Performer Inductees are: Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael (WHAM!), Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and the Spinners.

Musical Influence Award: DJ Kool Herc and  Link Wray

Musical Excellence Award: Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin

Ahmet Ertegun Award: Don Cornelius

LIVE Performances by: Cheryl Crow, Chaka Khan with Common and H.E.R, Miguel, Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and Carrie Underwood. New Edition, Willie Nelson performing with Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews and Sheryl Crow and Missy Elliot

BASIC DESCRIPTION: 2023 ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY 11/03/22:

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 class, with seven inductees making the final cut as performers: Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and the Spinners. Half of the nominees were excluded (Iron Maiden, Joy Division, New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, A Tribe Called Quest, the White Stripes, and Warren Zevon) and can try again as early as next year. The septet of inductees encompasses different eras and genres that have altered the course of rock music, as the Rock Hall has long preached originality, impact, and influence as the biggest factors for consideration. However, this year, its mission statement was altered to define rock and roll more generally as “a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing” that “celebrates the sound of youth culture.” Crow, Elliott, Michael, and Nelson are being inducted after their very first year on the ballot, while Rage Against the Machine (with the most previous nominations at four) proved that the fifth time was indeed the charm. Bush and the Spinners both had three prior nominations. Don’t worry, Vulture and David Letterman will continue to loudly advocate for Zevon.

In addition to the slate of performers, the Rock Hall is inducting several other names in peripheral categories. DJ Kool and Link Wray are being honored with the Musical Influence Award. Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin will be acknowledged with the Musical Excellence Award for their “dramatic impact on music.” (Khan had been one of the most snubbed artists in the Rock Hall’s history, as she was nominated a whopping seven times prior to 2023 — both as a solo artist and member of Rufus.) And Don Cornelius will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for industry professionals.

DETAILED  DESCRIPTION: Along with Crow, Elliott and Rage Against the Machine, this year’s eclectic class of performer inductees included Willie Nelson, The Spinners, Kate Bush and George Michael, victor of the fan vote with more than 1 million votes. The Musical Influence Award nods spotlighted DJ Kool Herc – whom inductor LL Cool J lauded as “one of the founding fathers of hip-hop” – and Link Wray, whose legacy was honored with a surprise appearance by Led Zeppelin icon Jimmy Page playing “Rumble.”

Chaka Khan (beaming through a medley including “I Feel For You” with Common and “Sweet Thing” with H.E.R.), veteran musician/producer/songwriter Al Kooper and Elton John’s lyrical consigliere Bernie Taupin were tapped for the Musical Excellence Award, while “Soul Train” legend Don Cornelius was remembered with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

Sheryl Crow singing with Stevie Nicks, Olivia Rodrigo and Peter Frampton

Call it a display of generational respect. Crow kicked off the ceremony with “If It Makes You Happy,” its woozy shuffle complemented by her heavily strummed guitar. But standing next to her was budding star Rodrigo, coltish and cute as she aped Crow’s delivery of the “then why the hell are you so sad?” lyric. But then one of Crow’s heroes, Stevie Nicks, appeared in shimmering black to duet on a twangy read of “Strong Enough” and the performance culminated with the addition of another Crow darling, Peter Frampton, who played while seated on the stage and ripped out a sizzling guitar solo during “Everyday Is a Winding Road.”

Andrew Ridgeley inducting George Michael: 'His grace gave hope'

While the lineup of singers tapped to honor Michael’s memory – Miguel (“Careless Whisper”), Adam Levine (“Faith”) and Carrie Underwood (“One More Try”) was let’s just say curious – Andrew Ridgeley proved the ideal choice to induct the man he still calls “Yog.” Looking prim in a plum suit, Ridgeley reminisced about his and Michael’s extreme success with Wham! (“the realization of everything I’ve aspired to”), Michael’s extensive and varied list of collaborators (Paul McCartney, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett among them) and their lifelong friendship. Ridgeley praised Michael, who died in 2016, for his songwriting prowess, his supple voice and music that could cause listeners to “soar with joy” or “weep with pain.”

New Edition honoring The Spinners with dance and song

Though none of The Spinners accepted their award on stage, that didn’t quell the appreciation from New Edition, who possess plenty of Spinners DNA in their sound. Clad in matching burgundy crushed velvet jackets and fedoras, the group, including Bobby Brown, spun through coordinated dance moves and downy harmonies on soul staples “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” and “The Rubberband Man,” turning the stage into a set from “Soul Train” for the latter.

Willie Nelson performing with Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews and Sheryl Crow

Following a charming, humorous speech from Nelson’s Farm Aid pal Matthews (“Did you know Willie likes to smoke weed?” he mused) that touched on the country legend’s 72 albums, his philanthropy and penchant for golf, Nelson, 90, appeared on stage, seated with his guitar. “Thanks for appreciating my music,” he said, then joked, “I haven’t even died yet and I’m being inducted.”  A reverential Stapleton played and sang alongside Nelson for “Whiskey River,” Crow returned, her voice honeyed, for “Crazy” and Matthews joined the party for a spry rendition of “On the Road Again.”

Elton John calling Bernie Taupin 'a conjurer of cinema in words'

Yes, hearing John play a solo piano version of “Tiny Dancer” was thrilling, but even more captivating was his in-depth speech about the man he calls a best friend and a brother and the kismet that sometimes causes paths to merge. “We scaled heights we never thought were possible and never, ever had an argument,” John said, adding with a grin, “He was disgusted with my behavior – that’s a given.” John disclosed that he and his lifelong lyricist just finished an album in Los Angeles – 56 years into their partnership – that is “full of youth and vitality.” But he saved his most complimentary words for Taupin until the end: “He is a conjurer of cinema in words.”

Missy Elliott lighting up the stage as she made history

The first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock Hall provided the most incendiary performance of the show and a fitting closer, considering there was no all-star finale as in years past. A slew of dancers with neon masks flooded the stage for “Get Ur Freak On” as Elliott appeared among them, resplendent in a gold sequined track suit and hat. The full-scale production – frenzied lights, plumes of smoke – included her dancers in yellow jackets for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and lined up for coordinated footwork during “Pass That Dutch.” Elliott, clearly relishing her time on stage, zipped through the crowd before rejoining her dance team for “Lose Control.” As Elliott wrapped her performance, her inductor, Queen Latifah, stood on the side of the stage, hopping and bowing toward her friend, one of the most innovative artists in hip-hop.

BLU-ray: TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 4 Hours 24 Minutes

CONDITION: We have checked this Blu-ray and it is in perfect working order. EACH Promotional blu-ray/DVD is BRAND NEW and NOT sealed. They are PROMOTIONAL DVD’s. In Ebay’s “Brand New Section” it says “if applicable” and it is not applicable here as it pertains to being specifically sealed because (once again) this item was never sealed. We wanted to be clear so there is no confusion to you, the potential buyer. They have never been used or “pre-owned” at all. They have been played once to ensure playback capability.