HEY! HEY! HEY! Whatcha got to say about The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a Top Twenty Day, and the Power of Music?

 It only took 40 years and 984 miles to get where I always knew I wanted to be. And what a day, and night, and day again it was.
 
Readers of both the Avery & Angela series, and my other more personal works will know that music is a constant in my writing, as it’s always been in my life.
 
“There’s always music playing,” a friend of one of my children once said as they were visiting our home,years ago.
 
“Yeah, my dad always does that,” my child replied.
 
“It’s cool, I like it!” their friend said as they bounded off to do whatever it was they were into at that moment. I want to say it was My Little Pony, but despite the fact that friendship indeed IS Magic, I don’t exactly recall. I remember several times that my children's friends commented in a similar way, but that moment stuck with me.
 
I, on the other hand, put my hand on the counter in the kitchen and took a deep, cleansing breath, basking in the realization that maybe, just maybe, I was actually accomplishing a thing or two as a parent. I think all parents have those moments.
 
Music was a huge part of my childhood, and it was an even larger part of the way that I was able to define and understand my parents as a kid. It meant even more later as both of them died far younger than they should have. We were not a family that had a video recorder and so there aren't home movies I can revisit. I don’t know if I have a recording of my father’s voice. He died when I was seventeen. I think that somewhere there is a tape when I was recording one of my first attempts at songwriting and he interrupted me and his voice appeared, but I haven’t had the chance to go through all of the cassettes from the late 1980’s yet.
 
But this post isn’t about me. This post is about way cooler stuff like Kool & the Gang, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, (and my recently ended boycott of it) and more. As with most of these sorts of posts, I don’t entirely know where this is going to head, but it’s been way to long since I’ve written a blog post and my staff in the Four Leaf Publishing home office has essentially told me that if I can’t blog about this past weekend, I should simply delete the blog section and focus on finishing the latest novel that is now three years past deadline.
 
They aren’t wrong to shame me about the deadline.
 
But I guess I should start with Kool & the Gang. As a kid growing up in New Jersey, I always cared a little bit more about the home state bands. Even today I point out to anyone in earshot that they, like Bruce, Southside Johnny, the Smithereens, the Four Seasons, Blues Traveler, Bon Jovi, Sugarhill Gang, Gaslight Anthem, Sinatra, Whitney Houston, and of course the Simpletons, are FROM NEW JERSEY!
 
I’m sure people are sick of hearing about it, but watch me not care.
 
Kool & the Gang were my favorite as a kid. I fell in love with songs like “Too Hot,” “Misled,” “Get Down on It,” “Fresh,” “Joanna,” and even deeper cuts like “Tonight” and “Stone Love.” I wrote about my awakening to their earlier work like “Spirit of the Boogie,” and “Open Sesame” in an earlier column, and that awakening was significant to me for a number of reasons that you can read about HERE.
 
But, shockingly, I am veering off topic here. Suffice it to say, they were among my top three favorite bands of my childhood and remain up there to this day.
 
As a music fan who spent four years living in Ohio, I had thought about visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum for years, but for a variety of reasons, usually the fact that none of my friends in Ohio had the slightest interest in checking it out with me, it just never happened. I’d follow the inductions from afar, and later when they started taking fan input, I began lobbying for my guys from Jersey. I remember writing actual letters, then emails, then later when they couldn’t even seem to get on the ballot, I began a personal boycott of the Hall and began a regular series of petulant posts on social media. Over the years I added other artists to my rants, including Carole King, the E Street Band, Big Mama Thornton, A Tribe Called Quest, and The Smiths, and to date, all of them are in, except for The Smiths, so I guess I’ve got some further work to do there, but my main mission was always about Kool. And the Gang of course. I wasn’t going to step foot into that beautiful museum or spend a dollar on their website until they at least made the ballot and let the fans decide.
 
I know I’m one guy with a limited platform and that I really had nothing to do with their eventual selection, but it felt good to shake my fist at that metaphorical cloud.
 
When Kool & the Gang were nominated, I sprang into action, voting as often as was allowed and sharing with my limited platform on multiple occasions. I watched the voting closely, and soon, it looked like they had a chance. When they were finally chosen, I was beyond thrilled and immediately began looking at ways to go see them perform at the ceremony. I’m embarrassed to admit that despite the fact that they were my favorite, I’d never seen them perform live, for a variety of reasons.
 
And here’s where we cue the “needle on the record scratch hold everything sound.” We looked at ticket prices and logistics to try to make it happen, and after a month of really trying to make it work, I was sadly forced to give up the idea of attending. Again, there were real-life reasons for this, and while I was disappointed, I accepted it and moved on. Months ago. I figured we’d make a night of watching the show, which was at least airing live this year as opposed to three months later as it has in years past. So, I moved on.
 
And then, a few weeks ago I got a message from my pal, one of the real heroes of the story here asking out of the blue if I still wanted tickets to the show. And not only that, would I like it if they were free? Not wanting to get my hopes up too high, I replied, “Say more.”
 
Long story short, he has a friend who works at the Hall and had a pair of tickets to the event that he couldn’t use and isn’t allowed to sell. So they were mine if I wanted them. Logistics were adjusted, plans were made, and the next thing I knew, I was walking into the arena down to the third row, dead center with my eldest, who you may remember from earlier. Playing all that music to her as a kid has surely stuck, as we’ve gone to a lot of shows together over the years. She was as excited as I was.
 
So, how was the actual show?
 
The show itself was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience as in addition to Kool & the Gang, Big Mama Thornton and Jersey’s own A Tribe Called Quest were being inducted. It was a LONG night, the show itself taking nearly six hours. But it was really something. Except for Big Mama and Jimmy Buffett, I’m going to limit my remarks to the main performers, although I enjoyed the video packages on each of the other inductees. I’m already at 1400 words and have to keep moving. I highly recommend checking out the show in Disney+ or searching up clips on Youtube.
 
Cher was the first inductee, and Dua Lipa came out first, performing her version of “Believe,” before Cher joined her, both singers absolutely destroying. Zendaya came out next to do the formal induction, leading my eldest to scream “OH MY GOD!” so loud that it may have made the broadcast. Cher’s speech was one of the best of the evening and she performed “Turn Back Time,” and the night was off to a really strong start.
 
Chuck D came out next and called out “HEY, HEY, HEY!” and I knew that the moment I’d been waiting for had arrived. His speech about the Kool & the Gang was awesome, heartfelt and smooth, as only Chuck D can be. We were already on our feet during the video package and there was a sense of movement everywhere. I’d wondered how many songs they’d get to do. I wondered if they’d focus just on the music featuring lead singer JT. I wondered what it would feel like to finally, FINALLY, see Jersey’s own play the Rock Hall. As the video package ended, Chuck said, “Hey, I don’t know about y’all but I couldn’t stop movin’ up here. I see you all shakin’ and movin’ in your seats.” And he was right. They weren’t even playing yet and I could feel the concrete beneath my feet pulsating, not for the last time all night.
 
When the lights came up and the horns blasted out the opening to “Hollywood Swinging,” I was instantly transported. I was that little kid again, sitting in my room with my little boom box, somehow trying to make sense of the world around me. Or maybe I was avoiding the world around me that day, but regardless, I saw, for the briefest of moments that little kid, and all the versions of myself that brought me to there to this exact moment, in Cleveland, with my eldest dancing along beside me with the pure, unadulterated joy that can only come from sharing the power of music.
 
I am not ashamed at all to admit that it was powerfully emotional. When they transitioned into “Get Down On It,” I realized that they were giving us a medley, and I was thrilled, as it meant we were likely to get a little taste of everything. With JT sauntering to the center of the stage, I was just locked into the moment, so much so that I only learned yesterday watching the broadcast that Philly’s own The Roots were on the stage playing with them, which is so outrageously cool for me that I can’t believe I missed it. I mean, I was focused on JT and Kool, but how did I miss the tuba and Questlove? on drums? Ladies Night leading into Jungle Boogie was almost too much. The floor literally shook. When the familiar guitar lick that opens “Celebration,” kicked in, we knew we were heading home, but when they shot off the confetti, honestly, it was just too cool. It really felt like a party where everyone was invited, everyone had fun, and no one felt awkward or self-conscious.
 
I think that’s maybe one of music’s greatest powers: that sense of liberation. I know I feel that every time I see Springsteen live and spend those three hours going somewhere else, singing and dancing without care or regard for anything other than where the music is taking me. It’s the most free I ever feel in my life. We saw Bruce last month and I remember saying to the friends we’d brought with us as the show was starting, “I’ll see you in a few hours. Have fun.” I felt very much that same way watching Kool & the Gang tear down the Rocket Farms Arena. And yes, we got some confetti to take home as a keepsake.
 
Quite simply, their performance was one of the greatest spectacles I’ve ever seen. I got a little geeked up just writing all that above, so that’s cool.
 
Dionne Warwick was next. I’d forgotten how many hits she had. Jennifer Hudson sang “I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” and Ms. Dionne joined her and then did “Walk on By” on her own. Very solid and again, heartfelt. Hudson is powerful.
 
Foreigner was next and again I had that moment where I thought, “I forgot how many great songs they have.” The original band does not perform together anymore, so if you’ve seen them in the last decade or so, you saw their touring version. At the show they were playing with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Slash on guitar, Demi Lovato and Sammy Hagar (who was super awkward in his induction speech) on vocals, and then Kelly Clarkson singing “I Want to Know What Love Is,” joined by original frontman Lou Gramm, who absolutely went for the high notes without reservation. It was a really strong performance, and the chance to see Slash play live was a real treat. Kelly Clarkson can really sing.
 
The Who’s Roger Daltrey came out next and where Sammy Hagar was awkward talking about Foreigner, Roger seemed like a roastmaster. He was funny and clever and sincere in talking about his friend Peter Frampton. I know Frampton’s health hasn’t been great, but he still tours. Once I saw the “talk box” on stage, I knew we were likely to get “Do you Feel like We Do,” which is an all time favorite of mine on “Frampton Comes Alive,” but I didn’t really know what to expect. He played a song I didn’t totally recognize, but he sang and played it well before inviting Keith Urban out to play with him. They sat next to one another and as Frampton plucked out the opening notes of “Do you Feel…” the building erupted. What ensued was easily among my top three moments of the night. He played through a blistering version of the song. Frampton owned the room, putting his ear up occasionally when he wanted the audience to sing the next line, which we did without fail. Each time he sang “Do you…” we all pointed to the stage and sang back “YOU!” as though we had prearranged it.
 
I didn’t realize how good a guitar player Urban is, but midway through the song, they were trading licks and it was simply phenomenal. I still say that the only thing better than a drum battle at a live show is a guitar battle between two masters. Someone always bows down, and Urban nodded to the master. By the time he got to the talk box and started speaking to us though the guitar, it almost felt like too much. His performance should be mandatory listening to anyone who wants to play guitar. Wildly exceeded expectations. I joined his mailing list immediately as I want a chance to see him live again. I channeled my eldest’s “OH MY GOD” from earlier.
 
The ovation he received was much louder and longer in person than the broadcast does justice. Bryan Adams sent in a live stream from his show where his whole audience cheered congratulations to Peter.
 
When Roger ceded the podium to Peter, he screamed, “That’s what you call a rock star!” Well said, Mr. Daltrey. If that had been the end of the night, I would have gone home fully satisfied. I was drained from clapping so hard. I felt like I needed a nap.
 
But wait! There’s MORE!
 
They played the video package for the legendary Big Mama Thornton next. It was excellent but I was very disappointed that they didn’t have someone perform one of her songs. I know it was already a long show, but I think she warranted at least one song. They gave Jimmy Buffett two songs. I’d been thinking all week about who could perform such a tribute and what they’d sing. I’d settled on Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes performing “Ball and Chain,” but alas, they didn’t give us that. That may be my most sincere criticism of the event. There were a lot of Parrotheads there for sure, but I think they missed an opportunity to celebrate an African-American woman who was an absolute pioneer while giving Jimmy Buffett a very nice tribute. Big Mama’s video was three minutes long. Jimmy’s video, induction speech by James Taylor, and one performance by Dave Matthews and a second by Taylor, Kenny Chesney, and Buffett bandmate Mac McAnally took about seventeen minutes. I think it was a bad look.
 
Dave Chappelle coming out to induct A Tribe Called Quest was a great choice. His speech was solid, including quoting a Chinese proverb that he leaned into during a difficult time in his own life: “The best meal you can cook is made with ingredients that you already have.” I liked that. He talked about how the band made themselves into something great by using what they had, and that was friendship. Well said.
 
The acceptance speeches were a little awkward. The late great Phife Dog’s dad had some comical moments at the end. It was an unanswered question as to whether or not Q-Tip and Jairobi would perform. Ali was not in attendance. I believe they’ve only performed as a group once after Phife died, (On SNL, an absolutely transcendent performance) and I’d be curious to know what their reasoning was, though it’s not my business. At first as they were wrapping up and it was clear that Tip and Jairobi were walking off stage, I began to wonder if we were getting a performance at all.
 
I need not have worried. Chappelle then told us that we would be hearing from a collective featuring The Roots, including Black Thought, Jersey’s own Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Common, and Busta Rhymes.
 
When they launched into “Can I Kick it?” the building began to bounce in a way that it hadn’t all night.  “Bonita Applebaum” was fun and the energy was building steadily until Busta came out and they traded verses leading up to “Scenario” and I thought the roof would come off the building when we all called out “OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD!” along with Busta.
 
It was super hot and the audience was into everything that they did. It felt like a fitting tribute and the performance was flawless. They didn’t show it in the arena but on the broadcast I saw Q-Tip and Jairobi and their families enjoying the performance a lot and that makes me feel like whatever their reasons were, they felt at peace with it and good for them. I could tell how much they missed Phife. This is easily in my top three moments of the night. I love listening to their albums now more than ever. They were so innovative and fun and I always hear something different.
 
Dr. Dre and Method Man came out next to induct Mary J. Blige. I know she’s super talented, but to be honest, I’ve never really listened to her music much. I enjoyed her performance a lot, but she’s just not an artist I have much connection to. Her fans were super loud, and her speech clearly showed how much her fans and the honor meant to her.
 
After the “In Memoriam” video, Jack Black arrived to induct Ozzy Osbourne. His speech was excellent. Black is always a fan first when it comes to the things that he cares about. It was clear how genuinely he loves and reveres Ozzy. His reflections of what Ozzy and metal meant to him reminds me of how I’ve felt about certain artists over my life, like Kool & the Gang, among others. That moment when you hear something for the first time, and you know that something has changed in you after having heard it. His speech was well-written and delivered with passion. Awesome all around.
 
Ozzy’s health has been poor, but he was there, resplendent on a gigantic throne of darkness. His speech was short, clearly emotional for him. His tribute to Randy Rhoads, and his wife and grandkids was cool, and you could tell on the broadcast that he was feeling the moment.
 
The performance to honor him was star-studded and super fun. Chad Smith back on Drums, Metallica's Robert Trujillo, Billy Idol, Jelly Roll, Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, Wolfgang Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, Steve Stevens, and Adam Wakeman.
 
Before they launched into “Crazy Train,” Ozzy gamely screamed out the “ALL ABOARD, HAHAHAH….” And the place went nuts. It was super fun, but I found it odd to hear other voices singing those songs. It’s a testament to the unique voice and style that Ozzy has perfected over the last fifty years. Jelly Roll (who seems to be everywhere lately) took lead vocals for “Mama I’m Comin’ Home” which was very cool before both singers gave way to Billy Idol, who still looks like he could kick every ass in the room for a blistering “No More Tears.” It was a lot of fun. Zakk Wylde still shreds on guitar. Ozzy watched the performance from his throne with Jack Black standing with him and the musicians all came over to pay tribute to him on their way off stage. He’s an important figure in music and it was fun seeing him honored for who he grew into after leaving Hall of Famers Black Sabbath.
 
Oh, then Julia Roberts came out to induct Dave Matthews Band. We didn’t know she was there as we didn’t see the same feed as the broadcast, where she and loads of other stars were featured. So when she came out, that was a surprise.
 
I’m kind of meh on DMB to be honest. I like a few songs and think I still own the “Crash” CD, but I will give that fan base their due. They came out in huge numbers and were super loud. They were by far the loudest fan base of the night. I think of their fans like I would those of the Grateful Dead and Phish: super loyal, celebrate the entire catalog, travel well, and know everything about the artists.

Kind of like me with Bruce, just with music that’s less awesome. 😉
 
I’ll take some heat for that, but I’m kidding. Kind of. I think. I'm not really. Bruce is better.
 
Dave spoke for the band and seemed genuinely moved and appreciative of the honor and the fan support. Their set was solid. They played some songs I like and then added an encore where they celebrated Talking Heads by playing, “Burning Down the House.” That was probably my favorite part of their performance. I sang along with everyone else on “Ants Marching,” and a few others and they were good. Just not a band I’m that into, but they won the fan vote for this year, and I think a lot of those voters came to the show. Good for him and good for them.
 
And then we were done. Show started just before 7 and ended after midnight. I got my eldest back to her dorm after 2 am and I got back to my hotel not long after. I drove home the next morning and after nearly 1,000 miles in three days, I’m wrapping up this blog, my first in too long a time, sharing my thoughts.
 
In the end, it will likely go down as a top 20 day of all time. I’ll have to give that some thought when I have some distance from it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event where I really got to check off some bucket list items, and share an amazing experience with that kid who’s been into music since she was a kid. All those years being the house where, “there’s always music playing” is a legacy I embrace, and all three of mine have mentioned it over the years.
 
Live music is special and important. You should go see it more. There’s really something to that shared experience that is transformative.
 
I think I’ve covered it all except for this:
 
In the end, my top three performances:
1)    Kool and the Gang
2)    A Tribe Called Quest Tribute
2a) Peter Frampton
 
My top three induction speeches:
1)    Roger Daltrey inducting Frampton
2)    Chuck D inducting Kool & the Gang
3)    Dave Chappelle Inducting Tribe
 
My Top three Artist Acceptance Speeches:
1)    Cher
2)    Frampton
3)    Ozzy
 
Thanks for reading. Please watch the broadcast or clips and let me know what you think. In the end, music, especially when shared together in person, is powerful. It’s transformative. I think it’s something that our world needs more of right now. 

And for a kid from Jersey, to finally see my home state artists honored on the highest stage that there is, it was truly, truly satisfying. 

Now, let’s get to work on getting The Smiths, Ella Fitzgerald, and John Coltrane in the Hall next year. Yes, there are other worthy artists that deserve consideration as well. But those are the ones I’m going to focus on now that I admittedly got so much this weekend. 

I have no problem asking for more.

Especially Coltrane. That's long, long overdue. Gonna have to write a letter.