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A potential war with Iraq wasn't far from the minds of some musicians who turned out Monday for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

"Tonight we're having a good time," singer Neil Young said. "But we're going to kill a lot of people next week. Let's not forget about that ... We're making a huge mistake."

Young, who wrote the anti-Vietnam War rocker, "Ohio," was speaking at the Waldorf Astoria ceremony to honor record executive Mo Ostin.

Despite the presence of intently political musicians like the Clash, U2's the Edge and Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello, it was a member of Elvis Costello's band who made the most blunt plea for peace.

Keyboard player Steve Nieve referred to the 1970s hit, "War," asking, "What is it good for? Absolutely nothing."

He also quoted his boss' 1984 song about Britain's war with Argentina, "Shipbuilding," saying, "We're diving for dear life when we could be diving for pearls."

Nieve then played the organ as Costello performed the song, "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?"

Guitarist Mick Jones of the Clash saluted an old friend he went to school with, who he said was in Baghdad, ready to serve as a human shield in case of war.