Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and MuseumRoss Walker, a 27-year-old man from New York City, had no idea when he walked into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland on Thursday that he was in for the surprise of his life.
Walker turned out to be the 10 millionth visitor to the Hall of Fame, and when he walked in, he was greeted with a balloon drop and a $4,000 prize package that included, among other things, tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 18, a limited-edition guitar, headphones, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum's Artifacts Vault, a membership and more. Walker also received a proclamation from Frank Jackson, the mayor of Cleveland, officially declaring him the 10 millionth visitor.
Walker, who'd taken a bus to Cleveland for a day trip so he could check out Jimi Hendrix memorabilia, was thrilled.
"I thought something was a little strange when I was coming in. I thought they were preparing for a celebrity or special guest. It was really a huge surprise that I was that special guest. I am very grateful for this experience,” he said in a statement. "I’m so surprised. This is perfect. My room at home basically looks like a shrine to Jimi Hendrix, there’s a million posters and things like that. And, I’ve been playing guitar since I was 11 years old.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 18 will see Green Day, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Bill Withers, Lou Reed, Sting, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble ushered into the Performers category. Ringo Starr will receive the Award for Musical Excellence, while the "5" Royales will be inducted as an early influence. The ceremony will air May 30 on HBO.
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