It’s Only Rock and Roll

Red, Hot and Rockin’

The 2008 It’s Only Rock and Roll Annual Benefit Concert was held on Saturday, May 10 at Public Hall at the Cleveland convention Center. The proceeds of the event, which were over $250,000 this year and the best to date, support the Museum’s increasingly popular educational programming which explores the impact that modern music has had on our culture, politics and society. Tens of thousands of students and visitors of all ages are reached annually in Northeast Ohio, across the country and around the world through the Rock Hall’s public programming.

The Benefit Concert included performances by: Kim Carnes (“Bette Davis Eyes”), Louis Prima, Jr. (“Jump, Jive and Wail,” “Just a Gigolo”), Patty Smyth ("The Warrior,” “Goodbye to You"), Sugarhill Gang ("Rapper’s Delight"), Lou Gramm of Foreigner ("Cold As Ice,” “Feels Like the First Time"), Howard Hewett of Shalamar ("The Second Time Around,” “Don’t Get Stopped in Beverly Hills"), Rob Parissi of Wild Cherry ("Play that Funky Music White Boy") and Roy Head ("Treat Her Right,” “Just a Little Bit"). The house band featured Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett, Roger Daltrey) on guitar, Jeff Carlisi (.38 Special) on guitar, Rob Arthur (Joan Osborne, Peter Frampton) on keys, Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel) on drums and Will Lee (The Late Show with David Letterman) on bass.

The stage is set at Public Hall.

A rock and roll harpist entertains the crowd before the big show.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President, Joel Peresman, greets the crowd.

Patty Smyth rocks out!

Kim Carnes gets personal with the crowd.

Click here to purchase tickets

This event is presented by:
National City

With additional support provided by:
Mercedes Benz of North Olmsted
Porsche of North Olmsted
Absolut 100

Generous media support is provided be:
Clear Channel Radio
Cleveland Magazine
Ohio Magazine
WKYC Channel 3
The Plain Dealer
Free Times
Cool Cleveland
WZAK-FM