The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame held a ceremony at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Monday, March 15, to induct Jimmy Cliff, Genesis, The Stooges, The Hollies and Swedish pop group ABBA into the class of 2010. The event aired live on Fuse TV network.
Phish opened the show by paying tribute to Genesis with their rendition of “Watcher of the Skies” – see video below. Genesis members Phil Collins, Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett took the stage. Missing from the group was Peter Gabriel.
Phish musician Trey Anastasio said of Genesis, “Every musical rule and boundary was questioned and broken. It’s impossible to overstate what impact this band and musical philosophy had on me as a young musician. I’m forever in their debt.”
Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong was on hand for the induction of punk band The Stooges. Members Iggy Pop, Scott Asheton and James Williamson took the stage, and paid tribute to deceased bandmates Ron Asheton and Dave Alexander.
Iggy said: “I think it’s Fitzgerald who said there are no second acts in American life…this particular group of friends had the luxury of a second act, so thanks.”
On hand to accept the award for the Swedish pop group ABBA were Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson. Country singer Faith Hill performed their hit “The Winner Takes It All, with accompaniment by Andersson on piano.
The Hollies were inducted by E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt. During the group’s acceptance speeches, Graham Nash exclaimed, “What a trip this has been — amazing.”
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff was inducted by Wyclef Jean. Cliff said, “Reggae music is a music that was not conceived by the United States like most of the music forms that we know…so to be standing here with you today…is a great honor.”
Check out our Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010 gallery and video below:
Photos: WENN