The chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Sykes, has ignited outrage among Cleveland residents following a remark made during the recent induction ceremony in Los Angeles. Sykes suggested that the event “belongs” in Southern California, a comment that many in Cleveland interpreted as disrespectful to the city that hosts the iconic museum.
During a segment of the Today in Ohio podcast, host Laura Johnston reported on Sykes’ comments, noting that he expressed satisfaction with the ceremony returning to Los Angeles. This statement drew immediate backlash, with co-host Chris Quinn questioning the rationale behind the remarks. He stated, “You could say, hey, I’m really glad to be in Southern California… but saying it belongs there? This guy’s bad news.”
The controversy intensified as local media highlighted the stark contrast in attendance between the Los Angeles venue and previous events held in Cleveland. The Los Angeles theater, with a capacity of 7,000, was notably half empty, while ceremonies in Cleveland consistently sell out. Johnston emphasized, “In Cleveland, this is an event… we get the crème de la crème, the stars of the music world to come.”
Malcolm Abram, a reporter from Cleveland.com who attended the Los Angeles ceremony, observed a lack of enthusiasm among attendees. He recalled a conversation with an LA-based journalist who was surprised by the empty seats, particularly when informed that Cleveland ceremonies attract full crowds.
Quinn further questioned Sykes’ assertion that Los Angeles is a natural home for the Rock Hall ceremony. “That makes no sense. That’s not the home of rock and roll at all,” he remarked. He suggested that cities like Cleveland, Detroit, New York, or Philadelphia have deeper historical ties to the rock and roll movement.
The discussion also revealed frustrations regarding the Rock Hall Foundation’s inconsistent commitment to hosting the induction ceremony in Cleveland. Quinn expressed disbelief that the ceremony is not held in the city every year, given that the museum is located there. “It’s just offensive that they don’t stage it here,” he said.
This incident underscores a broader sentiment in Cleveland about the importance of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the city’s identity. The local community prides itself on being the permanent home of the museum, and Sykes’ remarks have sparked a conversation about the perceived undervaluation of Cleveland by the foundation.
As tensions continue to simmer, Cleveland residents and fans of rock and roll alike are left questioning the future of this prestigious event. The next induction ceremony will undoubtedly be scrutinized for its location and the philosophy behind the Rock Hall Foundation’s decisions.
