The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame red carpet welcomed a slew of stars to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday (Nov. 3) night to honor the Rock Hall’s Class of 2023.
This year sees the induction of Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners. Additionally, DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray see induction in the musical influence category; Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Taupin enter the ranks in the musical excellence field; and Don Cornelius is inducted with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The eclectic Rock Hall Class of 2023 brought out performers and presenters who spanned hip-hop, rock, pop, R&B and country: Adam Levine, Brandi Carlile, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Common, Dave Matthews, Elton John, H.E.R., Ice-T, LL Cool J, Miguel, New Edition, Olivia Rodrigo, Queen Latifah, Sia, Stevie Nicks and St. Vincent.
Even before the ceremony started, the Barclays Center was lit. When it was announced that LED wristbands, which were provided for the audience, would factor into Missy Elliott’s performance, the crowd roared its excitement to see the hip-hop trailblazer take the stage.
The night of the show, Kate Bush confirmed she would not be attending.
“I am completely blown away by this huge honour – an award that sits in the big beating heart of the American music industry. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. I never imagined I would be given this wonderful accolade.”
Bush didn’t provide a reason for her absence, but the art rock icon is known as an artist who shies away from the spotlight (not to mention that she doesn’t exactly love flying). “I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the ceremony tonight, but for me the real honour is knowing that you felt I deserved it.”
