Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Have Annex in New York

It was announced Wednesday by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, in the presence of Billy Joel and music executive Clive Davis, that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is all set to open an annex in New York, according to the New York Times.

The mayor showed excitement for the expansion being brought to the city, saying, "This is where Ed Sullivan met the Beatles, where Lou Reed took a walk on the wild side."

Joel was also happy about the expansion, saying, "New York gave me my words and my music, and rock 'n' roll gave me a place for that music to live."

Reportedly, the annex, expected to open in November, is the museum's first expansion outside of its origins in Cleveland, and will consist of 25,000-square-feet located at 76 Mercer Street.

Among some of the items reported to be going on display is a phone booth from CBGB, guitars previously owned by Johnny Ramone and Eric Clapton, and Bruce Springsteen's first car.

The expansion may be considered a tribute to New York's contribution to rock music, but to Terry Stewart, museum president, it means something even greater in the long run.

She says, "The ability to establish these outposts in other cities, allows us to join the ranks of other famous not-for-profit institutions and museums like New York's Guggenheim, the U.K.'s Tate and the Louvre out of Paris."

This expansion is a big move for the museum, and one that could mean a lot to rock music fans.