Long Live Rock

I was recently passing through the birthplace of rock and roll, Cleveland Ohio. I’ve always had a yearning to go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, something has been pulling me there a good part of my life, but I hadn’t made it until now. Well, it certainly met and exceeded my expectations but also inspired me in ways I hadn’t expected.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was founded in 1983, and the first inductions were held in 1986 with the goal of recognizing and archiving the history of the most influential figures in rock and roll and related music genres. In 1996 the glass-and-steel pyramid structure that sits on the shore of Lake Erie in Cleveland was built as the permanent home of the Hall of Fame and quickly became a cultural landmark.

As a cold damp breeze was blowing off of Lake Erie on this early May day, which felt more like January, I walked up to the front of the building with the iconic “Long Live Rock” sign out front. It instantly gave me chills (although maybe it was that Lake Erie cold breeze) as I have seen this image in my head for decades. I was here… I finally made it to the Hall of Fame!

In the Hall of Fame there are six floors of rock and roll history and memorabilia that you can spend days exploring. But it’s more than just stuff and great music playing throughout the exhibits. As you explore the many different eras and artists you realize that this is about so much more than music. It’s about a cultural change, or actually many cultural changes throughout the 75 years of rock and roll music. We can debate whether culture drove the music, or the music inspired the culture and maybe the answer is both. But I think we can agree that at least in the early days it was the music that was driving a significant cultural change.

When rock and roll hit the scene in the early 1950’s it was revolted against by many. Some radio stations refused to play it. Many said it was filth and Satan induced music. But the music persevered and changed our world forever. It defined an age and still does today. New ideas of any type often are not easy to accept, but they are what defines us and evolves us as humans. Rock and roll was and is an expression and outlet for how people are feeling and what’s going on in the world. We often relate with the music in our own personal ways.

Rock and roll may never have materialized if it wasn’t for the early influence of black rhythm and blues, going back as early as the 1920’s. That influence can still be heard in current day rock and roll and country music. Not only has rock and roll disrupted cultural boundaries, but it has also disrupted racial boundaries. We may never know the true impact the music has had in both areas, but it makes you wonder what might have been if it wasn’t for rock and roll music.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame allows you to relive and better appreciate the music, what it stands for and how it influenced our world. And yes, the artifacts throughout the six floors are just mind blowing. Guitars are on display from iconic rock and roll figures such as Les Paul (“his” actual guitar), Van Halen, Chuck Berry and Jimmy Hendrix. Familiar articles of clothing such as Elvis’s white leisure suit, Pat Benatar’s black dress, Rod Stewarts leopard jumpsuit and even Freddie Mercury’s high-top Adidas shoes can be seen here, along with much, much more.

If you don’t catch yourself singing as your walking about you are in the wrong place. The displays are amplified (literally and figuratively) by the artists music on display, so you are able to relive the experience visually and audibly. There are also a few theaters throughout that have some amazing films playing on a rotating basis. My favorite by far was the rendition of the Beatles While My Guitar Gently Weeps from the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony performed by Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne, Prince and Dhani Harrison, the son of the late George Harrison who wrote the song. Prince’s guitar solo took this epic performance to an unheard-of level and is still discussed today as one of the best guitar solos ever.

Rock and roll music influenced me in my younger years and in some degree defined who I am. It was an inspirational experience visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and even though I spent four hours there, I felt that I rushed through some of it. This is a place to return again, as there is just too much to take in with one visit. They also regularly bring in new displays, highlighting particular artists. On my visit I was able to see a reconstruction of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and an amazing Bon Jovi display.

So, how did Rock and Roll influence your life? How would you, or our world, be different if it wasn’t for rock and roll? Leave a note in the comments.