While I’m not a huge fan of KISS’ music, I’ve always respected the longevity of the band and their connection to their fans.
Apparently, there is a split with the current members of the band with original members Frehley and Peter Criss. Should the current line up play at the RR Hall of Fame induction? Or the current lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer would play instead?
The original band members have not played together for 13 years.
The band issued a statement saying they won’t play at all:
“Our intention was to celebrate the entire history of Kiss and give credit to all members, including longtime present members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, and additionally Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr all who have made this band what it is, regardless of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame’s point of view,” the band wrote on its web site. “Although Kiss has moved forward far longer without them, Ace and Peter are at the very foundation of what we have built and this would all be impossible had they not been a part of it in the beginning.”
What do you think? Should it be the original members? Current? Did the band pick the right solution for the fans?
I have it on good authority that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2014 will include the fabulous and uber-deserving Linda Ronstadt! Can I get an “amen?”
Others include Hall & Oates, Kiss, Cat Stevens, Nirvana and Peter Gabriel.
This past Thursday, April 18, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Donna Summer was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Finally. And deservedly.
Summer’s family — husband singer-songwriter and producer Bruce Sudano; their two daughters, Brooklyn and Amanda; and daughter Mimi from her first marriage — posted a message on her website, donnasummer.com:
“We are overjoyed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has recognized Donna’s tremendous musical achievements. It’s an honor we know she quietly hoped for and would very much cherish. We are deeply grateful.”
Brian Edwards, Summer’s assistant from 1989 to 1995, and her client relations representative for the last seven years of her life, shared his thoughts on the long-overdue induction:
“Donna was more than just ‘the Queen of Disco,’ ” Edwards wrote in an email. “Yes, her introduction to stardom was a result of her major successes in the field of disco at the time. However, her career encompassed so many different musical genres, including R&B, gospel, pop, jazz and pure rock and roll.”
And Edwards wasn’t done defending the artist who won the very first Grammy for rock vocal performance by a female for 1979’s “Hot Stuff.”
“No disrespect to Madonna, but given the majority of her hit records are pop/dance-oriented, no one said anything when she was inducted [into the Rock Hall],” Edwards wrote. “And she has NEVER even been nominated for a Grammy in the rock [vocal] category, yet she shares the same distinction as Summer as a recipient of a Grammy in the best dance recording category.”
The Dance Recording category was introduced in 1997, and the first winner was – Donna Summer.
“The facts speak for themselves,” the ever-loyal Edwards wrote. “In my opinion, Donna Summer is more of a true rock artist than Madonna will ever be.”
2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
What: The Class of 2013 will be inducted in the Cleveland-based Hall of Fame.
Performers: Rush Heart Randy Newman Public Enemy Donna Summer Albert King
Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement: Lou Adler Quincy Jones
Daughter Brooklyn Sudano, Client Relations rep Brian Edwards and husband Bruce Sudano
Super model Cindy Crawford, Client Relations rep Brian Edwards and Summer’s longtime manager Susan Munao on the red carpet of the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony
All smiles on the red carpet at seeing longtime friend and client Donna Summer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
An edited version of the show will be broadcast 9 p.m. Saturday, May 18 on HBO.
What better news than this? So long in coming; so well deserved. Contactmusic is reporting that Donna Summer, uber-diva, will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year.
Artists become eligible 25 years after the domestic release of their first commercial full-length record.
“We are overjoyed the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame has recognized Donna’s tremendous musical achievements. Its an honor we know she quietly hoped for and would very much cherish. We are deeply grateful.” – The Family of Donna Summer
“The family cannot fully express the gratitude they feel for the outpouring of love received over the past few months in support of Donna’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. From fellow recording artists and industry executives to friends and fans from around the world, it will not be forgotten.” – Brian Edwards, Enter Talking Client Relations
