Long-awaited inductions and surprises at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony

LOS ANGELES - May 14, 2013 - PRLog -- The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, scheduled to air on HBO starting May 18, included surprising outbursts, long awaited recognition and performances by some of music’s most iconic representatives. “It was everything you expect when you put such a widely diverse group of musicians, performers and fans in a room together,” said Chuck Brennan, founder of Brennan Rock & Roll Academy and CEO of Dollar Loan Center. The Academy was one of two exclusive sponsors of the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Held at Hollywood’s Nokia Theatre last month, the event will be televised on HBO beginning this Saturday, May 18. “Viewers will get a chance to see truly authentic reactions and performances from some of the greatest musicians in history,” said Brennan.

Among the evening’s most memorable moments was the band Rush’s induction by Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. Rush, a Canadian rock band that has been eligible for induction since 1998, “played upwards of 250 shows a year,” said Grohl. “No hype, no bulls**t. They did it from the ground up…without any help from the mainstream press. For 40 years.”

“Their influence is undeniable,” said Grohl. “And their devoted fan base is only rivaled by the Grateful Dead.”

During the evening Jennifer Hudson performed in honor of Donna Summer, Usher performed Michael Jackson songs for Quincy Jones and inductees Randy Newman, Heart, Rush and Public Enemy performed.

“It was an incredible evening filled with very diverse musical representation,” said Brennan. “It was a great thing for the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy to support, as it shows that music can be amazing and life-changing in all different genres.”

Brennan recently organized a series of rock concerts at the Academy, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to celebrate its grand opening. Performances from stars including Night Ranger, Alice Cooper, George Lopez, Louie Anderson, Vince Neil, Stephen Pearcy and many other entertainment icons helped raise $1.4 million for its students in the Boys & Girls Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The Brennan Rock & Roll Academy grand opening had its own surprises, with Gene Simmons of KISS surprising the sold out crowds by performing and donating to the event’s silent auction. Cooper performed with Robby Krieger of the DOORS and a Who’s Who of the rock industry including Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer of KISS, Sebastian Bach and Joey Allen of Warrant.

The Brennan Rock & Roll Academy serves hundreds of children in the Boys & Girls Club of the Sioux Empire. “They learn to play instruments, vocals and about the band environment,” said Brennan. “I grew up six blocks from here and was a Boys & Girls Club member. It is a great feeling to share my love of rock and roll with future generations.”

Brennan has a lifelong passion for Rock & Roll music. Before founding Dollar Loan Center he opened and operated one of the largest Rock & Roll concert halls in the Midwest, The Blitz Ballroom. Iconic bands including Joan Jett, Steppenwolf, Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult all graced the stage at the Blitz.

About The Brennan Rock & Roll Academy

The Brennan Rock & Roll Academy was founded in Sioux Falls South Dakota by Chuck Brennan, a philanthropist and business owner. Brennan owns Dollar Loan Center with 80 locations in Nevada, California, South Dakota and Utah. He developed the academy and made a $250,000 initial donation with a commitment to support the program for the next 20 years.

For more information on the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy, visit www.brennanrockandrollacademy.com or call 605-274-ROCK (7625).

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