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
Great write up Dana! You will be happy to know that I have a framed poster of Judas Priest hanging proudly in my self-dubbed TRUE Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!!!
I concur as well. Amen. Well Put !
I too, watched the induction on HBOm I was DVRed it.
I saw Duran Duran, which was the second set they did, because at original ceremony, they had technical issues. They played 3 songs, all live and no tracks, that I could tell.
Pat Benatar did an awesome job. Although, I felt not many high notes hit, that’s ok, she did good (hate to say it), for her age. She played 3 songs, as well.
Priest comes on, good to see KK on stage. I thought they treated them like they were voted in, then the set ended. Wait a minute, where the hell was “You Got Another Thing comin’?” I saw you tube videos online, so I knew they did performed the song. So, I thought, “Great the RR Hall morons, cut their 8 minute set short so Eminem can rattle of a list of his rap mentors, which he hopes they will induct.”
Sickening and I think Priest’s acceptance speeches were also cut short, I could of sworn on youtube, K K mentioned David Holland. I walked away from it after Priest, Just by horrible luck saw the M$M’s speech.
I respect Duran Duran, and even like some of the songs. I wanted to see Pat, cause she should of went in way before the Goat ( I think you know who that is Dana).
Hi Charles,
I am so glad I stopped watching the show, right after Judas Priest.
My fiancee filled me in, and told me all about how Eminem got a ludicrous amount of air time. That’s is just so wonderful, considering when one thinks about ROCK N’ ROLL, we all immediately think Eminem. GOOD LORD, I keep writing, and I will continue to write it, take the darn ROCK N’ ROLL description, out of the name, just title it, the Music Hall of Fame. Having the “Rock N’ Roll” in the title, is an insult, not only to the artists who have been inducted, and those who have not, but to the entire genre itself, and its fans.
Regarding Benatar, I agree, she absolutely should have been inducted long before Bah Ban Black Sheep Nicks. Also, I think she sounded a bit hoarse when she was singing, and talking, perhaps she was fighting a cold? But despite her limitations, she still had to move the mic away, as she sang, because she still has so much power, in her voice.
And Dana I also rewatched the actual KK speech on youtube, and he mentioned Dave Holland. I rewatched the HBO telecast and KK’ and they edited the tDave Holland part out.
Disgusting.
On behalf of all JP fans I thank you for bringing attention to this travesty. Also, I totally expected you to be pissed off and rightfully so.
Thank you, Myk.