The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame may be a thousand miles way in Cleveland, but the hall’s biggest names rocked the roof off of Madison Square Garden last night in New York City. The first of a two-night, 25th anniversary celebration was all about collaborations between legendary artists.
“The hallways are happening,” Bonnie Raitt told reporters backstage. “This is the big time for me, it’s an absolute honor.”
Raitt performed alongside Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne and James Taylor. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel reunited for a set of classics, including “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” R&B newcomer John Legend performed the Marvin Gaye classic “Mercy Mercy Me” with Stevie Wonder and came straight from the Bronx where he had performed the Star Spangled Banner during Game 2 of the World Series.
“I feel like the luckiest kid in the world to be at both the Yankees game and here with all of these great artists,” Legend said. “I’m just having a good day!”
The night culminated with a set by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, featuring special guests Tom Fogerty and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. During his encore, Billy Joel joined the Boss for what the New Jersey native dubbed “the ultimate bridge and tunnel performance.” The anniversary celebration continues tonight with sets from Aretha Franklin, the Jeff Beck Band, Metallica and U2. Highlights of both nights will be broadcast as a four-hour HBO special on November 29th.