Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters delivered Rush's induction speech, filled with references to the band's lengthy career. "Playing upwards of 250 shows a year from day one," said Grohl, "the band built its following the right way � no hype, no bullsh*t. They did it from the ground up� without any help from the mainstream press�(coughs)�Rolling Stone."

Rush then took center stage to wild applause from fans; the band seemed overwhelmed by the event and its meaning. "We've been saying for a long time, years, that this wasn't a big deal," said drummer Neil Peart. "Turns out that it kind of is."