Courtney Love
Courtney Love, Kurt Cobain’s wife, embraced Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl, adding, “I just wish Kurt was here to feel this.”
Courtney Love, Kurt Cobain’s wife, embraced Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl, adding, “I just wish Kurt was here to feel this.”
“What most of you don’t know was that I was the fifth drummer of Nirvana,” said Dave Grohl in his acceptance speech. “I got to be the luckiest person in the world!”
Dave Grohl and the surviving Nirvana members played a raucous 25-minute set.
Joan Jett played the Kurt Cobain part for a raging rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Hall & Oates became the first Philadelphia-born band to join the Hall of Fame.
Joan Jett playing “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Krist Novoselic, joined by relatives of Kurt Cobain and widow Courtney Love, came to the podium to accept the honor.
“I’m Michael Stipe; I’m here to induct Nirvana,” said the R.E.M. frontman.
Ahmir “Questlove” Jenkins from the Roots represented Philadephia soul with his induction of Hall and Oates.
Art Garfunkle inducted singer-songwriter Cat Stevens with a speech that was affectionate and lyrical.
Cat Stevens took the stage with an acoustic guitar, joined by Waddy Wachtel, for a moving performance of “Father and Son.”
Chris Martin of Coldplay, not wearing a wedding ring, introduced Peter Gabriel with a biblical Genesis joke that didn’t go over well.
Carrie Underwood, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks paid tribute to Linda Ronstadt.
All four members of Kiss — Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss — gave speeches that were genuine and sincere.
Peter Asher inducted Beatles manager Brian Epstein and impresario Andrew Loog Oldham.
“Music should come with a health warning: It can be so dangerous; it can make you feel so connected, and can make you think the world could and should be a much better place,” said Peter Gabriel. “And it can occasionally make you very, very happy.”
From left: Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Carrie Underwood and Emmylou Harris performed together.
Annie Clark (St. Vincent) led Nirvana in a performance of “Lithium.”
Kiss was inducted by superfan and devotee Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave).