Disclaimer: The following represents my personal views and opinions, and does not express those of Eddie Trunk nor EddieTrunk.com.
Hello to everyone in my Eddie Trunk family,
I never usually post editorials, nor opinion pieces, however tonight, I am making an exception.
As many of you may know, Judas Priest is my all time favorite band. Additionally, I have made no secret about my disdain for the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, and their seemingly, never ending bias and elitist attitudes, towards the hard rock and heavy metal community.
It was bad enough that Judas Priest had been overlooked for induction, for an implausible amount of time, but to add insult to heavy metal injury, they awarded the group the Musical Excellence Award. That “honor” came across like a consolation prize, to both the musicians, and their fans.
However as a diehard, despite my trepidations and slighted feelings, of course I watched, to support them. Additionally, even though some of the band members also felt justifiably rebuffed, I know they were excited, to finally be recognized.
So, I sat with baited breath, anxiously awaiting to hear a medley of some of my favorite songs, and all that we, the fans, got were TWO tunes…TWO, and both from British Steel: Breaking The Law and Living After Midnight. I knew, there was no way, in rock n’ roll hell (yes, that is a nod to previous inductees, KISS), that they did not perform You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’. Not only is that their most recognizable song, but it is probably their biggest hit, and the closer of most, if not all, of their live shows, since 1982.
So I did an online search, to see what their complete setlist was, and indeed, they cut, You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’, from the broadcast.
I sat through the previous musical inductees performances, namely Duran Duran (whom I also really like) and Pat Bentar, and each had three songs that aired for telecast. Yet, a band with 50 years in the industry, gets two songs?? Let alone, cutting out the one that is most recognizable?? To say that I am disgusted, and dejected, would be understatement.
I am sure the Rock Hall will make some kind of lame excuse, that the it was omitted “for time,” but I am fairly certain (although I don’t know because I stopped watching after Priest), that no one else had a song edited out of the show.
As we all know, there are things in life that are absolutes: death, taxes and the continual disrespect, of hard rock and heavy metal, by the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. But don’t worry, we can always rely on the institution to induct the likes of Justin Bieber or Snoop Dogg.
Finally, since the Rock Hall did not have the respect to air the song, I will.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great respect, and honor to present to you, the incomparable Judas Priest, performing, You’ve Got Another Thing Comin‘ (along with with Breaking The Law and Living After Midnight).
26 Responses
It happens every year, Dana, and it’s not just Judas Priest. The televised version of the Hall of Fame gets edited down to fit a certain time. The entire show is long, so something has to be cut. I agree, it’s a shame that Priest had to be cut down, but in past shows Journey, Yes, Chicago, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, and others had a song cut to fit the broadcast.
And in case anyone doesn’t know this, the Hall of Fame committee tells the bands what songs they need to perform. It’s always the three (sometimes four) most well known songs from their catalogs. The bands do not get to choose what they play. There have been a few exceptions from what I’ve heard (Pearl Jam, and believe it or not Bon Jovi!!!) got a little leniency, but that’s how it usually works.
Oh, and by the way, induction speeches are also edited for the broadcast. I mentioned Journey. Seven members were inducted, all of them spoke, only four were televised. The same happened to Yes.
Hi Bobrod,
I know, but it doesn’t make it right, and Priest had been around for 50 years!
Perfectly stated Dana.
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving
The Metal Gods!