Metallica, Run-D.M.C. Inducted Into Rock Hall

Posted on Apr 5th 2009 12:00PM by David Chiu
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Heavy metal, hip-hop and guitar rock highlighted last night's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in Cleveland, as Metallica, Run-D.M.C. and Jeff Beck were among the several inductees honored.

A very happy Metallica were all smiles and hugs when they accepted their honors along with Ray Burton, the father of former bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a bus accident in 1986. The special occasion also saw Metallica reunite with Jason Newsted, who was the heavy metal band's bass player for 15 years, and had appeared on the classic albums '...And Justice for All' and 'Metallica.' Both Metallica and Newsted were onstage together performing 'Master of Puppets' and 'Enter Sandman.'

"An award like this at a time when Metallica is still current, vital and relevant is just an honor," said guitarist Kirk Hammett at the podium. "It's a truly, truly great honor to be with you guys in this wild music adventure and I'm looking forward to continuing to create inspired music."

"The fact that the six of us can be up on the stage tonight-snot-nosed kids, outcasts, loners who grew up in very different parts of the world," said drummer Lars Ulrich, "and make it here tonight ... rock 'n' roll truly is about possibilities."

In his speech Metallica lead singer James Hetfield dropped names such as Deep Purple, Rush, Kiss, Motorhead and Alice Cooper, "who we would love to invite through the door now." He then said: "I want to thank Lars for calling me so we can include each other in our dreams of being in the greatest heavy metal band in the world."

Rapper Eminem, who wore a dark leather jacket and a fedora, introduced pioneering rap act Run-D.M.C., known for their classic songs such as 'King of Rock' and 'Sucker's M.C.'s.' Present at the ceremony were surviving members Reverend Run (Joseph Simmons) and D.M.C. (Daryl McDaniels); their DJ, Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), was murdered in 2002. Connie Mizell was there to accept the honors for her son.

"Two turntables and a microphone," Eminem told the audience. "That's all it took to change the world." "There was something about the big drums and the strong raps that grabbed hold of my ears and changed my life. Run-D.M.C's effect on popular culture cannot be overstated ... For me to be up there and inducting them is one of the biggest honors of my career."

English rock guitar legend Jeff Beck, who was inducted into the Hall as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992, was introduced by his former Yardbirds bandmate Jimmy Page. In addition to playing with the Yardbirds, Beck went on to form the Jeff Beck Group and later recorded albums such as 'Blow By Blow' and 'Wired.' At the Hall of Fame ceremony, Beck performed 'Beck's Bolero,' and then was joined by Page for a rendition of Led Zeppelin's 'Immigrant Song.'

The other honorees present at the ceremony were vocal group Little Anthony and the Imperials, best known for their late '50s and '60s hits 'Going Out of My Head' and 'Hurt So Bad,' and veteran soul singer Bobby Womack. Both acts were introduced by Smokey Robinson and Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, respectively.

The evening culminated with the all-star jam as Metallica, Beck, Page and Wood, along with Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea and Aerosmith's Joe Perry, rocked together on 'Train Kept-A-Rollin'.'

In addition, the other inductees for this year's Hall of Fame honors were rockabilly vocalist Wanda Jackson for the early influence category; and musicians "Spooner" Oldham, DJ Fontana and the late Bill Black for the sidemen category.

The induction ceremony, which was broadcasted on Fuse TV, was held in Cleveland for the first time since 1997. The names of the inductees were previously announced in January.

Watch Rock Hall 2009 Highlights