The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the class of 2024 is set to be a star-studded event with a somber undertone due to the loss of many of the honorees. Kool & the Gang, MC5, and Foreigner are among the bands that have lost original members, making this induction ceremony a bittersweet moment. The widow of Kool & the Gang drummer George Brown expressed sadness at the absence of other original members who have passed away, stating that they deserved the recognition.
The class of 2024 includes artists such as Peter Frampton, Cher, Mary J. Blige, Ozzy Osbourne, and Dave Matthews Band, among others. This induction class is seen as a catch-up class, reflecting recent changes in leadership within the hall. Tom Morello, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist, notes that artists like Rush, Kiss, and Stevie Ray Vaughan are now being recognized, which was not always the case in the past. Morello champions the inclusion of the MC5, who paved the way for bands like the Stooges and the Ramones.
The induction ceremony will take place at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland and will be live-streamed on Disney+. A special featuring performance highlights will air on ABC on Jan. 1. Cher and Mary J. Blige, both iconic artists with impressive careers, will help to increase the representation of women in the Hall, which has been a point of criticism. Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to being eligible for induction, and the nominees are voted on by a panel of artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
There was a strong push to get Foreigner into the Hall, with support from artists like Mark Ronson, Jack Black, Slash, and Paul McCartney. The band’s founding member, Mick Jones, has been sidelined by Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing the importance of their induction. Dionne Warwick will be honored at the ceremony, just days after attending a memorial for her friend and collaborator, Cissy Houston. A star-studded lineup of artists from various genres will be present to induct the class of 2024, further showcasing the diversity and influence of the inductees.
Last year, artists like Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, and Sheryl Crow were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of these musicians and their contributions to the world of music. The induction of new artists like the MC5 and Foreigner highlights the Hall’s efforts to recognize a broader range of influential figures in the music industry. Despite the losses suffered by many of the honorees, the ceremony promises to be a celebration of their legacies and continued influence on rock and roll music.
