Hit 'Pause' on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Neil Diamond, Tom Waits among others who join him

(NEWSER) - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is about to get decidedly more rocking: Alice Cooper is among the latest to join its ranks. Neil Diamond, Tom Waits, Dr. John, and Darlene Love will also be inducted, reports the New York Times , citing an announcement expected today. Other than Love, a back-up and occasional lead singer from the 1960s, all are first-time nominees. Some of those nominated this year who didn’t make it in: Donna Summer, LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Bon Jovi. Click for more—and to see the biggest Hall of Fame snubs . More»

Star-studded NYC bash also honors Jimmy Cliff, Stooges

(NEWSER) - ABBA, the Stooges, the Hollies, Genesis, and Jimmy Cliff made their way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last night. "I'm very angry that Madonna got in before us," joked ABBA’s Anni-Frid Lyngstad; she and ex-husband Benny Andersson attended the New York ceremony while their former co-members stayed home. Another notable absence: Genesis’ first frontman, Peter Gabriel, PopEater reports. But “we've played without him for 30 years," said replacement Phil Collins. "We're used to not having him around." More»

But the Beastie Boys should get in soon; Alice Cooper not so much

(NEWSER) - Five artists enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight—the Hollies, the Stooges, Jimmy Cliff, Genesis, and, no kidding, ABBA—but as always "it seems like whoever gets anointed, or shunned, generates more controversy than the abortion debate and the death penalty combined," writes Jim Farber in the New York Daily News . He looks at the top 40 "bridesmaids at the HOF wedding" and predicts their induction likelihood on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 meaning "should be ushered in relatively soon":

• Beastie Boys, 1: "Voters love" the "innovative hip-hop act."

Memorabilia displayed in city he loved

(NEWSER) - A new exhibit of John Lennon memorabilia includes a bloodied hospital bag holding the clothes he wore the night he was shot to death, reports the Guardian. The bag is the most jolting display of the new show launched by Lennon's widow at the Manhattan annex of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "John came back to me in a brown paper bag. I want the world to know that," said Yoko Ono. More»

Gloomy balladeer hits road for first time in 15 years

(NEWSER) - The man Lou Reed called “one of the most important songwriters of our time” will hit the road this summer. Leonard Cohen, 73, will kick off his first tour in 15 years in his native Canada and then head to Europe, the Independent reports. So far, there are no US dates for Cohen, who was enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month. More»