This past weekend the latest inductees were welcomed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Some of the Band Wives and guys took a road trip to Cleveland to hit up the RRHOF and margarita flights (at Nueva Modern Mexican and Tequila Bar)!
Inspired by my hours immersed in rock history, here are some great performances from my favorite inductees!
Stop Draggin My Heart Around by Stevie Nicks (inducted 2019) featuring Tom Petty (inducted with The Heartbreakers in 2002)
I’ll kick it off with a song from the class of 2019, the first woman to be inducted twice, the first time with her group Fleetwood Mac. As luck would have it it also includes one of my other faves, Tom Petty!
Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show by Neil Diamond (inducted 2011)
When I was growing up, Hot August Night was easily the most played album in my house. Every one of us had their own favorite song from the Hot August Night live double album recorded live from the Greek Theater. Mine was the mashup of Brother Love and Soolaimon. Hallelujah!
Can’t Stand Losing You by The Police (inducted 2003)
I have loved listening to The Police since my brother’s college days, and my favorite song comes from very early on in their career, from the Outlandos d’Amour album.
You Should Be Dancing by the Bee Gees (inducted 1997)
This song brings me right back to high school. This video is really cool because Andy Gibb is also singing in it. I may not have John Travolta’s dance moves, but I start to groove as soon as I hear the opening notes! For those who think the Bee Gees just disco, look them up and you realize they had quite a spectacular career.
God Only Knows by the Beach Boys (inducted 1998)
I searched through several different videos for this song before choosing this, bittersweet because although Carl looks blissful while performing it, Brian seems wooden. After watching Love and Mercy, I realize the pain and listlessness Brian felt and in this video it is visible and heartbreaking.
Somebody To Love by Queen (inducted 2001)
It may seem silly that my favorite memory of this is in the kids movie Happy Feet, but it’s true. The drama and angst and harmonies are all representative of this amazing band.
When Will I Be Loved by Linda Ronstadt (inducted 2013)
It’s become tradition for the Band Wives to perform at our annual festival, Bands On The Run. Joanne (and the other wives as backup) knocked this song out of the park last year (thanks to the guys for always backing us up!) Here’s Linda doing it:
Already Gone by the Eagles (inducted 1998)
And of course you need to follow up Linda with her former back up band, The Eagles. As many of you already know, my favorite Eagles song is Already Gone, which is in standard rotation whenever the band plays out. Although a bit grainy, I love how the guys are having so much fun!!
Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley (inducted 1986)
I have been an Elvis fan from way back. There are so many more songs of his that were influential in rock and roll and gospel and blues, but the one of love the most is this one. Here’s the Elvis I will always remember, young and vibrant and charismatic:
Helplessly Hoping by Crosby, Stills & Nash (inducted 1997)
This song showcases their harmonies like no other, in my opinion. Day Ja Voo plays it with just one guitar and three gorgeous voices, This reaches deep into my soul whenever I hear it.
I Wanna Hold Your Hand by The Beatles (inducted 1988)
With hundreds of songs, it was really hard to narrow down what to select. For me, it came down to one that was early and easily recognizable. Look at those fresh faces and raw talent! Ladies and gentlemen: The Beatles!
I'm With The Band Wives 