housing minister Grant Shapps said: “A tide od community support brought about this decision. The house is a beacon of Beatlemania.”

John Lydon enjoyed recording new album This Is PiL in Steve Winwood’s country studio in England. He says: “It’s not really a studio – it’s a barn in the Cotswolds surrounded by nothing but sheep farming. It was fantastic: warm, balmy summer afternoons in a barn. You leave the door wide open, a breeze would blow through and you’d be recording live. Stunning, brilliant atmosphere.” [Rolling Stone]

Dave Mustaine feels the process of making an album has become more complex over the years he’s been active. “You have to have so many damn songs,” the Megadeth mainman says. “When I started eight songs was enough – now you have to have 20 just to go into the studio to narrow it down.” [NME]

Crazy Horse guitarist Frank ‘Poncho’ Sempedro admits the band get sick of waiting for Neil Young to call them up. But he doesn’t believe there’s an alternative, although his colleagues do. “One of my pet peeves with Crazy Horse is that Billy Talbot and Ralph Molina always want to make a record, get another guy and do this and that. I just think that diminishes what we have with Neil. We have a specie thing going and I think it’s historical now.” [Rolling Stone]

Glenn Hughes says Black Country Communion‘s songs are mainly written by him because he has the time available. “I’ve had the luxury of being able to write for six months,” he explains. ‘With the first album I had six weeks and the second, about four months. If you look at Joe’s schedule, he doesn’t even have time to wipe his nose. I’ve been left as the keeper of the keys to write these albums.”

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Axl Rose booed at Rock Hall of Fame induction

Cleveland - A range of musicians from rockers Guns N' Roses to R&B legends Smokey Robinson and the Miracles where inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday in a night as notable for who was not there as who was.

Axl Rose, frontman for 1990s band Guns N' Roses, earlier this week refused to be honored by the Cleveland-based Rock Hall after years of bitter feuding with his former "Appetite for Destruction" bandmates, and his name earned catcalls from the crowd when it was mentioned.

Boos rang out from some of the 6,000 in attendance early in the evening when Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer of Green Day, asked the crowd "who was missing" as members of Guns N' Roses were up on stage accepting their award.

"Most singers are crazy. I can vouch for that," Armstrong told the audience. He praised Rose: "He is one of the best front man to ever touch a microphone." Then added: "Sometimes you have to look back at chapters of your life to move forward."

Rose was the first artist to publicly snub the honor since surviving members of punk rockers the Sex Pistols, inducted in 2006, refused to attend the ceremony.

Earlier in the week, Rose issued open letter to the public saying he would "respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame" at Saturday's 27th Annual ceremony in Cleveland.

Two other notable absences were Rod Stewart, inducted Saturday with other band members from the Faces/Small Faces and the Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and couldn't accept his award with band members, Mike D (Michael Diamond) and Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz).

Stewart, previously inducted as a solo performer, couldn't attend because he was ill with the flu and had to stay away under doctor orders.

The Rock Hall, which has been criticized in the past for inducting lead performers over the iconic groups they led, appointed a committee to choose six additional overlooked groups this year.

Those groups included The Miracles led by Smokey Robinson; The Crickets, backing band to Buddy Holly; Hank Ballard's Midnighters; Bill Haley's Comets; Gene Vincent's the Blue Caps; and the back-up band for James Brown, the Famous Flames.

Robinson told Reuters on Saturday he was at the ceremony to support his group. "I always thought that the Miracles should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I am absolutely elated this is actually happening," he said.

Performances during the more than four-hour ceremony included Green Day and Kid Rock, as well as inductees Donovan, Faces and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The artists and bands inducted at the ceremony were chosen by 600 music industry professionals. Inductees are represented in a permanent exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. –Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

'Devastated' Rod Stewart skips Rock Hall ceremony

LOS ANGELES - Rod Stewart, who gained rock 'n' roll fame with the band Faces before going on to solo superstardom, said on Friday he will miss his old group's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this weekend as he battles the flu.

"I'm absolutely devastated," Stewart said. "Shattered that I'm going to miss my second induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - and this time alongside my mates."

In a joint statement with Stewart, Hall of Fame organizers said Faces will still play a short set at Saturday's ceremony with Simply Red's Mick Hucknall replacing Stewart on vocals for the band that in the 1970s scored hits such as "Stay With Me."

The other four members of Faces included Ron Wood, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan.

Stewart becomes the second major star to bow out of this year's Rock Hall induction ceremony. Earlier this week, Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose declined his invitation to be inducted with his old band mates with whom he had long feuded.

Others being inducted into the Cleveland, Ohio-based institution include members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys, as well as singer-songwriter Donovan.

Stewart, 67, had already seen his life and career enshrined in the Rock Hall as a solo artist in 1994. -- Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Axl Rose Will Not Attend Guns N' Roses' Rock and Roll Hall Induction Ceremony

It's official: Axl Rose will be not be attending this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," Rose wrote in a long letter obtained by the L.A. Times. "I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of 'Guns N' Roses.'"

The announcement follows months of speculation regarding what, exactly, would happen at the April 14th ceremony in Cleveland. Axl Rose and Slash haven't shared a stage since 1993 and bad blood between the former bandmates has persisted for years. "He hates my guts," Slash told Rolling Stone earlier this month. "It's over a lot of different stuff; I don't even know. There's just no communication between us."

In his letter, Rose says that the ceremony put him in a difficult position. "I certainly don't intend to disappoint anyone, especially the fans, with this decision," he wrote. "Since the announcement of the nomination we've actively sought out a solution to what, with all things considered, appears to be a no win, at least for me, 'damned if I do, damned if I don't' scenario all the way around."

In recent weeks, Slash, Matt Sorum, Dizzy Reed, Duff McKagan and Steven Adler have all indicated that they plan on attending the ceremony. It's unclear if Izzy Stradlin plans on attending. Green Day are set to give their induction speech, though it's unknown if they plan on performing as well.

Guns N' Roses fans have been hoping to see a reunion of the classic lineup for years, but Rose once again makes it clear that he has no interest. "Time to move on," he wrote. "People get divorced. Life doesn't owe you your own personal happy ending especially at another's, or in this case several others', expense."

Here is Rose's complete letter:

To: The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N' Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern,

When the nominations for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame were first announced I had mixed emotions but, in an effort to be positive, wanting to make the most of things for the fans and with their enthusiasm, I was honored, excited and hoped that somehow this would be a good thing. Of course I realized as things stood, if Guns N' Roses were to be inducted it'd be somewhat of a complicated or awkward situation.

Since then we've listened to fans, talked with members of the board of the Hall Of Fame, communicated with and read various public comments and jabs from former members of Guns N' Roses, had discussions with the president of the Hall Of Fame, read various press (some legit, some contrived) and read other artists' comments weighing in publicly on Guns and the Hall with their thoughts.

Under the circumstances I feel we've been polite, courteous, and open to an amicable solution in our efforts to work something out. Taking into consideration the history of Guns N' Roses, those who plan to attend along with those the Hall for reasons of their own, have chosen to include in "our" induction (that for the record are decisions I don't agree with, support or feel the Hall has any right to make), and how (albeit no easy task) those involved with the Hall have handled things... no offense meant to anyone but the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony doesn't appear to be somewhere I'm actually wanted or respected.

For the record, I would not begrudge anyone from Guns their accomplishments or recognition for such. Neither I or anyone in my camp has made any requests or demands of the Hall Of Fame. It's their show not mine.

That said, I won't be attending The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction 2012 Ceremony and I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of "Guns N' Roses".

This decision is personal. This letter is to help clarify things from my and my camp's perspective. Neither is meant to offend, attack or condemn. Though unfortunately I'm sure there will be those who take offense (God knows how long I'll have to contend with the fallout), I certainly don't intend to disappoint anyone, especially the fans, with this decision. Since the announcement of the nomination we've actively sought out a solution to what, with all things considered, appears to be a no win, at least for me, "damned if I do, damned if I don't" scenario all the way around.

In regard to a reunion of any kind of either the Appetite or Illusion lineups, I've publicly made myself more than clear. Nothing's changed.

The only reason, at this point, under the circumstances, in my opinion whether under the guise of "for the fans" or whatever justification of the moment, for anyone to continue to ask, suggest or demand a reunion are misguided attempts to distract from our efforts with our current lineup of myself, Dizzy Reed, Tommy Stinson, Frank Ferrer, Richard Fortus, Chris Pitman, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and DJ Ashba.

Izzy came out with us a few times back in '06 and I invited him to join us at our LA Forum show last year. Steven was at our show at the Hard Rock, later in '06 in Las Vegas, where I invited him to our after-party and was rewarded with his subsequent interviews filled with reunion lies. Lesson learned. Duff joined us in 2010 and again in '11 along with his band, Loaded, opening in Seattle and Vancouver. For me, with the exception of Izzy or Duff joining us on stage if they were so inclined somewhere in the future for a song or two, that's enough.

There's a seemingly endless amount of revisionism and fantasies out there for the sake of self-promotion and business opportunities masking the actual realities. Until every single one of those generating from or originating with the earlier lineups has been brought out in the light, there isn't room to consider a conversation let alone a reunion.

Maybe if it were you it'd be different. Maybe you'd do it for this reason or that. Peace, whatever. I love our band now. We're there for each other when the going get's rough. We love our fans and work to give them every ounce of energy and heart we can.

So let sleeping dogs lie or lying dogs sleep or whatever. Time to move on. People get divorced. Life doesn't owe you your own personal happy ending especially at another's, or in this case several others', expense.

But hey if ya gotta then maybe we can get the "no show, grandstanding, publicity stunt, disrespectful, he doesn't care about the fans" crap out of the way as quickly as we can and let's move on. No one's taking the ball and going home. Don't get it twisted. For more than a decade and a half we've endured the double standards, the greed of this industry and the ever present seemingly limitless supply of wannabes and unscrupulous, irresponsible media types. Not to imply anything in this particular circumstance, but from my perspective in regard to both the Hall and a reunion, the ball's never been in our court.

In closing, regardless of this decision and as hard to believe or as ironic as it may seem, I'd like to sincerely thank the board for their nomination and their votes for Guns' induction. More importantly I'd like to thank the fans for being there over the years, making any success we've had possible and for enjoying and supporting Guns N' Roses music.

I wish the Hall a great show, congratulations to all the other artists being inducted and to our fans we look forward to seeing you on tour!!

Sincerely,

Axl Rose

P.S. RIP Armand, Long Live ABC III

source: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-will-not-attend-guns-n-roses-rock-and-roll-hall-induction-ceremony-20120411

Guns N' Roses Bassist Duff McKagan on the Hall Of Fame: 'I'll Be There With Bells On.'

There's a lot that Duff McKagan is unsure about at the moment. He doesn't know what's going to happen when Guns N' Roses get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month. He doesn't know when (or if) Velvet Revolver will reform, and he certainly doesn't know who will front the band if that does happen. "I find in my career that I never know what's going to happen in two months," says McKagan. "I don't know what I'm going to be doing in July, or even June. Anything could happen. I'm cool with anything."

In December Duff shared a stage with ex-bandmate Axl Rose at two gigs in Seattle and Vancouver, and then a month later Velvet Revolver reunited at a Los Angles benefit concert. We recently chatted with McKagan about all of this, as well as the paperback release of his autobiography It's So Easy: and Other Lies, which hits shelves on March 20th.

source: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-bassist-duff-mckagan-on-the-hall-of-fame-ill-be-there-with-bells-on-20120309

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2011

Neil Diamond, Tom Waits and the Alice Cooper Band are among the new inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2011. The Induction Ceremony will be held at Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City on March 14, 2011.


Diamond have been qualified for the honor for many years but never got any nomination to join the club of high end music.

"I thought about it occasionally, but I kind of figured theyd get around to me at some point," Diamond said in a phone
interview with The Associated Press Tuesday.

Including Alice Cooper, finally Cooper, 62, now in the Hall of Fame. Cooper said he wasn't anxiously waiting.

"You know it crosses your mind, but you think of all the guys who aren't in there, some of them before you, and you go, 'Wow.' ..... You realize that it's a waiting game," he said in a phone interview.



The 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by more than 500 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.

Plan A Student Trip to New York City and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Manhattan Annex by Howard Clemens

Rock and Roll History Comes to New York City


In the fall of 2008 New York City became home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Manhattan Annex; the first physical expansion of the 25 year old, internationally known Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Located at 6 Mercer Street in SoHo, the Rock and Roll Annex was publicly announced by musician Billy Joel, record producer Clive Davis, Hall of Fame Executive Director Terry Steward and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in August 2008.


According to a August 13, 2008 press release written by Damian Ghigliotty, “The 25,000-square-foot space will house Bruce Springsteen's 1957 Chevy, John Lennon’s Record Plant Piano, and exhibits such as a rock and roll theater, a rotating gallery and an interactive map titled ‘New York Rocks’, featuring historical music sites throughout the city.” The Annex provides the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an established space for traveling exhibits and helps reach new audiences.


City officials have welcomed the opening of the Manhattan Annex. In an August 2008 statement Mayor Bloomberg was quoted as saying, “New York City is well known as a vibrant place for aspiring artists and musicians, and some of the most internationally-celebrated musical performers of this century have had their start right here on our streets.” In celebration of American Music History, a percentage of the proceeds generated at the Annex supports the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s educational programs, as well as the Library and Archives, which are scheduled to open in the next 18 to 24 months.


What to Expect on a Student Trip to the New York City Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Manhattan Annex


A Unique Music History Experience for Youth and Adults

Individual, group and student Rock and Roll History tours start in the Hall of Fame Gallery. Here each artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over the last 25 years is honored with a wall plaque highlighting personal signatures and greatest hits. Next visitors enjoy the unforgettable experience of an immersive theater featuring never-before-seen footage of some of Rock’s most memorable performances, such as the Beatles in Shea Stadium or Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. Once ready to explore, a set of Sennheiser wireless, stereo headphones are provided so visitors can comfortably hear audio content while touring the other galleries: Roots and Influences, Moments and Movements and New York Rocks. All galleries are created to teach students, and other visitors, about an important part of music history in America.


Discover Rock and Roll’s Past and Present in the Roots and Influences Gallery

The Roots and Influences Gallery uses technology to help student tour groups understand the connection between music legends and the chart toppers of today. High definition screens and a special soundtrack allow students to map out the musical inspirations of some of music’s most popular modern performers.

A History of Change: The Evolution of Rock and Roll

In the Moments To Movements gallery the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex curators acknowledge and celebrate 5 noteworthy turning points in Rock and Roll history. From these periods, music industry revolutions were born that allowed artists like Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson and Madonna to not only achieve momentary success, but also evolve continuously, along with their audiences and an ever-changing music industry. Personal items from a variety of artists are displayed in the gallery.


Take a Student Trip That Celebrates New York City’s Role in Rock History

New York City has and continues to play a huge role in the history of Rock and Roll and of music in general. Historically, New York City has been home to some of Rock and Roll’s most beloved personalities. It has been home to some of Rock and Roll’s greatest triumphs and tragedies. The New York Rocks Gallery is centered around an interactive map that highlights and celebrates significant Rock and Roll sites around the city including the Chelsea Hotel and now closed CBGB Club. Items from the personal collections of famous Rock artists like Billy Joel and John Lennon are also featured in this gallery.


The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex in SoHo is a must see when planning a student trip to New York City. Students will do more than listen to Rock and Roll the will learn Rock and Roll’s place in music and American history. Follow this with a dinner at the Hard Rock Café for a fun day of excursions in New York City.


Howard Clemens founded Educational Travel Consultants in 1984. Over the last 24 years, Mr. Clemens has organized student travel tours for thousands of high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. His company also specializes in performance tours to Washington D.C., New York City, and Orlando, Florida. Email him at info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Plan-A-Student-Trip-to-New-York-City-and-the-Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame-Manhattan-Annex/718129