Todd Rundgren blows off the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

It's about time someone did!!! Wait, Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose bailed on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Todd Rundgren's thoughts on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: “Personally, I never cared much about the Hall of Fame so I never intended to go to any special effort, and it was always something my fans wanted more than I did.” Rundgren went on to say that while the Hall of Fame concept might be a good fit for sports, where athletes amass a body of measurable statistics over the course of their careers, he doesn’t think the concept is a great fit for musicians. Rundgren noted that for most artists, their greatest aspiration is to “do it for the rest of your life."

source: https://celebrityaccess.com/2021/10/29/todd-rundgren-to-blow-off-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame/

Rundgren did offer, on the night of his concert in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 30th, to accept his induction and perform a song at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But he said it was for his fans because they are the ones who wanted it. The rock legend said it would be hypocritical for him to do anything for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The full audio on Todd Rundgren's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame proposal:

It is certainly understandable why musicians would not want to participate. For many, it feels like they are in competition with other artists. The purpose of music is not to compete. What matters is doing what you love and, as Todd aptly put it, doing it for the rest of your life if you can. As with any creative pursuit, you will undoubtedly find others who work just as hard as you do. However, is this a reason to compete with them? Wouldn't it be better to just put your heart and soul into your work and forgot about competition? Some musicians—and even actors—feel competitive at awards events, but it doesn't have to be that way. It should honor your art and celebrate it with the world.

Speaking of art, I know painters and people who draw digitally and by hand feel the same way-- I know I do. In the last two weeks, I have entered drawing contests. I tell myself that even if I don't win, it's a chance to win and being acknowledged by others is rewarding. It feels good when your hard work does not go unnoticed. In the end of this blog, I will share some art. However, I have a major gripe about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame myself!

Why is Jay Z inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when it is called the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I am not knocking rap music, just asking why Jay Z is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Can the same be said for Johnny Cash, who was also inducted into the Rock Hall? His music incorporated elements of country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel sounds. This crossover appeal earned him the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame. So it is understandable for Johnny Cash to be inducted, but-- Jay Z? Is it because there is no Hall of Fame for rap artists? The Beastie Boys were inducted, as well. Shouldn't it be called the Rock and Roll and Rap/Hip Hop Hall of Fame? I know, I don't like that name either. *whispers to readers* It really irks me because how can you call it the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when you induct rap and hip hop artists? Instead, there should be one dedicated specifically to rap and hip hop artists like the other halls of fame.

In spite of the fact that I'm not so keen on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I would be overjoyed to see an artist I've admired for many years receive recognition for their work. It would be like attending a rocking private party with one of your favorite bands or solo artists! Yet, many of the artists I listen to, even my top 5 and 15 bands/solo artists deserve a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but will never see it. Although there are still artists who laud the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I believe that it is more exciting to fans than it is to the actual artists.

The artwork below was drawn last month before Halloween. I liked it so much that I entered it into several contests. It is simply called Haunted House. It is best viewed in full size.

This was all drawn by hand, and I utilized a variety of materials including graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, crayons, archival ink, acrylic paint, and a metallic marker for the gold moon. I only used acryllic paint on the lightning bolts. Funny thing is, I didn't even intend to create a "flash effect"! I just had to use a light shade of black around the iron gate since it was jet black. Had I used pitch black, you wouldn't have noticed the gate. After I painted the lightning bolts on the grass, I noticed that it made the bolt look like it created a flash around the gate. It wasn't purposeful, but I thought it was pretty cool how that happened. :)