Italian
Cher and Dua Lipa electrify the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony
A night of celebration and heartfelt moments
Backstage revelations: Cher’s candid reflection
The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a night to remember, marked by dazzling performances and heartfelt acceptance speeches. Backstage, Cher provided an intimate glimpse into her journey toward acceptance, affirming, “I said I didn’t give a flying fuck if I got in.” Yet here she was, sharing the stage with Dua Lipa and exuding sheer joy, setting the tone for an event filled with gratitude and celebration.
Unique vibes and matched duets
Every Rock Hall induction carries its own flair, and the 2024 event was no exception, transforming Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse into a marathon five-and-a-half-hour concert. The atmosphere was electric, with gratitude as the central theme from presenters, performers, and inductees alike. What’s more, the night’s collaborations felt exceptionally well-matched, leaving no room for drama—Cher excluded, of course.
Cher’s powerhouse performance
Cher launched the ceremony with a powerful duet of “Believe” alongside Dua Lipa, before delivering an unforgettable solo performance of “If I Could Turn Back Time.” In her acceptance speech, she focused on themes of empowerment and resilience. Later, backstage, she elaborated on her former ambivalence towards induction, admitting: “What do I have to fucking do to be inducted into this place?” But hearts softened, and it took a nudge from David Geffen for Cher to embrace the accolade.
Heartfelt tributes and touching moments
The evening was punctuated by touching tributes and emotional performances. Mac McAnally led a subtle rendition of Jimmy Buffett’s “Come Monday” with Kenny Chesney and James Taylor, reflecting on Buffett’s aspirations and quirks about awards. Dionne Warwick, inducted for her music rather than rock ‘n’ roll per se, couldn’t contain her admiration for Teyana Taylor, who portrayed her in an upcoming biopic.
Presenters advocate for more legends
The evening’s presenters weren’t shy about advocating for other artists. Tom Morello reiterated his long-standing belief that Iron Maiden belongs in the Rock Hall, while Method Man vouched for new wave icons like Adam Ant and Billy Idol. Swiftly becoming a fan highlight, Method Man excitedly described meeting Billy Idol, marvelling at his ageless physique.
Humor and admiration in abundance
Throughout the night, humor and admiration were in full supply. Roger Daltrey and Peter Frampton shared comedic tales about their careers, and Dave Chappelle humorously acknowledged A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip for his elongated acceptance speech. Phife Dawg’s father provided charming dad jokes that had everyone chuckling, invoking the spirit and wisdom of the past generations.
James “JT” Taylor’s moving tribute
James “JT” Taylor of Kool & the Gang delivered a poignant tribute to his late mother and invoked his grandmother’s wisdom: “When you mention someone’s name in reverence, you draw their spirit into your presence.” This heartfelt moment encouraged the crowd to raise their cell phones in a touching display of solidarity and remembrance.
Standout performances
The evening’s musical performances were nothing short of spectacular. The Roots’ house band elevated sets from Cher and A Tribe Called Quest, featuring legends like Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, and Common. An instant classic unfolded when Peter Frampton and Keith Urban performed “Do You Feel Like I Do,” with Frampton wowing the audience with his signature talkbox.
Frampton’s humble moment
Backstage, Frampton reflected on his induction with humility: “I was overwhelmed when I heard that I’d been nominated,” he shared. The shock turned into excitement and a touch of fear, given the long wait. “I got very, very excited — and it scared me in a way because I knew I had to do this.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s legendary throne
Ozzy Osbourne accepted his induction seated in a fittingly badass heavy metal throne. Iconic performers paid tribute to his catalog, with Maynard James Keenan and Wolfgang Van Halen delivering a standout rendition of “Crazy Train” and Billy Idol and Steve Stevens rocking “No More Tears.”
Foreigner’s moving and raucous performance
Foreigner’s set was a mix of high-energy and heartfelt moments. Supported by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Demi Lovato delivered a roaring “Feels Like the First Time,” while Sammy Hagar tackled “Hot Blooded.” Kelly Clarkson and Lou Gramm’s duet of “I Want to Know What Love Is” added emotional depth, highlighting Gramm’s enduring vocal prowess.
Technical notes and crowd favorites
While the night was largely smooth, there were some sound mixing issues, affecting the clarity of acceptance speeches. Dionne Warwick’s mic was notably low, and live performances sounded different on the broadcast. But these minor quibbles were overshadowed by the powerful finale from the Dave Matthews Band, covering Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House” and cementing the night as one of the most solid Rock Hall inductions in recent memory.
The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is available for streaming, offering a chance for everyone to relive the memorable night.
Feel the resonance of these unforgettable moments and stay tuned for more stories and highlights that shape the world of music and entertainment.
