HOME
disabled news
 
entertainment
 
current affairs
 
the book
 
HALL OF FAME 2006

Somewhere in Alexander Palace in the early hours of this morning a cleaner probably found our copy of The Hall Of Fame programme. The first few pages, no in fact the whole bloody brochure contained valuable content for this years report from the annual music ceremony. Partying away until 2am and an early start we intended to correspond to our faithful programme and our job this morning would be made a hell of a lot more easier, especially the first paragraph. If memory serves us right however The UK Hall Of Fame started in 2003 with the likes of Bono and Madonna in attendance. Growing in popularity the awards moved to Ally Pallay a year later and here it's intended to stay put until 2008 when the UK is given it's purposely built Hall Of Fame at the O2 at the Dome.

The evening started with a champagne reception in the main hall. Guests nibbled on mini sausages, chicken and the other canapés which we have been rattling on about over the past six years on our site. Inductees and performers were given their own private reception behind closed doors whilst the poor standard ticket holders were left queuing in the spitting rain - shame!

Once fed and watered/ cold, wet miserable depending on your ticket hiracy guests trailed into the ceremony room and took their seat for this years show introduced by Dermot o'Leary. Tonight 8 musicians would be honored, 6 of them would accept their award in person or, in Rod Stewart's case via a live linkup. One however would accept their awards beyond the graves as they were no longer with us.

Soul legend and ex criminal James Brown was the first performer on stage dressed in a dazzling blue jacket. Despite his ripe old age Brown seemed as young as his first day behind bars and his powerful identifiable voice cannoned out echoing around the venue. Even though we couldn't understand a bloody word what he said when accepting his award, something about Prince? He is the Soul Grandaddy and probably always will be. Another old guy who has a reputation of being a miserable sod is Brian Wilson. Wilson is as frail as a war veteran but as worshipped as as soldier. Without Wilson there would of course be no Beach Boys and despite the 100 year wait, 'Smile'. Just one of the inductees who had to be helped up the steps (note to HOF organisers 2007 - how about adding a stair lift on the stage?) Wilson's speech was all about 'love'. Love of God, love of his family, love of his music love of.. Well you get the picture. He then wobbled over to the main stage and played a couple of Beach Boys numbers. Lovely!

An award type ceremony wouldn't be complete without a winner not turning up would it? So eyes were turned to a screen to see Rod Stewart giving a humerous speech, the comedy was boosted when Rod dropped his award, shouted 'Fuck' and looked pretty intoxicated all through his speech. The comedy of covering Rod Stewart on stage was given to newcomer, James Morrison.

Just in case you are wondering who votes the talent into the HOF it's a panel of 60 represtives of the music industry. As already mentioned this year they picked a legend who was sadly no longer with us, Dusty Springfield. Dusty died back in 1999 but her memory will never leave music's history. Tonight to accept her award was one of Dusty's close friends, Patti LaBelle who wore a stair-challenging dress for the wrong occasion! But it was Joss Stone who had the difficult job of not only pulling off wearing a short blue outfit which made the morning tabloids, but also covering two of Springfield's hits. Joss sang miraculously and even dared to walk into the VIP seating area much to the guests delights.

From a dead person to a hero who is much alive. Attracting one the loudest cheers of the evening, Bon Jovi received their place in the HOF. Dermont teased the audience by pretending that Bon Jovi weren't playing, for his sake and receiving boos from a disgruntled crowd he assured them he was just joking and introduced one of the most loved live bands on the planet. A band who really weren't able to perform at the ceremony were Led Zeppelin with only Jimmy Page present and drummer John Boneham sharing a heavenly front row seat with Dusty Springfield. Page gave a mention to Jeff Beck who he used to perform with in the sixties band, The New Yardbirds in his speech.

Disappointment came from Prince. He didn't perform and just gave a short nervous speech which even himself admitted wasn't one of his strong points, but the crowds accepted it which is more which can be said of the final guest presenting Sir George Martin his honorary membership into the Hall Of Fame. Gordon Brown was heckled during his boring speech and booed. Grandad Martin stumbled to the stage to receive his award then ended the show conducting an orchestra with a supergroup with Roger Taylor, Corinne Bailey Rae and maybe a future legend, Johnny Borrell from Razorlight.

You can probably guess what happened after the awards can't you? That's right, the after show party which was held, once again, at the venue itself. In a true amateur journalistic style we are going to describe the party in as little words as possible because we are blooming tired! So, here it goes..

In the middle of the room was a dancefloor, around the hall were a few bars, a kebab stand, pizza parlor and a VIP area which became so quiet it was opened up to the regular guests. We spotted Paul Gamberini and the notorious Towers Of London at the after show but it seemed that the main celebrities made a fast exit to wallow up their pride.

Once again The Hall Of Fame was a fantastic evening and we are eagerly awaiting 8 more legends to be introduced in 2007. Although quick message to X Factor winner Shane Ward; Don't hold your breath mate!

WebSight Copy.
(Larger Print.)

Contact Us