Some of the biggest names in music history have been honoured at the latest induction at Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, the US organisation which annually recognises the most successful and memorable artists in the business.
With its museum based in Cleveland, a star-studded ceremony was held at New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel on Monday 15 March. With over 100 million albums sold in their career, Swedish four-piece ABBA were finally inducted into the Hall, almost 30 years since they disbanded after ruling the globe with hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Waterloo”. Two members of the band (introduced by actress Meryl Streep), Benny Andersson and ex-wife Anni-Frid Lyngstad, attended the ceremony, with Lyngstad admitting, “I’m old enough to admit to the fact that I think we did a great job.”
Genesis drummer Phil Collins and his bandmates were honoured with an introduction by jam band Phish, even though former member Peter Gabriel didn’t make the trip. (He was busy preparing for a new solo tour, said the band.) The career of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff was also celebrated, while the Stooges’ frontman Iggy Pop joked to one reporter that being asked to wear a suit was a little out of order for him, later telling the crowd, “Roll over Woodstock – we won!”. Also performing on the night were English outfit the Hollies, who ruled the airways in the ‘70s with hits like “The Air That I Breathe,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” and “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)”.