Who Cares About the Cock Rock Hall?

My Longreads piece on the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame and other perpetrators of gender inequity, “The Manhandling of Rock’n’Roll History,” seems to have hit a chord (so to speak). Future Rock Legends, THE watchdog site for the Rock Hall, published an article about it. And I did a really fun interview with Who Cares About the Rock Hall?, a podcast by comedians Joe Kwaczala and Kristen Studard.

Joan Jett as Kurt Cobain?

I have been hoping against hope that Joan Jett could play with Nirvana at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame show tomorrow, and it looks like it might not be just a wet dream.

Joan Jett + Nirvana: Five Reasons Why She’s a Good Pick for Rock Hall of Fame | Billboard.

Rocking the Rock Hall Library

Evelyn McDonnell and Cliff Michalski at the Rock Hall Library

Librarian Andy Leach, author Evelyn McDonnell, and discographer Omid Yamini

 

Evelyn McDonnell speaks at the Rock Hall Library + Archives

Omid Yamini at the Rock Hall Library

I’m still processing my whirlwind weekend visit to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Museum, Library and Archives a couple weeks ago. It was an honor to argue the case for the importance of the Runaways within those sacred institutional walls. Plus Cleveland played a pivotal role in Runaways history, as I got to discuss with journalists and fans who were there for those famous Agora shows, including writer Cliff Michalski, who I had interviewed for the book. Queens of Noise discographer and Runaways archivist Omid Yamini joined me on the podium and in the back rooms of the archives. Here are some snapshots of the wintery weekend. All photos courtesy of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives.

Rock Hall Tomorrow!

Our presentation tomorrow at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives in Cleveland is officially “sold out” — my second sold-out show in a row! If you want to come, please shoot me an email and I’ll put you on the list.

Author Series with Evelyn McDonnell, author of Queens of Noise: The Real Story of the Runaways | The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

 

Queens at Rock Hall Info

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members can make reservations for my January 25 presentation in Cleveland beginning tomorrow, January 13. Non-members can reserve beginning Tuesday. For more info, visit the Rock Hall site. Runaways collector and Queens of Noise discographer Omid Yamini will be joining me for this special event.

Author Series with Evelyn McDonnell, author of Queens of Noise: The Real Story of the Runaways | The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

via Queens at Rock Hall Info.

Fowley on Rock-Hall Snub

Kim Fowley and Sandy West (Runaways drummer)

How unfair is it that Joan Jett got nominated for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame before her first band, the Runaways, did? I’ve been debating this question with a few people in the weeks since this year’s ballot was announced, including with some folks who have a personal stake in the business. Most are disappointed by but sanguine about the Hall’s avoidance of a band that never did garner respect, let alone record sales. Even those with personal reasons to resent the erstwhile Ms. Larkin toast her success.

Joan Jett Gets Rock-Hall Nom

At last, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts have been nominated to the Rock’n’Roll Boys Club, er, I mean Hall of Fame. The Runaways, needless to say, got skipped right over.