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 WaitsNeil 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
