Rock legends come together for museum launch

September 2, 1995

From Correspondent Paul Vercammen

CLEVELAND, Ohio (CNN) -- The monument to rock 'n' roll pulsated with the rhythmic "ooohs" and "ahhhs" of its first visitors Saturday. And for planners and contributors, what a long, strange trip it had been. After 10 years of planning, Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors to the public for the first time.

Rock legends will close out the night with a major jam session. "Are we ready to go!" said "Godfather of Soul" James Brown, who helped give birth to the museum. [Godfather of Soul] "It means happiness to Cleveland and to the world and it's going to be something that's going to keep this keep this country going for a long time," Brown said.

Opening-day visitors to the $92 million shrine paid $10.90 a ticket just to be the first to get interactive with Nirvana at a special Internet section; to dock in front of Otis Redding's exhibit; and read the autographs on a mosaic of drumsticks.

[Couple] A pair of newlyweds took advantage of the occasion for a picture-taking session. "Our kids will probably love it when we tell them that we (were) at the opening day of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," the groom said.

Rehearsal for the monumental opening day concert featured Bruce Springsteen reuniting with his "E Street Band." (944k quicktime movie) Also, Eric Burden of "The Animals" teamed with John Bon Jovi. Others performers included The Pretenders, Al Green, John Fogerty, Melissa Etheridge and Robbie Robertson.

Robertson sees the museum as an important contribution to musical culture. "I think the most important thing here is... paying homage to other artists. Everybody (is) passing the baton because there are many people who are going to be in this show. If it wasn't for them, a lot of the rest of us wouldn't be doing this."

Chrissie Hynde of "The Pretenders" said she's a little overwhelmed to be playing with such greats. "I feel like I'm gonna be waiting tables, you know. I can't believe that I'm actually in the show."

Many rock critics have had a hard time comprehending that a rebellious art form now bends toward conformity with the multi-million dollar museum. "It's kind of incongruous in a lot of ways," said Chicago Tribune rock critic Greg Kot. "Who would have thought 40 years ago that the devil's music would have this air conditioned church. It's kind of like I find it hard to believe myself."

Rock legends come together for museum launch

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