In a recent concert at New York’s Beacon Theatre, the legendary Bob Dylan couldn’t resist chiming in on Jann Wenner’s recent departure from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s board of directors. With his characteristic wit, Dylan addressed the crowd, saying, “All right, like to say hello to Jann Wenner who’s in the house. Jann Wenner, surely everybody’s heard of him.” The audience chuckled in response to Dylan’s playful acknowledgment of Wenner’s presence. Dylan continued, “Anyway, he just got booted out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and we don’t think that’s right; we’re trying to get him back in.”
Now, before we delve further into Dylan’s quip, let’s acknowledge that the man is known for his banter during shows. He’s the same musical genius who once suggested that Sylvester Stallone’s action-packed Rambo: Last Blood “should’ve won an Academy Award.” So, when he made this remark about Jann Wenner, you can bet it came with a healthy dose of humor.
But let’s not forget the man of the hour himself, Jann Wenner. He’s no stranger to the world of rock and roll. In fact, he helped co-found the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in the 1980s. However, his tenure as the chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation came to an end in 2020, and this September, he found himself removed from the foundation’s board of directors. Why, you ask? Well, it all started with a controversial interview with The New York Times.
During that interview, Wenner made comments that stirred quite the uproar. Many perceived his remarks as sexist and racist, and it ultimately led to his ouster from the board. In the interview, Wenner talked about his new book, “The Masters: Conversations With Dylan, Lennon, Jagger, Townshend, Garcia, Bono, and Springsteen.” As the title suggests, it’s a collection of interviews with some of rock’s biggest icons, including our man, Bob Dylan.
Now, here’s where things took a twist. Wenner, in his infinite wisdom, mentioned that his choice to exclusively interview white men for the book was “intuitive.” He defended his decision by suggesting that women just weren’t “articulate enough on this intellectual level.” And as if that weren’t enough, he went on to suggest that Black artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Curtis Mayfield simply didn’t “articulate at that level” to be considered “masters.”
With all of this background, it’s clear why Dylan’s remarks about Wenner’s Rock Hall situation are laced with humor and perhaps a hint of irony. Dylan himself was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 1988 and continues to rock on tour in support of his 2020 album, “Rough and Rowdy Ways.”
So, in the world of rock and roll and its quirky personalities, the story of Jann Wenner’s ouster from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s board has taken center stage, and Bob Dylan couldn’t resist adding his own playful twist to the narrative. Rock on! _xD83C__xDFB8__xD83C__xDFB6_
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rock Hall Banter
What did Bob Dylan say about Jann Wenner during his concert?
During his concert, Bob Dylan playfully mentioned Jann Wenner’s recent removal from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s board of directors. He greeted Wenner, acknowledged his presence, and expressed a desire to see him back in the Rock Hall.
Why was Jann Wenner removed from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s board?
Jann Wenner faced removal from the board due to controversial comments he made in an interview with The New York Times. His remarks were widely seen as sexist and racist, leading to his ouster.
What did Jann Wenner say in the controversial interview?
In the interview, Jann Wenner discussed his book “The Masters: Conversations With Dylan, Lennon, Jagger, Townshend, Garcia, Bono, and Springsteen.” He mentioned that he exclusively interviewed white men for the book and defended this choice by suggesting that women and Black artists weren’t articulate enough on an intellectual level to be considered “masters.”
How did Bob Dylan react to Jann Wenner’s comments?
Bob Dylan’s playful remark about Jann Wenner’s situation at the Rock Hall was delivered with humor and perhaps a touch of irony. Given his own status as a Rock Hall inductee, Dylan’s comment added a unique perspective to the ongoing drama.
When was Bob Dylan inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Bob Dylan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the music industry.
What is Bob Dylan’s current musical endeavor?
As of the time of this article, Bob Dylan was still on tour in support of his 2020 album, “Rough and Rowdy Ways,” demonstrating that he continues to rock on in the world of music.
More about Rock Hall Banter
- Bob Dylan’s Official Website
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Jann Wenner’s Controversial Interview
- Bob Dylan’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
- Bob Dylan’s “Rough and Rowdy Ways” Album
