The induction ceremony at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame might well have been renamed "The Brit Awards" after English acts proudly rocked the house. The Police, The Clash and Elvis Costello And The Attractions led the honours, once again confirming the UK's Cool Britannia moniker.
Australia's AC/DC and crooners The Righteous Brothers were also honoured at the 18th annual induction in New York, but it was the Brits who dominated proceedings.
Sting reunited with old bandmates Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland to perform together for the first time in 18 years. Aerosmith's Steve Tyler and No Doubt's Gwen Stefani took to the stage with them in a cross-generational rock performance. It seemed to be a dream come true for Gwen, who proudly showed off a photograph of herself receiving an autograph from the Police frontman at age 13.
The personality clashes that famously led to the break-up of the band in the mid 1980s seemed long forgotten as the legendary trio came together once more. "I'd like to make it very clear that there is absolutely no ego in our band, whatsoever," joked guitarist Andy Summers.
Last December's tragic death of Clash vocalist Joe Strummer ruled out hopes of them performing together at the event. The band's message of political consciousness and rebellion was ably carried forward, however, as U2 guitarist The Edge and Audioslave's Tom Morello performed with the surviving members of the band.
The seminal group's left wing views were also represented as a succession of artists voiced their opposition to war in Iraq. ``Tonight we're having a good time,'' said iconic rocker Neil Young. ``But we're going to kill a lot of people next week. Let's not forget about that ... We're making a huge mistake.''
Elvis Costello meanwhile made a musical plea for restraint, performing What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding. His peaceable sentiments didn't bring about a reunion with former bandmate Bruce Thomas, however. The pair have shared a long-running and characteristically rock 'n' roll feud, though Elvis still tours with the other two members of the band. On receiving his gong, Bruce said "thanks for the memories - that's it," and promptly walked out of the door.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
