Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…Finale

Looking at the playbill after Jeff Beck had left the stage I noticed that we only had two more headliners to go,  Metallica and U2.

With appropriate heavy metal bluster Metallica took the stage with ear-splitting prowess.  Originally the organizers of the event wanted Led Zeppelin to carry the hard rock part of the show and were pretty much turned down flat by the remaining members of the group.  Thus it came to be that metal’s chosen heirs came to New York representing  every thing that embodies teenage angst and rebellion.

Opening with For Whom the Bell Tolls, the heavy drumbeat thumping into my chest with some force. Then into One and Turn the Page, before bringing out New York Native Lou Reed.

By their own admission Metallica does not play well with others, and did not automatically grasp the “Jam” concept for the show.  However when they learned whom they were to be teamed up with it all made sense, claimed lead singer Lars Ulrich.  It was their job to become the backing band for their Rock and Roll Elders.

Lou Reed emerged onto the stage in a Deja Vu invoking cheer of “LOOOOO”, thinking back to the “BOOOO’s” that greeted Bruce Springsteen the night before.  He appeared totally at ease with Metallica and the crowd as he lead  off with Sweet Jane.  White Heat/White Light followed in a similar rocked up fashion.

Lou Reed leads Metallica

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Night One..Part 2

After Simon and Garfunkel finished taking the audience on a whirlwind trip back in time another short break was required to prepare for the next act.

Stevie Wonder, was led to his electric piano to a welcoming applause, the house lights dimmed and his backing band filed in behind. Everyone was ready for a rocking ride on the soul train.  Stevie assumed his standard pose behind the keys rocking rhythmically, apparently to himself.  Something had gone terribly wrong the man had no sound!  Time Passed as techs raced around the stage checking cables.  Stevie, visibly agitated, began tapping his mike listening for any hint of sound.

After what seemed like an eternity, Stevie’s Piano came to life.  He smiled as he brought the mike to his face.  “Aw Shit, Stuff Happens” he pronounced, his backing band still without power.  So being the true showman that he is, he starts in to Blowing in the Wind with what little back up he has.

Stevie Wonder with No Sound