The rain filled clouds hung low over the city this morning, shrouding the skyline for the Monday morning rush. As I drove my familiar route, I reflected on the sparkling, starry Saturday night I experienced along with the thousands who witnessed the 2009 Rock Hall Induction at Public Hall.
Cleveland was alive with a rock and roll energy, the sunshine glinting off a fleet of limousines and the stars they dropped off on the red carpet along Lakeside Avenue. The city and newly spruced up Public Hall looked shiny and ready for a making a great impression.
People came from all corners of the country to our northcoast, shoulder to shoulder with VIPs and stalwart rock music fans to take in the show. It was a breathtaking, often emotional and extremely satisfying musical experience. Highlights…Wanda Jackson reminiscing about her experience as one of the first women to rock out with a guitar…Smokey Robinson…Little Anthony and the Imperials’ words of gratitude and impeccable harmonies…Jimmy Page’s induction speech about guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, whom he has known since they were both 11 years old…Page and Beck jamming on a little Led Zeppelin and Beck’s Bolero (Mr. Beck in a signature sleeveless vest – bringing on the gun show!) …Metallica nearly blowing the roof off Public Hall, after sentimental and touching words of appreciation for their induction….the thundering “Train Kept Rolling” finale with a galaxy of superstar guitar slingers all on playing stage at the same time…WOW! The whole place was rocking and shaking!
It’s a fantastic memory for me now, but won’t be the last time we see the road to Rock Hall induction running right through Cleveland.
April 7, 2009 at 2:20 am |
I went to “you tube” videos and heard the song “train kept rolling” from the rock ‘n roll Hall of Fame 2009 inductions and it sounded great. It put chills up and down my back. Cleveland rocks on!!
April 8, 2009 at 6:44 pm |
You should also check out You Tube for Jeff Beck playing with Jimmy Page – an amazing version of Led Zepp’s Immigrant Song, Beck’s guitar
providing the “lead vocal.”
April 14, 2009 at 11:11 pm |
Finally, the rock hall inductions are taking place here in Cleveland where they belong, not in New York. Let’s band together to keep the rock hall here.
August 25, 2009 at 1:34 am |
I did check out Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page “the immigrant song.” They really jam! You rock on Lee Jordan.