For the first time, I watched the induction ceremony of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as it happened. The event was broadcast live on VH1 Classic, but the lack of television-friendly production values made it feel like watching a mix of MTV and C-SPAN. The time-filling "classic performance" clips from previous years didn't help. Still, it was a more entertaining broadcast than the Oscars. (Here's a recap.)
Patti Smith and R.E.M. were great — older and creakier, but still reflective of the form that earned them the Hall of Fame honor. Their Stooges cover rocked, and the all-star version of Smith's "People of the Power" was indeed a powerful moment.
But where was Van Halen? They finally get some respect (even Michael Stipe acknowledged them in his acceptance speech), but only ousted members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony showed up for the induction. They were gracious if not eloquent. The principals, however, were painfully absent. Eddie Van Halen is in rehab, and apparently David Lee Roth was miffed that no one would perform "Jump" with him. What an embarrassment.
This was the chance for Van Halen to cash in on the nostalgic goodwill in people (like me) who hated the band when it was at its arrogant peak 25 years ago (like me). I would have loved to have seen a Roth-Hagar duet.
Eddie and Diamond Dave blew it. I don't hate them anymore. I actually pity them.
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