Celebs shine at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Cher and others turn event into a memorable night

Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse transformed into a celebration of gratitude during the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, featuring a star-studded lineup and heartfelt performances. According to Variety, among the highlights was pop legend Cher, who, despite her previous declaration of indifference toward induction, took centre stage with an electrifying duet of Believe alongside Dua Lipa.

As the night unfolded over a marathon five-and-a-half hours, the prevailing sentiment among presenters, performers, and inductees was one of appreciation for the music that shaped their lives. Cher's acceptance speech resonated deeply, moving beyond her earlier ambivalence. "I said I didn't give a flying f**k if I got in," she candidly confessed backstage. Yet, the iconic singer revealed a shift in perspective, saying, "I got really softened when I heard the people that were going to be in, and people that I admire."

The event was characterised by its lack of drama, with presenters such as Julia Roberts and Jack Black celebrating the inductees with sincerity and humour. Notably, Foreigner's Dennis Elliott opted not to attend, yet the acceptance speeches remained warm and focused on the music, honouring founding member Mick Jones, who watched from home due to health issues.

Performances from legends like Kenny Chesney and James Taylor further paid tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett. Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally reflected on Buffett's legacy, stating, "He wanted to make music all the way to the end and then get recognised for it." The spirit of rock 'n' roll echoed in his words, as he brought a guitar belonging to Buffett on stage, symbolising his enduring presence.

Dionne Warwick, who was also inducted, expressed her surprise, saying, "I was like, 'Why?'" yet revelled in the honour of her music being recognised. Her admiration for Teyana Taylor, who will portray her in an upcoming biopic, highlighted the interconnectedness of artists across generations.

Backstage, several presenters championed overlooked artists for future induction, with Method Man and Tom Morello advocating for rock icons like Iron Maiden and new wave legends Adam Ant and Billy Idol.

Method Man revealed that Mary J Blige personally asked him to induct her, stating, "She actually called me to be here for her tonight." He reflected on her journey, highlighting how she has faced trials and tribulations throughout her career. "The humility to just stand in those spaces and still thrive means a lot."