COLUMBUS, Ohio — The “house that rock built” will soon be home to a shiny new plaque honoring each of the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
And some of the soon-to-be members joined hundreds of fans Friday to help dedicate the display.
“Getting nominated is one thing,” said singer/songwriter/guitarist Peter Frampton. “Getting inducted is something I didn’t believe would ever happen. And I’m totally overwhelmed.”
Frampton’s breakthrough 1976 live album, "Frampton Comes Alive!," is among Rolling Stone’s Greatest Live Albums of All Time.
During the ceremony in the plaza outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Frampton said he always looks forward to playing concerts in Cleveland, calling it a major rock and roll city, while thanking fans for their support through the years.
“You are the ones who made this happen and I’ll keep on thanking you,” he said. “So thanks again.”
Other artists in attendance included R&B singer/songwriter Mary J. Blige, whose first major studio album was released in 1992. She said her induction into the Rock Hall was a “long time coming.”
“It's been a long time coming, and my fans know what I mean,” she said. “But we came, we saw, we conquered, we here.”
Youngstown, Ohio, native Robert “Kool” Bell from Kool and the Gang fame gave thanks to those who voted the band in to receive the honor, 60 years after the group first started playing while former lead singer for the R&B funk band, J.T. Taylor, congratulated all their fellow inductees.
“You build this repertoire, you have this great catalog, but you never think you’re going to be here,” Taylor said. “You don’t really plan for that. You just do what you do best.”
The group’s 1980 hit “Celebration” brought fans to their feet and got the crowd singing along after the plaque was revealed.
Many people in the audience were wearing shirts and gear representing their favorite inductees, with a lot of swag showing support for the Dave Matthews Band, the only live band to have seven consecutive albums debut at Number One.
“I love all of his messaging and his songs,” said Abigail Sirevaag, who traveled with her husband from Saint Louis to attend this year’s induction events. “I’m a very carpe diem kinda girl, so love the seizing the day, enjoying music."
Matthews, speaking on behalf of his group, told the crowd he was humbled to be recognized by the Rock Hall this year among some of his personal heroes.
“I don't want to say worship because that then, that thing is getting uncomfortable,” he said. “But there are people that were a huge part of my life that are up here.”
While this year’s Ahmet Ertegun Award recipient isn’t musically inclined, Suzanne de Passe paved the way for women in the music business as one of the first female executives. She said she stood on stage as a non-performer who was given the chance to perform in another way.
“Berry Gordy gave me an opportunity, and it changed my life,” she said. “And because of that, I was able to help change other people’s lives.”
Everyone selected for induction into 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be recognized at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Saturday night when they’re officially inducted into the Rock Hall. The event will be streamed live on Disney+ beginning at 7 p.m.
Performer Category:
- Mary J. Blige
- Cher
- Dave Matthews Band
- Foreigner
- Peter Frampton
- Kool & The Gang
- Ozzy Osbourne
- A Tribe Called Quest
Musical Influence Award:
- Alexis Korner
- John Mayall
- Big Mama Thornton
Musical Excellence Award:
- Jimmy Buffett
- MC5
- Dionne Warwick
- Norman Whitfield
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
- Suzanne de Passe