Metallica, Run-DMC, Jeff Beck Join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Wild Induction Ceremony

One of the most diverse classes in the history of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which included Metallica, Run-DMC, 1950s rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson and guitar legend Jeff Beck, were inducted into the Hall at a wild four-hour show Saturday night, April 4th. Held at Cleveland's historic Public Hall, the event was open to the general public for the first time in the 23-year history of the Hall of Fame. The result was a show that felt more like an actual rock concert than any previous ceremony.

Photos: Metallica, Run-DMC, Jeff Beck and more at the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

One of the most anticipated speeches of the night came from Eminem, who inducted Run-DMC and has rarely been seen in public in the past four years. Dressed like the fourth member of the group in a leather jacket and a fedora, an emotional Em spoke passionately about their influence on him and the world at large. "I still remember being in 9th grade when Tougher Than Leather came out," he said. "I skipped school to go get it on cassette. As soon as I heard 'Run's House,' it was pretty much a wrap for me. Marshall Mathers became Eminem."

(Watch video live from the Rock Hall red carpet and interview room.)

The evening began with 1950s R&B group Little Anthony & The Imperials performing their hits "Tears On My Pillow" and "Hurts So Bad" backed by Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra. Lead singer Anthony Gourdine is 69, but he still hit the high notes like he did 50 years ago. Longtime friend Smokey Robinson inducted the group, calling it a "long overdue event." Gourdine seemed to agree. As he stepped up to the mic he beamed and said, "Amazing grace, how sweet it is!"

Photos: Backstage with Eminem, Jimmy Page and more at the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Wanda Jackson was inducted by Rosanne Cash, whose father Johnny toured in the 1950s with Jackson, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. "I'm not standing here alone," Jackson said. "I want to thank Elvis Presley for the push and encouragement I needed." Jackson is said to have briefly dated Presley in the 1950s. Later in the evening Presley's original bassist Bill Black and drummer D.J. Fontana were inducted by E Street Band members Garry Tallent and Max Weinberg. "This is the greatest honor of my life," said Fontana. Black died in 1965, so his children accepted on his behalf.

Cleveland native Bobby Womack, who hadn't been in his hometown in more than 20 years, was inducted by his longtime friend Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones. Womack brought much of the audience to their feet with a medley of "Across 110th Street" and "It's All Over Now" (famously covered by the Stones in 1964), featuring Wood on guitar. "He brings me to tears," says Wood. "That voice has always killed me."

Soon afterwards the evening turned into an unbelievable guitar orgy. It began when Jimmy Page inducted his former Yardbirds bandmate Jeff Beck. "Jeff's guitar style is totally unorthodox," said Page. "He just gets better and better."