An eclectic batch ranging from Swedish pop group Abba to punk pioneers the Stooges entered the rock star firmament Monday on being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and Britain’s Genesis and The Hollies were the other big names honoured in New York after voting by more than 500 rock experts.
The inclusion of Abba raised eyebrows of fans questioning whether the light pop group — for all its mammoth and enduring popularity — qualifies as a rock band.
But Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation CEO Joel Peresman said the collection “represents a great cross-section of artistes”.
The hall of fame is in Cleveland, Ohio. However, the ceremony took place at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel in front of music industry bigs and celebrities including actress Meryl Streep.
The Stooges’ Iggy Pop was on hand to pick up his award as were five of The Hollies, Genesis frontman Phil Collins, and Abba’s Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
Jimmy Cliff raised the roof with “The Harder They Come”, while the Stooges gave a thunderous performance that ended with guests jamming on stage alongside a shirtless Iggy Pop.
Benny Andersson played piano while Grammy winner Faith Hill made a guest appearance to sing Abba’s hit “The Winner Takes it All”.
But the Swedish super-group stopped short of a reunion, as did Genesis, whose original lead singer Peter Gabriel was away rehearsing for a solo tour.
Trey Anastasio, lead singer of Phish, introduced the “quiet rebels” of Genesis, saying they had entered rock ‘n roll legend and had been instrumental in forming his own career.
“When you’re a musician and you break new ground it resonates into the common consciousness,” Anastasio said.
The event was an Oscars-style black tie and tuxedo event, except this being the rock world many guests came without the tie or without the jacket, or either.
Iggy Pop joked to Rolling Stone magazine about the un-punk-like sartorial code, saying he owned a dinner jacket, but was hardly itching to put it on.
“I’ve got these things. I’m at the time of life where people sort of pick me up by the collar and exhibit me on various occasions,” he said.
True to his bad boy image he immediately made an obscene gesture — with both hands — at the audience from the podium, then removed his shirt to go on stage for a raucous rendition of “Search and Destroy”.
Musicians already in the hall of fame include Eric Clapton, Madonna, the Beatles, The Byrds and Simon and Garfunkel.
The only official requirement for candidacy is having released an album or record at least 25 years ago. Record sales are not considered important.
“It’s all very subjective. And all of the members of the nominating committee are very passionate about their suggestions,” the hall of fame’s website says.
