“Epic School Battle” sees a group of villains raiding a classroom (Glee‘s Jane Lynch plays the teacher) and stealing all of the crayons and musical instruments. At this point, the video goes into silent film mode. After that, two superheroes dressed in costumes similar to that of Superman and Batman show up in the what looks like the actual Batmobile from the ’60s Batman TV series. For some reason, they are in color although everything else is in black and white.

When the heroes require backup, the Superman-ish looking guy somehow conjures up newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Matt Sorum (from Guns N Roses), who materializes, playing a tiny drumset. When that proves less than helpful, “superguy” summons pint size versions of KISS who somehow revert the film back into full color from black and white. And they shoot lasers out of their guitars. (Even drummer Eric Singer is playing a guitar for reasons that aren’t explained). Finally, Steven Tyler pops up to sing high notes, which apparently blow up bad guys. Confused yet? Watch the video here.

Don’t get hung up on the details: the video aims to raise money for Adopt The Arts, whose goal is “to bring together well-known artists, public figures, and the general public to save the arts in America’s public schools.” Sorum is one of the organization’s founders and is co-president, while Jane Lynch is a director. The advisory committee includes Sorum’s Guns N Roses/Velvet Revolver bandmate Slash, actors Billy Bob Thornton, John Stamos and Juliette Lewis, Adrian Young of No Doubt and guitarist Steve Stevens (from Billy Idol’s band).

You can donate at their website, by clicking on characters from the video – every time you click, you donate $1. Or you can donate larger sums here.

–Brian Ives, CBS Local
[listicle id=61114]

I am a HUGE Guns N’ Roses fan, an equally LARGE Red Hot Chili Peppers fan and an overall devoted GARGANTUAN fan of Rock and Roll music. So where else would I have been this past weekend than in Cleveland, Ohio for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony? Nowhere. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Even when the rumors became fact that Axl Rose wouldn’t be attending (commentary on this to come later), I proudly packed up my leather boots and my snake skin jacket and boarded a plane. And I’m so happy I did.

The whole weekend I felt like I was at a rock and roll fantasy camp. We’d be walking out of the Ritz after cocktails and oh – there’s the Chili Peppers getting out of their car and entering the hotel. Then we’d be walking down East 4th street hitting the bars and oh – there’s Chad Smith (Chili Pepper drummer) smoking a cigarette on the corner. Then we’d be at the House of Blues to see Duff McKagan (former GNR guitar player) do a reading from his new book and oh- there’s Gilby Clarke and Matt Sorum (former GNR guitar player and drummer) on stage playing music with him. It was the ultimate music lover’s experience and I’m so grateful I got to go. The actual induction ceremony, while over 5 hours long, was entertaining, heartfelt and most importantly, filled with a lot of awesome music. Here are some highlights: Sara Bareilles performed “Stoney End” as a part of a tribute to Laura Nyro, a New York artist from the late 60s who incorporated jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, show tunes, rock and soul into her one-of-a-kind style.
John Mellencamp – with cigarette in hand – inducted Donovan, a Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist, known for hits such as “Mellow Yellow” and “Season of the Witch.”

Bringing a little rap flavor to the event, Chuck D (of Public Enemy fame) and LL Cool J then took the stage to induct the Beastie Boys – one of the most well respected hip hop groups of all time. Mike D (Michael Diamond)and Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz) graciously accepted on behalf of the band and gave thanks to their parents for letting them blast The Clash in their Brooklyn basements. The third member, MCA (Adam Yauch), who is currently battling cancer, was unable to attend, prompting The Roots and Kid Rock to perform a medley of their songs including “No Sleep Till Brooklyn,” “So What Cha Want,” “Sabotage” and “The New Style.” Oh, and they were wearing matching green Adidas suits. Awesome.

Then it was time to induct Guns N’ Roses. Us fans already knew Axl would not be attending, thanks to a letter he sent to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a few days prior, requesting that his name not be associated with the induction. I was heartbroken at the news, as were many fans, and not just a little pissed off as I felt his decision not to come was a selfish one, based on his never ending strife with former members and his inability to put that aside to simply come and acknowledge the fans that keep him in business. But I put it out of my head so I could enjoy the fact that original members Slash, Duff and Steven Adler (drummer) were on stage together for the first time in nearly 20 years. Awesome. Joined sporadically by members Sorum and Clarke, and with singer Miles Kennedy, they performed “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Paradise City,” and “Mr. Brownstone” off of 1987′s Appetite for Destruction – which continues to be the best selling debut album of all time. Oh, and Green Day inducted them, or rather Billy Joe Armstrong did while his band mates stood at the podium awkwardly behind him. I thought it an odd choice. Anyway…

Finally, Chris Rock took the stage to induct the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I was touched by how seriously the band took their induction, inviting up former members to share in the moment – including the brother of their first guitar player Hillel Slovak, who died of an overdose in 1988. Flea got extremely emotional during his speech, as he thanked his mother and told fans that music continues to inspire him – promising the best was yet to come from the California band. Their song choices were odd, “By the Way,” “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” and “Give it Away” but their signature dance moves, heart pounding bass riffs and original style (Keidis and Flea both performed shirtless, the latter donned a head of dyed green hair) made it obvious why they were being inducted.

The night culminated with different members joining the Chilis on stage for a performance of “Higher Ground,” and I was personally blown away to see Flea and Slash performing together – two of my all time favorite musicians. Overall, it was a wonderful night and a great celebration of Rock and Roll. Now tell us, from this list, which is your favorite album from a 2012 inductee?

Appetite for Destruction
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
License to Ill

Add to the 41,102 signatures to get Rush inducted into the Hall of Fame. Sign the petition. 

 More This and That

(Photo/Tony Dejak)

I can’t believe anyone expected anything but a complete circus surrounding Guns N’ Roses’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band has courted controversy since they first exploded out of the Los Angeles rock scene in the late ‘80s. Why the media – and a few hopeful fans – thought Rose would do anything other than embarrass himself (and his former band mates) and act like a complete jerk-off in the process is beyond me. Rose has proven time and time again that he cares little about his (dwindling) fan base.

It wasn’t enough for the former William Bailey to not show up for the induction, he had to write an open letter to the Hall of Fame turning down his induction (as if it was all about him) and warn the board not to allow anyone to accept on his behalf. Hall board members, no doubt shaking their collective heads in amusement and disbelief, inducted Rose anyway along with guitarists Izzy Stradlin (who was also a no-show) and Slash, bassist Duff McKagan and drummers Matt Sorum and Steven Adler. The induction, with words from Billy Joe Armstrong from Green Day, went off without a hitch.

After the dust settled on Saturday night’s ceremony, it was evident to most, if not all who attended, as well as the media and rock fans alike, that Rose’s absences was actually a good thing for everyone involved. Myles Kennedy, who doubles as lead vocalist for Alter Bridge and Slash’s solo band, filled in for Rose when Duff, Steven and Slash (with help from one-time Guns N’ Roses sideman Gilby Clarke) performed a three song set that included “Mr. Brownstone,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Paradise City.”

Look up the Rock Hall performance of “Sweet Child” on YouTube; Kennedy actually sings the song better than Rose. Kennedy can hit all the notes Axl no longer can. A quick search on YouTube will also net a lengthy list of videos – some good quality (recording wise) – of Rose’s 2012 cover band version of Guns N’ Roses. The results are embarrassing. Axl’s voice sounds horrible these days, the guy is a shadow of his former self; he can hardly get all the lyrics in without puffing and running out of breath, and that’s standing still!

Guns’ N Roses’ Appetite For Destruction has been touted as the best debut album in rock and roll history (and I happen to concur), which is why the band was inducted into the Hall ahead of other equally deserving acts. Despite his belief that he is GN’R, Saturday night’s ceremony proved Rose was just one small piece of a remarkable band that no longer exists.

– Todd Sterling

Chris Rock, presenting The Red Hot Chili Peppers later in the evening joked that if Rose had decided to attend, they’d still all be waiting for him. So the event’s organizers were probably at least relived to know that the volatile singer was not even considering showing up, avoiding the infamous riots during Guns’ heyday, as fans waited hours for him to decide to take the stage. The induction ceremony was long enough, clocking in at over five hours.

Photos from the Rock Hall Ceremony on WCBSFM.com!

And while Rose’s absence ended up getting most of the press attention, the warmth between the members who did attend the ceremony was obvious. Founding members Slash, Duff McKagan and Steven Adler, along with Adler’s drumming replacement Matt Sorum, seemed happy to be together and to play their old band’s songs. (Slash, McKagan and Sorum are also still members of Velvet Revolver).

The night before the induction, McKagan had a public reading of his book It’s So Easy, and addressed the Rose situation by saying that the induction isn’t about any specific members of the band, but about the music and how the audience related to it. He echoed those sentiments from the Rock Hall stage, to applause from the fans.

Still, Rose’s absence was acutely felt during the performance, although Myles Kennedy from Slash’s current solo band filled in. Also absent was founding guitarist Izzy Stradlin’, who quit the band in 1991, after the release of the Use Your Illusion albums. As in 1991, Gilby Clarke filled in for Stradlin’, although Clarke wasn’t included with the rest of the band as part of the induction.

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

The ad hoc GNR performed three songs from their debut album, Appetite For Destruction, (which Armstrong referred to as “the best debut album ever”). The set list included “Mr. Brownstone,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Paradise City,” with Sorum playing drums on the first song (with Armstrong joining in on vocals), and Adler taking the other two (with Sorum assisting on tambourine). Kennedy, who occasionally sings Guns songs with Slash’s band, did a good job, but Rose stole the spotlight with his glaring absence as surely as he would have had he shown up. Still, the band members (some of whom were unsure they wanted to perform) seemed happy with their mini-set: Duff McKagan immediately tweeted “Well, THAT kicked ass!” and Slash tweeted “I have to say, that was a really fn’ great evening. Thanks to all the fans for the support. W/out that, nothing would have happened.” Your move, Axl.

–Brian Ives, CBS Local

All the Rock Hall Coverage you need on WCBSFM.com!

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DAMIAN GRASS – Entertainment Reporter for CelebrityTreat.com 

CLEVELAND (CT) _ Slash, Matt Sorum, Duff McKagan and Steven Adler – minus frontman Axl Rose – accepted Guns N’ Roses’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, reports People.

Rose stirred up trouble with fans when he announced last week that he was “respectfully” declining the Hall of Fame’s invitation, saying he felt he wasn’t “wanted” or “respected” by his former bandmates.

–

Article & Photo Copyrighted People Magazine and CelebrityTreat.com – All Rights Reserved

Matt Sorum, Duff McKagan, Slash, Steven Adler

I’ll upload a Guns n’Roses bootleg of a show played before the Use Your Illusions release in the coming days, check back.

Chad Smith and Anthony Kiedis from Red Hot Chili Peppers perform with Slash from Guns N’ Roses (Picture: Getty)

The frontman was booed when his name was mentioned at the ceremony in Cleveland after publicly condemning the ceremony last week.

Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong asked the crowd ‘who was missing’, as Ex-Guns N’ Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler and Matt Sorum were on stage accepting their award.

Armstrong said: ‘Most singers are crazy, I can vouch for that. He is one of the best front men to ever touch a microphone. Sometimes you have to look back at chapters of your life to move forward.’

Rose wrote an open letter declining an invitation to the ceremony claiming it ‘doesn’t appear to be somewhere I’m actually wanted or respected’.

Axl Rose declined his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Picture: AP)

He said: ”When the nominations for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were first announced I had mixed emotions but, in an effort to be positive, wanting to make the most of things for the fans and with their enthusiasm, I was honoured, excited and hoped that somehow this would be a good thing.

‘Of course I realised as things stood, if Guns N’ Roses were to be inducted it’d be somewhat of a complicated or awkward situation.’

Rose wasn’t the only artist who failed to turn up – Rod Stewart, whose former band The Faces was honoured, missed out after falling ill with the flu.Simply Red singer Mick Hucknell replaced him in a live performance with the band.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys and Donovan were also inducted in the ceremony with stars like Bette Midler, Smokey Robinson and Chris Rock presenting the awards.

VIDEO: Check out Guns N’ Roses at the induction

One thing fans did get to see was an onstage reunion with former Guns N Roses members, as drummer Matt Sorum joined for a few music segments on tambourine and shaker (there were no drums on stage), and GilbyClarke played guitar on a few numbers, including “Sweet Child O’Mine.” (Sorum is one of the members of Guns N Roses who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight; Clarke is not being included).

The event wasn’t strictly a musical performance: instead, McKagan read select passages from his book while a few musicians – including members of his band Loaded – played musical pieces behind him. The pieces seemed rehearsed and went well with McKagan’s storytelling (indeed, even the light show was coordinated and enhanced the show). He would occasionally play guitar and sing parts of different songs (“Sweet Child,” “Paradise City,” Johnny Thunders’ “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory”) in between the spoken segments.

During the evening, he told stories both funny (chaperoning his daughter’s birthday party, his first meetings with Slash and Steven Adler), dramatic (Guns N Roses audiences rioting, his gradual descent into drug abuse) and touching (meeting his wife, the birth of their first child). He visibly welled up with tears when discussing his wheelchair bound mother who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, visiting him in the hospital after his pancreas exploded.

While some in the crowd were visibly (and vocally) disappointed that the show wasn’t a full-on concert, most of the audience (which included Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day, who will be presenting GNR at tomorrow night’s induction ceremony) was engaged with the stories of the bass player’s life.

In McKagan’s book, he details how he was determined to conquer new challenges. As a teenager, he was a music prodigy proficient atbass, drums and guitar. As an adult, he mountain biking and martial arts, earned a college degree, started a wealthmanagement firm, and kicked drugs (twice) without going to rehab. Now he can add spoken word performer to his resume.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place tomorrow night and airs on HBO May 5. At press time, there’s no GNR performance scheduled, although rumors have been circulating that some of the former members of the band may take the stage and perform with Myles Kennedy from Slash’s band singing.

– Brian Ives, CBS Local

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One thing fans did get to see was an onstage reunion with former Guns N Roses members, as drummer Matt Sorum joined for a few music segments on tambourine and shaker (there were no drums on stage), and GilbyClarke played guitar on a few numbers, including “Sweet Child O’Mine.” (Sorum is one of the members of Guns N Roses who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight; Clarke is not being included).

The event wasn’t strictly a musical performance: instead, McKagan read select passages from his book while a few musicians – including members of his band Loaded – played musical pieces behind him. The pieces seemed rehearsed and went well with McKagan’s storytelling (indeed, even the light show was coordinated and enhanced the show). He would occasionally play guitar and sing parts of different songs (“Sweet Child,” “Paradise City,” Johnny Thunders’ “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory”) in between the spoken segments.

During the evening, he told stories both funny (chaperoning his daughter’s birthday party, his first meetings with Slash and Steven Adler), dramatic (Guns N Roses audiences rioting, his gradual descent into drug abuse) and touching (meeting his wife, the birth of their first child). He visibly welled up with tears when discussing his wheelchair bound mother who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, visiting him in the hospital after his pancreas exploded.

While some in the crowd were visibly (and vocally) disappointed that the show wasn’t a full-on concert, most of the audience (which included Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day, who will be presenting GNR at tomorrow night’s induction ceremony) was engaged with the stories of the bass player’s life.

In McKagan’s book, he details how he was determined to conquer new challenges. As a teenager, he was a music prodigy proficient atbass, drums and guitar. As an adult, he mountain biking and martial arts, earned a college degree, started a wealthmanagement firm, and kicked drugs (twice) without going to rehab. Now he can add spoken word performer to his resume.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place tomorrow night and airs on HBO May 5. At press time, there’s no GNR performance scheduled, although rumors have been circulating that some of the former members of the band may take the stage and perform with Myles Kennedy from Slash’s band singing.

– Brian Ives, CBS Local

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