Jimmy Cliff inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, Britain's Genesis, Swedish pop group Abba, punk pioneers the Stooges and The Hollies entered the rock star firmament Monday on being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame


These were the big names honoured in New York at a ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in front of music industry big wigs and celebrities.


The inclusion of Abba raised eyebrows of fans questioning whether the light pop group qualifies as a rock band.


But Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation CEO Joel Peresman said the collection "represents a great cross-section of artistes".
The Stooges' Iggy Pop was on hand to pick up his award as were five of The Hollies, Genesis frontman Phil Collins, and Abba's Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.


Jimmy Cliff raised the roof with The Harder They Come, while the Stooges gave a thunderous performance that ended with guests jamming on stage alongside a shirtless Iggy Pop.


The event was an Oscars-style black tie and tuxedo event, except this being the rock world many guests came without the tie or without the jacket, or either.


Iggy Pop joked to Rolling Stone magazine about the un-punk-like sartorial code, saying he owned a dinner jacket, but was hardly itching to put it on.


"I've got these things. I'm at the time of life where people sort of pick me up by the collar and exhibit me on various occasions," he said.


True to his bad boy image he immediately made an obscene gesture -- with both hands -- at the audience from the podium, then removed his shirt to go on stage for a raucous rendition of Search and Destroy.

Musicians already in the hall of fame include Eric Clapton, Madonna, the Beatles, The Byrds and Simon and Garfunkel.


The only official requirement for candidacy is having released an album or record at least 25 years ago. Record sales are not considered important.