It is amazing what music can do to our minds and bodies. Today I visited the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and it was an emotional one. Although I have no musical talent, my son and wife are leaps and bounds ahead of me in that department, I appreciate music, and it affects me quite emotionally – like many others. Walking through the hall and listening to many of my favorite bands, most of which have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, brought back memories of my childhood, bringing up my family, and those friends that I have lost. It also reminds me of my age. For example when bands like the Foo Fighters are now in the hall, and they were a spinoff band of one of my other favorites also in the hall, Nirvana- you know you’re getting up there!

One of my closest friends who left us a number of years ago was a musician, and I remember listening to music with him such as Ozzy Osbourne and the Doobie Brothers. Listening to their music brought a smile to my face and a bit of a void in my soul knowing he’s gone. For those who haven’t been, you can find your favorite bands who are in the hall and listen to mini video documentaries and their induction ceremonies. I could have spent a year watching those videos and listening to the music. Of course there was all sorts of memorabilia. They have plaques with every bands name and band member’s name who are inducted. For example, Van Halen had both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar‘s signature on their plaque.

One of, if not the highlight of the day was going to a “Power of Rock“ show in a theater. Music blared, while lights flashed, and the seats shook as the music played from videos of various inductee ceremonies. It truly felt like you were actually at a concert! The video ended with nearly the entire rendition of Prince playing, “While my guitar gently weeps.” This was at the 2004 induction ceremony for George Harrison. The show contained Tom Petty, George Harrison’s son and a number of other famous musicians. The way Prince played that guitar was just unbelievable. The theater was full of mostly people as old or older than I was. I saw people crying and people clapped at the end as if it was a live show! It was incredibly moving, and I had discussions with a number of people walking out of the theater. They talked about their hearts, racing, and goosebumps on their arms! Ahhhh- The power of music!

When I arrived in Cleveland, it was pouring rain! I needed an umbrella to get in. By the time I left, the sun was out and it was very hot in the 80s! when I turn my car on the temperature reading was in the 90s in the parking lot! I put my sunroof back to let the sun in and when I put it in reverse to back out of the parking lot, all of the water on my rooftop and sunroof came rushing in to the hole in my sunroof! it was extremely hot! Hopefully, I will never do that again! Cleveland is going through a bit of a revitalization with the new Huntington bank Stadium and rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame right next to each other. They have set up beach volleyball courts right on the lake,which actually looks like an ocean,! Finally, a big shout out to my son Derek, who turns 23 today! I could not think of a more fitting place to be, other than with him, than the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame! I love you, bud!