A&M Records founders Herb Alpert (left) and Jerry Moss accept their Lifetime Achievement Awards
Black Sabbath (from L to R): Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler
Blondie (from L to R): Clem Burke, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein
Metallica (from L to R): Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo and James Hetfield
The sounds of jazz, rock, pop and punk blended together at the 21st annual Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria. The inductees for 2006 were Black Sabbath, Blondie, Miles Davis, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Sex Pistols. In addition, Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, founders of A&M Records, were given the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Non-Performer category.
The Sex Pistols did not attend, so Hall of Fame VP Jann Wenner (the founder of Rolling Stone magazine) read aloud a letter the Pistols issued a few weeks ago and invited surviving bandmembers to pick up their trophies at the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.
Sting paid tribute to A&M founders Moss and Albert for creating one of the world’s most successful independent labels. A&M launched the careers of The Police, The Carpenters, Cat Stevens, Peter Frampton, Supertramp and John Hiatt, to name a few.
Jazz artist Hancock presented Davis’ award to Davis’ children; Gregory Davis accepted the induction on Davis’ behalf.
Southern rock greats Lynyrd Skynyrd, who lost founding members Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines back in 1977, performed their hits “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”
Blondie members Chris Stein, Clem Burke and Debbie Harry took the stage and played “Heart of Glass,” “Rapture” and “Call Me.” Ex-bandmates Frank Infante, Nigel Harrison and Gary Valentine, who left the band in a dispute over royalties, were permitted onstage to accept their awards, but did not play with the group. Blondie announced a 27-date tour that kicks off in May and ends at the end of June.
Metallica presented Black Sabbath’s award to Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward.
Paul Shaffer once again led the CBS Orchestra as the Hall of Fame’s house band.
For more information, visit www.rockhall.com.
