Ask Ty...October 31

Q: Is there anything more retarded than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

- L'il Illin' Richie, Compton, California

Ty: Richie, good question and an even better observation. In fact, no. There is nothing more retarded than the Rock Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

Here's why: Rock and Roll or Rock 'n Roll has a massive popularity and worldwide scope with an unprecedented level of social impact. Far beyond simply a musical style, rock and roll influenced lifestyles, fashion, attitudes, and language. Blah-blah-blah.

I've read criticism based on the induction process. Who the fuck cares? It's Rock and fucking Roll! No one should care. Rock and Roll is about NOT caring. Having a Hall of Fame is weaker than the Hollywood walk of stars or whatever it's called.

Rock and roll, people. From rockabilly to psychedelics to funk rock to metal to punk to hard core to new wave to glam to tripgrass (not caring does not include shameless self-promotion), rock and roll is/was about not caring. I don't care! It's not my father's music. All that nonsense. Keith Richards? Should he care? Sid Vicious? Should he care?

It's dumb, people. Dumber than sports halls of fame. No one cares. It's like collecting autographs. Nobody cares. Nostalgia is dead. We have wikipedia.

So, for perspective, getting a nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is fine. Swell. Hey, people like us. But, by no means attend. And, if anyone asks, say, in fine rock and roll fashion, "fuck off, bugger!"

Just a guess. - Ty