I have always been intrigued by the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame.

 

I have always loved the all-star jams at the end of the show. My jaw dropped when Prince ripped the shit out of the guitar solo during "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" as he paid tribute to George Harrison on a night when he was also inducted. I loved it when McCartney's daughter went up stage with him with an "It's about Fucking Time" t-shirt.

 

So I pose this question...

 

What artists should

 

a. already be in the Hall of Fame that aren't ?

b should be inducted when they are eligible?

RockNRoll Hall of Fame offical site

 

Full Inductee List

 

I'd have to scan the list more but I'll make my obvious suggestion by saying Kurt Cobain.

I was about to go on this tangent about how girl groups were underrepresented, but then I noticed that the Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas and The Shirrelles are all there, and those are the three by which all others should be judged, so no complaints in that regard. Looking through the already-inducted list, I don't see any glaring omissions.

 

I do think in the future, putting in The Cure, Madonna, Nirvana, Lou Reed, Guns N Roses and some rap acts (Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, NWA) would be appropriate.

 

Then, there are those cited as favorites of those within the industry quite often (Chaka Khan is the first to come to mind) that probably haven't had a HOF career, but I wouldn't be upset if they were put in. Someone else who fits that criteria is Annie Lennox, who if she went in at all, would have to go in alongside Dave Stewart.

 

I'm undecided about Peter Gabriel. He's had some great songs, and I love Gabriel-era Genesis, but has he had a HOF career?

 

I'm also shocked that Joan Baez isn't already in.

I'm undecided about Peter Gabriel. He's had some great songs, and I love Gabriel-era Genesis, but has he had a HOF career?

 

I say yes, just because of the wealth of solid work he has recorded in the past 36 years. I have yet to hear an album of his solo work or his Genesis work that I thought was worse than average, which is actually pretty amazing. It doesn't hurt that The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway is probably the best concept album ever. Whether he gets in on his own merits or not (which I feel he should), Genesis should definitely be in the Hall.

 

After scanning the list, I'd like to say the following:

 

The Bee Gees are in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, but Black Sabbath is not?

 

Jesus tapdancing Christ.

They'll probably never be voted in, but I really think that King Crimson deserve to be placed in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.

 

They played an important part in the development of an entire genre of rock (progressive rock).

 

They were one of the most notable (if not the most noted) practioners of free improvisation within "mainstream rock."

 

Crimson has been touring and creating music prolifically for the better part of 25 years, the hiatus/retirement after Red being the only exception.

 

And the music kicks ass too.

 

Plus, if they were voted in, just imagine the inductee jam that would commence.

OK, here is the thing with Black Sabbath. They would have already been voted in BUT when they found out they were on the inductee nomination list, they asked to be removed... at least according to some Ozzy interview I read when they first became eligible. It may even be from Rolling Stone magazine.

Black Sabbath, without fucking question. How are they not in there? They're BLACK SABBATH.

 

I mean, yeah, the band did kinda go to shit and stick around way too long, but the early years alone deserve a spot, methinks.

 

Edit: Goddamn you Helmet.

 

Also, I'd like to see Iron Maiden in there one day. They've been playing since the early 80's, and have been pretty damned consistent the whole time. Plus they fucking kick ass. I dunno what the requirements are for being in the Hall of Fame, but dammit, if they can put U2 in, they can put in Iron Maiden.

 

*really hates U2*

Iron Maiden definitely needs to get in. Whether you like or dislike the metal genre, they were one of the finest during the genre's prime. They've taken a few steps down over the years, but they're still incredible draws. They constantly do stadium shows in the UK. They had the famous Brazil show a couple of years back that did, IIRC, a quarter of a million. They have their place in metal, and in rock.

 

Regarding this year's class, I'm very happy to see the Pretenders get in.

Here's one. Does Weird Al Yankovic deserve induction when he becomes eligible?

They've taken a few steps down over the years

Like hell. Have you heard Dance of Death? I'll grant that they've had a few albums off-track. but right now, with Brave New World, Rock in Rio and the aforementioned Dance of Death, I'd say they're on a hot streak.

 

Also, while Rio did draw about 250,000 people, I *think* that show was part of a festival, so they can't get ALL the credit.

 

Iron Maiden makes me wish I was European. Dance of Death was #1 on some charts for a little while.

 

Anyway....I don't see why Weird Al shouldn't be in. I dunno if writing your own material is a requirement for the hall, but even if it is, Al probably wrote more of his own stuff (he always wrote lyrics, plus he'd have a handfull of songs on each album that he wrote himself) then a lot of musicians these days. I don't see why not.

They've taken a few steps down over the years

Like hell. Have you heard Dance of Death? I'll grant that they've had a few albums off-track. but right now, with Brave New World, Rock in Rio and the aforementioned Dance of Death, I'd say they're on a hot streak.

What I meant was the Dickinson-less era and as good as their stuff is now (I own the three you've mentioned), I don't know if they're in the same level as their 80s stuff. I do like their current stuff though, just not as much. You're right, though, as it's another hot streak for Maiden. Moot point though, as both you and I think their HOFers.

Sounds good to me.

Rock in Rio is responsible for what, in my mind, is the greatest thing ever recorded. Of course, I speak of "Fear of the Dark." So yea, Maiden for sure should go in.

What gets me most about Rock in Rio is that the crowd is CONSTANTLY doing the ooooh-wahhhh-ooohhh stuff. Not just for "Fear of the Dark", but for any song that even remotely lends itself to it.

 

What a great CD.