The Atlantics

Let’s face it, award shows, as farcical and political as it can be, are a necessary evil insofar as preserving the memories of those who served well and honoring their works, influence and development of their field in life. And, sadly for some, past their life.

Tonight’s gala was fortunately very much a joyful celebration of this year’s inductees Robin Lane, Mach Bell, Hirsh Gardner, Randy Edelman, the Atlantics, Lizzie Borden & the Axes, Rick Berlin, Human Sexual Response, the Bentmen and Sister Funk. There was also memorials for the departed inductees Brad Delp, Sib Hashian, Donna Summer, Windle Davis, Charles Karp and Justine Covault. And awards were also bestowed upon ‘60s pioneer girl group Goldie & the Gingerbreads, LA “Wrecking Crew” ‘60s session keyboardist Don Randi, journalists Jim Sullivan and Steve Morse and on-air radio broadcasters Henry Santoro, Carmelita, Carter Alan and Albert O.

Haley Wood and Janet Egan King

The live music performances were spectacular and heartwarming, with Sister Funk, Robin Lane, Randy Edelman, Mach Bell Experience, Rick Berlin, Lizzie Borden & the Axes, Goldie & the Gingerbreads (inducted by Fanny guitarist/vocalist June Millington and featuring two members of Sister Funk) and Hirsh Garder & his band playing their best known and loved songs.

Additionally, Smitt Smitty & the Feztones, Linda Vien’s Girl with a Hawk and Andrea Gillis (both who inducted Justine Covault) did spirited small sets. Sister Funk honored the memory of Brad Delp (inducted by fellow Bostonian Barry Goodreau) & Sid Hashian by performing their song “Smokin’.”

Bentmen

Though neither the Atlantics nor the Bentmen played any music, the former had most of the members present (including current Little Boy Lost guitarist Fred Pineau) to accept their award (inducted by Dee Tension) and the latter did a memorable presentation replete with ghoul masks and buffed body costumes.

Mach Bell

Disco diva Donna Summer was duly feted with a screen presentation covering her from her early years in Germany in a production of Hair to her international fame as a vocalist during the height of disco mania and afterwards.

Former Human Sexual Response member Windle Davis was eulogized by his husband Dini Lamont. The most moving moment that evening was reserved for Red on Red honcho/Unclean guitarist and vocalist Justine Covault’s induction, with fellow band member/best friend Janet Egan King and Justine’s daughter Haley Wood giving affecting eulogies.

Girl With a Hawk

In short, the NEMHOF awards show delivered well to these well-deserving figures in the music community. As more acts continue to emerge and, inevitably, more pass on (just recently, Grammy award producer Ducky Carlisle), we should be looking forward to more glorious celebrations! Rock goes on.

Andrea Gillis

Brad Delph's son and Barry Goudreau

Goldie and the Gingerbreads

Liz Borden

Hirsh Gardner

Rick Berlin

Robin Lane

Sister Funk