The Cure

Bauhaus

Daniel Johnston

Posted by God on Thursday, 08.21.08 @ 22:53pm

I have a feeling that The Stooges are finally going to have their day.

Posted by Dameon on Friday, 08.22.08 @ 10:13am

hopefully someone who deserves it not like madonna last year

Which was a DISGRACE

Posted by ryiio on Friday, 08.22.08 @ 12:50pm

I was disappointed that Donna Summer didn't get inducted last year. I wish people would ignore the 'disco sucks' label and appreciate that Donna is herself a fantastic singer/songwriter who has influenced the likes of Madonna and Paula Abdul and is a key figurehead for women in rock/pop/dance music.

Posted by Polar on Friday, 08.22.08 @ 13:26pm

But I like the "Disco Sucks" label!

Posted by Dameon on Friday, 08.22.08 @ 14:41pm

Kraftwerk started the whole Synth/Pop craze. They should get in .... Finally.

Posted by Joe-Skee on Saturday, 08.23.08 @ 12:34pm

Will this be the year the HoF finally starts recognising many of its oft-heralded snubs? Will it f*ck. Hell will begin to actually exist AND freeze over before The Smiths or anyone like that even gets a mention round this sh*thole.

Posted by Liam on Saturday, 08.23.08 @ 15:29pm

Liam -

WELCOME BACK!

Posted by Cheesecrop on Saturday, 08.23.08 @ 15:32pm

Hi! Have absolutely no idea about this years picks (Stooges, per'aps? I haven't being paying attention lately, so I dunno), but I personally reckon Mikey will win Big Brother UK '08. Just thought you'd maybe like to know, what with the lack of HoF predictions.

Posted by Liam on Saturday, 08.23.08 @ 15:41pm

Liam & Cheesecrop...y'know, I'm almost afraid to find out who's going to get inducted. It's that emotion when you don't know whether to laugh or cry...I really hate it when that happens...!!!

Posted by Gitarzan on Saturday, 08.23.08 @ 21:03pm

Ok, before y'all flame me, keep in mind, I'm just stating who I think WILL be discussed/nominated, not necessarily who I'd like to see. That said:

1) Stevie Ray Vaughan... I don't wanna go so far as to call him a shoe-in, but of the newly eligibles, I imagine there'll be a lot of support his way

2) Stooges... this isn't like Neil Diamond, Sonic Youth, or Chubby Checker tooting their own horn saying they think they should be in. This is Madonna having them perform in her place at her induction, and this is the 2007 ceremonies ending with an impromptu jam of "I Wanna Be Your Dog." They've got support, and it may be Lucky 7 for them.

3) Hollies, because Little Steven has announced he'll be pulling for them.

4) Ringo Starr. Lennon in '94, McCartney (and Martin) in '99, Harrison in '04. Will the five year trend continue? Stay tuned, folks.

5) Beastie Boys... I think everyone who put forth a serious prediction last year had these guys picked. I think they'll be back this year.

6) Afrika Bambaataa... they didn't give up until Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five got in, and I don't think they're gonna even take a breather until they've got Bambaataa, Beasties, Run-DMC and maybe even Herc. But for now, the focus is on Bambaataa

7) Chic... Again with the persistence thing. They'll return like the perennial Christmas fruitcake again this year.

8) Willie Nelson... lately there seems to be at least one nominee that seems to come in from clear out of left field. So I'm going to try the same thing here and say he might show up.

9) Metallica... I honestly don't know if they'll make the ballot, but it's worth a guess to say they might be one of the last ones cut if they don't make it.

10) RUSH... again, maybe not the final ballot, but with their finally getting the big ups in Rolling Stone, it could be a sign that Jann has said, "Oh alright, let's consider these guys too."

11) Bon Jovi... as sure as they seem, I'm not completely comfortable saying they'll be on the ballot... maybe a bit *too* blue-collar, moreso than Skynyrd or even Mellencamp. But in terms of newly eligibles, I think they'll at least get a glance or two.

12) Joe Tex... he's appeared a time or two, and after not being on the ballot last year, he might crop up again.

Only nine make the ballot, but last year, FRH predicted more than nine, so I think I'm allowed to do the same. lol

Posted by Philip on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 00:32am

The Digital Dream Door website lists eligible artists for the Rock Hall into 10 categories.

QUALIFICATIONS (on a scale of 1-10)

1 - Non-existant
2 - Mostly Insignificant
3 - Recognizable, But Minor Artist
4 - Modest Accomplishments
5 - Worth Examining, But Will Often Fall Short
6 - Strong Case To Be Made
7 - Solid Choice
8 - Unquestioned Credentials
9 - Dominant Artist
10 - The Immortals

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 08.16.08 @ 06:11am
--------------------------------------------------

Let's try the Digital Dream Door list on who you chose here:

SRV - 7
Stooges - 8
Hollies - 5
Ringo - 4
Beastie Boys - 7
Afrika Bambaataa - 4
Chic - 5
Willie Nelson - 5
Metallica - 9
Rush - 9
Bon Jovi - 6
Joe Tex - 5

Admittedly only my take on the list is presented here. Feel free to plug in who you want.

Posted by Cheesecrop on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 05:31am

The Digital Dream Door website lists eligible artists for the Rock Hall into 10 categories.

QUALIFICATIONS (on a scale of 1-10)

1 - Non-existant
2 - Mostly Insignificant
3 - Recognizable, But Minor Artist
4 - Modest Accomplishments
5 - Worth Examining, But Will Often Fall Short
6 - Strong Case To Be Made
7 - Solid Choice
8 - Unquestioned Credentials
9 - Dominant Artist
10 - The Immortals

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 08.16.08 @ 06:11am
--------------------------------------------------

Let's try the Digital Dream Door list on who I chose here:

Genesis - 7
Chicago - 5
Blood, Sweat & Tears - 5
Kool & The Gang - 7
The Commodores - 6
Hall & Oates - 7
Alice Cooper - 7
The Cars - 7
Rush - 7
The Pointer Sisters - 7

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 06:45am

Liam, I thought you weren't going to watch BB? LIAR.

This American thinks Kat will win. Say what you will about this season (only trumped in dullness by BB4 & BB8) at least it's had some great weeks scattered about and an excellent four horse race for the championship.

As for the American version, I'll go with Renny at this juncture.


Now, on to the Rock Hall picks

1 - Metallica (De-snubbed)
2 - Stevie Ray Yawn (Springsteeny & Little Steven-y enough to be a ballot lock)
3 - Beastie Boys
4 - Run DMC (These two Rap selections will ensure that the short career of Afrika Bambaataa doesn't receive a nomination)
5 - The Hollies (At least we know this travesty is approaching)
6 - Chic (Been close before)
7 - The Stooges (So have they)
8 - Joy Division (Excellent movie bodes well for their chances)
9 - Bon Jovi (After Mellencamp made it in and Little Steven sang their praises, I wouldn't be shocked. Also, they have the Jersey thing going on which is yet another Springsteen connection)

- Sonic Youth misses the ballot for the second straight year.

- The Smiths are the major act skipped this year. Pulp is another newly eligible injustice.

- Donna Summer & Afrika Bambaataa are the two leftovers from last year that don't return.


The five that will be enshrined:

The Hollies
Joy Division
Metallica
Stevie Ray Vaughn
The Stooges

Cohen's induction proved that there are plenty of informed voters so Joy Division can get in. Metallica & Stevie Ray are no-brainers. The Hollies & The Stooges are both sixties acts, morons for the former, dweeby critics for the latter. All in all, I support three of those five acts, same as last year, although I'm higher on all of them being in now than I am on The Ventures.

Chic is still a joke, so is Bon Jovi. The rap artists will split the votes. Partially because some voters won't want to host two such artists. Moreso, the dumbwads will give their complimentary slot to Run DMC while the more educated will reward the more innovative act with the better career, The Beasties.

Posted by Casper on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 13:37pm

Liam according to voting statistics u have the most posts at 2434
Congrats

Posted by Keebord on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 14:20pm

The five that will be enshrined:

The Hollies
Joy Division
Metallica
Stevie Ray Vaughn
The Stooges


I agree on 4 with the exception of Joy Division. Maybe add an older artist into the mix to make it look nice

Posted by danny on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 17:10pm

My hope against hope is that this is Tom Waits' year, seeing as he's one of the biggest artists that I thought would have been a no-brainer for the Rock Hall -- the critics like them and he's classic rock enough to get by with no problem, but the name recognition hurts him, I guess.

This year, either Metallica or the other big no-brainer, the Red Hot Chili Peppers get nominated and get pushed through.

The Stooges are a lock.

I think they'll nominate Run-DMC this year, and possibly Bambataa, giving the Beasties a year off.

Hollies: nominated, not inducted.

Posted by MBI on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 17:27pm

You guys are getting good at predicting our predictions... Ours will be coming soon.

Posted by Future Rock Hall on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 19:23pm

"Liam according to voting statistics u have the most posts at 2434
Congrats"
Posted by Keebord on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 14:20pm

Does that 2434 include all the profane insults he lobed at people who dared disagree with him?

Half have probably been deleted.

Posted by joker on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 20:08pm

It sure does joker

Posted by Keebord on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 20:11pm

Stevie Ray Vaughan
The Stooges
Rush
Donna Summer
The Cars or The Doobie Brothers
The Faces

it's mostly just wishfull thinking, something tells me Cyndi Lauper might make an appearance on the ballet who knows maybe ELO will make it in, doubtful though on account of the most deserving ones are usually overlooked, i didn't include a hip hop act which everyone else is predicting who knows only time will tell

Posted by Greg on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 20:33pm

Well, aside from Greg's inclusion of Donna Summer, I don't think any of us really expect any women to make the ballot. A bit skewed perhaps, since there always seems to be at least one women on the ballot. Maybe Donna will return, or maybe they'll go with Heart or Pat Benatar, or someone along those lines.

Posted by Philip on Sunday, 08.24.08 @ 22:50pm

I already posted my nine somewhere else on the site, but I'll repeat them here.

The Hollies
Gram Parsons
The Stooges
Kraftwerk
Tina Turner
Chic
Metallica
The Beastie Boys
Run DMC

Posted by The_Claw on Monday, 08.25.08 @ 02:27am

My favourites:-

Donna Summer
Kraftwerk
Pat Benatar
Chic
Joy Division

a mixed bag of highly respected and influential artists and acts- perfect to be inducted into the R&R HoF with artists from different genres, races, nations and sexes.

Posted by Harry on Monday, 08.25.08 @ 09:04am

I have no clue who they will nominate this year and who will get chosen.

My (11) hopes:

The Stooges
Alice Cooper
NY Dolls
ELP
King Crimson
Joy Division
Kraftwerk
The Runaways
The Cure
Metallica
The Smiths

I would be shocked if I see two of them nominated.

Posted by Dameon on Monday, 08.25.08 @ 09:17am

My predictions (I'll go with 8 of them) include some I don't particularily like, so FWIW:

Run DMC
Metallica
Stevie Ray Vaughan
The Hollies
Donna Summer
Gram Parsons
The Stooges
Rush

Posted by Paul in KY on Monday, 08.25.08 @ 09:58am

2009 Prediction

1. Metallica
2. Stevie Ray Vaughn
3. Stooges
4. The Hollies
5. Run DMC
6. Beastie Boys
7. Bon Jovi
8. Genesis
9. Rush

Inductees

Metallica
Stooges
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Run DMC
Hollies

I'd like the final spot to be Genesis or Rush, but the Hall committee has a boner for The Hollies

Posted by Kyle on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 07:26am

The 2009 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees:

The Hollies
Chic
Donna Summer
Beastie Boys
RUN DMC

Bernie Taupin

OR

The Hollies
The Stooges
Beastie Boys
Donna Summer
Chic

Bernie Taupin

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 09:49am

Not sure if it would happen but it'd be nice to see Deep Purple finally get into the hall. I think they have a decent shot especially since Black Sabbath finally made it in a few years ago

Posted by Greg on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 12:15pm

I knew my list was missing someone.

If they do induct Deep Purple (which they won't), we know the following members will be inducted: Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover. (This is considered the essential Deep Purple line-up.

Do the following also get in:

1] Rod Evans - Original Lead Singer
2] David Coverdale
3] Tommy Bolin - Guitar
4] Glenn Hughes
5] Joe Lynn Turner
6] Joe Satriani

Posted by Dameon on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 13:19pm

I really hope Donna Summer gets inducted in 2009. Like her music or not, she has had a powerful influence on today's music. From her synth pioneering dance anthems to her rock gems in the 80s; Donna is the Queen!

Posted by Diana on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 13:32pm

I forgot Simper and Morse.

Posted by Dameon on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 13:39pm

What about Little Feat ???

Posted by Kyle on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 15:59pm

If I were to pick from this list it would be 5 of the following:

Stooges
Hollies
SRV
Kraftwerk
Chic
Donna Summer
Rush
Def Leppard
just NO rap acts

and also:
Steve Miller(to make up for Mellencamp getting in)
Deep Purple ( with every single member )
Jethro Tull (")
Scorpions (if a german band like Kraftwerk can get noticed, why can't these guys ???????)
Peter Frampton (one word: TALKBOX)
Small Faces (if Rod Stewart's Faces was considered, then the original should be as well)

Posted by jack on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 16:35pm

in my opinion before Metallica can be inducted they have to let in Judas Priest who really paved the way for them. Judas Priest is most definately influential enough to be in the hall, why they're not is a mystery to me. I can kind of understand about KISS but Priest?

Posted by Greg on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 17:12pm

Warren Zevon, the greatest American songwriter not in the Hall.

Posted by Drew on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 17:44pm

At least SRV is eligible now so his fans will actually have something to complain about if he's snubbed, rather than flood every Rock Hall mentioning site on the internet with "OMG! Why isn't SRV in the Hall???!!!!"

Posted by Casper on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 18:12pm

Hmm. I was just thinking. Metallica was discussed last year but then totally snubbed. Perhaps they were planning the rock sub-genre thing for quite some time and last year was a way to put in some middle-of-the-road picks like DC5, Mellencamp & The Ventures?

How about this:

Sonic Youth (indie rock)
Metallica (metal)
Joy Division (unbelievable awesomeness)
Kraftwerk (electronic)

& five others. I don't think this is out of the realm of probability. It would be great if the Hall started tailoring their ballots to a theme so they could let the less famous but more important names not have to compete with legends like Madonna or U2.

Posted by Casper on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 18:15pm

Casper...Funny thing about SRV, I won't be surprised if he is inducted, and I won't be surprised if he's not...I just can't get any sort of feel for what they're thinking. He's a great talent (probably the best raw talent I've ever seen), very influential, pretty much took playing the blues to a different plane (all my opinion), but how many artists out there fill that bill who have been snubbed over the years? Too many to think of off the top of my head!!!

I don't know what little "extra" SRV might have over previously snubbed artists that would cause them to induct him. If this process had run smoothly over the years with few arguments, I would say he definitely would. I just don't know...

Posted by Gitarzan on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 18:35pm

Dameon...being from New York, do you remember a band called Silver Apples? They actually pre-dated Kraftwerk a bit. I remember a song by them called "Oscillations" that was actually WAY ahead of its time.

Good stuff for anyone to listen to as far as roots of electronic music goes. Of course, Kraftwerk are definitely a vital part of that genre...just not the first.

Posted by Gitarzan on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 19:00pm

Hear me out on this, fellow predictors:

Here is what I would have as my nine picks for the finalists in the Performers category for the Class of 2009. It is different, yet interesting.

Peter Gabriel: Perhaps the most influential artist eligible and not yet in. Certainly a personal favorite of mine. With the success of Wall-E and being named among Time's 100, not to mention the forthcoming reissue of his last album with Genesis, "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" (reunion?), I feel this is his time. Frankly, I cannot figure out why Gabriel is not already in.

Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens: a finalist before, he should be considered again. Easily amongst the more ambitious singer-songwriters of his era.

Metallica: A New album and considerable fan base should put these guys on the ballot this year. Though I am not prone to liking their type of rock music, Metallica has been an exception; largely due to their lyric writing prowess.

Donna Summer: Still continuing to amaze and shine in her works. Again, not a particular fan of Disco overall, yet Summer has been a favorite among many, then and now.

Carly Simon: A highly successful singer-songwriter for over 40 years, and yet not inducted as of now. Perhaps with the newer album of originals in a bossa-nova feel, amongst continued media exposure, the time will come for her to be inducted.

Lionel Richie: Only recently eligible to include his full career and works. It is not at all suprising given his impressive track record of notable albums and songs. And yes, clearly was the Commodores during his stint with the group.

The Hollies: With Crosby, Stills, Nash, young, The Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield already in, it is time to complete the family tree with the Hollies. For good measure, they more than held their own after Graham Nash lef the band in late 1968. In fact, some of their bigger hits in America came after Nash left.

Rush: Perhaps now the likes of Dave Marsh will take their credentials seriously. One of the few 70s acts that in my opinion improved once the 80s arrived.

Iggy Pop/The Stooges: I still cannot understand the hold-up for induction. Should it be Iggy or all of them? Whatever the case, an induction should be forthcoming.

My picks for the five inductees are:

1. Peter Gabriel
2. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
3. Donna Summer
4. Carly Simon
5. The Hollies

As for non-performer: Roy made a great pick regarding Bernie Taupin. I had not thought of that. I would include Sir Tim Rice in the mix as well. Also, Quincy Jones has been long oversue for induction.

Sidemen: I would pick Ringo Starr. If Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, The Beatles, and Martin are in, so should Ringo. One of the best go to guys in his field.

Anyway, those are my picks. I sincerely hope that Peter Gabriel, in particular, finaaly goes in this year. The waiting has been long enough.

Hope for Happiness,

Lax25

Posted by Lax25 on Tuesday, 08.26.08 @ 19:18pm

Lax - Peter Gabriel cannot go in before Genesis. Rush cannot go in before King Crimson, ELP, and a few others.

Posted by Dameon on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 04:53am

Since everybody's tossing in who they feel has a shot, here goes my take on the ballot:

The Stooges
Metallica
Rush
Run D.M.C.
Beasties
The Smiths
Chic
Donna Summer
Genesis
Deep Purple
Def Leppard
Link Wray
Kraftwerk

I've probably left someone out, and maybe I'll remember who it was later on.

Posted by Cheesecrop on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 05:22am

Ringo Starr is not going to be inducted in the sideman category. He will be given the full blown main performer category treatment. He's had hits and albums in his name.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 06:11am

Gitarzan said about SRV: 'I don't know what little "extra" SRV might have over previously snubbed artists that would cause them to induct him.'

I think him being dead, dying young in a crash after a great show, is considered a 'plus' with the committee, IMO. It certainly is the answer for anyone who would say 'what's he done recently'.

I'm sure SRV would have rather remained alive & never make Hall, but his untimely death adds to his mystery (IMO).

Posted by Paul in KY on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 06:26am

The Hollies
Herman's Hermits
Little Anthony and the Imperials
Gram Parsons
The Stooges
Beastie Boys
Donna Summer
Chic
RUN DMC
Stevie Ray Vaughan

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 06:47am

Paul...that's a pretty good opinion on that particular subject...

Posted by Gitarzan on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 07:34am

The Silver Apples - I have heard of them, but by the time I found the East Village (1971), they had already disbanded. I think my brother in-law told me about them. I heard that they reformed in the 90's for a short while, but I don't know if they did anything.

Posted by Dameon on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 09:21am

Are you kidding me? Just follow which concerts are still selling out. There is no question that if Steve Perry wouldn't have left Journey twice they would be in already. The music stands the test of time and continues to get more popular. However, because Journey is in that stigma of "Power Ballads" and Arena/Album oriented Rock they will never get there just do. Thats why this week they have the number 10 song on AC and had an album that debuted at 5 and 11 weeks still in the top 40 of album sales.
I guess they have sold to many albums.
After Journey, the 2nd one that I can't understand is Heart. I thought the whole point to the so called "R&R Hall of Fame" is changing music history, most influental, and longevity. I guess this is Heart and Journey's problems. They didn't stop after 2 or 3 albums like the 36 times Eric Clapton has been inducted or the Mama and Papa's now there is a historic band. Anyways, how can you deny the Wilson Sisters. Ann Wilson, still has the most amazing voice ever. Again, AOR and Power Ballads. I guess the reason Heart isn't in because Ann & Nancy are actually talented unlike Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, and Mama Cass.
Then Bon Jovi, still selling out, still selling albums and still having hit singles. They are very more than deserving. Again sold to many albums.
Next Metallica, let me say this, I'm not a huge fan. I like some songs. But, they actually make sense. They are deserving.
Here is the suprise of my choices and I think a group if this makes sense that saved Rock music, how irronic, since outside of the above mentioned, 3 Doors Down, Matchbox 20, Lifehouse, and Goo Goo Dolls, sucks again. I think RUN DMC should be in. They were one of the actually good and early pioneers in crap, I mean rap. Plus, by doing Walk This Way with Aerosmith, they changed the face. They saved rock, saved Aerosmith (whom was left for dead at this point and would never be in the R&R HOF without them, and actually put rap music on the map.

Posted by Steve on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 11:24am

Janis Joplin and Mama Cass are more deserving of induction than Heart, I'm not saying Heart shouldn't be inducted i'm just saying if your going to bash people in the hall that are undeserving than bash Bonnie Raitt

Posted by Greg on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 11:32am

Oh and one more thing the Mama's and the Papa's are a historic band and by saying they're not your ignorance is showing

Posted by Greg on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 11:34am

Greg:

Did the Mama's and the Papa's really do anything that Peter, Paul and Mary didn't already do?

Posted by interviewer on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 12:45pm

Musically they weren't that different but they did organize the Monteray Pop Festival which was a precurser to Woodstock and introduced americans to the likes of Janis Joplin,Jimi Hendrix, and The Who

Posted by Greg on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 13:21pm

How could you say Ann & Nancy Wilson are more talented than Janis, Grace or Cass. To me, on certain Heart songs Ann sounds like Janis without the gruff. Grace Slick, in additon to also played piano and recorder. (Slick's recorder is featured on two songs from the Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow" "Comin' Back to Me" and "How Do You Feel.")

Posted by Aaron O'Donnell on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 13:36pm

Ummmmm.....Grace slick plays piano, thats great, but Nancy Wilson one of the best female guitar players along with the very deserving Bonnie Raitt. As for Joplin, the only thing she did was screatch. Wow, the Moma and Papa's organized a Festival, so what. I guess Heart starting the whole Seattle sound, which lead to Alternative (which I hated for the most part) doesn't mean anything. Your right I guess 4 decades of success of selling albums, selling out concerts, and still making hits like Heart and Journey don't mean anything. I guess they should have died young or only put out 2 or 3 albums, that way they couldn't have been considered the greatest of all time. Whatever.

Posted by Steve on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 18:35pm

Let me respond to Dameon's post regarding my initial post:

You do realise that when Peter Gabriel does get inducted, his works with Genesis is included. And that is everything in the Genesis era of 1968-1975, plus the "Six of the Best" concert, the 1999 re-recording of "The Carpet Crawlers", and the rumored classic line-up renunion which may or may not ever occur. Now I would prefer to have Gabriel and Genesis inducted in the same year: I would even include the entire bodies of work that the added two creative forces of the classic line-up, Steve Hackett and Tony Banks. And I would be open to include everything that Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford recorded as well. Yet in all fairness, inducting Peter Gabriel may be similar to inducting the classic line-up era of Genesis (Gabriel-Banks and Gabriel-Hackett-Banks periods.) Include the activism for humanities, the innovative videos and tours, and the fact that he has continually stayed fresh and forward looking (which I sadly cannot say the same regarding Phil Collins), and Peter Gabriel goes in without question. Heck, "Down to Earth" still proves his keen songwriting magic, if you will; and that was released over two months ago,

Now then, regarding Emerson, Lake and Palmer: this unique trio should have been inducted years ago. However, they began to slow down their immediate impact after "Works"; the nadir being "Love Beach", not a personal favorite of either Greg Lake or Carl Palmer in particular. They have been a virtual non-entity since. Yet, the era from their debut through "Works" is unparrelaled. For that, ELP should be in. It may be a while longer to wait, though.

With respect to King Crimson, again they should have been inducted years ago. I suppose the problem is: which King Crimson to induct? And the more I think about it, the more it becomes that King Crimson revolves around four band members: Robert fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford. Fripp himself considers King Crimson to be virtually two entities: his in the 60s and 70s, Belew's afterwards. Heck, since 1981 with the release of "Discipline", their tours have only played a select few of their songs prior to the 80s, "Red" and "Lark's Tongue in Aspic" being the more obvious. Certainly Fripp has for over 30 years ceased playing anything from the first five King Crimson albums. In many ways, if King Crimson ever does get inducted, it may be from 1981 onwards (e.g., the Fripp-Belew-Levin-Bruford line-up), since it is that line-up that Robert Fripp considers to be King Crimson.

As for Rush before ELP or Crimson: consistency, durability, familiarity with the line-up, and being able to still be leaders in their field would propel these guys to be inducted before other great prog artists. It has been the same three people for 34 years: Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson, and Geddy Lee. And again, while a good deal of prog acts faded when the 80s came, Rush did amazing work, even through today. Plus, the three of them are highly astute writers and craftsmen; I have been impressed with Peart's published works of memoirs and travel to note.

Anyway, that is my point-by-point rebuttal, so to speak. I do clearly think, however, that Peter Gabriel has the greatest of momentum going in this year. His induction, I hope, will be the spark to seriously consider progressive art rock as a needed sub-genre in popular music's ascendency as the "new aristocracy", as a person whose name I cannot remember once stated.

Turning my head to stare,

Lax25

Posted by Lax25 on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 18:40pm

Steve...I hate to be the bearer of bad news (again), but Nancy Wilson isn't really that great of a guitar player. Comparing her to Bonnie Raitt is ridiculous. Ann Wilson's voice was the power behind Heart...period.

Posted by Gitarzan on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 18:52pm

Lax 25, when a solo artist is inducted the works of his previous group are NOT included. If that were the case Ringo Starr would be already in. The solution to the King Crimson, ELP, Genesis dilemma would be to induct Robert Fripp solo in 2009, ELP in 2010, then Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins solo in 2011. As for Rush going in before any of the aforementioned artists, that would be a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.

Posted by classicrocker on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 18:58pm

I hate to be the bearer of bad news (again), but Nancy Wilson isn't really that great of a guitar player.

Yeah - but she is really good looking, especially in those 80's videos.

Posted by Dameon on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 19:03pm

Lax25...Actually, an artist's solo career is supposed to be judged on it's own merits and not by what he did in a band (see the ongoing Steve Perry debate).

That's why sometimes I wonder about solo artists like Paul Mc Cartney. I didn't think his solo stuff was all that great, or influential, or anything else. Yet he's in the HOF as a solo artist...go figure!!!

Posted by Gitarzan on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 19:03pm

Ah yes...the infamous "cleavage tour"...yummy!!!

(Yes, I know...I'm a swine!!!!)

Posted by Gitarzan on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 19:05pm

Steve:

you can't even spell Mama's and the Papa's right and more importantly the Monteray Pop festival was hugely important not just some stupid festival as i said before it set the foundation for Woodstock, maybe you've heard of that one. and Lastly Janis doesn't just sreatch (i think you meant screech) she conveys emotion through song like nobody else's business. bottom line why don't you learn a little more before you comment on something and make yourself look like an idiot you might also find this useful

dictionary.com

Posted by Greg on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 19:39pm

Steve, i almost forgot when you mentioned Heart started the whole Seattle sound thing, i think you meant Nirvana...There this other band that pioneered a type of rock called grunge, just merely being from someplace doesn't mean you made up their "sound". Bob Dylan is from Minneapolis but he certainly didn't come up with the "Minneapolis Sound" that would be Prince (in case you don't know,they sound completely different)

and the reason Heart isn't in the hall yet is because of the crap they put out in the 80's

Posted by Greg on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 19:45pm

I would spell the Mama's and the Papa's correctly if they were any good. So I guess you are a big fan of the Pussy Cat Dolls, New Kids on the Block, and N'SYNC because they were so called "bands" that sang together and had harmoney. I wasn't the one that was bashing Bonnie Raitt, I actually think she is awesome. Your right Janis did convey emotion in her sorry I will spell it right this time screeching, the problem is it is me wanting to rip my ears apart when I hear anything she ever sang, just like the modern Janis Joplin being Amy Winehouse both completely overrated. I will give her a little credit, very little credit she wrote some kinda ok songs. Her voice could never be compaired to Ann Wilsons. Ann's voice ranks up there with Ella Fitzgerald and Patsy Cline as one of the greatest voices in music history. You are right, Heart didn't make up the Seattle sound, as Alice and Chains which group was one of the biggest influences for the Seattle sound. Ummm...also sorry I think I stated Heart was one of the leaders of the Seattle sound that lead to Alternative, sorry I meant Grunge. I wasn't a big Nirvana fan, but will give them their due they deserve. This is going to make me sound even more against the so called greats of music history, but really compairing Bob Dylan to Prince, come on not even close. The only thing Bob Dylan did was write some ok songs like Joplin and both had some of the worst voices ever.

Posted by Steve on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 20:28pm

Steve, all you are doing is making yourself sound more like an idiot all the time. The band is called Alice In Chains not Alice and Chains.

Posted by Brian on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 21:07pm

i didn't compare Bob Dylan to Prince i was making the point that Prince came up with the Minneapolis sound even though Bob Dylan was from Minneapolis before Prince.

and i don't think you come off as "against the so called greats of music history" you come off as ignorant because they're great for a reason

and by the way Grunge = Alternative

Posted by Greg on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 21:14pm

Actually Bob Dylan is not from Minneapolis, MN but Hibbing, MN. Another artist from Hibbing MN is Gary Puckett. Prince put Minneapolis on the Musical map but Bob Dylan and Gary Puckett put Hibbing, Minnesota on the musical map, Get your geography straight, Greg

Posted by Aaron O'Donnell on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 22:36pm

I'm all for Donna Summer getting inducted- but mentioning that she's influenced Paula Abdul isn't exactly a great thing. hehe It's like saying Madonna influenced Britney Spears. Granted, I enjoy the Forever Your Girl album, but Abdul isn't exactly a great or important artist.

Anyhoo, Donna definitely should be inducted. She ain't the Queen of Disco for nothin'. The Bee Gees were the Kings, so only fitting for Ms. Summer to get recognized.

Posted by JR on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 23:15pm

Aaron:

i will gladly get my geography straight, Aaron, i was just making the point that although Heart is from Seattle they didn't contribute to the "Seattle sound" and that two artists can be from (around) the same area but that doesn't mean one had anything to do with the creation of a particular sound that the other one popularized

Posted by Greg on Wednesday, 08.27.08 @ 23:51pm

Steve, i almost forgot when you mentioned Heart started the whole Seattle sound thing, i think you meant Nirvana...Gregg

I think you need to rethink this thought. Nirvana was not even close to being the first. They weren't even the first band to get heavy airplay on the radio. AIC was with "Man In The Box". They were the 1st band from the "Grunge" scene that got heavy rotation play on MTV.

Posted by Dameon on Thursday, 08.28.08 @ 04:09am

It should be mentioned that Run-DMC is now the highest ranked eligible artist on the Immortals list (#48) who is not in the Hall of Fame. Beastie Boys (#77) and Stooges (#78) are also on there.

Posted by Future Rock Hall on Thursday, 08.28.08 @ 07:57am

John Simon
Tom Dowd
Arif Mardin
Quincy Jones
Casey Kasem
Bernie Taupin

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 08.28.08 @ 08:03am

"It should be mentioned that Run-DMC is now the highest ranked eligible artist on the Immortals list (#48) who is not in the Hall of Fame. Beastie Boys (#77) and Stooges (#78) are also on there."

Only six eligible artists are on that list. After Run-DMC, the Beasties and the Stooges are Gram Parsons (#87), Roxy Music (#98) en Lee 'Scratch' Perry (#100). You might also want to add him to your non-performers list, Roy.

Posted by The_Claw on Thursday, 08.28.08 @ 08:40am

Donna Summer needs to get inducted! I do not care much for some disco music (guaranteed its always great for making you feel good), but i have always thought of Donna as being more than just a disco diva. Her 'Once Upon a Time' LP and 'Bad Girls' LP are legendary concept albums with a fantastic mix of disco, soul, rock and powerful vocals. It is important to remember also that she was a prolific songwriter, which is sometimes over-shadowed with her 'Queen of Disco' image. Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame- please induct Donna Summer in 2009!

Posted by James on Thursday, 08.28.08 @ 11:54am

Dameon, thank you for clearifying the Altrnative/Grunge scene/Seattle Sound. As I said one of Alice In Chains biggest influences was/is Heart. To the point that one of the AIC members is touring and playing guitar for Heart on this tour with Cheap Trick & Journey.

As for Greg, I guess you were wrong about both the Minneapolis & Seattle sound. As you quoted "Steve, i don't think you come off as "against the so called greats of music history" you come off as ignorant because they're great for a reason." I guess they are great because Greg says so. I think you do the same thing against the music of the Late 70's/Early 80's Rock, the so called Corporate Rock/Album Oriented Rock/Arena Rock, like Journey, Heart, Foreigner, Styx and Rush. I have no problem with these as you say "greats" being in the R&R HOF what I have a problem with is the point of the R&R HOF is that its supposed to be the most influental artists of there time and catagory, change music history, and longevity. So by you saying Heart hasn't had one of those types of careers is just crazy. Just because you are stuck in the 60's and early 70's face of music doesn't mean they are more influental or important than the modern artists. You need to give influental artists their just do. Again the reason why a lot of these groups/artists aren't in the ROR HOF is because they are from the above mentioned time of music, that they didn't committe suscide or die young, and realsed more than 2 or three albums. Finally, the reason that most get into the HOF is because the people on the election committee are fans of them and not truely the best artists or most influental.

Posted by Steve on Thursday, 08.28.08 @ 18:05pm

This is a pretty reasonable selection if you ask me, excepting The Hollies who definetly don't deserve the HoF any more than The Zombies, Turtles, MC5, Incredible String Band, Capt. Beefheart and all the other 60s leftovers they seem to be interested in all of a sudden(Ventures/DC5)

Metallica and Beastie Boys, to me, are no-brainers because growing up in the 90s, these acts were in Zeppelin/Floyd territory. However, it's sad that all the great pre-Nirvana alternative rock bands: Pixies, Sonic Youth, Replacements, Violent Femmes, X, Black Flag, Dead Milkmen, Minutemen, Cure, Smiths, Jesus and Mary Chain, Bad Brains, Husker Du seem doomed to be forever snubbed because they didn't survive to the 90s or remain a relative obscurity compared to bullshit like Bon Jovi and SRV. This is in my opinion, the greatest generation of the past 25, not the Alt-rock giants that I grew up with that they inspired.

However, it seems very odd that The Cars and Cheap Trick are being ignored considered how much airtime they get on classic rock radio, obviously a great indicator of who gets in, considering the choices of Lynard Skynard, ZZ Top, Bob Seger(what about George Thurogood and the Destroyers?)

Anyway I can only hope that the guys on this site are right and the RnRHoF corrects it's two worst exclusions ever(Tom Waits and Iggy Pop) maybe they'll make it three and induct solo Lou Reed, who deserves to get in if the lame solo careers of Paul, Paul, Eric and George deserve such treatment.

Posted by JF on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 00:21am

On the solo-mometer via my own preferences...

1. John Lennon
2. Michael Jackson
3. George Harrison
4. Paul McCartney
5. Lou Reed
6. Paul Simon (Self-titled album rules though)
7. Eric Clapton

I wouldn't have inducted Clapton solo but he would've eventually had more supporters on this site than SRV and I'd look like a jackass for not letting him in. Reed's career was inconsistent but had some absolutely great records (Berlin, Transformer, etc.) I will admit though that The Beatles are my favorite band, so....

Posted by Casper on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 14:35pm

Madonan was a no-brainer for first-year-eligible induction. Passing her by would have been like passing by Elvis, the Beatles, etc. in a similar situation. One may not be a fan of her music, or go on (unecessarily) about how she's not "rock" (when lotsof acts in the HOF aren't rock), but there's no denying her important and impact on entertainment, music, culture, etc. with what she's done in her work. Far too important an act.

RE Journey- as someone mentioned, the group is perceived a certain way, and while some of the songs could be considered classics, they're kinda lightweight. Much like a Mairah Carey or Celine Dion would be perceived (despite their vocal prowess). Bon Jovi is kinda the same, but every now and then a lightweight act gets though, and it helps if they're a rock band that can command strong touring showings and the like (I guess).

Posted by JR on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 14:58pm

"Madonan was a no-brainer for first-year-eligible induction"- JR

No MTV, no Madonna...plain and simple. As mentioned here before, her core body of work in music barely rates as cut-rate disco. Probably the most overrated "artist" in history.

Posted by Gitarzan on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 16:20pm

Here we go again. Madonna is probably the most important female artist of the last thirty years. Huge influence, not only on today's pop music. Many other female musicians, rock musicians, consider her an influence. Why? Well, never there was a pop singer that could combine mainstream success with controversial topics like sexuality and religion as Madonna. Now before you'll go and mention some other controversial female singers in the history of music, ask yourself this question: what was her public? If that public was as large as Madonna's, you could prove me wrong. But only then. Academic studies have been made about Madonna's role in how femininity and sexuality is perceived. She's probably even the most studied person in the history of pop music.

Okay, she's not a fantastic singer, nor is she a great songwriter or does she play an instrument very well. But that doesn't mean she wouldn't be anywhere without MTV. Hell no, her performances get too much attention for that. She can put up a show. And she did make a couple of critically acclaimed albums. Remember the reception of "Ray of Light"? Plus, she not only has a nose for good production work, but also for what will be in fashion.

Madonna might not be what you'd look for in a great artist. Well, that's too bad, because there aren't probably many artists around that understand pop music as well as Madonna.

Posted by The_Claw on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 16:49pm

Madonan was a no-brainer for first-year-eligible induction. Passing her by would have been like passing by Elvis, the Beatles, etc. in a similar situation. (JR)

With all due respect, how can you even put Madonna in the company of the Beatles. She is not even in the same universe with them.

And Gitarzan is correct. MTV made Madonna. I am not saying she would not have had success without it, but her impact would never had come close to the heights it reached without it. That being said, since we cannot remove MTV from the history or culture, I will not say she did not deserve the induction. She did impact the music and video world. We can thank her for Ms. Spears.

Posted by Dameon on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 17:01pm

While we've brought up the subject of MTV, does anyone see the founder(s)/creator(s) of MTV getting inducted in the Non-Performer category? I mean, yeah, MTV itself is no longer what its names says, but its importance to rock 'n' roll and the music scene overall in the '80s, not to mention that there ARE still subsidiary channels on your advanced cable packages that are all music videos... is it a reasonable possibility within the next couple years?

Posted by Philip on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 17:19pm

"Many other female musicians, rock musicians, consider her an influence. Why? Well, never there was a pop singer that could combine mainstream success with controversial topics like sexuality and religion as Madonna. Now before you'll go and mention some other controversial female singers in the history of music, ask yourself this question: what was her public?"

Isn't the above the definition of a media whore?

Isn't it supposed to be about the quality of the music, not the quality of the controversy??

Posted by interviewer on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 18:06pm

"Madonna might not be what you'd look for in a great artist. Well, that's too bad, because there aren't probably many artists around that understand pop music as well as Madonna."-The_Claw

Okay, Claw...we can just agree to disagree about Madonna. In the entertainment field, she's probably one of the best at self-promotion. I really, honestly think that if she hadn't been seen first (like performing "Like A Virgin" live on MTV, which was probably her take-off moment), her music just wasn't that strong or different or anything else. Earlier in her career her music was about like I described Sheryl Crow's...if it were a Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor, it would be vanilla.

Posted by Gitarzan on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 18:31pm

Philip...that's probably a pretty good point. It was revolutionary, to say the very least!! A lot of artists got their big break (see Madonna) because of MTV. I think you could describe it as a cultural phenomenom...it changed a lot of things about music and people could easily identify with how artists presented themselves visually.

Posted by Gitarzan on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 18:36pm

Madonna is someone I never had any respect for until I heard her induction acceptance speech. While it went on too long, I actually learned that she actually did have a little bit of business savvy to her. Yeah, she was smart at marketing herself, alright. It's supposed to be just about the music, but it seldom is. That's not a statement of defeatism, just an "It is what it is" kind of sentiment. Madonna's induction was inevitable. I don't know what her rating was here, but I had her slated at a 99.9% chance of induction. On her first year of eligibility, no less.

Posted by Philip on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 19:31pm

For those of you that don't think MTV was important and didn't change the face of music, even if you think for the worst are just crazy and are completely closed minded. MTV did as much for music as the Beattles and Elvis both did on the Ed Sullivan Show. You have to give the creators of MTV their credit and do believe that they should be inducted into the R&R HOF part for non-musicians. Especially, when you have groups like the Mama's and Papa's that release only 2 or 3 albums of basically nothing but bubble gum music that if was done today, would be compaired to N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, Cheetah Girls in the HOF. The reason the M&P's are in according to Greg and Dictionary is because the put together the precursor concert/event to Woodstock, that being the Monteray Pop festival. Key word being POP festival. Pop as in Madonna, who might have become a star because of MTV, but reguardless she has had a outstanding career. She changed the face of music, reinvented herself, changed the face of music again and over and over and over. She just as deserving of being in as Joplin.

As for JR calling Journey lightweight is a joke. Have you ever listened to Journey outside of there hits or ever scene them in concert. First of all, Neal Schon at the age of 15 started working with Santana and touring with them after turning down Clapton. That was at age 15. Its to bad for Neal that his last name isn't Van Halen (Eddie is great and Van Halen ok, great with Sammy, David alright) because if it was he would be in the HOF. One of the founding members, Greg Rollie is in the HOF already from his time with Santana. Not to mention when Greg Rollie left Journey he hand picked Jonathen Cain to take his spot, one of the best songwritters in current history. Next, two words... Steve Perry. Perhaps one of the best voices of Rock music all time, no questions asked. No question if Steve Perry wouldn't have screwed Journey on two different occasions that Journey would be in the HOF. They would have been a first ballot inductee if he would have stayed with them. Next, they have sold over 75 million albums not bad for being lightweight. Also, the greatest hits is one of the best selling albums of all time, over 15 million copies. Escape over 9 million copies. Furthermore, currently on the BILLBOARDS Top Pop Album Chart Journey's Greatest Hits is number 3 and last week was number 2. Currently on a weekly basis ABBA's Greatest Hits is outselling Journey because of the movie and musical Momma Mia. Not to mention Journey's Greatest Hits has been on the Billboards album chart for a continous 772 weeks (that is 14.86 straight years). Currently on the same chart the only album that has been on the chart longer and currently in the top 10 is Bob Marley and Wailers-Legend/Best of Album for a continous 958 weeks. To me that is longevity and wouldn't call that lightweight. Not to mention they have had a top 5 may I repeat top 5 album every decade since the 70's. That would be 4 decades. Steve Augeri was never given his just due. The new version of Journey with Arnel Pineda with the album Revelation debut at #5, currently after 12 weeks of release is still in the top 30. Selling over 800,000 albums in 12 weeks not bad. You also talk about this "it helps if they're a rock band that can command strong touring showings and the like (I guess)." Lets see the current tour with Cheap Trick and Heart has sold out almost ever show so far on this tour. For the ones they haven't sold out have been the ones at Amplitheaters that keep selling as many tickets as possible and almost never say they sell out. Finally, lets put it this way, DON"T STOP BELIEVING is one of the ten most influential songs of the EIGHTIES! I appologize for spelling errors my computer is acting up>

Posted by Steve on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 20:05pm

Since it's been a little while since anyone posted a list to be ridiculed/abused here, I guess it's my turn:

Pat Benatar
Cheap Trick
Deep Purple
Dire Straits (or Mark Knopfler as a solo artist)
The Doobie Brothers
Heart
Journey
Kiss
Rush
Ringo Starr
Donna Summer

A few justifications (Since there have been quite a few for Kiss, Rush, Starr and Summer, I won't add my own):

Heart and Benatar have inspired legions of female rockers to the spotlight (in Benatar's case, Lita Ford, Belinda Carlisle and Joan Jett among others); in the words of critic (and Hall voter) Dave Marsh, Heart "would be the queens of heavy metal if heavy metal weren't ruled by male primogeniture."

Journey: Bon Jovi has been considered (at least here unofficially) for a spot in the nominations. From what I remember, even he (and probably every rock act of his generation) admits that his music was heavily inspired by, among others, Journey.

Kiss: Same reasons. How many kids drew grade-school charicatures of the face-painted four? How many were inspired to take up a guitar because of them? Almost as many as those whose first chords were of...

Deep Purple: Really now, how many budding guitarists' first chords were "Smoke on the Water?"

Cheap Trick and Dire Straits: In their own way, I wonder if the punk/grunge (Cheap Trick) or alternative (Dire Straits) movements would have happened the way they did without their influence. I know my arguments are weakest here, but...

Ringo Starr: Obvious. It's debatable whether he contributed more to the Beatles than did George Harrison, but his contribution to the Beatles--and his solo work--each deserve consideration for this honor.

Okay, go ahead with the virtual rotten tomatoes!

Posted by Joe on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 22:05pm

Joe, I could live with all of them. They're quality picks for the most part. The problem is that they all had their heydays in the same ten year time frame from 1972-1982. I think the committee wants to spread it out a little more over the spectrum of time. Say 2 from the 60s, 3 from the 70s and 4 from the 80s.

Posted by classicrocker on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 22:28pm

Joe, no need to feel too bad. A few of those I'm not really a fan of, but understand why a case could be made to put them in. And you're not the first to say Ringo has a chance of being nominated this year. When I first said it, I mentioned the five-year thing. What I forgot to mention was that last year there was an article citing an insider with the Hall Of Fame people saying Ringo was gonna be getting his solo honors. That didn't happen, of course, but it could mean his name gets bandied about a bit more this year. Like I said, stay tuned folks.

Posted by Philip on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 23:26pm

the mama's and the papa's aren't bubblegum pop they're mostly folk rock

i don't think the monteray pop festival had very much going on with acts like Hendrix,Joplin, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, the Steve Miller Band and Otis Redding

and i'm just kinda curious how big your crush on Steve Perry is or any/all members of Journey for that matter

Posted by Greg on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 23:33pm

And classicrocker, I think everyone here, would agree that they need to induct more people each year, though I don't know if I'd agree with your proportions, lol.

Posted by Philip on Friday, 08.29.08 @ 23:33pm

Everyone who has brought up the creators of MTV for a non-performer award: great call. As it stands though, these men & women, whomever they be, will never, ever be inducted, and here's why: Rolling Stone magazine was one of the leading players w/in popular culture through the 70's. MTV's social vortex drew everything into it as the 1980's wore on. In doing so it lessened the power of everyone, RS included. Does anyone really think a Hall of Fame who's board members are primarily from a print-driven format will wish to acknowledge the people who stole their thunder, to a degree? In all honesty, solo-era Perry, Three Dog Night, Rush, Hannah Montana, the Jonas Bros, Robin Trower, all 500 members of Chicago, Britney, K-Fed, and her entire chorus line of dancers, solo-era Ringo, the Backstreet Boys, Genesis, ELO, The whole of Britian that Liam has sought to defend, Alice Cooper's guillotine(much less Alice himself), and left-over peanut butter from Iggy Pop's "choosy kids choose Jif" era (much less the Iggster himself) all stand a chance to get in before MTV's creators see the inside of this place. So long as eMpTyV exists, it is a reminder to the board voters of the power they once held, and it's diminution.

Posted by Cheesecrop on Saturday, 08.30.08 @ 07:11am

"Ringo Starr: Obvious. It's debatable whether he contributed more to the Beatles than did George Harrison, but his contribution to the Beatles--and his solo work--each deserve consideration for this honor."- Joe

Y'know, I just don't see it. Take away the fact that he was a member of the Beatles (which they're supposed to do when considering induction) and ask yourself if he would've even had a solo career. I really don't think so...his solo stuff was real weak. Anyone unknown with the same material probably wouldn't have landed a recording contract.

I think he owes any success he had as a solo artist directly to the Beatles, because I don't think it would've flew on its own.

Posted by Gitarzan on Saturday, 08.30.08 @ 08:35am

"Dire Straits (or Mark Knopfler as a solo artist)"- Joe

Dires Straits...maybe sometime down the road, another group I'm not too sure about. As for Mark Knofler's solo career, his playing is a direct perpetuation of the styles of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, and I'm not of a mind to say he took it to another level. as far as I know, his solo stuff has never been played much on mainstream medium, either. A guitarist who I think DID take that style to another level and has had commercial success would be Brian Setzer. Regardless of what people think of him, he's an extraordinary player.

Joe, no rotten tomatoes here. I just give my opinion as I see it...

Posted by Gitarzan on Saturday, 08.30.08 @ 09:25am

Were they to induct someone to represent the rise of MTV, it would almost certainly be Robert W. Pittman, the executive who largely led its birth. I too was doubtful at first they'd induct a TV exec, but Pittman apparently proved his bonafides as a radio programmer and disc jockey before jumping to television, and more importantly, he's a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board. I'd say his induction is coming soon.

As for other non-performer inductees, howzabout one of the most influential writers in the industry, Lester Bangs?

Posted by MBI on Saturday, 08.30.08 @ 19:49pm

Cheesecrop... interesting points, but I'd hope the board is a tiny bit more professional than that. Of course, the qualifier in that sentence is the word "hope." lol

Gitarzan, I know Ringo seems like a long shot, but aside from the Beatles, I think he has two other things in his favor: one, his rock 'n' roll of the '70's was a joie d'vivre rock'n'roll that was both a retro throwback to the early heroes (which was a popular movement in itself in the early part of the decade), and yet also almost against the grain in the fact that no one else really seemed to be latching onto that spirit, and certainly not as prodigiously. The problem with this argument, however, is twofold in that one, rock'n'roll with joie d'vivre seems almost heretical among the upper echelons of music afficionados; and two, it's not too innovative and the fact that it pretty much almost died with Ringo's career (but for Billy Joel in the early 80's) also argues against any influence.

The other thing is that musical therapy is a growing field and with songs like "Oh My My" and "A Dose Of Rock 'N' Roll", Ringo's music was among the first to support that notion beyond mere "pick me up" ideology. Of course, the argument here is that musical therapy isn't completely scientifically grounded yet, and anyone in the music industry would look at this and simply say "So what?"

So, I'd like think Ringo's eligibility is more than just he was a Beatle, but that fact alone may just get him solo induction, if indeed it does ever come.

Posted by Philip on Saturday, 08.30.08 @ 23:30pm

Ringo doesn't have a shot. He didn't write his own music and he has zero critical respect as a solo artist. The idea is flatly ridiculous.

Posted by MBI on Sunday, 08.31.08 @ 10:22am

Actually, the "rotten tomatoes" notion was from the comments I see about others' lists; some of which seem to ask nice, intellectual, sensitive questions like "ARE YOU ON CRACK?!" and get less polite from there. For all of those who displayed too much diplomacy to do that, I sincerely appreciate it.

As for the comment about my picks having their heydey from 1978 to 1982, I suppose it is half natural prejudice--it was when I started listening to rock and roll--and part was the notion that these would be the acts that would now be qualifying under the 30-year-from-first-recording window (which I now realize is a 25-year window) for eligibility.

So I will thus throw my virtual rotten tomato at myself.

Posted by Joe on Sunday, 08.31.08 @ 19:49pm

The list of possible inductees I find a little strange.

it is hard to see Rush or the Hollies getting in after being overlooked so much, or to see Bon Jovi getting in before Def Leppard do (though I would not be surprised if the Leps do get in on the 2009/2010 ballot if not this year). As for Joy Division, they were unknown in the US during their lifetime, and their descendant New Order are already eligible and much more famous.

When I look for inductees, I tend to look at the music scene 25 years before the ballot.

This is why I feel that the Eurythmics, solo Tina Turner and solo Peter Gabriel may have a chance because they were becoming stars at this point. Iron Maiden and the Replacements, both of whom have votes from the nominating committee, may I feel get onto the ballot because of their important influence on important 1980s music trends that still resonates today.

Posted by Julien Peter Benney on Sunday, 08.31.08 @ 23:33pm

JPB...I think when New Wave hit The U. S., it brought Joy Division with it. People in the states were actually hearing bits & pieces of Joy Division and just didn't know it.

Herein lies the innovation and influence of that group...

Posted by Gitarzan on Monday, 09.1.08 @ 08:16am

I do think the Stooges should be nominated. They've been around since the late 60's and also influenced a lot of punk groups that were very important like The Ramones, The Clash, and The Sex Pistols and they already got inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Also I think that Alice Cooper needs to be nominated he was really influential in Classic Rock and had big hits like School's Out and Poison. Then I also definitely think The Moody Blues should get inducted I mean they've been around since the mid 60's and they had big hits too including their song "Nights In White Satin." Oh and another group I'd like to be inducted into The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is the group Love. Love and Arthur Lee may have been mostly underground and had one AM Radio hit but I heard that Arthur Lee & Love were a hudge influence to The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd and those three groups were inducted and I don't think The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, or Pink Floyd would've have been bands or artist if it hadn't been for Arthur Lee & Love. There are a lot of great bands out there who've not been inducted into The Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame that are overdue for an induction.

Posted by Sam Savage on Monday, 09.1.08 @ 12:40pm

JPB has made some interesting observations.

I had forgotten about The Eurythmics, clearly one of the better New Wave artists of their time and assuredly graeter than the sum of their parts. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart captured a unique esthetic regarding electronics and human vocals that were and are still unmatched. These two need to be inducted as soon as they can, perhaps this coming induction even.

Regarding Tina Turner, I beleive she is already inducted. However, I would not object to inducting Turner again, and on her own account without Ike in tow. The unique thing is, at age 69 she still tours and is in great form.

Iron Maiden certainly has the credentials to be inducted, particularly with respect to the Bruce Dickinson led outfit. I am not certain that an induction is immediately forthcoming, however. As well, I have not been much of a keen listener of the Maiden, yet I do know there is a great following. The eventual induction may take a while to be realized.

JPB has finally mentioned The Replacements: the 1980s alt-rock band led by paul Westerberg, not the 2000 football film which was medicore in my eyes. Here is the quandary: if you know of The Replacements, you can realize their impact. Yet, for a band and later solo Westerberg, they did not generate massive album and tour sellings, let alone radio hit airplay (Bastards of Young an exception.) And as I mentioned, younger people think The Replacements is a football film, not a great band. Name recognition and a wider fan base for at least Westerberg's work is key to gain an induction in the near future.

Joy Division and New Order are interchangeable, save for Ian Curtis being in the former till his suicide. I do not know if they will be inducted however: especially as New Order, there is no individuality between the band members. As well, there appears to be a falling out between Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook which may have effectively derailed the band. One that is more wounding than Gillian Gilbert's departure some years back. Now, being disbanned, if you will, does not demean the induction if it ever comes through. But again, it wouldn't hurt to get them back to at least remenisce; the classic four of New Order that is. Well, Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris are married, so that is half the battle won.

Def Leppard deserve an induction. When or if it occurs remain to be seen; yet, they are one of the better hard rock acts of their time. They even managed to thrive and be excellent after Steve Clarke died of a drug overdose in 1991. As well, Rick Allen with only one arm is still a damn great drummer. They were also catchy with their hooks.

Bon Jovi (both the band and Jon Bon Jovi the brand name:) have a shot at induction. Yet, personally, I do not really have an interest in these guys. They certainly have crossed over a wide fanbase, give them that. And they are likable fellows and fine writers. But, I am just not into them. I will pass on these guys, for now that is.

As I mentioned before, Rush should be inducted fairly soon. Neil Peart is a thought provoking lyricist and amazing drummer; Alex Lifeson is a criminally underrated guitarist, composer, and synth player; and Geddy Lee is a pretty good Singer, composer, bassist, and keyboardist. For those who still cannot stand lee's voice, you are really out of date with the criticisms. Moving Pictures onward has Lee's voice refined and engaging, without the "banshee" voice detractors have labeled him with. The time should soon come for them to be inducted.

Now, onto the two I hope go in this year from my previous posts: First, The Hollies. Let me remind people that even after Graham Nash left the band, Terry Sylvester came in to fill the void and I beleive did exceptional work in both songwriting and performing. Bernie Calvert was still involved up till around 1981 (same with Sylvester) refining his bass and keyboard playing, if not his lack of singing and written works. Most importantly, there was still Tony Hicks, very underrated in The Hollies himself, let alone fellow artists in his field. At least to emphasize the fact that post-Nash Hollies were important equally as Nash-era Hollies, the band needs to be inducted.

Finally, it is looking more and more certain that Peter Gabriel will be inducted into the Class of 2009. What I will mention is regarding Cheesecrop's lumping in Genesis (amongst others) with noted pablem such as the new tween movement and other crap. It would be funny if it were not so stupid to lump them in. You see, we all know that Peter Gabriel and the classic Peter Gabriel-Steve Hackett-Tony Banks era of Genesis ranks right up there with the greats of British rock artists, if not worldwide, of any and all eras. i do see why some may put Genesis post-Gabriel as part of that grouping; I think you are wrong, but I do see it. But nonetheless, Gabriel's body of work and deeds lasts and expands upon interests and fans; other contemporaries do not after a time. Thus, the time has now finally come for Peter Gabriel to take his place alongside the fellow greats of his field. (As a side note, post-Roy Wood ELO is legitimate in getting lumped in. Fine, yet reather slight.)

Well, if you have read this far, you now know my opinions on these matters. I do hope you have enjoyed reading this as I have enjoyed writing this.

Clone Wars is not Star Wars,

Lax25

Posted by Lax25 on Monday, 09.1.08 @ 19:32pm

Peter Gabriel has been eligible for 6 years. What makes this year different? Lax25 - how can you be so confident he'll get in?

Posted by AlexM on Monday, 09.1.08 @ 20:55pm

AlexM, two important landmarks of Peter Gabriel's career have been reached this year:

First, Gabriel was listed in May as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people; his entry coming in the Heroes and Pioneers field with the entry written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Go check it out online; it is there. With that, he is on the cover, which is impressive for any individual. And Gabriel was present to receive an award from Time last May at a dinner fundraiser in New York.

Second, and more importantly, Gabriel took a route that Phil Collins did nine years ago: have a song and some creative impact in a film from The Walt Disney Company. Only this time, Gabriel did it better by having it be a Pixar film, and that film "Wall-E" being one of the better films of this year. With over $200,000,000 accumulated, it has far outshown "Tarzan" in both popularity and artistic merit. And quite frankly, the song Gabriel wrote alongside Thomas Newman, "Down to Earth", is a shoo-in to win the Academy Award for Best Song: to say nothing of "Wall-E" possibly winning Best Animated Film and other potential nominations, if not wins.

As a bonus, by October, the back catalogue of Gabriel-Hackett-Banks era Genesis will be finally released in newer form. This includes the anticipatory 5.1 DVD release of "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway". Also, go check on the impact Gabriel has attempted to bring forth the "Elders" projects. It certainly expands upon levels outside of the rock world, if you will.

Well, there is your answer. What should have been done six years ago is being done now; in no small part due to Time and "Wall-E". I can only hope that this induction is the spark that seriously considers other contemporaries of Peter Gabriel in his fields to be inducted. We shall see.

Hope springs eternal,

Lax25

Posted by Lax25 on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 06:29am

LAX25:

Upon looking at your post I have two things to ask here:

1. Did you not realize that this was meant as gentle sarcasm?

2. If you do feel that way about Genesis being above "noted pablem such as the new tween movement and other crap" may I ask what crap that is? Iggy, Alice, ELO, Trower, etc. is what I jokingly listed along w/ the tween music. If this IS the other "crap" your against, then I say you've put one heck of a bulls-eye on your front/side/rear. Prepare for bombardment.

Posted by Cheesecrop on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 07:45am

Lax25 - thanks for your elaboration on Peter Gabriel.. But shouldn't that qualify Randy Newman? He's one of the most heralded song writers ever, and still comes out with new albums.

Posted by AlexM on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 08:03am

Greg I just want to appologize I thought the Mama's and the Papa's only released 3 albums. I was wrong and it was actually 5. I guess I just forgot about the termendous success and album sales that came from the last two albums and the all there big time hits outside of California Dreamin & Monday, Monday. They are truely FOLK LORE and Music history. Not to mention, outside of those two songs you hear everyday on radio to this date.
As for my crush on Steve Perry and the rest of the Journey members. Yeah see your right I think Steve Perry has the best male voice in Rock Music history, my opinion. However, you know Neal Schon at the age of 15 was tourning with Santana and turning down Eric Clapton for the position he offered him in Derrick and the Dominos. Lets get back to Steve Perry. I'm sorry I don't have a man crush on him. See I am fine with Journey without Steve Perry, after he deserted them twice. You can't deny if he wouldn't have left Journey the two times and they released what 3-6 more albums with him they would be in the R&R Hall of Fame. I will let you know that I was a huge fan of Steve Augeri and he was given the credit he was due. Arrival was a great album and still today is my 2nd Favorite Journey Album. Not to mention as I stated Arnel Pineda has done a great job in the studio and live in concert, which have been selling out all over. Plus, currently the song After All These Years on billboards AC chart is number 10. Plus the new Revelation album is also number 1 again on the Top Independent Album's on billboards charts. Like I pointed out on the last posting, VH1 has listed Don't Stop Believin' as being one of the 10 most inflentual songs of the 1980's. Let me leave you with these two points to show you why Journey should be in the R&R HOF and the legacy they will leave. First, Faithfully was the most played/theme for High School Prom's in the 1980's. Also, one of the most often songs played for first dances for Weddings. Lastly, lets take the two very successful music groups and perhaps there most successful singles: Kansas-Carry On Wayward Son and Rush-Tom Sawyer. While tourning with Journey in 1976, Kansas requested the use of the song I'M GONNA LEAVE YOU from the Look Into the Future album and used it as the major motif for "Carry On Wayword Son". Furthermore, like wise Rush did the same thing with "Tom Sawyer" which was used from the song NICKEL & DIME from the Next album. So not only do they have there own rock classics like Lights, Wheel in The Sky, Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin' and Don't Stop Believin', they also created the music to the rock classics Carry on Wayward Son and Tom Sawyer. I guess that doesn't compair to giving a poor performance on the very stage of the International Monterey Pop Festival which they helped create.

Posted by Steve on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 11:48am

My choices
1. Journey
2. Heart
3. Bon Jovi
4. Metallica
5. Jimmy Buffett
6. Kiss
7. Run-DMC
8. Lionel Richie
9. Phil Collins
10. Foreigner

Posted by Steve on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 11:52am

Ahahahaha! Nice one, Steve.

Posted by Liam on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 12:14pm

Eurythmics would be nice to see in the hopper.

Posted by Matt Chojnacki on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 14:17pm

Cheesecrop, I noted your sarcasm.

Artists such as Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Robin Trower, and Roy Wood-era Electric Light Orchestra will be remembered for their exceptional careers long after the tween phase leaves us. By contrast, some of their contemporaries including Alan Parsons, Norman Greenbaum, Iron Butterfly, and OMD will fade from the pages of time to some extant. If you can remember whom those last four artists mentioned are, you are one lucky fellow. The first four are great rockers: the last four could not even hold their own. What is worse, at times poorer artistic acts copy the styles of freater artists. For example, did you ever notice that OMD's "Forever Live and Die" lifts the structure and wording of Toto's "Rosanna"? Well, I have; and "Rosanna" holds on to live another day. Going further a bit, a song entitled "Sideshow" sounds erilly similar to what the Stylistics were doing: only it is not the Stylistics, and it is lyrically juvenile.

AlexM, I agree with you regarding Randy Newman. He should already be inducted. Four years ago, Newman almost was, having been a finalist for the Class of 2005. Yet rather sadly, he was not inducted and has not been on a finalist ballot since. Randy Newman is well deserved. I would say, though, that due to a universal reverance that Peter Gabriel enjoys, not to just mention his humanitarian and outside recording ventures, and a newer generation of fans of his emerging, both young and old alike; Gabriel goes in the Hall of Fame at this time. An induction in the Class of 2009, with all these entangibles, seems certain.

Steve, regarding your list of whom you would want inducted, I would say that nine of the ten are deserving of induction at some point. One of them is not. I'll give you a hint: the FAX incident.

Well, thus ends another post. To paraphrase Don Lafontaine, "In an age where oversight is corrected, one man will be inducted to spark the reawakeing of the one form misunderstood in the field of his work..." I realize that was medicore, but it is all in jest.

Oh, I must be leaving,

Lax25

Posted by Lax25 on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 17:18pm

Lax25,
Sorry not sure what you mean about the FAX incident or just not getting the clue.

I also agree with Def Leppard: Alice Cooper & Randy Newman.

There are so many groups that changed music history with their styles that could and should be inducted. People like Motorhead and even the Beastie Boys. I don't like either but they did change musical history. Finally, I didn't see his name in the list of people inducted and not sure if he is eligible yet but if your talking about people like Greg said Mama's and Papa's started the International Montaray Pop festive and Peter Gabriel (In Your Eyes to me one of the best songs EVER) with his work with Desmond Tutu, but Bob Geldof (sorry spelling might be wrong) is one of the words most influential artists.

Somebody stated no to Mariah and Celine, I was wondering what people thought about Whitney Houston.

Posted by Steve on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 17:52pm

I would think Whitney Houston would have a better shot than someone like Mariah Carey or Celine Dion. Yeah, she's kinda fallen to the background these last several years, but she was pre-those ladies. Like the other ladies (and other big-voiced ladies), more often than not the material itself was viewed as lightweight, glossy, etc.- but, she was The Voice, and she set a template for that kind of style to follow.

Her first recording was the duet with Teddy Pendegrass, which was released commercially in 1984- so that would make her eligible next year, for the2010 ceremony- not expecting a nomination, though.

Posted by JR on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 18:08pm

Steve, let me rephrase the Fax incident:

The artist in question ended a relationship with a significant other in marriage by a letter sent on a Fax machine; berating the significant other in a manner that at least in the artist's home country if not the other areas of this world has damaged the artist's standing with a longer-standing fanbase at that time.

I think that in a few years' time, Sir Bob Geldof may be inducted. It would be a wise choice. Interestingly, I would induct both Geldof and Midge Ure, since both men were the creative forces behind Band/Live Aid/8. In addition, while Geldof has had fine songs in his career, Ure has had a plethora of works that are not regularly discussed in recent years. Nonetheless, both were hugely influential.

So perhaps in a year's time, Sir Bob Geldof and perhaps Midge Ure will be considered seriously. As for now, Peter Gabriel, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Donna Summer, The Hollies, and either Carly Simon or the Eurythmics, preferbly the Eurythmics, will be inducted into the Class of 2009. Well, Gabriel I beleive will be inducted. The rest is anyone's guess; though it is, I think, an exceptional class of artists to induct.

Giving away the secret,

Lax25

Posted by Lax25 on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 19:14pm

if the hall is considering sub genres then i think that Dolly Parton deserves some recognition. she's done the whole country cross over thing and she's got enough influence, and album sales to boot

Posted by Charlotte on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 22:11pm

Oh please. There are only two reasons Dolly would ever be considered.

Posted by Philip on Tuesday, 09.2.08 @ 22:34pm

1 srv (sympathy vote)
2 Metallica
3 RUN DMC
4 Bon Jovi
5 stooges
6 Rush
7 genesis
8 Journey (allot of press for them recently)
9 Judas Priest
10 Scorpions

Posted by mairtin on Wednesday, 09.3.08 @ 07:24am

Alright, time to predict who here will be the most disappointed with the nominees list. I'll go with a Rush fan.

Posted by Casper on Thursday, 09.4.08 @ 03:30am

I think Rush has become the Hard/Prog Rock version of the Herman's Hermits. I am not quite sure why.

Posted by Dameon on Thursday, 09.4.08 @ 05:27am

My predictions

1) DONNA SUMMER (should be inducted)
2) Peter Gabriel (should be inducted)
3) Eurythmics (should be inducted)
4) Chic (should be inducted)
5) Kraftwerk (should be inducted)
6) Beastie Boys
7) Run DMC
8) Bon Jovi
9) ELO

Posted by Kieran on Thursday, 09.4.08 @ 14:26pm

Me Again!

Casper and Dameon have been alloted their positions regarding Rush. Here is mine:

A good deal of fans are already dissapointed to note that Rush may not get in sooner than we hope. Dave Marsh, the noted rock journalist/reviewer and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, once stated that as long as he was alive, Rush would never get in. Well, in my view, Marsh has never been the pop equivalent to Roger Ebert/Gene Siskel, or going back a few decades, Pauline Kael and James Agee. So, what does he know?

Secondly, I initially balked at the comparisons between Rush and Herman's Hermits. Both, by the way, deserve induction. Yet, I could see why some would liken the two acts. Both have been clearly misunderstood in their approaches to their craft, and at times their ambitions are not at all dense with respect to the music-buying public overall. Yet, lyrically, Herman's Hermits dealt with Anglo-Saxon manners, wheras Neil Peart's writing is more deep, if you will. Therefore, I would surmise that Rush would go in, if ever, before Herman's Hermits get to be inducted.

Now, Kieran's list of whom he would want to see nominated and inducted runs very akin to what I have envisaged. I have already announced my preferences for Peter Gabriel (a virtual lock) and Donna Summer (should be a virtual lock) going in this year. I do hope that the Eurythmics go in as well. And you have already heard my opinion of Bon Jovi, who might go in but not right now. Let me espouse upon the five I have not discussed at hand.

The Beastie Boys are certain to garner attention this time out as was the case last year. I do hope these guys are inducted very soon. Yet, I did not detect any individuality with the Beastie Boys; it is not a problem, but I still have a bit of trouble figuring out who is who. A word of notice, though: I do not think the Beastie Boys want to be reminded of "License to Ill", despite it being their breakthrough work. I could see why there may be a smidgen of timidness when explaining "No Sleep Till Brooklyn", or their involvement in how the music video for "Fight for Your Right" did not entirely bring them immediate street credibility.

Frankly, I would induct Run-DMC before the Beastie Boys; mainly for adding a harder rock esthetic to old-school rap. Yet again, nothing by the guys individually stood out, and I should admit that their immediacy declined a bit before Jam Master Jay was killed. Nonetheless, for old-school rappers, they certainly rocked with the best of them: very ingenious in the early forms of sampling as well.

Electric Light Orchestra does not get much love from many pop enthusiasts, let alone writers and reviewers. This might be because of the rather jarring differences from "No Answer" to the change beginning with "ELO Part 2": Roy Wood being on the first album, then leaving before the second album was complete, appearing on only one or two songs. You see, ELO started as an outfit for more classical based songs that was not in tune with The Move, Roy Wood's first band and stupidly undervalued by many. once Wood left ELO, Jeff Lynne wisely and naturally took over the reins at all positions, and rightly so. Yet, given Lynne's fascination with all things Beatles, one could be wanting the real thing as opposed to the spiritual sucessor. This does not change the fact that ELO need to be inducted, if only for their Roy Wood period if so given.

I do agree that Kraftwerk need to be inducted, this year hopefully. Here is the problem, though: despite the influence in many fields since their debut, a great deal of music listeners might wonder who they are. And let us not kid ourselves: Ralf Hutter, Florian Schneider, Wolfgang Flur, and Karl Bartos do not grant interviews on even a quasi-regular basis. In concert, they have been content to tap on their laptop conputers, and only sparringly show themselves. An induction, though, I think is forthcoming, but I will be pleasantly suprised if Kraftwerk are inducted at all.

Now, Regarding Chic: this induction should have been done years ago. There is no need to wait any longer. Tellingly, the influence of Chic goes well beyond their albums and concerts. It delves, I think, right through the influence of any form of recording Nile Rodgers has been involved with, along with in their lifetimes Bernard Edwards and Tony Thompson. What I am saying is; when Chic is inducted, any substantive work that Rodgers, Edwards, and/or Thompson were involved with gets considerable attention, as it should be. Plus, Nile Rodgers has interesting stories to tell of how certain songs came to be; it is quite interesting.

Okay, now that I have written my piece, I should disclose my revised list of Hall of Fame inductees to the Class of 2009. I still think Bernie Taupin and/or Quincy Jones need to be inducted in the Non-Peformers category. For Performers, I will go with Peter Gabriel, the Eurythmics, Donna Summer, Chic, and Yusuf Islam a.k.a Cat Stevens. I would consider Kraftwerk for a dark horse sixth pick, and The Hollies as a potential spoiler, but I think kieran's five choices are correct for the most part. I just think that that Cat Stevens is more deserving of an immediate induction than Kraftwerk, which will come in due time.

Not an eighth husband named Henry,

Lax25

Posted by Lax25 on Thursday, 09.4.08 @ 16:49pm

For 2009, here are my predictions:

Sonic Youth
Beastie Boys
Alice Cooper
Bon Jovi
The Hollies
Stevie Ray Vaughan

Posted by alt rock fan on Thursday, 09.4.08 @ 19:03pm

The Hall is a joke....how can you not have Deep Purple, Kiss, Genesis, Jeff Beck, Lou Reed, The Stooges, The New York Dolls, Alice Cooper, etc. in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? There is so much musical influence there it's not funny!! The Hall doesn't have it priorities straight!

Posted by Mike on Saturday, 09.6.08 @ 09:39am

Mike...your statement has been made so many times...almost word for word...that we should just make it into a "form" comment and let everyone "in the know" about rock music add their name to it.

Getting an answer from the "powers-that-be" is going to be the hard part...they're right and we're wrong!

Posted by Gitarzan on Saturday, 09.6.08 @ 09:46am

The powers that be are listening. Their just doing so quite slowly. The people who write in here are making a difference, if for only one reason - hype. The Hall wants people to talk about it, if only for the fact that it will generate interest, which hopefully transforms into cash at the door.

Wenner & the boys are riding a narrow tightrope. On one hand they don't want to let certain acts in too fast, lest they lose the controversy angle. On the other hand, not letting them in will drive away any potential public they hope to lure in down the line. The clear beneficiaries of this right now are Rush. The cover article is a sign that things are starting to break for them. It will be slow & gradual, but it's happening.

There are people who are silently looking at this site w/out leaving comments. Let's credit them w/ half a brain on that. They know...

Posted by Cheesecrop on Saturday, 0