The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony struck the right chord at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, on October 19, 2024. The event, filled with gratitude, music, and heartfelt speeches, celebrated the new inductees including legends like Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Mary J. Blige, and more. Hosts and presenters brought urgency and emotion to the evening, setting the stage for memorable performances and touching tributes.
This year, the ceremony witnessed Cher taking center stage alongside Dua Lipa for the opening performance, where the two sang 'Believe'. Cher, who had previously expressed indifference toward her induction, opened her heart during the night. Backstage, she candidly shared her previous frustrations about not being inducted, confirming, “I said I didn’t give a flying fuck if I got in.” Yet as she looked at the talent with whom she was inducted, her sentiment shifted. “I got really softened when I heard the people… people I admire,” she explained, attributing some words of encouragement to David Geffen, her former boyfriend.
Following Cher, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne received the honor of being inducted as a solo artist, adding to his recognition as part of Black Sabbath back in 2006. Osbourne, celebrated as the 'Prince of Darkness,' expressed his immense gratitude to fans, stating, “My fans have been so loyal to me over the years. I cannot thank them enough.” Jack Black introduced him humorously, highlighting the more affectionate side of Osbourne's personality, diverging from the dark persona often ascribed to him.
The crowd, which hit full capacity at 20,000 attendees, cheered loudly as Osbourne, who has faced health issues lately, sat comfortably on his iconic bat-shaped throne. His emotional acknowledgment of Randy Rhoads, the iconic guitarist who had greatly influenced his solo career, brought cheers and applause from the audience.
Another highlight of the night involved Mary J. Blige, who became the essence of emotional reflections on the significance of the moment. Inducted by none other than fellow artists Dr. Dre and Method Man, Blige expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m not surprised by how moved I was... you just want to cry… and just stay in a state of gratitude.” The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul also shared insights about her new single, 'You Ain’t the Only One', likening her struggles to those of her fans.
Foreigner’s induction, though bittersweet due to the absence of founding member Mick Jones, who watched from home, remained committed to paying tribute to him. The band conveyed their dedication to delivering the performance Jones would have wanted. Current members, along with original frontman Lou Gramm, asserted, “We wish he was here, but we understand why he isn’t.” Jones's children celebrated alongside the audience, honoring his legacy.
The night was lightened with amusing moments, as comedians and fellow musicians injected humor throughout the ceremony. Dave Chappelle brought laughter as he teased the lengthy speeches of A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip. Method Man shared his admiration for Mary J. Blige, tagged with anecdotes about their growth and evolution within the music industry. He humorously reminisced about meeting Billy Idol and finding joy even where he least expected it.
Among the energetic performances, Ozzy’s supporters left the crowd wanting more, as country superstar Jelly Roll infused his talent with renditions of classic Osbourne hits such as 'Mama, I’m Coming Home'. Other performances featured Maynard James Keenan singing 'Crazy Train', and Billy Idol rocking out to 'No More Tears' with some of the night’s biggest names
Cher and Dua Lipa performed together during the induction ceremony.
The diverse lineup not only showcased the talent of inductees but also illustrated the passion and dedication each artist brought to the stage. It was more than just acceptance speeches; it was about creating moments, celebrating achievements, and encouraging those who still strive for recognition.
The night concluded with heartwarming yet funny remarks by Kool & the Gang’s James “JT” Taylor, who touched upon the memory of his late mother, invoking audience reverence. Their music, deeply personal yet universally relatable, commanded attention, leaving everyone on their feet.
The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was not just about the performances but also about the relationships built over years of professionalism and camaraderie. The event reinforced the idea of community within the music world and celebrated the trailblazers who, through their contributions, shaped the sound of generations.
With this star-studded event, the music community looks forward, not only to honoring past legends but also to recognizing future hits yet to come. While many artists received their much-deserved accolades, the night prophesied the continued growth of music and its legacy.
“We’re really proud of the community we’ve built and the music we’ve created,” summarized Method Man, echoing sentiments shared across the evening as performers rejoiced together and fans cheered their legends, concluding the marathon event with promised memories for years to come.
