This is what Jann Wenner says below about the recent induction of RUSH proves that we aren't dealing with a real Hall Of Fame, where induction is based on merit.
"Rush wasn't the first choice of the nominating committee, but the fan outcry was such that we thought it was finally time to nominate the band. The voters spoke loudly and clearly and decided to induct the band their first year on the bal
lot. I thought it was very kind of us to nominate the band, as it's no secret that I'm not a big fan of this band, or of progressive rock in general.
I was of the understanding that Rush was made up of sincere, decent and respectful individuals, and certainly the speeches by Geddy Lee and Neil Peart were indicative of this, but Alex standing there and going blah, blah, blah for 5 full minutes was not only not funny, disrespectful of the Hall and its pantheon of legendary inductees, but a real waste of everyone's time.
I understand that Alex was trying to make a statement, and that being rebellious is very rock and roll, etc., but that still doesn't make his brazen performance any more acceptable or appropriate. And honestly, this does not bode well for other progressive rock groups if this is the kind of reaction we're going to receive after finally giving these bands a chance.
We'll continue to reserve nominations for worthwhile rock and roll bands like Chic, Randy Newman, Abba, The Beastie Boys, etc. - you know REAL rock and roll!
And finally, it wasn't just Alex Lifeson that was disrespectful, but the fans. I understand being enthusiastic about your favorite band, as hard as it is for me to imagine that Rush could be anyone's favorite band with their shrieking banshee wail vocals and nerdy dungeons and dragons songs, but that doesn't mean they had to scream and scream and ruin the night for the other worthy inductees."
