Mildly Relevant

It was recently reported that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex in New York City will close, citing a piss-poor economy keeping people from visiting. Many in Cleveland have pointed to the Annex as proof that New York City had been trying to drive the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame out of Cleveland into New York City. Hell, they have (had) all of the induction ceremonies in NYC, so why not the museum itself? Cleveland won an important battle (I really do hate using that term, but running short on time…) when the induction ceremony was held in Cleveland and quite successfully. Successful enough to warrant holding the ceremony in the former Mistake on the Lake once every three years.

Still… there was that pesky Annex and the fact that the 25th anniversary was held in New York. Now, however, Clevelanders feel a bit relieved. It was no secret that some believed the Rock Hall should have been in NYC in the first place.

“Co-founder Jann Wenner later said ‘one of the small sad things is we didn’t do it in New York in the first place,’ but later added ‘I am absolutely delighted that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is in Cleveland.’”

I like how he added that last “absolutely delighted” comment at the end after saying he’d rather have it in New York. That’s like telling your girlfriend, “I really wish we could’ve gone to that game… But this is fun, too!” except only one feels like a metaphorical slap in the face.

Here are some comments from Clevelanders after hearing that the Annex would be closing.

Can’t say that I’m sorry to hear about this. Too bad NYC. Greatest city in the world! Maybe next year when they are planning the induction ceremony, someone will say “hey, our annex here in NYC failed, maybe Cleveland really is the place to have this ceremony.”

Like #23, just one more thing NYC won’t be taking from Cleveland.

I saw that Paul Schaeffer said that the best induction ceremony he had seen was last year’s in Cleveland.

Good. What happens with the rock induction ceremony? Does Cleveland still get it every 3 years since this place closed down? You would think we would get it more now.

I am glad it is closing, the whole idea of having the induction ceremonies in New York is ridiculous. If you make the NFL Hall of Fame you go to Canton to be inducted, the MLB Hall of Fame you go to Cooperstown, the NBA Hall of Fame you go to Springfield, MA.
If you are inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame you should come to CLEVELAND. The amount of revenue this city misses out on every year because of this is absolutley ridiculous!! Come on people

With the last comment, you can see why Clevelanders have been so irked by New York City’s holding of the induction ceremony. Lord knows we could use the money!

While I myself am excited to see Cleveland remain the focal point of Rock and Hall, I’m not entirely satisfied.

“It was hoped the Annex would raise the Rock Hall’s profile, generate additional revenue for the not-for-profit main museum in Cleveland and ultimately lure visitors here to check out the Rock Hall.”

Sounds like we might be missing out on some money after all. IF Cleveland ends up getting all of the induction ceremonies because of this, then I would be happy, since Cleveland would be getting more money. BUT if this takes away from the Rock Hall’s appeal, then it ultimately ends up hurting the Rock Hall in Cleveland.

For the time being, I’ll count this as a win for Cleveland. Hell, it’s not often we get to!

Stick to stealing baseball players, NYC! (Sorry, I had to let the Obnoxious Cleveland Beast within out for a moment)

[via Cleveland.com]