Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Waldorf-Astoria/ New York City, NY

Review and Photo by Andy Argyrakis

If there’s a congruent theme that perpetually ties each year’s class for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together, it’s the diversity of inductees and the vast influence they’ve had upon other artists. Such was once again the case come 2010 (also the 25th anniversary), which boasted an exciting, albeit curious, line-up topped by pop icons ABBA and progressive rock giants Genesis, followed by punk rebels The Stooges, reggae innovator Jimmy Cliff, golden oldies The Hollies, plus industry mogul David Geffen and a slew of songwriters.

Though the core four of ABBA didn’t attend, the group was at least represented by Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson, while being sworn in by the surviving members of fellow 1970s superstars the BeeGees. Both Barry and Robin Gibb pledged their undying love for the group’s sugary sweet pop craft that’s influenced everyone from Madonna on down, which has since sparked endless back catalogue sales and even the blockbuster “Mamma Mia” musical. Additional proof of the group’s seminal status came with a passionate performance of the “The Winner Takes It All” from Andersson (on keys) and lifelong appreciator Faith Hill filling in for the leading ladies.

The one time progressive rock luminaries turned radio dominators Genesis didn’t have all its original members in attendance either, but were led by the longest running line-up of front man Phil Collins, guitarist Mike Rutherford, keyboard player Tony Banks and guitarist Steve Hackett. Former front man Peter Gabriel bowed out weeks before the ceremony, citing upcoming solo tour rehearsals, which certainly crushed those hoping for a full-fledged reunion. Instead, the performance duties went to lifelong fans Phish, who were obviously giddy, but noticeably off key on the already difficult to perform “Watcher of the Skies.”

Considering not all of The Stooges are still living, it was impossible for everyone to attend, but at least Iggy Pop and Scott Asheton were able to honor Ron Asheton and Dave Alexander’s memory with blistering renditions of “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and “No Fun” (complete with audience members dancing on stage). Pop was by far the most enthusiastic of all the inductees, as was Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong in explaining the group’s ability to pave the way for the genre in its original state, followed by the pop/punk mainstream expansion of more recent years.

The perpetually respected Jimmy Cliff was saluted as reggae’s godfather by Wyclef Jean, which finally gave the luminary his just due after being over shadowed by Bob Marley from the mainstream masses. Oldies appreciators were no doubt also tickled to find The Hollies (with Graham Nash of future Crosby, Stills & Nash fame in tow) finally earning credit from its music industry peers for penning countless harmony ripe sing-a-longs, as Steve Van Zandt so aptly pointed out.
In the behind the scenes categories, David Geffen (Geffen Records, plus a slew of other label positions), was elevated to visionary status by singer/songwriter Jackson Browne, who thanked the leader for helping springboard his career, amongst countless others. One of the world’s most treasured solo artists and tunesmiths for other artists Carole King also showcased her knowledge of the subject when inducting some of rock and pop’s finest songwriters, including Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry, Jesse Stone, Mort Shuman and Otis Blackwell.