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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Rock Fans Flock To Hall Of Fame Debut, Concert

Associated Press

The doors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame finally opened to the public Saturday as more than 9,000 visitors were expected inside the $92 million glass-and-steel shrine.

Meanwhile, musicians spanning five decades filled the bill for a benefit concert Saturday night at nearby Cleveland Stadium. The program - set for live broadcast on HBO included Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

All but about 1,000 of 57,000 concert tickets were sold, rock hall spokesman Tim Moore said.

The crowds lined up in a circle near the hall, following the grooves in the plaza’s pavement, which resembles a giant turntable. They cheered for the first guests through the door at 10 a.m., Liz and Carl Walker of Detroit, who drove to town with their 4-year-old son, Angelopaul.

“We wanted to get here ahead of time so we could check it out,” said Walker, who bought a membership more than a year go.

John Barrett of New York City emerged with a shopping bag full of souvenirs after his visit.

“I’m a rock ‘n’ roll fan from way back,” the 40-something tourist said. “It was great to see Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison … in one exhibit. You don’t usually see that.”

The museum’s hours were extended and additional tickets were placed on sale Saturday to accommodate demand.

Administrators worked the crowds, helping sort out questions about who could get into the museum and when.

Many people held single-visit tickets they bought in advance, while others were unsure whether their memberships or reservations for a tour time were enough to get them through the door.