‘80s Icons, Metal Gods, Eminem And Dolly Rule At The ‘2022 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony’

Another year, another Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and another chance to pontificate, argue and bemoan the state of music. What is rock n’ roll, who is rock n’ roll, who deserves to be in its Hall of Fame? A cursory glance at the past several years of inductees suggests that whatever the Hall’s governing body decides is “rock n’ roll” and worthy of inclusion IS rock n’ roll and you better like it! Genre and the opinions of the fans be damned. While this has led to a diverse array of artists now standing side by side in the rock valhalla of…Cleveland, Ohio, it has also muddied the waters of rock n’ roll as an actual unique musical expression, which may or may not matter in the long run.   

The 2022 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony was held on November 5, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. The full show is currently streaming on HBO Max and sees the Hall welcoming ‘80s pop icons, metal gods, rappers, and country singers into its hallowed ranks. Having transformed years ago from a shambolic drunken industry circle jerk to a professionally staged awards show and industry circle jerk, it offers heartfelt speeches, mini-features on each artist and performances by either the inductees or those honoring them. 

The show plays as if you’re watchin it in the order it was presented though I’m not sure how much rearranging was done in post-production. Things kick off with Robert Downey Jr. looking like Stanley Tucci in a lime green suit talking about Duran Duran’s cool, sophisticated fun. When they perform, they still look great, still sound great and a room of glamorous artists, actors and models sway in approval.  

Duran Duran are but one of several ‘80s icons getting their due. Inductees Pat Benatar and her musical partner and husband Neil Giraldo show they still have rock chops in their brief set and their acceptance speeches are affectionate and touching, speaking of their family and musical life together. Janet Jackson inducts New Jack Swing architects Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and their acceptance speeches pay tribute to Minneapolis mentors The Time and Prince and addresses the needs of musical education in schools.

Former Commodore and solo star Lionel Richie gets a little help from his friends Lenny Kravitz, who inducts him, and Dave Grohl, who performs with him. Known for his post-R&B crossover ballads and heavily produced music video hits, Richie addresses the elephant in the room, saying, “Rock and roll is not a color. It is a feeling. It is a vibe…and if we let that vibe come through this room, it will grow and grow and grow.” Look around at music today, with rappers and pop stars upsetting the status quo and bringing noise and chaos into the music charts, and it’s hard to disagree.

U2‘s The Edge introduces The Eurythmics, who perform admirably, Annie Lennox having one of the great voices in pop. While songwriting partner and producer Dave Stewart looks back on the band’s glory years in his acceptance speech, Lennox talks about and musicians ability to spread love and healing, not hatred and pain, words that resonate in these complicated times. Carly Simon’s induction is highlighted by tribute performances from Sara Bareilles and a star turn by Olivia Rodrigo on “You’re So Vain.” 

Metalheads have been perennially pissed off about the Hall of Fame’s omissions but the induction this year of Judas Priest should placate the rabid hordes for a while. The grizzled leather-clad rockers deliver a show stopping onslaught, featuring three guitarists and two drummers. During their acceptance speeches, lead singer Rob Halford introduces himself as “the gay guy in the band” and notes that the metal community is one of the most-accepting in music.

Dr. Dre’s induction of former protege and 2022 inductee Eminem is part roast and part tribute, both touching and hilarious. Em takes it all in, looking speechless, amazed at the turn of events that brought him from the wrong side of Detroit into the upper echelons of the music industry. Aeromsmith’s Steven Tyler and Ed Sheeran sit in during his performance and his acceptance speech impressively runs through a literal A – Z of hip hop artists, both legendary and obscure, who helped make him the MC he is today. 

Of course, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame isn’t just about the people who make great music, it’s also about the people who make money off the people who make great music. I kid, sort of, though the Ahmet Ertegun Award literally awards not musicians but industry executives and and insiders. This year’s honorees include Sylvia Robinson of Sugar Hill Records, lawyer Allen Grubman and producer turned label chief Jimmy Iovine. 

The big story going into this year’s induction ceremony was Dolly Parton, who initially tried to rescind her invitation, stating, “I don’t feel that I have earned that right.” She was eventually persuaded to join the Class of ’22, announcing triumphantly, “I’m a rock star now,” after being introduced by Pink. One of our national treasures, she wrote a song for the occasion, “Rockin,’ before performing her classic “Jolene” with a phalanx of other singers, providing us with the unforgettable visual of Parton and Rob Halford singing back to back,  bedecked in leather from head to toe. 

Like any nearly four-hour awards show, 2022 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony is bloated, overproduced and self-important. There’s also plenty of moments that show music and music fandom at its best, whether it’s Judas Priest’s unwavering roar, Dolly Parton’s folksy purr or the 100 plus rappers Eminem shouts out in his acceptance speech. Sure, there’s plenty wrong with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the music industrial complex that supports it but when the music’s good, sometimes it’s better to just shut up and listen.

Benjamin H. Smith is a New York based writer, producer and musician. Follow him on Twitter: @BHSmithNYC.