SEATTLE rockers Pearl Jam, the late rapper Tupac Shakur and 1970s hitmaking band Journey were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Friday night. Joan Baez, Electric Light Orchestra and Yes were also part of the 2017 class inducted at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, which kicked off with a tribute to Chuck Berry. The new inductees closed the multi-hour event with a group performance, and before that Pearl Jam electrified with a performance of its well-known songs. David Letterman inducted the band, and brought a small guitar and letter onstage that he said Vedder gave to his son days before his late-night show ended in 2015. Shakur — who died in 1996 — was remembered by Snoop Dogg with a touching and playful speech. Dogg, a former label mate and friend of Shakur, says he attended the event to make sure the rapper, actor and poet is remembered as a “strong black man that stood for his.” One of the night’s most anticipated performances was Journey’s. But despite earlier reports, Steve Perry did not perform with the current Journey members. Instead, Arnel Pineda sang lead as the band performed their hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Perry, estranged from the band for many years, did embrace guitarist and co-founder Neal Schon onstage. Like Shakur and Pearl Jam, Baez and ELO were all elected in their first year as nominees. Baez, one of folk’s most iconic voices, said it felt “cool” to be inducted. She also said earning the Rock Hall honor would help young people learn who she is, and what she’s accomplished. She was inducted by Jackson Browne, who said the first album he bought with his own money was Baez’s second album. ELO — who kicked off the show with Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” — and progressive British rockers Yes were also inducted Friday. To be eligible, all of the nominees had to have released their first recording no later than 1991. Inductees will eventually be enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.(SD-Agencies) | 