The big takeaway from the four hour plus Rock Hall induction show tonight: Elton John announced he and Bernie Taupin had just completed a new album for release next year.He promised that it would be bigger and better than anything we could imagine.
By the time Elton played a sublime piano version of “Tiny Dancer” as a tribute to his collaborator and lyricist of 56 years, I was ready to write a rave review of the show broadcast live on Disney Plus. We’d hit the three hour mark. But it turns out there was more to come. Jimmy Page inducted Link Wray and played ‘The Rumble.” Okay. Then there was an In Memoriam segment that left out no one, followed by a beautiful rendition of “The Weight” for the late Robbie Robertson. Elton, Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard, and Chris Stapleton should have closed the show.
But no– there was more. Heading into the fourth hour, Rage Against the Machine had to be inducted, although three of the band’s four members didn’t show up. Then Queen Latifah did a filibuster to induct Missy Elliott. Going into the 5th hour, Elliott is performing “Get Ur Freak On.” Are people in the Barclay Center still alive? Who knows. I am so glad I watched this from home on Disney Plus, where you can watch it tomorrow. God bless.
Before the third hour ended, kudos to the producers. Speeches were articulate and passionate. The stories of the inductees were all fascinating. I loved seeing Chaka Khan, and also The Spinners, with a salute to Don Cornelius, of “Soul Train.” The two surviving Spinners made it to Brooklyn, and New Edition was phenomenal singing their songs.
But more is more, not less.
Some other thoughts in the morning.
This show had more endings than the third Lord of the Rings movie!.@eltonofficial‘s music + #BernieTaupin‘s lyrics = simply a masterpiece. Watch Elton’s poignant performance of “Tiny Dancer” in honor of his musical partner, Bernie.
Stream #RockHall2023 NOW on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/Wsh879gwut— Rock Hall (@rockhall) November 4, 2023
