We don’t subscribe to HBO. Cable is expensive enough without piling on premium channels – we are already on the highest tier, I believe. Anyway, as luck would have it, last weekend was “open” for all the premiums, and lo and behold, what was on but the 25th Anniversary of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame! I set the DVR and then forgot about it for awhile. But when I was putting away dishes that evening, I heard the incredibly sweet sound of Art Garfunkel’s voice wafting from the family room, and I followed like a rat after the Pied Piper.
I sat down on the edge of the couch, dishtowel still in hand, and watched Art and Paul singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” together, the tall, Einstein-haired tenor and his less tall, white-haired partner in song beside him. My throat swelled, and I started weeping. I was overcome by the “Sounds of Silence” and “The Boxer.” Why?
The powerful lyrics? The memories of high school? The very fact that these two mega-talented performers are still so…mega-talented? Heck, they didn’t even need girl backup singers to hit the high notes! It was emotional, let me tell you.
The line up for the show was listed as Stevie Wonder, CS&N (Big fave of mine), U2, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Simon & Garfunkel. But did they tell anyone in advance that also appearing was Mick Jagger, Sting, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, John Fogerty (CCR), Buddy Guy, Annie Lennox, Jackson Browne (another fave), Bonnie Raitt, Fergie, Ozzy Osbourne, Lou Reed, Ray Davies (Kinks), James Taylor, Patti Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Smokey Robinson… and I’m sure I’ve missed several. Oh! Billy Joel, too.
Talk about crying…Stevie Wonder paid homage to Michael Jackson, singing “The Way You Make Me Feel” – and broke down during the performance. It seemed to be triggered by the line, “My lonely days are gone.” Shiver! I cried too, just watching Stevie so broken up. But he recovered and finished the song with style.
Obviously missing was Eric Clapton, whom, I found out later, was ill. 2009 inductee Jeff Beck was hauled in as a worthy replacement. And speaking of Beck, he must sleep in formaldehyde – this guy doesn’t look a day over 40. Okay, maybe 50 (he’s 65).
Can you tell I’m excited? They really mixed it up, too, performers singing with other performers, things you’ve never seen nor ever will again.
So who was missing? Well, they couldn’t possibly have put all the inductees into one show, but missing for me was Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Steely Dan, Paul McCartney (remember him?), Carlos Santana, The Eagles, Bowie, Elton, Rod. To name a modest few, of course.
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Whew. When I go off on a tangent, I really spin out. Now a word from our sponsors.
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Okay, back to your regularly scheduled blog. I’m overdue on talking about ebook readers, so will try to fit that in later this week. BTW, on another topic, has anyone seen MJ’s “This Is It?” I’d really love to, and I’ve heard it will be out on DVD. Looking forward to seeing that. I just saw “Up” this week and what a cute movie that is! Might watch it again before it goes back into the red & white envelope.
Well, cheerio, must get dinner made…
