Good Medicine! Bon Jovi heads to Rock Hall
The Moody Blues are also heading to Cleveland nearly two decades after they first became eligible.
The Moody Blues are finally heading to Cleveland.
Nearly two decades after they first became eligible for induction in 1989, the English progressive- rock band is joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They’ll be inducted with a 2018 class that includes stadium rockers Bon Jovi, late jazz icon Nina Simone, rock ’ n’ roll godmother Sister Rosetta Tharpe, new- wave group The Cars and ’ 80s hit- makers Dire Straits.
“For ( our) American fans, it’s absolutely wonderful,” says Moody Blues singer/ guitarist Justin Hayward, 71. “Our induction has validated the music that they love. I’m so pleased for us all.”
Ballots were sent to a voting group of more than 1,000 artists, historians and music- industry professionals. To be eligible for the Rock Hall, an artist or band must have released its first re- cording at least 25 years prior to the year of induction. ( In the case of the 2018 class, 1992.)
The public was invited to participate again this year in the fan vote, which drummed up record numbers with more than 6.8 million votes cast. ( Of those, 1.1 million were for Bon Jovi.) The top five artists made up a fans’ ballot, which counted as a single vote.
“Clearly the enthusiasm of the fans was mirrored by the larger body ( of Rock Hall voters),” says Greg Harris, CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Overall, “this is a really fantastic group because they span from the 1950s all the way up until to- day.”
The 33rd annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place April 14 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland.
Ticket on- sale dates will be announced in January and the ceremony will air on HBO next spring.
Hayward says his Moody Blues bandmates Graeme Edge and John Lodge will be by his side in Cleveland, although he hasn’t yet spoken to any past members. “But nothing’s been said that can’t be unsaid, so there are no weird vibes or anything like that with any of the other guys,” he assures. As for what they’ll be performing? “Maybe Nights in White Satin,” Hayward says. “People seem to know that one.”