One of the main reasons I wanted to stop in Cleveland on my way to Chicago was to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. More than just an oversized Hard Rock Café, it’s a genuine temple to Rock Gods. And as an added bonus, there was a small tribute to Motown. The building itself is worth the visit. An impressive glass pyramid stands as a temple to all things that make you shake, rattle and roll.
The place is so full of rock artifacts that it’s hard to list them all. And all of them are of certain significance. To give you an example, they have John Lennon’s round spectacles, the passport he used on his first US tour and one of the uniforms worn on the cover of Sergeant Pepper. We are talking big stuff here.
A lot of Mod favorites are also featured. Stuff from the Kinks, The Animals, The Yardbirds are displayed. An impressive collection of Who gear is there for your viewing pleasure. You don’t see one of the many smashed up road guitars Pete Townshend discarded but the actual guitar that was used to compose and record the classic hits we all love.
Soul music also has its well-deserved place in the Hall. Programs, concert posters, stage costumes and musical instruments from soul legends such as Smokey Robinson, Martha and The Vandellas, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Ike and Tina Turner, Sam & Dave and many others.
A lot of Mod favorites are also featured. Stuff from the Kinks, The Animals, The Yardbirds are displayed. An impressive collection of Who gear is there for your viewing pleasure. You don’t see one of the many smashed up road guitars Pete Townshend discarded but the actual guitar that was used to compose and record the classic hits we all love.
Soul music also has its well-deserved place in the Hall. Programs, concert posters, stage costumes and musical instruments from soul legends such as Smokey Robinson, Martha and The Vandellas, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Ike and Tina Turner, Sam & Dave and many others.
But what made me laugh the most has to be the Sex Pistols’ letter in response to their invitation to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. It’s a true testament to their punk attitude.
If you plan to visit Cleveland, you need to set aside a whole day just for the Hall of Fame. We finished the day in the beautiful Warehouse District. Wow! The place looks like a loft lover’s paradise!
We ended up in a small street fair with craft booths, local culinary delights and live music. After filling up our bellies at the Nauti Mermaid, we were attracted by what sounded like Billy Idol. The band The Spasmatics had us entertained for a while with their retro versions of 80’s classics.
What a great way to end our stay in that captivating city. Rock on Cleveland!
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very nice! Love the letter! Ha! safe travels
ReplyDeleteThanks! So far, so good! Currently in Detroit with a few more good stories to tell. Stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteCleveland born and raised. Growing up we all listened to WMMS, home of the buzzard.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!