Tuesday, March 22, 2011

VIDEO: Tom Waits, Neil Young at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Last week, Tom Waits was honored with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Neil Young had the pleasure of inducting Tom.

"I didn't bring my teleprompter or my notes and I don't have any real thoughts," Young joked. "I will say that this next man is indescribable, and I'm here to describe him. In the scope of things, this man is a great singer, actor, magician, spirit guide, changeling and performer for you."

In his acceptance speech, Tom – the consummate showman – had some fun, delivering his deadpan humor to the rock n roll crowd.

"This is very heavy," Waits said, as he held the statuette. "I just want to know if there's a key-chain version of this so I can take it with me, just in case I hear someone say, 'Pete, take the cuffs off. I think he's a Hall of Famer'.”

Tom played a four-song set, including “Make It Rain” and “Rain Dogs” (with guest David Hidalgo of Los Lobos), a solo version of “House Where Nobody Lives,” and was joined by Neil on his final number, “Get Behind The Mule.”

Tom Waits Tom Waits

Neil Young induction speech
Tom Waits - Make It Rain / Rain Dogs

2011 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony
Waldorf Astoria – NYC – March 14, 2011


You can get a small taste of Tom and Neil on “Get Behind The Mule” in a short clip posted by Rolling Stone…it would be KILLER if the full song surfaces.

Tom Waits and Neil Young
Darlene Love and Bruce Springsteen

2011 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony
Waldorf Astoria – NYC – March 14, 2011