Amber Nordberg
Every year the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts a select amount of artists who have influenced the music industry and helped morph it into what it is today. This year five performing acts and one producer were honored and inducted. Among them were Cheap Trick, Chicago, Deep Purple, Steve Miller, N.W.A. and Bert Berns.
The show started with the induction of Deep Purple. The band is best known for their smash hit “Smoke on the Water” and “Hush”, both which they performed. Next to be awarded the honor was Steve Miller who performed “Rock ‘n Me” and “The Joker”.
The night then took a turn to remember the late producer and music guru, Bert Berns. Although not a household name, Berns was one of the most influential writer/ producers to ever have been in the industry. Some of his songs were recorded and made famous by artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin. Berns found and signed artists like Van Morrison and Neil Diamond to his record label. He believed in artists when no one else did.
N.W.A took the stage next. Although they opted not to perform, their speeches will be remembered for ages. Remembering their late friend and member of N.W.A Eazy-E. They thanked those who stood by and believed in them, when every one else was against. One line from Ice Cube’s speech resonated with artists and musicians alike.
“Rock and roll is not an instrument. Rock and roll is not even a style of music. Rock and roll is a spirit. . . . And what connects us all is that spirit.”
Following N.W.A was Chicago. Performing their classics “Saturday in the Park” and “25 or 6 to 4” with their beautifully sounding horn section as always.
To end the night, Cheap Trick was the last to be inducted in 2016. The wacky and always hilarious group performed “I Want You To Want Me” and “Surrender” After their last song all the performers and presenters hopped on stage to perform Cheap Trick’s cover of “Ain’t That A Shame”.
Although there has been a bit on controversy with artists who have been ‘snubbed’ a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we believe all the artists who were inducted tonight deserved the honor. We want to say thank you for the years of wonderful music you have given generations of the past, present and future to enjoy.
