The 36th Annual Grammy Awards : What They Said

“I’d like to give a message to the young people of America: That is, we’ll continue to abuse our position and (bleep) up the mainstream.’

U2’s Bono (unbleeped on the East Coast)

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“I’d like to thank the announcer for not swearing. I was told you could not say that word. My monologue would have been much funnier.’

Host Garry Shandling

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“Frank never did like rock ‘n’ roll, and he’s not crazy about guys with earrings.’

Bono, presenting a Grammy Legend award to Sinatra

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“That’s the best welcome I ever had.’

Frank Sinatra

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“We got a call from Lorena Bobbitt who said, “Even I wouldn’t have cut off Frank Sinatra.” ’

Shandling, after Sinatra’s speech was abruptly ended

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“Don’t play me off now.’

Aretha Franklin, accepting her Legend award

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“We’d like for everybody to think about the people right outside this door who’re homeless as you sit in these $900- and $300-seats. They’re out there not eating at all.’

Digable Planets’ Butterfly

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“The glorification of violence and substance abuse and the bashing of those who are different than us . . . serves nobody’s interest.’

Michael Greene, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences

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“Not one of the following performers has ever been arrested, indicted or even in a fight.’

Shandling, introducing classical musicians

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“Grammy nomination boys, hear our litany / There’s more to rock ‘n’ roll than Mariah and Whitney.’

Women rockers outside protesting this year’s elimination of the best female rock vocalist category