Everyone knows the hard-rock life can take its toll. The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian was kidding when he said, ''Everybody run, we're actually getting out the autoharp,'' but their lackluster performance of ''Do You Believe in Magic'' made you want to do just that. Others fared better. Third-time inductee Eric Clapton (previously honored as part of the Yardbirds and Cream) turned in a strong set, as did Taylor and Raitt. And despite singer Maurice White's battle with Parkinson's, Earth, Wind & Fire lit up ''Shining Star.''
''Yo, when the TelePrompTer's broke, I freak out,'' exclaimed Lil' Kim, who stumbled during her tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire. Kim was the only new-school presence at the decidedly old-school affair: Paul Simon inducted '50s doo-woppers the Moonglows; Robbie Robertson celebrated Clapton, and Diana Ross presented Billie Holiday's ''early influence'' award.
Despite the geezer contingent, age hadn't mellowed everyone. Patti Smith, honoring Clive Davis, characterized the 66-year-old Arista chief as ''one of those Spinal Tappers who puts his amp to 11...he plays [music] so loud.'' (Label mate Whitney Houston, slated to serenade Davis with ''I Will Always Love You,'' was a no-show, due, said a spokesperson, to voice problems.)
Lest there be any doubt that rock & roll is indeed your father's music, James Taylor set the record straight. Asked in the pressroom if he'd like to see some younger inductees, he quipped, ''No, this isn't for young people.''