2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony

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2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Stars rock out during the 27th annual induction ceremony of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Monday night at the Waldorf-Astoria’s Grand Ballroom in New York.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame introduced its latest class - Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Darlene Love, Dr. John and Leon Russell - at its 27th annual induction ceremony Monday night at the Waldorf-Astoria's Grand Ballroom in New York. The ceremony airs Sunday on Fuse.

Among the presenters was Bette Midler, who introduced Darlene Love. "No voice drove me crazier than Darlene Love's," Midler said. "From the moment I experienced the powerhouse that was Darlene, I was a goner."

Elton John described Leon Russell as his idol, and as looking like "something from outer space."

Singer Rob Zombie (right) introduced inductee Alice Cooper. Zombie recalled how he painted a portrait of Cooper dripping in blood when he was in fourth grade and was asked to make a picture of someone he admired - drawing attention from school authorities.

Neil Young praised inductee Tom Waits as a performer, singer, actor, magician, spirit guide and changeling.

New Orleans piano maestro Dr. John - aka, Malcolm John "Mac" Rebennack Jr. - was inducted by singer John Legend.

Paul Simon paid tribute to Neil Diamond, calling him "The Jewish Elvis."

Then they played to the wee hours. Alice Cooper delivered the first performance of the night with three of his classics "Eighteen," "Under My Wheels" and "School's Out," which he performed with a group of schoolchildren.

Guitarist John Mayer supported Leon Russell in his ballad "A Song for You."

Darlene Love dueted with Bette Midler on "He's a Rebel" after her induction.

Hall of Fame guitarist Bruce Springsteen brought his guitar to back Darlene Love for a twangy rendition of "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah."

Darlene Love (who also played Danny Glover's wife in the "Lethal Weapon" series) traded verses with Neil Diamond.

Neil Young later joined Tom Waits and his band for "Get Behind the Mule."

John Legend traded verses and piano solos with Dr. John in 'Such a Night."

Judy Collins sang one of her classics to honor inductee Jac Holzman, founder of Elektra Records.

For a six-fisted piano medley -- Elton John, Dr. John and Leon Russell -- backed Lloyd Price in "Stagger Lee."

Leon Russell composed "A Song for You" and "Delta Lady." He and Elton John teamed up last eyar for the Grammy-nominated album "The Union."

Neil Diamond took the stage last and had the crowd in the glittery ballroom of The Waldorf-Astoria hotel dancing to the 1960s era "Cherry Cherry" well into the four-hour show.

Neil Diamond got everyone involved. Alice Cooper swayed and sang to Diamond's standard classic "Sweet Caroline."

For the finale, Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper and Darlene Love, Bette Midler joined Leon Russell (on the piano) for a "Do Doo Ron Ron" singalong.

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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame introduced its latest class - Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Darlene Love, Dr. John and Leon Russell - at its 27th annual induction ceremony Monday night at the Waldorf-Astoria's Grand Ballroom in New York. The ceremony airs Sunday on Fuse.

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