It’s almost time for the Rock Hall to unveil its nominees for next year’s induction ceremony. Last year, they picked some great acts. However, there are still people who are always negative about the Rock Hall, especially when they’ve passed over so many performers. I’ll admit, I’m disappointed myself. But at the same time, I’m happy for the people who actually have gotten in. That’s mostly because I’ve actually been to the Hall. When you see firsthand the dedication of everyone who works there, it’s hard to be disappointed. So here are some people I think are long overdue.
- Yes: Yes should’ve been inducted last year at least, especially with the death of their founding bassist, Chris Squire. Jon Anderson, the lead singer for Yes, has often joked that the reason they haven’t been inducted is that there’s been too many changes to the lineup. I disagree. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleetwood Mac, and Pink Floyd all had lineup changes over the years, and they’ve been inducted. I think it’s just the fact that Yes has never really had that big of a presence on the radio. They’re more of a “cult” band.
- Duran Duran: They just celebrated their 35th anniversary together, so they’ve passed the eligibility requirement. Not only that, but Duran Duran was one of the most popular bands of the 80’s. New Wave acts should be in the Hall, even if the fad didn’t last all that long.
- Journey: Like Yes, Journey has had a bit of a revolving door with its lineup. In fact, Steve Perry, their most popular lead singer, was actually the second lead singer in the band’s history. (If you listen to Greg Rollie’s era as leader, it’s markedly different from when Steve Perry eventually took over) Even if Steve Perry doesn’t actually show up, I see no reason to not induct them.
- Iron Maiden: Heavy Metal has had a bad history with the Rock Hall, and it’s a shame. The only Heavy Metal acts in the hall now are Metallica and Black Sabbath. But there’s so much more to the genre than those two. Iron Maiden has had a long, faithful legion of fans. I remember seeing Eddie (their zombie mascot) on so many notebooks and T-shirts in school. He’s an iconic mascot that every metalhead recognizes. And Bruce Dickinson’s pipes are pipes of legend!
- Rainbow: Last year, Deep Purple was finally inducted. Now that means we can start inducting the bands that were formed after they disbanded. The first of these is Rainbow, which launched the career of the late Rodney James Dio, another musician who I feel is long overdue. I feel before Dio gets inducted, we should induct the band where he started.
- Phil Collins: Genesis is already in. Peter Gabriel is already in. The next most successful musician from Genesis is Phil Collins. He deserves this, I don’t care about the hatedom these days.
- Boston: Boston has always been the “bad luck” band for me. They had long gaps between the albums they’ve released. (There’s a 10 year gap between their second and third albums) Yet their debut album is one of the most impressive debuts I’ve ever heard.
- Doobie Brothers: Tell me why they keep getting passed over? Seriously! One of the best bands of the 60’s and 70’s, and one of the few from the 60’s that are yet to be inducted.
- Chic: For the past few years, the Hall has tried to induct this band, but no one has liked the idea. I disagree. Let’s ignore the fact that they’re a disco band. Nigel Rogers is the lead singer. I’ve said this before: Rogers is one of the best producers in rock, having worked with David Bowie and Duran Duran. I think based on his work with those two alone, he should be in. If we can’t induct him with Chic, can we at least induct him by himself?
- Judas Priest: Well, I’ve already selected one metal band with legions of fans that’s long overdue, might as well select another. Judas Priest, like Iron Maiden, doesn’t have a big radio presence (I can think of only two or three songs I’ve heard on a regular basis.), but their notoriety can’t be denied.
If I’m not mistaken, the Rock Hall usually announces their inductions in the month of October. Most likely, I’ll see who they induct, and I’ll post my thoughts soon.
Aspie Catholic 