Access to the March 13 rehearsal for the following night’s festivities at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria is being offered as part of the VIP package which goes for $3,500. Also included are pre-ceremony cocktail party and the dinner and show as well. Admission to just those March 14 events is $2,000.
This year’s inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are Alice Cooper Band, Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Darlene Love and Tom Waits, To be eligible for inclusion, an act must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior ago. All but Love were chosen by the 500 voters the first time they appeared on the ballot; for Love, it was third time lucky.
They will be feted by: Rob Zombie (Cooper), Paul Simon (Diamond), John Legend (Dr. John), Bette Midler (Love) and Neil Young (Waits). The ceremony will be televised live on Fuse. Each inductee also will be commemorated at the Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.
In addition, Elton John will present the musical excellence award to his new duet partner Leon Russell; this kudo replaces the Sideman award. The Doors stickman John Densmore will salute Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman while Lloyd Price honors Specialty Records founder Art Rupe.
