The 33rd annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony -- Saturday night at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, home to the Rock Hall and Museum -- honored The Moody Blues, Dire Straits, The Cars, Bon Jovi and the late Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Eligible since 1989, the Moodies made it in on their first ballot. According to drummer Graeme Edge, it was worth the wait.
A portion of Moody Blues drummer Graeme Edge's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech:
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Bassist John Lodge tipped his hat to American radio, and the support they have given the band for five decades.
John Lodge thanks American radio during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech:
Lodge also acknowledged their fans, saying, "This is your moment! This is your Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!"
The Moodies closed the show, which clocked in at four-and-a-half hours, a fact not lost on Justin Hayward, who we spoke to early Sunday morning. Ann Wilson of Heart did the honors for the Moodies, which, as she explained to us backstage, was something she lobbied for:
Honored alongside Hayward, Lodge and Edge were former members Mike Pinder, Denny Laine and the late Ray Thomas, who passed away in January, just weeks after learning they would be inducted. While no one was on stage to represent Thomas, Hayward did say, “Ray Thomas, we love you!"
The Moodies followed their speeches with performances of “I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)," "Your Wildest Dreams," "Nights in White Satin" and “Ride My See-Saw."
Highlights from this year’s ceremony will air on HBO on May 5th at 8 p.m. ET.