The annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for April 10, but the organizers have come upon a last-minute obstacle: a lawsuit from the Associated Press. The AP, publishers of the popular AP Style Guide have alleged that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a press organization, and therefore should work under the Style Guide's regulations. This means changing the name of the organization from the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" to the AP-approved "Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame."
Few realize the impact that music journalists and writers have on the induction process. Members of the press are part of the 75-member nomination committee, and even more are part of the 750-member voting committee. There's no official numbers for what exact percentage of voters are journalists, but it's known to be higher than the percentage of voters who can actually play an instrument. Whatever the total, the AP considers it high enough to qualify the Hall of Fame as a journalistic entity.
"Most of the writers who are part of the voting ensemble are members of publications that follow AP Style as their go-to guide," said Ellen Hale, AP director of corporate communications. "Therefore we believe the Rock and, excuse me, Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame should be held to the same standards."
A number of musicians across the genre of rock 'n' roll support the AP's movement, although not for the same reasons. Foo Fighters frontman and soon-to-be inductee Dave Grohl claimed use of the word "and" when referencing the genre is a disservice to its originators.
"Can you imagine Chuck Berry saying 'and roll?' No. Of course not. I can't even say it if I try," he said, struggling to pronounce the alternate form. "Rock an'...Rock un'...nope, can't do it."
It's tough to imagine the proceedings will move swiftly enough to alter plans for April 10's ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, but Hall of Fame president and CEO (short for corporate executive officer) Terry Stewart hopes the issue is dropped.
"Frankly, it is a frivolous lawsuit and we can not believe that they are bringing it," he said, adjusting his starched collar and intentionally avoiding contractions. "It is not legal and we will not stand for it is implications. Oh wait. I actually did want to say 'its' that last time."
On a totally unrelated note, Happy April 1 from Music Times.
