There have been no shortage of tributes to cultural thunderbolt David Bowie (even American Idol churned one out), so it seems perfectly natural that last night’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony includde a segment honoring the late music legend’s memory.
David Byrne, Kimbra and The Roots (who did not have to deal with #Bitchassness this go-around) aligned forces off the hop to perform Bowie’s immortal 1975 funk-pop masterpiece “Fame.” No Gaga-esque medley here, just one marvellous single shot homage for the sea of attendees who somehow remain glued to their seats throughout. How is there no involuntary butt waggling? HOW? It also doubled as a marvellous representation of how the recording artist’s impact on different genres, generations and aesthetics.
The tribute, which you can watch from the perspective of the crowd in the clip nestled above, comes two decades removed from Bowie’s induction back in 1996. (David Byrne inducted Bowie, y’know.) It’s a tasteful, loving and just plain ol’ high quality way of paying respects to the “Young Americans” talent before shifting into the honoring the new class of N.W.A., Cheap Trick, Chicago, Deep Purple and Steve Miller.
In addition to paying homage to The Thin White Duke, the ceremony also took time to acknowledge the loss of another Hall member. Glenn Frey’s memory was celebrated courtesy of Sheryl Crow and Grace Potter. The pair took on the Grammy-minted Eagles’ track “New Kid in Town” which you can check out at your leisure below.
(via Rolling Stone & Ultimate Classic Rock)
