The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony kicked off with a vibrant celebration of pop and funk on Saturday, as Dua Lipa and Cher performed a stirring rendition of “Believe.” The stage then welcomed the funk legends Kool & the Gang, along with rock classics from Foreigner and Peter Frampton, culminating in a powerful performance by gospel icon Dionne Warwick, who brought down the house at the age of 83.
This year’s class of inductees also included music giants Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Ozzy Osbourne, and the Dave Matthews Band, as well as posthumous honors for Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Norman Whitfield, and Big Mama Thornton.
The ceremony was held at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, which the Hall plans to return to every few years. Highlights from the event will be featured in a TV special airing on ABC on January 1.
Roger Daltrey of The Who inducted Peter Frampton, exclaiming, “It’s about bloody time!” He lauded Frampton’s illustrious career, noting it would be easier to list those he hasn’t collaborated with. Frampton’s induction was largely attributed to the success of his 1976 live double album, Frampton Comes Alive!, which included hits like “Show Me the Way” and “Baby, I Love Your Way.” A beaming Frampton brought Keith Urban on stage to perform “Do You Feel Like I Do,” showcasing his renowned guitar skills through the famous talk box effect. “I really am a lucky guy to have this amazing career,” he remarked, expressing gratitude to David Bowie for revitalizing his professional life.
Before the Dave Matthews Band’s induction, Matthews honored the late Jimmy Buffett with an acoustic performance of “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” James Taylor followed, describing Buffett as “larger-than-life but at the same time right-sized and always authentic.” Taylor, along with Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally, then performed Buffett’s beloved song “Come Monday.”
To qualify for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. Nominees were selected through a voting process involving over 1,000 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
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