More than 250 people turned out to the Rock Hall this week for the simulcast of the inductions from the Waldorf in New York. The ceremony itself was serviceable, although not quite as enjoyable as past inductions. The Ventures, the Dave Clark Five, Leonard Cohen, Madonna, and John Mellencamp were enshrined this year. The highlights included Damien Rice’s performance of Cohen’s “Hallelujah” (above); Cohen’s self-deprecating and funny acceptance speech—quoting Jon Landau at one point, “I have seen the face of rock and roll, and it is not Leonard Cohen”; Billy Joel’s expletive-laced introduction of Johnny Cougar; and the shirtless Iggy Pop sitting on the lap of some dapper gentleman in a suit during his performance of Madonna songs. ...
