The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony In 2022: 10 Best Moments

On Saturday night (Nov. 5) in Los Angeles, a handful of superstars gathered to honour and celebrate the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. And, as disclosed by John Sykes, chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Los Angeles will now join Cleveland and New York as a regular host city for the yearly inductions.

They were far from the only celebrities in attendance, which included Dave Grohl, Mary J. Blige, Gwen Stefani, Ed Sheeran, and Bruce Springsteen (whose longtime manager, Jon Landau, is stepping down as chairman of the Rock Hall, which he co-founded).

Elizabeth Cotton, who rose to prominence for playing the guitar both upside down and left handed; Sylvia Robinson, singer, producer, and co-founder of Sugar Hill Records; Harry Belafonte, singer and activist; legendary producer and executive Jimmy Iovine; and famed entertainment attorney Allen Grubman are also being honoured.

Despite being five and a half hours long, the unhurried evening allowed for an abundance of memorable moments, from celebrity jams to the recounting of wonderful recollections from music’s finest artists.

Here are the highlights of the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which will show on HBO on November 19th.

New Music Debuted by Dolly Parton Live

“I’m going to have to earn my way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!” declared Dolly Parton. Prior to performing, she discussed how she initially denied the accolade, claiming she didn’t feel worthy enough at the time. “I didn’t think I had done enough when they tried to put me in, but I realise it’s a little bit more than that today,” she said in her address.

Nonetheless, the country legend felt she had something to prove, so she performed a brand new song from her upcoming rock album live (“How many of you rockers are going to help me out?” she asked the room, surveying the audience). Parton performed the new song with Zac Brown on guitar and backup vocals, wearing a black latex jumpsuit with enormous coloured jewels and a matching guitar on which she shred through a solo. She sung, “I still got rock and roll down in my country spirit.”

Rodrigo sang “You’re So Vain,” the legendary Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 that Simon described as “the biggest tune that has kept everyone guessing for 50 years.” Nonetheless, Rodrigo sung with stunning clarity, as if she understood exactly who was to blame. Taylor Swift commended “Vain” in the same video package as “the best way anyone has addressed a breakup.”

“I am humbled, startled, proud, overachieved, underqualified, and singularity grateful,” Simon wrote in a letter read by Bareilles.

The Pyro was brought by Judas Priest.

The sole (mild) pyro of the evening was provided by metal musicians Judas Priest. “I don’t want to hear rock is dead, because it isn’t,” Alice Cooper stated during his induction speech, teeing up the band perfectly to explain why it’s very much alive and well. “Judas Priest are undoubtedly the definitive metal band,” he continued. Heavy metal had no look until Judas Priest.”

Sparks provided an energised backdrop to the band’s famous twin guitar sound during energetic performances of “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight.” “People underestimate the popularity of heavy metal,” Glenn Tipton said. “You rebel against the establishment until you realise you are the establishment,” Richie Faulkner said, “and here we are, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame… I’m humbled and honoured to be a part of it.”

Rob Halford provided an equally moving take on metal and this time, albeit he began with a zinger: “I’m the gay man in the band,” he said. “The heavy metal community is welcoming to everyone… We’re all about the power, the emotion, the commitment, and the love.”

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn to get the latest updates from Cape Town Tribune