The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees were announced on Tuesday, October 17th. The induction ceremony will be back in New York in April. Here are the 19 nominees, the most since 1990.


Check out some ballot predictions here.

Keep checking Future Rock Legends for the latest Rock Hall information and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.


Future Rock Legends forecasts which of today's artists will be the next generation's Rock & Roll Hall of Famers by using a combination of historically predictive criteria, user votes, and nomination patterns.

Future Rock Legends lists eligible artists by first year of eligiblity or alphabetically.



Comments

346 comments so far (post your own)

...

...

...is this the same Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Will post comments tomorrow, but for now...this is going to be TOUGH.

Posted by SotN on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 08:26am


Interesting, seemingly politically correct list.

Very disappointed The Monkees were still not ackonwleged.

Posted by fjp on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 08:29am


19 nominees! I hope this means there'll be more than a mere 5 inductees. They could really clear up some backlog.

What will most interesting is to see who wins the fan vote. I'm thinking it'll either be Pearl Jam, Journey, or Electric Light Orchestra.

Posted by Philip on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 08:32am


Wow. There you have it. 19 Nominees in fact. It is a diverse list. I was correct with 5 acts. I correctly predicted Chic, the J. Geils Band, Janet Jackson, Pearl Jam and the Zombies. So I got 5 right. Journey is on the Ballot. Pleasantly surprised. Look at that 2 Prog acts at the Same time Electric Light Orchestra and Yes! Steppenwolf and the Zombies are on the Ballot. I told ya. The 1960's are not dead. 2 60s acts. You know who isn't here again? The Moody Blues!! No Moody Blues! Very disappointed in that. Ok. ELO are on a ballot first. I did say their hits may be a factor to get them on. I really thought it would be Moody Blues first. Those are some early thoughts.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 08:45am


Well, the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2017 have been announced. My congratulations to all who have received this nomination. I should point out that in my initial nominee predictions, I eventually was correct on 7 of the 19 nominees. Admittedly, this is going to be a rather difficult ballot to determine; I had a bit of trouble limiting my choices down to 5 myself. Here though is what I think will occur by December.

There are 3 nominees this ballot whom I do not believe will have a chance of induction. I am pleased and surprised to see Bad Brains get a nomination, though I am not too sure an induction is forthcoming. The same goes for Joseph Hassiez (Joe Tex), which is once again a posthumous nomination considering Hassiez passed away in 1982. I just do not see an induction forthcoming. Finally, I am flabbergasted to see that the other 9 of my predicted nominees id not receive a nomination this time; yet the J. Geils Band has been nominated once more. Truly one of the more banal and least inspiring acts in the relative history of rock and roll. And yet it seems so many are willing to deceive themselves in thinking these guys are the bee's knees.

Now, I do think after all this time, Chaka Khan has a shot at getting an induction. She is on my shortlist of who I would like to see inducted for the Revisited/Projected Rock Hall Project next week, so there is consideration on that part. Ultimately, with this stacked choice of nominees, I am not certain Chaka Khan will get into the actual Hall of Fame this time out. If Chaka Khan does get inducted into our Revisited/Projected Rock Hall Project, I am willing to revise my predictions.

That leaves us with 15 nominees already in the Revisited/Projected Rock Hall Project that are likely to go in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is a given that there will be at least 5 inductees, based on last year. The five I think will go in without question are:

Pearl Jam
Tupac Shakur
Yes
Chic
Janet Jackson

I do think there will be more than five inductees this year. In which case, I believe Electric Light Orchestra will be the sixth inductee, and rightly so. I would though prefer a seventh inductee, as was done years before. Were that to happen, I suppose rounding out the 7 inductees would be Joan Baez, a most pleasant surprise and a deserving inductee.

As for the remaining eight nominees, any one of them could also get inducted and no problems would be had of their induction. I am sure The Cars will gain a few more votes than last year, perhaps enough for an induction. The same goes for Kraftwerk and The Zombies, though the question of inducting Kraftwerk I think depends on if Ralf Hutter can bare to be in the same room as his former bandmates. I was genuinely surprised to see Depeche Mode get a nomination, and while they are not on my final predictions for inductees list; I do hope Depeche Mode get in shortly. Journey was another surprise, and are also deserving of an induction. Yet, I doubt Steve Perry would be willing to reunite with the band should an induction occur, so take that into consideration. Steppenwolf is also a welcome surprise, and I would not be surprised if they gain more votes than expected. As well, MC5 are well deserving of an eventual induction, and just maybe Wayne Kramer and co. will pull off an unexpected upset and get inducted. And though I was sincerely hoping for more 90's alt rock acts, I was pleased to see Jane's Addiction get a nomination. Whether Jane's Addiction go in remains to be seen.

So, these are my initial thoughts on the Nominating Committee's list for nominees this year. As I said before, expect Tupac Shakur, Pearl Jam, Chic, Yes, Janet Jackson, likely Electric Light Orchestra and perhaps Joan Baez to get inducted in December. I am hoping the likelihood of these artists getting inducted will dissipate the asinine decision to give the J. Geils Band yet another undeserved nomination. And then watch as they get a probable induction, and a headlining spot to boot:(

The music is reversible, but time is not,

Lax33

Posted by Lax33 on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 09:20am


BAD BRAINS?!?!?!?! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS


Lots of great acts here. Let's hope its not reduced to five inductees.

I will say that listing the members they plan on inducting is smart, but they seem to be missing key players for some of these bands, like the trio of Gale, McDowell, & Kaminski for ELO (the actual orchestra part) or Abbruzzesse for Pearl Jam.

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 10:02am


II is definitely an interesting list. I am very disappointed to not see either Duran Duran, or The Moody Blues, or Sade there. However, there are two prog acts: Yes and Electric Light Orchestra and 1 "prog adjacent" act: Journey. Yes and E.L.O. have been on my list for nearly 4 years. Who would I like to see inducted from this list:

Yes
Electric Light Orchestra
Depeche Mode
The Zombies
Chaka Khan
Joan Baez
The Cars
Steppenwolf

Rather ironically, I was thinking of adding Steppenwolf to my list this morning, but who the heck are Bad Brains?

Who from this list, do I actually think will be inducted?

Yes
Electric Light Orchestra
Pearl Jam
Depeche Mode
Chaka Khan
Joan Baez
The Zombies
Journey

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 10:21am


Well, I will now have to look forward to 2018. Let's hope that the following artists will finally receive a nomination next year:

01. The Moody Blues
02. Duran Duran
03. Sade
04. XTC
05. King Crimson
06. Doobie Brothers
07. Foreigner
08. Carly Simon
09. Jim Croce
10. Gordon Lightfoot
11. Willie Nelson
12. Roxy Music
13. Kansas
14. Procol Harum
15. Jethro Tull

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 10:33am


So, who did I actually vote for?

Yes
Electric Light Orchestra
Depeche Mode
Chaka Khan
Joan Baez

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 10:45am


.....at the pronounced risk of repeating myself, that Janet might actually be inducted BEFORE Chaka, makes me want to RETCH; Yvette Marie makes her look absolutely LAUGHABLE as an artist and, ESPECIALLY, 'singer'.....I would venture to say that 80 percent of the public couldn't name more than 3-5 JJ 'songs' on demand.....anyhow, a FEW gratifying noms, such as Chaka, ELO, Journey (!) Bad Brains (couldn't vote for them with just 5 choices at my disposal; Yes and The Zombies were my others) - as ALWAYS, irritated that The Monks weren't, and Depeche over BOTH Roxy and Duran (AGAIN.....)

Posted by ogam5 on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 11:07am


ARE THEY STILL ONLY INDUCTING 5? HAS IT BEEN STATED ANYWHERE?

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 11:57am


Huh. Obviously a very interesting group. Given the inevitable Pearl Jam induction, I hope we really aren't just dealing with four slots for the remaining 18.

It is too early for my predictions, but i will say i voted in the fan vote already today:Cars, Depeche Mode, Journey, Kraftwerk and Yes. That class would make me extremely happy, but I know it won't happen.

Will be back with more thoughts and prediction.

Posted by Dezmond on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 12:16pm


I just want to say a lot of these choices are very Fine. I have some corrections to make. I got 6 right. I predicted Chic, J. Geils Band, Janet Jackson, Pearl Jam The Zombies and Tupac Shakur. I forgot I predicted 2Pac. Even with all my Rock I know how key he is for Rap.

Also there is more than 2 60s acts. Joan Baez is a legendary 60s folk artist. MC5 was one of the first heavy bands. They go back to the 60s. Joe Tex is back on a ballot. He came to rise around 1964 1965. There is of course Steppenwolf and the Zombies. So a strong prescence of the 60s.

I am glad to see both ELO and Yes from the 70s. 2 prog acts. I know I was rooting for the Moody Blues. I concede. It is no surprise that Chic are back Yet again. Its a good ballot.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 12:29pm


What a fantastic list of nominees. I really don't think it could get any better than this.

Posted by jtrichey on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 12:31pm


In Order of Importance: Kraftwerk. MC5. Depeche Mode. Pearl Jam. 2Pac. Chic. The Zombies. The Cars. Jane's Addiction. Janet Jackson. Journey. Bad Brains. Electric Light Orchestra (ugh). Yes (double ugh).
And the not worthy: Chaka Khan. Steppenwolf. Joan Baez. Joe Tex. J. Geils Band (still one of the worst nominees ever).

Posted by Casper on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 12:45pm


Lock (1): Pearl Jam.

Likely Inductees (7): 2Pac. The Cars. Depeche Mode. Electric Light Orcehstra. Joan Baez. Journey. Yes.

Medium Chance (5): Jane's Addiction. Janet Jackson. MC5. Steppenwolf. The Zombies.

Small Chance (2): Chic. Kraftwerk.

No Chance (4): Bad Brains. Chaka Khan. J. Geils Band. Joe Tex.

Posted by Casper on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 12:49pm


Here is my prediction for the class of 2017

Pearl Jam
Tupac
Janet Jackson
The Cars
Journey

If they go with 6, then either Yes or ELO

I wouldn't be surprised if they place Joan Baez as a early influence like they did Wanda Jackson in 2009.

Possible presenters

For Pearl Jam: Chris Cornell, Michael Stipe, or Neil Young

For Tupac: Dr. Dre or Snoop Dogg

For Janet Jackson: Beyoncé

For The Cars: Billy Corgan, Weezer, or Gwen Stefani

For Journey: Jon Bon Jovi or Carlos Santana

For ELO: Tom Petty

For Yes: Rush

For Joan Baez: Taylor Swift

Posted by Kyle on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 13:08pm


Just the fact that they don't know for sure how many inductees there will be in a given year is fishy. What are the criteria for the vote then? If it's not top 5, then what is it? Who decides? Based on what?

Posted by Classic Rock on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 13:33pm


J. Geils and Steppenwolf look really miniscule in the rest of that company, but a very solid ballot otherwise. A wreath of fan favorites and pet causes across the spectrum. Journey is sort of this year's Chicago, not a terribly important band, but one whose popularity and cultural pervasiveness makes for a shoo in (and I don't have a problem with that on either act).

And I'm trying to track town Rick to make sure he didn't end up in a cardiac unit somewhere when he saw ELO on the ballot,

Posted by DarinRG on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 13:48pm


I didn't make any predictions, and gladly so, because I never would have thought that they would nominate 19 artists. A big improvement over the 9 or so nominees that we had to deal with a couple of years ago.

My fan vote: Pearl Jam, Kraftwerk, 2Pac, Depeche Mode, Chic. Really wished I could vote for 6 (I was tossing between Chic and Janet for the final place), really hope that they will induct more than 5.

A couple of thoughts:

ELO is a lock. Jeff Lynne, the last of the Traveling Wilburys to be on the outside of the hall, has enough friends in the music world to get inducted. He's this year's Steve Miller.

I'm thrilled that Depeche Mode got nominated. They are filling the place that was taken last year by The Smiths and Nine Inch Nails.

And a tip for the predictors: don't try to find patterns in a period of three years. The "Kraftwerk and Yes will never appear on the same ballot" theory just got debunked.

Posted by The_Claw on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 13:50pm


The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame deliberately picks R&B acts that they KNOW will have NO chance at all to get inducted...while flooding the ballot with superstar White Rock acts that they KNOW that the voters will put in.

Case in point : Joe Tex and CHIC . How many times have they been nominated in the past ? They didn't get in back then, so there's no reason to believe that that will change in 2017.
Chaka Khan: Supporters of RUFUS as a GROUP disapprove of her going in alone. She didn't get in either way, but her best recordings were with Rufus. Her solo songs, like "I'm Every Woman" and "Through The Fire" were hits, but they pale in quality compared to her recordings with Rufus,plus they are more Black Pop than R&R and R&B. Should she go in alone ? NO.
The JB's. Should have automatically been inducted in the "musical excellence" category. And, for goodness sakes, we can't have THAT.
So, the Non Com puts them on the Performers' ballot, where they'll almost certainly get shot down.
....and they WERE . (no duh!!)

****ON THE OTHER HAND****....
Support has been steadilly GROWING for THE SPINNERS and THE MARVELETTES to be inducted. Supporters of both groups now actually have their own Facebook Pages to gather support, both of which have been doing quite well...so the "Hallowed Hall" has taken them off the ballot.
Over the last few years, if Black act DOES actually get inducted...it will probably be a Rapper. This year's Token Rapper: 2Pac.He'll almost CERTAINLY get in,if ANY Black act does. Janet Jackson's accomplishments over the years, and her international success have outstripped and outdone that of ANY Rapper...yet a Rap group beats her into the Hall last year....just because they had a successful MOVIE ?? How trivial !!!
R&B artists that have tremendous crossover success, such as THE COMMODORES, BARRY WHITE,DIONNE WARWICK, and THE POINTER SISTERS, artists that actually have a CHANCE with the voters, are purposely LEFT OFF the ballot. Why? Because if they made it onto the ballot, those voters might just actually PUT THEM IN!!!
This is the reason why you never have, and never will , see me make predictions on this site....because I know how the results will eventually play out. The winners ? Rock acts. (Not Rock and Roll, which is all-inclusive) but RAWK ,which , by it's very nature, is EXCLUSIVE, and favors only one group over all others.
The winners ? White Rock acts and Black Rap acts. The losers ? Classic R&B Acts and Women.
You may say I'm wrong.
But look at the Inductees' lists .

Posted by Bill G on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 14:38pm


i just voted the following:

The Cars
Pearl Jam
Chaka Khan
Janet Jackson
Kraftwerk

Smashing Pumpkins should have been in the list.

Posted by akeem on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 14:40pm


"My fan vote: Pearl Jam, Kraftwerk, 2Pac, Depeche Mode, Chic." The_Claw

That would be a solid class.

Posted by DarinRG on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 14:46pm


If the induction criteria they had for years follows--an act is voted on 50% of the ballots--then there may be fewer than five inductions, since there are more to choose.

However, on the R&R HoF site, they stated that the top five vote-getters will be inducted. Anyone with inside information as to which is correct?

Posted by Joe on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 14:48pm


"Interesting, seemingly politically correct list."

What does that even mean? Putting aside that the phrase "political correctest" has been beaten into weightlessness to the point that it makes it difficult to take anybody seriously or view them with any credibility when they use it, how is a ballot stacked with deserving, overdue fan favorites from a wide range the historical and subgenre spectrum "politically Correct"?

Posted by DarinRG on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 15:03pm


My picks are 2Pac, Pearl Jam, ELO, Chic and Janet.

But with nineteen nominees, I don't know how they only wanna pick five... don't seem fair lol

Chaka getting nominated again is good though. I dig this list. I dig Depeche Mode too but I don't think they'll make the cut.

Pearl Jam and Pac should get in right away though.

Posted by Tim on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 15:44pm


"PC" has just become the new catch-all phrase for things right-wingers hate.

Posted by dmg on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 15:45pm


My fan vote: ELO, Kraftwerk, Pearl Jam, Tupac, Yes

Posted by Evan on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 15:45pm


My early thoughts on this ballot:

WHAT'S AWESOME -

-As expected, Pearl Jam and 2Pac made the ballot. Should I even say PJ are a shoo-in?!
-Several acts that I felt have been neglected (I could speak for everyone else here) have finally made the board. ELO, Jane's Addiction, Journey, etc.
-Speaking of Journey (a band that has not really crossed my mind as far as the R&RHOF), I gotta hand it to the NomCom for putting them on here...since the so-called professional music critics disliked them so much. All I can say is, don't stop believin'.
-Also, some past nominated acts have returned, and hopefully will get inducted (Yes, Kraftwerk...)
-19(!) nominees. I think its safe to say that more than six will be enshrined next spring. No assumptions, I guess. If such thing DID happen, I hope they utilize the extra spaces and induct those that continuously appear on the ballots every year (Chic, J. Geils Band, Joe Tex). Just saying

-Three acts from the 1960s are on here.

THE DOWNERS-

-I rant about it on here so many times, but its getting hard for me to accept that most 50s/60s acts are rarely being nominated these days.
-While the ballot seems very diverse, some of the genres like reggae, jazz, country are not represented. Only 3 women on here too. I really thought this was the year they would put at least four ladies on the ballot...but oh well
-I like to be fair and not about personal taste (well, most of the time haha) but I'm very shocked Bon Jovi and Nine Inch Nails aren't on here. Several more acts come to mind, just those two at the top of my head right now.

So there you have it. I'll say that all 19 of them are deserving of an induction. Most have been influential, and depending on how one looks at it, most have made a positive contribution to rock and roll. It's gonna be difficult to pare this down to five. Let's hope I'm right about the 'more than 6 inductees' thing.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 17:42pm


Andddd one more thing I would like to add:

Since the 2016 ceremony wasn't that great for most people, I'm sure 2017's will be much better. Most of the acts on this nomination ballot will likely show up. Obviously, not the deceased. If its 2Pac's time next year, I'm positive there will be an all-star rap gathering. Who wouldn't want to see a Steppenwolf reunion? Or (in a long shot) Steve Perry with Journey? You never know.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 18:13pm


I goofed. Five of the nominees are from the 60s, not 3 as I stated above (Joan Baez, Steppenwolf, Mc5, Joe Tex, The Zombies), and by that I mean had at least one hit in the 60s

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 18:33pm


Hm... an interesting lot. Definitely some oversights. Allow me to separate the wheat from the chaff:

Who belongs:

Bad Brains
The Cars
Chaka Khan
Chic
Depeche Mode
Electric Light Orchestra
Jane's Addiction
Janet Jackson
Joe Tex
Kraftwerk
MC5
Pearl Jam
The Zombies
Tupac Shakur
Yes

Meh:

Joan Baez
Steppenwolf

Pretenders:

J. Geils Band
Journey


My ballot?

Bad Brains
Chic
Kraftwerk
MC5
The Zombies

Posted by Chalkie on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 18:44pm


I'd love to see the inductees be the following so that the RNRHOF and HBO can have a heart attack over the telecast that they would have to put on:

Bad Brains
Chaka Khan
Joan Baez
Joe Tex
Kraftwerk
2Pac

Posted by Classic Rock on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 19:18pm


I do like that the bios on the Rockhall website list the members that will be inducted. Happy to see Gregg Rollie listed with Journey and Trevor Rabin with Yes.

Posted by Dezmond on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 19:27pm


I think a lot of this ballot was not wanting to induct somebody else until an influence was previously inducted.

It's clear they want Bon Jovi who to me is pretty much just Bruce Springsteen + Journey, so they're now going for Journey first.

It's clear they want Nine Inch Nails but they keep not going in so if they induct influences like Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk instead, they might have a better shot.

Probably some people were annoyed that Janet Jackson was on the ballot when Chaka Khan wasn't, so they were both put on the ballot together, which means likely neither of them will make it.

Considering the recent classic rock fixation ELO and Journey weren't surprises (although I think something like Moody Blues and Def Leppard would be stronger from those rough genres.) I'd say Bad Brains, Jane's Addiction (I would have expected lots of modern alternative acts like Smashing Pumpkins and Soundgarden who were more popular, acclaimed, influential, AND innovative before them, and they won't get in this time...I guess this is about Lollapalooza and not wanting to split the ballot with a direct contemporary like Pearl Jam...not that anyone would keep them out), Baez, MC5 (although about time), and Steppenwolf were particularly surprising.

I like Journey, but I'm very surprised Casper lists them as more important than Bad Brains and Yes.

Posted by Sean on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 19:33pm


Congrats to the 19 Nominees. The RRHOF still is one of the highest honors a music artist can achieve. I think the list is diverse but similar to the Lou Reed and Joan Jett ballot. In some respects, it can be viewed as underwhelming. NO MOODY BLUES, NO DURAN DURAN, NO DEF LEPPARD, NO JUDAS PRIEST, NO THE CURE, NO STEVIE NICKS, NO BAD COMPANY etc.

At a cursory glance, the big winners look to be ELO and Journey. The ELO fans did an excellent job of providing reasons for ELO's induction and Jeff Lynne's importance to the musicverse. Kudos to Rick Vendl II in his relentless support for ELO. Journey has a great chance at induction. They have an amazing fan base and can win the fan vote. No doubt Who's Crying Now, Don't Stop Believing, Wheel In The Sky epic songs.

I would have chosen Stevie Nicks and Pat Benatar for the women nominees. Emmylou with Gram too. This should be Janet Jackson's year for induction although I believe Joan Baez will receive plenty of votes. Depeche Mode was a nice surprise. They have a strong chance at induction. So much to digest here. Here's my 6 Inductees. 1.Pearl Jam 2.ELO 3.Janet Jackson 4.Journey 5.Chic 6.YES. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 19:48pm


Anyone but Tupac Shakur. Do we really need another rap artist/act in the HOF, when there are older and more popular acts to choose from like ELO, The Zombies and Yes. Chic is on their 11th nomination, it's about time they finally get recognized. And where is The Moody Blues and Jethro Tull??????

Posted by Danny on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 19:50pm


Stevie Nicks would be far and away less deserving than anyone on this ballot, although any of the others could fit right in. I don't know why they never nominated The Cure again, although it seems they keep rotating early British alternative acts rather than building a push for one like they're doing for Chic. If The Cure and The Smiths couldn't get in, Depeche Mode probably won't either. Moody Blues is puzzling...I kind of thought they would be the next prog selection over ELO. I like Journey more than Def Leppard, but Leppard is probably more deserving (2 acclaimed albums: Pyromania/Hysteria, to 1, Escape, and more influence at the time, although Journey is more fondly remembered now.) Duran Duran probably has to wait for one or several of the more artistic British bands like Cure/Depeche Mode/Smiths to get in. Judas Priest was too edgy for them considering how many times it took them to induct Black Sabbath. Bad Company would have been as qualified as Journey and I'm surprised they picked Journey first, since Paul Rodgers seems more like the kind of singer they'd value more than Steve Perry. Yes, Journey is hipper than most of the arena rock bands lately, but still...

Maybe the problem with Bad Company is lots of people think their parent bands King Crimson, Free, and/or Mott the Hoople should have gotten in first and none of them have ever been nominated.

Posted by Sean on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 19:56pm


Or Roxy Music. They're probably the Duran Duran holdup actually. They might get straight in too, not even because of the Brian Eno connection or their massive influence, but because they have a single song played on US classic rock stations... Rolling eyes...

Posted by Sean on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 20:03pm


If you take away the obvious first ballot artists Pearl Jam and Tupac, you could easily make a just as plausible looking ballot and totally swap out the rest of the nominees. This would look like a just as legit a ballot:
Pearl Jam
Tupac
Nine Inch Nails
The Smiths
The Spinners
War
The Moody Blues
Judas Priest
The Monkees
Black Flag
Bon Jovi
Tina Turner
The Meters
Harry Nilsson
LL Cool J

Posted by Classic Rock on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 20:11pm


Predictions for this class:

Joan Baez ('60s artist/Bob Dylan-centric pick)
Electric Light Orchestra (well-known industry figure with huge backing from other inductees)
Janet Jackson (arguably the best choice for a co-headliner)
Journey (biggest beneficiary of the fan ballot)
Pearl Jam (1st ballot lock)

Back-Up Sixth Pick: The Zombies (another '60s act)

Personal Choices:

Joan Baez
Chic
Electric Light Orchestra
Janet Jackson
Kraftwerk

Backup Sixth Choice: The Cars

Posted by Ian on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 22:06pm


Lots of great acts here. Let's hope its not reduced to five inductees.

I will say that listing the members they plan on inducting is smart, but they seem to be missing key players for some of these bands, like the trio of Gale, McDowell, & Kaminski for ELO (the actual orchestra part)

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 10.18.16 @ 10:02am


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Steve,

Indeed, my thoughts exactly, then also, no bassist, where's Kelly Groucutt?!

>:-(

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 22:55pm


The ELO fans did an excellent job of providing reasons for ELO's induction and Jeff Lynne's importance to the musicverse. Kudos to Rick Vendl II in his relentless support for ELO.

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 10.18.16 @ 19:48pm


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


It's been 20 years, since the old Rock Hall Forums in 1997, then a letter to Ahmet Ertegun, RIP.

8-)

Thanks KING!

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 23:04pm


And I'm trying to track town Rick to make sure he didn't end up in a cardiac unit somewhere when he saw ELO on the ballot,

Posted by DarinRG on Tuesday, 10.18.16 @ 13:48pm


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thanks Darin, I'm here and alright, I had to work today, but saw the news at 6 AM PDT this morning before I'd left!

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Tuesday, 10/18/2016 @ 23:06pm


Hard to pick 5, but here it goes:

ELO

2Pac

Journey

Pearl Jam

Steppenwolf, Yes, or The Cars

Posted by Andrew on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 03:01am


ENIG

Congrats on the ELO and YES nominations. Could be 2 off your Prog list in December 2016 Inductee unveiling. I'm thinking ELO & YES can both be inducted. This 2016-2017 nomination list not as excellent as 2015-2016 but some good nominees. I had 6 correct nominees. Tom had 9 correct. He might be winning the Nomination predictions. KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 03:33am


Wow. Not what I was expecting at all. What I'd do: Kraftwerk (sorry DM), Chic, Pearl Jam, Yes, MC5... and if it's a 6th induction I'll throw in Tupac, and The Cars (sorry JA) if 7.

What I reckon they'll do: ELO (not at all undeserving), Janet Jackson (ditto), PJ, 2pac, J. Geils and Chic. Fight out between Yes, The Cars and Journey for possible spot #7.

Posted by Sam on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 05:42am


No Mary Wells, no Marvelettes, no Spinners, no Chubby Checker, no Dionne Warwick, no Willie Nelson, no Carole King, no Tina Turner, no Monkees, no Jan and Dean, no Moody Blues, no Jethro Tull, no King Crimson, no Commodores, no Kool and the Gang!

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 05:50am


Interesting list. Having read the comments, it's nice to know I'm not alone in the "surprise, surprise" category, via Bad Brains, etc.

This time, I really tried to vote as I thought the Rock Hall might see it. I voted for:

Pearl Jam
Tupac
Janet Jackson
The Cars
Steppenwolf

I'm probably wrong, but you have a 60's act, a 70's act, 80's/90's pop/R&B, hip-hop, and 90's rock (not quite modern rock any longer). You've a lady amidst the gents, and a black/white representation that cannot be denied. Who knows, maybe I have it right. I probably don't, but I'm willing to bet that, with the odd artist change here and there, it probably will resemble the philosophical, if not artistic layout.

I'm a little sad that a few obvious choices didn't make the cut, & I really was caught off-guard to see Journey's name on the list (I really do see that one as out of left field, despite the track record). Here's hoping for more 80's/90's based choices next year.

Posted by Cheesecrop on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 06:37am


THEY WON'T GET ENOUGH VOTES TO BE INDUCTED IN 2017

Bad Brains, Depeche Mode, Jane's Addiction, J. Geils Band, Joe Tex, Kraftwerk, MC5, Steppenwolf, The Zombies

THE 2017 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

SCENARIO # 1 : THE 2016 MODEL - 3 CLASSIC ROCK BANDS, 1 SINGER/SONGWRITER, 1 RAPPER

01. Yes
02. Journey
03. Electric Light Orchestra
04. Joan Baez
05. Tupac Shakur

SCENARIO # 2 : IGNORING 80s-90s ROCK AND RAP

01. Yes
02. Journey
03. Electric Light Orchestra
04. Joan Baez
05. Janet Jackson

SCENARIO # 3 : CLASSIC ROCK

01. Yes
02. Journey
03. The Cars
04. Electric Light Orchestra
05. Joan Baez

SCENARIO # 4 : IF VOTERS CONTINUE TO PASS ON YES AND CARS

01. Joan Baez
02. Janet Jackson
03. Tupac Shakur
04. Journey
05. Electric Light Orchestra

SCENARIO # 5 : IF JEFF LYNNE IS TREATED LIKE NILE RODGERS

01. Joan Baez
02. Janet Jackson
03. Journey
04. Pearl Jam
05. Tupac Shakur

SCENARIO # 6 : NO RAP

01. Joan Baez
02. Janet Jackson
03. Journey
04. Electric Light Orchestra
05. Pearl Jam

SCENARIO # 7 : CHIC AND ELO

01. Chic
02. Electric Light Orchestra
03. Pearl Jam
04. Janet Jackson
05. Joan Baez

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 07:00am


Janet Jackson aka THE Empress of Pop is a no-brainer! In fact, she should have been inducted her very first year of eligibility. But better late than never, right?

My Predictions:

Janet Jackson
Pearl Jam
Tupac
Chaka Khan
Jane's Addiction

Posted by Christopher Broughton on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 07:07am


.....'Empress Of Pop' - THERE's a double-edged PROP sword for ya.....along with Maddie and an absolute SLEW of Ross WANNABES in the 80's (best of whom was Shannon) permanently TRIVIALIZED the female R & B genre forever, and cursed us with SUBSEQUENT crap such as Britney, 'Misdameanor' (MORE like Capital Offense') Beyonce (Destiny's Child, was just ATROCIOUSLY bad, the absolute WORST of Mariah's vocal gymnastic EXCESSES) and now, Minaj.....conversely, Chaka begat Joss Stone and, ESPECIALLY, Nikka Costa - who'd kick JJ's assets STRAIGHT to the curb in SHORT order were this a perfect world; in the battle of Sly-influenced revivals, "Everybody's Got Their Something", puts ANYthing on Rhythm Nation to SHAME.....NOTHING Jacko's (as opposed to pre-Thrilla, less nakedly narcissistic 'Michael') partner-in-crime produced, is R & R HOF-worthy.....

Posted by ogam5 on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 08:13am


Here's my predictions from most to least likely of being inducted

Chic
Kraftwerk
Depeche Mode
Janet Jackson
2Pac
Pearl Jam
Yes
The Cars
J. Geils Band
The Zombies
MC5
Joan Baez
Joe Tex
Chaka Khan
Electric Light Orchestra
Jane's Addiction
Journey
Bad Brains
Steppenwolf

Posted by Nicky Joe on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 08:44am


It's a fine ballot this Year. I concede that the Moody Blues were snubbed yet again. Acts like Todd Rundgren and Tina Turner were shots in the dark that were wrong too. I did Not realize that ELO had such a buzz for the Hall. I apologize Rick. I know the things I said about the Moody Blues. They are out of the picture. I remember Electric Light Orchestra being very popular in the 70s. Rick Vendi II has great support for ELO.

Here is my prediction for the Rock n'Roll Hall of Fame class of 2017.

Joan Baez
Chic
Electric Light Orchestra
Journey
Pearl Jam
The Zombies

I am definitely going with 6 Inductees since there are 19 Nominees. I think only one Prog act will be in the Class. I chose Electric Light Orchestra better known as ELO. Jeff Lynne is friends with the Hall and has played at Ceremonies for the Hall. I was very tempted to choose Yes instead.I figure Chic have to be inducted sometime. Joan Baez is really the singer/songwriter Choice. She actually predates the era of those. She was a talented 60s Folk singer.

Journey is almost a no brainer I think. Pearl Jam is totally a shoe in. The Zombies is another 60s act. It makes up for last year when there were no true 60s acts. I am not going with Half Classic Rock and half Classic R&B like last year. I was wrong with that last year. I don't think there will be 4 Classic Rock acts again either. There is P Jam to consider. A slightly more diverse class than last year.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 09:22am


.....hope the HELL you're PROFOUNDLY wrong, Nicky Joe - because, PJ aside, that would be a profoundly DEPRESSING lot of inductees - for anyone who appreciates actual MUSIC (to clarify, yes, Nile Rodgers DID have a significant influence on subsequent disco / dance acts - but if you REALLY want to recognize someone, Gregg Diamond - I know, I KNOW - who? - Steve Alaimo, Stone, Lynch and / or Moroder would be FAR more worthy of it; do NOT understand the utter fixation with Kraftwerk - no WAY should they have been nominated before Roxy OR, for THAT matter, Sparks; SAME goes for DM over DD, while 2Pac ISN'T rock NOR 'music' (HOWEVER articulate he might've been as rappers - i.e., PERFORMANCE artists - go.....)

Posted by ogam5 on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 09:24am


Who I would probably vote for:

Bad Brains
MC5
The Zombies
Kraftwerk
Chic

What will probably happen:

Pearl Jam
Tupac Shakur
Journey
The Cars
Joan Baez

Posted by dmg on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 09:52am


Have many thoughts about the 2017 ballot and it's about as diverse as anyone could've honestly expected. I'll post more tomorrow since I'm super busy this week.

Here's something that I think and anyone and everyone post what you think about the following - I think there were 19 nominees this year so one of the committee's pet projects will finally be inducted. Remember that FRL reported yesterday that with the number of nominees the acts only need 1/3 of support from the larger voting body to receive induction. I think the vastly large number of inductees happened so the Rock Hall can induct either Chic, J. Geils Band or maybe both. This is what my gut is telling me.

Don't underestimate the J. Geils Band, they are a blues-rock band with many industry fans (e.g., Stevie Van Zandt) and well received by critics (e.g., Dave Marsh). They are this year's blues rock choice and they will receive a lot of support from their peers. The Rock Hall sure likes their blues and blues rock and J. Geils Band certainly checks all those boxes. Plus they had a string of hits in the 80s as well as great records in the 70s. They could easily occupy Steve Miller's spot this year.

FRL,
Which of our regular voters got the most points for the predictions? I didn't see the results on the forum and curious to know which of my peers got the most predictions right.

Posted by Nick on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 10:54am


my ideal six would be:
Bad Brains, The Cars, Chic, Kraftwerk, The Zombies, and Tupac.

Posted by mitchell on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 11:51am


My 5 choices for 2017:

ELO
Yes
The Zombies
The Cars
The J. Geils Band

Possible 6th or 7th slots:

Journey
Steppenwolf

Posted by Danny on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 12:50pm


Nick,

We both were right about the J. Geils Band as a nomination.Blues and Blues Rock is almost always on a Ballot. I know their stuff going back to Full House. You seem to also. However, when it came to predicting Inductees I went with another Van Zant Pet project The Zombies. Steve Van Zant likes both.

They tend to pick one pick or pet project of Van Zant. Last year there was Cheap Trick that he likes. I was thinking this year a 60s fav of his would go in. That would be the Zombies on this ballot. I almost chose the J Geils Band but there was more popular bands like ELO and Journey to consider as well as some other genres. Also I like a bunch of early J Geils Band but they may not get enough votes from the Voters.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 13:04pm


My picks would be:

Kraftwerk
Joan Baez
Depeche Mode
Journey
Pearl Jam

Possible sixth inductee:
Chic or MC5

Posted by MichaelEU on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 13:21pm


Pearl Jam and Tupac are locks to get in.

I hope Depeche Mode gets in based on fan votes

Posted by jay on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 15:42pm


Joel Peresman said on the Sirius/XM hall announcement a couple times that this ballot will go out to 900-1000 people.

Last year, wasn't there only about 700 that went out?

Here's my guess for the increase: the hall has seemed out as many like-minded folks (critic types) who will be more open to voting for the newer acts and sub-generes. They realize that under the current structure that bands like the Smiths/Cure/Depeche would never have a chance.

Either that or Chicago had 200 members inducted.

Posted by Classic Rock on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 15:42pm


Classic Rock, I certainly hope that is the case. I have long seen inductees as voters as a pretty big flaw in the system. Not to insult any inductees, but what does Jerry Lee Lewis really know about the impact of Kraftwerk?

Posted by Dezmond on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 16:03pm


Time for some thoughts. Overall, great eclectic ballot that addresses some holes. Lots of strong contenders. Surprised there was no metal nominee after all of the talk about Judas Priest, and also continue to be frustrated about Roxy Music and King Crimson never getting nominated, but we all have different axes to grind.

So about what is here.

Great ballot, but why am I not too excited about it? I think because even though there are five or more artists there that I would LOVE to see inducted, I don't think they will. Nice that they were nominated, but with 19 candidates there, most of my favorites will probably fall short in the vote count.

I predict:

Pearl Jam
Janet Jackson
Yes
ELO
The Cars
If 6 inductees: Joan Baez
And they might allow seven out of mercy, just to get Chic in there

Tupac will get in eventually, but I think they will make him wait a little bit like with NWA.

My dream class:

The Cars
Journey
Yes
Kraftwerk
Depeche Mode

The Nominating Committee seems to have finally opened up a bit on the 80's, which is great. Now the voters are the problem. The Smiths, Cure, Replacements...all should have gotten in. Depeche Mode should get in. Then they should move to Joy Division/New Order, Duran Duran, etc. But the voters don't seem to love the 80's.

Posted by Dezmond on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 16:19pm


I'm thinking that they'll induct more than 5 acts this year, so I'll go with:

2Pac
The Cars
Chic
Electric Light Orchestra
Janet Jackson
Kraftwerk
Pearl Jam

I think this would be a good class of 2017

Posted by Christian on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 16:26pm


http://nypost.com/2016/10/18/how-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-can-finally-leave-the-60s-behind/

The Hall of Fame's raison d'etre today. Forgetting that 1960s Rock and Roll existed and pretending that rap and grunge matter more. It's purely ageism and the rewriting of history to satisfy the young elitist minds behind the Hall of Fame.

Posted by Danny on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 17:46pm


While some deserving artists have been left behind, I wish that the RNRHOF had similar rules to the baseball HOF where a player drops off the ballot after 15 years (recently changed to 10 years) of being eligible. Any band that started in 1969 or before has been eligible for at least 22 years now, if they aren't in yet, sorry, it's time to move on. Instead we debate the same 20 holdovers year after year.

Posted by Classic Rock on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 17:59pm


Why did they nominate Bad Brains over The Dead Kennedys in the hardcore/punk category when The DKs were eligible three years before Bad Brains? The DKs had far more influence than Bad Brains.

Posted by Aaron O'Donnell on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 18:36pm


Great comments and thoughts from everyone so far. I do agree that the list is underwhelming. The way I see it mostly is, again, all 19 of the acts deserve to get in one way or another. There are some bands that we wondered for a long time why they're not in, and some that haven't really crossed our mind. That's what I like to think, anyway. Its a diverse ballot, that seems to have every genre and rock/R&B subgenre represented on it. However, like I stated above in the comments: no Jazz (Nina Simone), no Country (Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson), no Reggae (Johnny Nash, Peter Tosh), and any other random genre that the Hall has included in the past. But oh well. Besides the Pearl Jam lock, I hope this will be a Heinz 57-like year for those who have waited and deserved it for the longest time.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 19:22pm


SCENARIO # 8 : NO JANET JACKSON

FINAL PREDICTION

THE 2017 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

01. Joan Baez
02. Journey
03. Electric Light Orchestra
04. Pearl Jam
05. Tupac Shakur

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 19:51pm


"Why did they nominate Bad Brains over The Dead Kennedys in the hardcore/punk category when The DKs were eligible three years before Bad Brains? The DKs had far more influence than Bad Brains."

I'm going to have to disagree with you there. DKs are a great bad but Bad Brains are probably the 2nd most important/influential hardcore band after Black Flag.

Without Bad Brains there is no DC hardcore scene amd without the DC hardcore scene there is no Minor Threat, Fugazi, Rites Of Spring, State Of Alert (which launched the career of Henry Rollins who would later go on to be Black Flag's most iconic singer), no Scream (which was Dave Grohl's first band of note and was what led to Grohl joining Nirvana), etc.

And outside of DC they were inspiring the hell out of bands in places like New York where they'd play all the time. They Beastie Boys formed as a hardcore band because they wanted to be Bad Brains. Their name is Beastie Boys because they wanted to have the same initials as Bad Brains. While we're on the subject of rap acts that were influenced by Bad Brains it's worth noting that they've been sampled by acts like Death Grips and Lil John.

Their influence is massive. They've been covered by huge acts like No Doubt, 311, Moby, Jeff Buckley, and John Frusciante. None of them could be considered hardcore so you can see how big of shadow Bad Brains cast.

I love Dead Kennedys and their influence is undeniable and they should be in the hall of fame some day (along with a handful of other punk acts from that era) but Bad Brains getting nominated before them makes sense.

Posted by Dan on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 20:19pm


http://www.futurerocklegends.com/statistics.php

Janet Jackson and Pearl Jam are the only nominees this year who are also on FRL's Top Most List and Most Yes Votes List

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 20:23pm


Kool & the Gang and the Commodores are the two biggest names in 70s-80s R&B who are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet, and they have never been nominated. Why isn't Questlove pushing for them?

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 20:42pm


Who do you guys think might give the speeches for each candidate? I'm not super familiar with who everyone on the list has influenced or collaborated with, but here's a couple of ideas for some of them.

Bad Brains - Jello Biafra, Henry Rollins, Thurston Moore, or maybe Gwen Stefani. In a perfect world, I'd Like to see MC Ride do it, but that's probably not going to happen

Depeche Mode - James Murphy, Curt Smith, Trent Reznor

Jane's Addiction - Probably will be some other 90's alternative artist, but there's a lot of other possibilities considering Lollapalooza. My guess would be Anthony Kiedis.

Joan Baez - Dylan would be cool, but I don't think he talks at all anymore, so maybe another folk rocker like Roger McGuinn, Neil Young, or Bob Weir, or a modern folk singer like Chris Thile

Kraftwerk - Mark Mothersbaugh, James Murphy, Moby, could be so many others, considering their influence

MC5 - Iggy Pop, Henry Rollins, Jello Biafra, like Kraftwerk, it could be so many others

Tupac - probably gonna be Kendrick or Young Thug, but it could be someone a little more unexpected like Kanye or Tom Morello

Posted by Max on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 21:48pm


@Roy, what makes you think he isn't? I imagine he's pushing hard for Chic to get in. Maybe after Chic, Kool & the Gang and the Commodores might have chances...

I think for some reason, the Hall would finally put Chic in so no one would be complaining about them always getting snubbed.

Posted by Tim on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 02:41am


Now the thing is I think Yes have a chance for sure. The fact is though they lost out twice so I am choosing ELO instead. More voters would go for Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan and the rest of ELO. I don't think there will be 2 prog acts in one class. We are priveleged enough to have 2 prog acts on the Ballot for those like me and Enig who like some of that stuff.

Now I don't think J Geils Band will get enough votes. Some Voters may think they are just an 80s band with Centerfold. Older voters may know them for 70s Blues. Musta Got Lost was a minor hit in 1975.

Dezmond and a couple others perhaps mentioned that Tupac will get in eventually but will wait a little bit like N.W.A. I totally agree with that. Even in recent years a Rap act does not go in every year. When Nirvana was inducted there was no Rap. That was 2014. It was a bunch of Classic acts along with Nirvana. Kiss were inducted that year along with Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens and L Ronstadt. I think this year it will be like that. They may not want a Rap act to upstage Pearl Jam. Mainly though they induct a Rap act and then skip a year or 2 for that. A lo of people on here left 2 Pac off their list.

Now Janet Jackson has a pretty good chance. She does have the Baby thing though. They gave her another shot despite the baby. However due to the availability of other acts they may pass her up.

Instead if there is a 7th act they could pick Chaka Khan. An R&b act to go in. The Hall may show mercy to Chic.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 09:17am


2017 Nominees ranked in the order of my favorites (from least to most favorite, I also list their ranking on my 200 Favorite Artists list, if they're on there).

19. Joan Baez
18. Bad Brains
17. Joe Tex
16. Steppenwolf
15. The J. Geils Band
14. The MC5
13. Chaka Khan
12. Chic
11. Jane's Addiction
10. Yes
9. Journey (#175)
8. The Zombies (#154)
7. Pearl Jam (#135)
6. Depeche Mode (#111)
5. Kraftwerk (#105)
4. Tupac Shakur (#94)
3. The Cars (#91)
2. Janet Jackson (#86)
1. Electric Light Orchestra (#73)

Posted by Donnie on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 09:46am


Here's my ranking from least favorite to favorite. Note this isn't a list of who I think deserves it more - just who I like:

19. Jane's Addiction
18. Chaka Khan
17. Joan Baez
16. Janet Jackson
15. Kraftwerk
14. Journey
13. Chic
12. Joe Tex
11. The J. Geils Band
10. Tupac Shakur
9. Steppenwolf
8. Yes
7. Depeche Mode
6. Electric Light Orchestra
5. The Cars
4. Pearl Jam
3. The Zombies
2. MC5
1. Bad Brains

Posted by dmg on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 10:04am


Phillip,

Your Rock Hall Monitors' essay was an interesting read as always. You have obviously put quite a bit of thought into this blog. I am eager to read more of your opinions about these nominees later. I will not apologize for being an aficionado of "progressive rock," either. I sincerely believe that this planet would be a much better place to live in, if more people actually listened to this magnificent genre.

Yes, I will readily admit that I definitely would have preferred to have The Moody Blues and Duran Duran nominated on this ballot, instead of The Zombies and Depeche Mode, for example. I would also have zappreciated having Sade on this ballot, much more than Chaka Khan.

However, that did not happen. I will try to dwell on the positive aspects of this ballot, instead. Two of the bands who I have
been touting for years: Yes (who has returned to the nominee's list for a third time) and Electric Light Orchestra (who has been long overdue) should be inducted. I had voted for The Zombies, Depeche Mode and Joan Baez, as well.

My order of preference among 3 of the 19 nominees is as follows:

01. Yes- they are my co-favorite band musically and my second favorite prog group, overall.

02. Electric Light Orchestra- My twelfth favorite "prog" artist, slightly below Alan Parson's Project (#11) and Renaissance (#13) and slightly above (#14) Genesis.

03. The Zombies- unfortunately, I am not that familiar with their catalogue, other than 'Time Of The Season' and 'She's
Not There.' Although I am somewhat familiar with 'Hold Your Head Up' by Argent and Colin Blunstone's work on Alan Parsons Project (#11).


Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 10:24am


My order of preference from least favorite to most favorite:

19. 2Pac
18. Janet Jackson
17. MC5
16. Bad Brains
15. Kraftwerk
14. Chaka Khan
13. The J. Geil's Band
12. Jane's Addiction
11. Joe Tex
10. Chic
09. Pearl Jam
08. Journey
07. Depeche Mode
06. The Cars
05. Steppenwolf
04. Joan Baez
03. The Zombies
02. Electric Light Orchestra
01. Yes

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 11:09am


KING,

Thank you, of course I would have preferred to see Duran Duran nominated, instead of Depeche Mode and The Moody Blues nomination instead of The Zombies.

These are the five artists who I had actually voted for on the official Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ballot:

01. Yes
02. Electric Light Orchestra
03. The Zombies
04. Joan Baez
05. Steppenwolf

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 11:27am


Ben,

Thank you for acknowledging the two "prog" -acts.

I do now sincerely believe that Yes and Electric Light Orchestra will be inducted, alongside Pearl Jam, The Zombies, Joan Baez, Journey, Chic and Steppenwolf.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 11:34am


Philip,


Your Rock Hall Monitors' essay was an interesting read as
always. Congratulations, you have quite obviously much thought into this blog. You have intrigued me and therefore, I am certain eager to read more of your astute opinions about these 2017 Rock Hall nominees later.

However, I will never apologize for being an aficionado of
"progressive rock," either. I sincerely believe that this planet would have been a much better place to live in, if more people had actually listened to this magnificent genre.

Yes, I will readily admit that I definitely would have preferred to have The Moody Blues and Duran Duran nominated on this ballot, instead of The Zombies and Depeche Mode, for example. I would also have appreciated having Sade appear on this ballot, much more than Chaka Khan.

However, that did not happen. I will try to dwell on the positive aspects of this ballot, instead. Two of the bands who I have been actively touting for years: Yes (who has returned to the nominee's list for a third time and should have been inducted 2 decades ago) and Electric Light Orchestra (who
have been long overdue for induction) should now be inducted. I had also voted for The Zombies, Steppenwolf and
Joan Baez on the official ballot.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 13:01pm


Enig,

I am not an aficionado of Progresssive Rock but I am into a sufficient amount. I am Disappointed that the Moody Blues were snubbed again. Now I am glad that 2 Prog Acts are finally on the Ballot. That is fortunate but I doubt 2 prog acts would be inducted at the same time. It would be unprecedented if that happened. So if Im not predicting Both ELO and Yes I was in a dillema. Which one. I chose ELO. They have lots of hits and they sold out Arenas in the 70s. However, Jeff Lynne has been friends with the Hall.

I am comsidering that Pearl Jam is a shoe in. I also am taking a mellow singer into account with Joan Baez. That Bob Dylan connection should get her in. Also the Hall may get Chic over with. I think. I picked 6. So that dont leave a lot of room. I think thats what will Happen.


Posted by Ben on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 17:43pm


http://songhall.org/news/entry/songwriters_hall_of_fame_2017_nominees_for_induction_announced

THE 2017 SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME NOMINEES

01. Peter Cetera / Robert Lamm / James Pankow (Chicago)
02. Robert “Kool” Bell / Ronald Bell / George Brown (Kool & The Gang)
03. Sylvester "Sly Stone" Stewart
04. Jeff Lynne
05. Cat Stevens
06. George Michael
07. Gloria Estefan
08. Bryan Adams
09. Madonna
10. David Gates
11. Vince Gill
12. Shawn "Jay Z" Carter
13. Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
14. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
15. Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham
16. P.F. Sloan & Steve Barri
17. Randy Goodrum
18. Tony Macaulay
19. Max Martin
20. Kenny Nolan
21. Paul Overstreet
22. William "Mickey" Stevenson
23. Allee Willis
24. Maury Yeston

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 20:11pm


RRHOF talks about Innovation and Influence and the importance of Musical Excellence in selecting musical artists. Then why hasn't Roxy Music been nominated. The number of successful artists who have cited Roxy Music as an influence is amazing. Morrissey, Duran Duran, U2, etc. Bryan Ferry & ENO have continued to be leaders in the music industry. Avalon a classic album.

Moody Blues have to be the biggest snub. It is ridiculous although ELO & YES should be inducted this cycle. That should free up a spot for Moody Blues 2017-2018. I see some thinking 2PAC a sure induction but I have my doubts. Some of these older voters just don't like that rap hip hop type music and probably will vote Joan Baez or ELO.

The Nom Com's failure to nominate Duran Duran means another year for Enig and I's to post our reasons for DD induction. Seriously-how can Duran Duran never be nominated and REM, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders nominated and inducted 1st ballot?! It took Van Halen 10 years to be inducted and Eddie Van Halen was a guitar virtuoso and they were a mega hard rock band. No Def Leppard! They had 2 of the greatest selling 80's albums Pyromania and Hysteria. Still vibrant today in music and concerts. How could Bad Company never be nominated nearly 20 years eligible?!! Paul Rodgers has been cited by many music greats as one of the best rock singers ever.

I want to thank the RRHOF Nom Com for getting KISS, Deep Purple, Nirvana, RUSH, Chicago, Cheap Trick, Steve Miller nominated and later inducted. They are moving in the right direction with additions to the nomination committee and expanding the ballot to 19. That's great for the resume. Nominated for RRHOF! KING

I want

Posted by KING on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 21:15pm


KING,

Thank you for your ongoing support of Duran Duran and The Moody Blues. I do agree that Roxy Music would be a great nominee choice also, but I think that an induction of Duran Duran would definitely help Roxy Music get a nomination. As far as Roxy Music's albums are concerned, I thoroughly enjoy "Avalon" and "Country Life." I will continue to support Duran Duran and The Moody Blues long after they have been inducted.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 01:18am


Since other people are posting, might as well do a run-down list. I'll revive the post I did last year: in the event one of the bands on the ballot gets an induction this year, who would be the biggest beneficiary of that act next year? My very likely inaccurate opinion is:

Bad Brains > Black Flag

The Cars > The B-52's

Chaka Khan > Tina Turner

Chic > Average White Band

Depeche Mode > Any of the prior 80s alternative acts that failed this spot, with Tool an outside shot.

Electric Light Orchestra > Roxy Music

Jane's Addiction > Soundgarden or Sonic Youth

Janet Jackson > Whitney Houston

J. Geils Band > Johnny Winter

Joan Baez > Peter, Paul, and Mary

Joe Tex > Ben E. King

Journey > Def Leppard

Kraftwerk > Nine Inch Nails (Kraftwerk getting inducted would help NIN. Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode both getting in would almost guarantee NIN induction next year)

MC5 > Rage Against the Machine

Pearl Jam > Radiohead

Steppenwolf > Bad Company

The Zombies > Procol Harum

Tupac Shakur > As a rapper, either Dr. Dre or LL Cool J, and as an co-first balloter, Beck

Yes > The Moody Blues

Posted by SotN on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 03:15am


SotN,

Those are interesting choices, but if I had to venture to guess, I would say that an induction of Yes would lead to a nomination for King Crimson and that an induction of The Zombies would lead to a nomination for The Moody Blues and that a nomination for Electric Light Orchestra would lead for a nomination for Procol Harum, or perhaps even Supertramp. A Joan Baez induction would lead to a nomnation for either Carly Simon, or perhaps Carole King, as a performer. An induction of Steppenwolf might lead to another nomination for Procol Harum and an induction for either The Cars, or Depeche Mode would lead to a nomination for Duran Duran.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 11:07am


SotN,

Those are interesting choices, but if I had to venture to guess, I would say that an induction of Yes would lead to a nomination for King Crimson and that an induction of The Zombies would lead to a nomination for The Moody Blues and that a nomination for Electric Light Orchestra would lead to a nomination for Procol Harum, or perhaps even Supertramp. A Joan Baez induction would lead to a nomnation for either Carly Simon, or perhaps Carole King, as a performer. An induction of Steppenwolf might lead to another nomination for Procol Harum and an induction for either The Cars, or Depeche Mode would lead to a nomination for Duran Duran. But, this is purely speculation, on my part.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 11:11am


Any leaked voter ballots yet?

Posted by dmg on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 13:57pm


You know what I was thinking about my predictions for the 2017 Class. I predicted 2 60s acts. I realize that probably that isn't so likely in 2016. So I am adjusting my predictions.

Joan Baez
Chic
Electric Light Orchestra
J. Geils Band
Journey
Pearl Jam

There you go. I mean when was the last time 2 60s acts were inducted at the same time. It has been years since that happened. I am keeping Joan Baez as a 60s spot because she was a singer/songwriter type. The Hall loves having those as a mellow balance. I swapped the Zombies with the J. Geils Band. The J. Geils Band is also a pet project of Steve Van Zant. As Nick said don't underestimate the J. Geils Band. They are a Blues rock band. The Hall loves Blues and Blues rock indeed.

This would be another act of the 70s. There has been a few 70s rock inductees in the last few years. I realize the J. Geils Band would receive a lot of support from their peers. There are a bunch of previous inductees that could vote for them. Their early stuff was Blues rock. Full House Album and tunes like Musta Got Lost and Aint Nothing but a House Party. Some voters would know those. Younger voters would only know Centerfold but there is lots of veterans.

Hey only 2 years ago the Paul Butterfield Blues Band were inducted at the same time as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Green Day. They are not the most known band. Also, by the way they were inducted by Peter Wolf of the J. Geils B. So now I think my list is final.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 13:58pm


Future Rock Legends Regulars.

Here's a little fun exercise comparing a group NOT in RRHOF Duran Duran to a group inducted REM. 7songs of each group Which did you like better?
1. DD--New Moon On Monday vs. REM-Man On The Moon
2. DD--Notorious vs. REM-Drive
3.DD--RIO vs. REM-Bang And Blame
4.DD--Ordinary World vs. REM-Stand
5.DD--Serious vs. REM-Orange Crush
6.DD--Hungry Like The Wolf vs. REM-Driver 8
7.DD--Pop Trash Movie vs. Losing My Religion.
Not scientific but would be interesting discussion. KING

Posted by KING on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 21:30pm


Its unusual for me to do this early but I feel I already have an idea who will be selected from the ballot. But I know that will change a month from now, so I think I'll just leave it at that. Part of me says Tupac will, part of me thinks he won't. It seems there's a pattern when they induct rap/hip-hop acts (like every other year or so).

Posted by Jason Voigt on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 21:50pm


I love both Duran Duran and R.E.M., and yes, I think Duran Duran should have been in a long time ago. But to me, they are a bit different from each other. This will probably piss off many, but I'm just gonna say it: without MTV, Duran Duran probably would not have gotten much success. Maybe not R.E.M. either. We all know they helped define college rock. Plus they are from different sides of the Atlantic. I will give Duran Duran credit for helping lead the 'Second British Invasion'. Duran Duran members appeared in teen magazines; I don't think R.E.M. ever did. Duran Duran has had several notable lineup changes; R.E.M. didn't have that many. (Plus, not to be a bit biased but Michael Stipe graduated from the high school in my neighboring town - Collinsville, IL. I wish I can post his famous yearbook picture on here...)

That being said, I'll play the game:
1) New Moon on Monday (song never gets old, even though it has the recycled DD beat)
2) Drive (this is one of my all-time chillax
songs)
3) It's a tie (both have great riffs in their songs but I also dig the part in Rio: Hey now, woo, look at that...)
4) Ordinary World (Stand gets annoying after a while)
5) Orange Crush
6) Driver 8 (both songs got played to death, but this one outstrengths the other I guess)
7) Losing My Religion (always been a classic to me)

Posted by Jason Voigt on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 22:02pm


Odd comparison between Duran Duran and R.E.M. Other than the fact that they were both big in the 80's, there's really nothing else in common between them. Duran Duran were part of the new wave second British Invasion and were pop stars, whereas R.E.M. were among the founding bands of American alternative rock. Pretty big difference and odd to compare them.

I'm all for Duran Duran being in the HOF, but they are nowhere near on the level of importance that R.E.M. was. Duran Duran was one of the leaders of their styles and genre, I'll agree with that, but R.E.M. pretty much started their genre. R.E.M. was clearly deserving of being a first ballot HOF band. Duran Duran should be in by now, but I was fine with them waiting a few years.

But I'll play the game anyway.


1. REM- Man on the Moon (one of my all-time favorite songs)
2. REM- Drive
3. REM- Bang and Blame (though Rio is badass)
4. Duran Duran- Ordinary World (Stand is one of the catchiest songs ever written, but Ordinary World is just an absolutely amazing song)
5. REM- Orange Crush
6. Duran Duran- Hungry Like the Wolf (one of the greatest songs of the 80's, hands down)
7. REM- Losing My Religion (one of the greatest songs of the 90's, hands down)

Posted by Donnie on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 22:20pm


I'll go ahead and make my predictions now, even though it's probably too soon.

If 5 inductees

Pearl Jam
2Pac
Janet Jackson
The Cars
Electric Light Orchestra

If 6 inductees

Pearl Jam
2Pac
Janet Jackson
The Cars
Electric Light Orchestra
Joan Baez

If 7 inductees

Pearl Jam
2Pac
Janet Jackson
The Cars
Electric Light Orchestra
Joan Baez
Chic

I'll go with Chic as the 7th inductee as I don't see the Hall having 7 inductees unless they're trying to get Chic in.


Predictions subject to change obviously.

Posted by Donnie on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 22:24pm


Jason:

I think this year is big for Peal Jam. I think the other acts will be some Classic Rock but less than last year. This is a good year to Have Chic. A pet project for so long. They would not Distract from Pearl Jam. So that will give the Class variety.

When Nirvana went in the other acts were Classic. It followed that pattern of skipping Rap/Hip Hop. Public Enemy were inducted the year before. The same should happen here. N.W.A. was inducted last year. So I say older Classic acts with Pearl Jam.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 22:39pm


ESSENTIAL Duran Songs You May NOT Have Ever Heard:

Shelter (from 'The Wedding Album', 1993)

Land (from 'Big Thing', 1988)

Edge Of America (from 'Big Thing', 1988)

The Seventh Stranger (from Seven And The Ragged Tiger, 1983)

Proposition (from Notorious, 1986)

Secret Oktober (B-side of 'Union Of The Snake)

Big Bang Generation (from Medazzaland, 1997)

Electric Barbarella (also from Medazzaland)

Midnight Sun (also from Medazzaland)

Playing With Uranium (from Pop Trash, 1999)

The Sun Doesn't Shine Forever (also from Pop Trash)

Last Day On Earth (also from Pop Trash)

Reach Up For The Sunrise (from Astronaut, 2004)

Beautiful Colours (EP preceding Astronaut, 2004)

Virus (also from Beautiful Colours EP)

Most Underrated R.E.M. Song (that really SHOULD'VE been a single): King Of Comedy (from Monster, 1997 - like INXS on STEROIDS, and that PAN is just SICK.....)




Posted by ogam5 on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 23:35pm


Ben,

If Pearl Jam doesn't make it this year, me and 99.9% of the regulars of this site will be shocked as hell. I don't think there was ever a time since the early 90s or late 80s that two first-eligible nominees got in the same year. I do agree with you about the classic rock thing. Of all of the classic rock acts, ELO has the best chances; too big to pass up in other words. Since Joan Baez FINALLY got nominated, she may outdo Janet Jackson in representing the female class next year. Or if we are lucky, both will get in. Odd combination, I know. If Chic for some reason doesn't make it in again, I think its time to do a backdoor induction. It would be clear that the voters don't want them in (or they just have much better competition in all those years).

Posted by Jason Voigt on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 23:58pm


http://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_hall-of-fame-nom-2017.html

SAMPSON AND THE DIGITAL DREAM DOOR CRITIQUE OF THE 2017 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME NOMINEES

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 00:31am


If Joan Baez was to get inducted I think they would induct her as an Early Influence rather than as a Performer

Posted by richie on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 01:01am


RE: Sampson And The Digital Dream Door's LAUGHABLE critique: yet ANOTHER exhortation to nominate a LOT of complete and utter CRAP that's absolutely NOT 'rock'.....

Posted by ogam5 on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 02:11am


They are not going to induct Joan Baez as an early influence. She's in Dylan's class. She has a lot of friends and supporters among the inductees. Everybody will vote for her. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Chicago, the Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash, Neil Young, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys and on and on and on.

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 03:34am


Leonard Cohen will vote for Joan Baez.

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 03:38am


FRL Regulars. Round 2-Duran Duran vs. King Of Pop Michael Jackson. Let's see if someone not in RRHOF Duran Duran can hang song for song with the late Michael Jackson RRHOF.
1.DD-Come Undone vs. MJ-Man In The Mirror
2.DD-RIO vs.MJ-PYT Pretty Young Thing
3.DD-Save A Prayer vs.MJ-Scream
4.DD-Ordinary World vs.MJ-BAD
5.DD-Playing With Uranium vs.MJ-Beat It
6.DD-A View To A Kill vs. MJ-The Way You Make Me Feel
7.DD-Hungry Like The Wolf vs. MJ-Thriller.
I only selected 6 right on this year's RRHOF Nominee predictions but Journey worth extra points. I think Tom & Evan both had 9 correct. KING

Posted by KING on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 04:26am


ROY

Strong post about Joan Baez and her chances at induction. Bob Dylan for sure and several of those inducted from the 60's and 70's time period. Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Eagles, Elton John & Billy Joel etc. She has a good chance. KING

Posted by KING on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 06:06am


.....one thing about DD that almost NEVER gets mentioned and, in my view, makes them worthy of consideration as nominees: they wrote songs which could CONSISTENTLY evoke more PATHOS, than FEW other groups in history, and for sure among MOST of their immediate peers, contemporaries (with the noteworthy exceptions of Simple Minds and Nik Kershaw, Tears For Fears - check out "Size Of Sorrow" and "Who Killed Tangerine" from THEIR last album, Everybody Loves A Happy Ending, if you're not already familiar with them).....post-J5, MJ rarely ever did again; "Human Nature" &, to a decidedly lesser extent, "Man In The Mirror" were pretty much IT and, in comparison, without Temperton or The Corporation to cover up his artistic shortcomings, Jacko PALES next to the Fab Five in that aspect.....finally, if you want to know why latter-day Michael does next to NOTHING for me, check out the J5's cover of "Don't Know Why I Love You" - he didn't EVER equal such affecting heights after that (although "I'll Be There" and "Ben", a handful of their lesser-known numbers, come VERY close.....

Posted by ogam5 on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 08:20am


Jason,

We do agree totally. Pearl Jam is an automatic win. Now Pearl Jam is an automatic win. 2PAc is not. Its like you said. 2 first- eligible nominees have not got in the same year in a long time. I think 1999 was the last time with Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. That is a pretty long time ago.

The Hall doesn't want to upstage Pearl Jam as far as the 90s goes. Pearl Jam were key for a whole movement. I don't say that as a big 90s fan. I am not a big Grunge fan. Pearl Jam are OK. I like them more than Nirvana.

Of all the Classic Rock acts this year ELO have the best chance. Joan Baez was finally nominated. I do think she will outdo Janet Jackson. There is a long list of Veterans that are Inductees that will easily Vote for Her.

Forget that early influence stuff. She's in Dylan's class. Some may have forgotten Folk singers and Singer songwriters have been Inducted plenty since Good old Bob was inducted. Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne and Leonard Cohen have alll been inducted as Performers. Donovan was inducted in 2012 alongside G n'R and the Beastie Boys. Those more More modern acts didnt matter.

Joan Baez released her 1st album in 1960 and came to prominence in 1965 singing Dylan and Donovan songs such as Its All Over Now Baby Blue and Colours. Early influence is for very ancient 50s artists from about 1954 1955 or earlier. Joan Baez was very prominent in the 60s, She was at Woodstock.

Posted by Ben on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 09:12am


Ben,
Billy Joel was not a first-ballot inducted member of the Rock Hall. He was inducted in his 3rd year of eligibility, first eligible in 1997. 2005 was the most recent year where 2 HOF acts were elected their first year of eligibility - U2 and The Pretenders.

I think 2Pac stands an okay (not great with the performers surrounding him, but with some ease) shot at this point, it's just hip-hop and rap acts are almost always a tough sell for the general voters. What helped Public Enemy, for example, was the act they were both critically adored, highly controversial, and hugely popular. They were, in a sense, the best of all three worlds and simply too big of a name to ignore. They were basically shoe-ins for induction and rightfully so. Although Run-D.M.C. were less politically outspoken, they were game-changers and played a significant role in the commercialization of hip-hop/rap to the masses. Run-D.M.C. fused rock and hip-hop, the perfect storm for these two genres.

2Pac is probably the biggest solo hip-hop/rap act at this point, with the exception of LL Cool J (Chuck D is absolutely right that LL Cool J SHOULD have been inducted before 2Pac, especially when put in a historical evolution of hip-hop/rap, but hey what can you do). With Alan Light strongly advocating 2Pac (didn't he write a book about 2Pac or something like that?), it would have absolutely foolish for the Rock Hall to ignore someone so massively popular and influential in the hip-hop world like 2Pac. It's so strange to think he's been gone for over 20 years now and he considered a music and more importantly a pop culture icon. He's a lock to get inducted at some point although sadly that might not be the case.

If 2Pac is elected this upcoming year, I don't think he would at all "upstage" Pearl Jam. Sure, the Rock Hall will try to get a major hip-hop/rap name to induct 2Pac like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and etc. Yes, it would be a massive moment for the Rock Hall and they would want a performance, especially since N.W.A didn't this past year, and virtually anybody relevant in hip-hop/rap would love to participate. Again there's room for 2 first-ballot eligible inductees and it's definitely plausible. I just hope this year's ceremony doesn't become the 'Pearl Jam featuring 4 or 5 other acts' show (although I think that's how it will play out so it's a guaranteed sell-out show).

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 10:15am


Bad Brains is a good left-field choice from an underrepresented area of Rock Hall nominees – punk rock. With their multifaceted musical styles and genres (e.g.., Hardcore Punk and Reggae), Bad Brains is a great non-mainstream artist for Rock Hall consideration. If it’s true Dave Gruhl is now on the committee, a Bad Brains nomination that would make total sense. If anyone saw the Dave Grohl documentary series Sonic Highways on HBO, a show which focused on a major U.S. city and the music that defines their musical heritages and traditions. The Foo Fighters were creating a new album with each song inspired by one of the episode’s cities and their musical styles/traits/etc. If you remember the episode on Washington D.C., he spend quite of that episode focusing on the importance of hardcore punk-rock and in particular the influence of Bad Brains. Granted, I know ‘Banned in D.C.’ album but little else beyond that. Grohl’s series opened my interest in punk rock beyond the usual suspects (e.g., Clash, Ramones, Sex Pistols) and to lesser-known bands such as Minor Threat, Fugazi and of course Bad Brains. Bad Brains even joined Grohl onstage at that big Foo Fighters concert tat Citi Field last summer. So in a way, it makes sense Grohl’s alleged influence on the committee played out this way and lead to a Bad Brains nomination. He could be a new major force on the Committee like Tom Morello (who now we know advocated for MC5 and probably Bad Brains as well; maybe Stepphenwolf for their hard rock influence but who knows) and Questlove (who went to bat for Chaka Khan). If Grohl is now a member of the nominating committee, it’s a welcomed sign of young blood on the committee and maybe the shot in the arm that’s needed.

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 10:27am


Thanks for clearing that, Ben and Nick.

Another forgettable thing is that Tom Morello (don't know if he's an actual voter; I know he's a member of the NomCom) will definitely vote for Baez. The two have performed together in the past, since they both sing the same themes in most of their songs.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 11:09am


Nick,

I stand corrected. I did not actually check my Facts. I was going by the release of Piano Man in 1973. I forgot about Cold Spring Harbor in 1971. Wow. I was wrong.It happens. He was in fact first eligible for the 1997 Ceremony. B Springsteen was a first-eligible inductee in 1999 NOT Billy Joel. I forgot about Cold Spring Harbor. I also forgot about 2005 with U2 and the Pretenders. That's right. The Hall was just starting to get to key acts of the 80s. It is too bad there has not been a lot of 80s acts since.

So as far as 2PAc. It then is possible that both 2Pac and Pearl Jam are inducted at the same time. I don't know Rap very well. 2Pac have an Ok shot. Rap is always a tough sell for the General voters. Public Enemy was critically adored and hugely popular. Forget Jerry Lee Lewis I don't think Paul McCartney, Keith Richards or Pete Townsend would vote for 2Pac. I don't think so. I can't see Elton John, Gregg Allman or the members of the Staple Singers voting for 2Pac. You like that last example of the Staple Singers. I can see Bruce Springsteen vote for 2Pac. Bruce has always been kinda liberal with different kinds of music. Its not very likely but possible. Certainly the surviving members of Run DMC would. There is only some Hip Hop voters available.

Ok. I guess a 2Pac tribute would not upstage Pearl Jam but years are skipped very often for a Rap act. So I think it will be Pearl Jam with 5 older Classic acts. That's how it was with the 2014 ceremony. Kiss in fact were asked to play at the same ceremony as the Nirvana tribute. They decided not to. Kiss are extremely popular but would not have upstaged Nirvana. So I see your point. However here Rap is the issue and they often skip on Rap.

So I think Chic and J Geils Band will somehow get enough votes. More General voters may in fact Vote for Chic a little more than 2Pac. Im talking about old Veterans. Not by much more but a little more. Think of some old inductees and mull it over.

Posted by Ben on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 12:54pm


.....how crazy / cool would it be for Joan Baez to team up with Priest on a joint version of "Diamonds And Rust" if they get nominated simultaneously in future years, Jason?

Posted by ogam5 on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 21:31pm


Going along with some other post about who the nominees could lead to next.

Bad Brains = Black Flag or Dead Kennedys
The Cars= Eurythemics
Chaka Khan= Tina Turner orLaBelle
Chic= Average White Band or Ohio Players
Depeche Mode= Nine Inch Nails
Electric Light Orchestra= Roxy Music or Duran Duran
The J. Geils Band= Johnny Winter
Jane's Addiction= Smashing Pumpkins
Janet Jackson= Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey
Joan Baez= Jody Collins or Peter, Paul & Mary
Joe Tex= Chuck Willis
Journey= Foreigner
Kraftwerk= Moby or Brian Eno
MC5= New York Dolls
Pearl Jam= Radiohead or Soundgarden
Steppenwolf= The Sonics
The Zombies= Procol Harum
Yes= Moody Blues or King Crimson


Posted by Greg F on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 22:29pm


Forgot 2Pac

2Pac= LL Cool J

Posted by Greg F on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 22:30pm


KING:

For this round, Michael Jackson every time.

Posted by Philip on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 23:21pm


So since there is so many Nominees on this ballot there should be more than 5 Inductees. There is in fact 19 nominees in total. I think there will be 6 inductees for 2017. There may even be 7.

I said if there is a 7th act they could pick Chaka Khan. I realize if that is not so likely due to lack of Votes. So I have decided if they pick a 7th act it could be 2Pac. I am just Not sure they will pick 7.
So if 6 Inductees

Joan Baez
Chic
Electric Light Orchestra
J. Geils Band
Journey
Pearl Jam

If 7 Inductees

Joan Baez
Chic
Electric Light Orchestra
J. Geils Band
Journey
Pearl Jam
Tupac Shakur

I am not totally confident there will be 7 inductees like the Good old days. I am going with 6. Tupac may get a sufficient amount of votes if there is 7 inductees but NOT if its 6.




Posted by Ben on Sunday, 10/23/2016 @ 15:27pm


Sounds like Bad Brains was influenced by MC5. They are both noise to me.

Posted by Roy on Monday, 10/24/2016 @ 03:16am


MY 2017 SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME BALLOT - I WISH I HAD PAID THE $1000.00 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP FEE SO I COULD VOTE FOR CHICAGO

PERFORMERS

01. Peter Cetera / Robert Lamm / James Pankow (Chicago)
02. Robert “Kool” Bell / Ronald Bell / George Brown (Kool & The Gang)

NON-PERFORMERS

01. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
02. Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham
03. P.F. Sloan & Steve Barri

You are required to vote for 2 performers and 3 non-performers, and that's how they are inducted every year.

Posted by Roy on Monday, 10/24/2016 @ 06:39am


Donnie,

I was thoroughly amazed by your blog; it was definitely quite interesting and thank you for mentioning me, in your introductory paragraphs.

Yes, I will make no apologies for being a "progressive rock" aficionado and I will support the two major "progressive rock" artists, in addition to one of the "prog adjacent" artists: The Zombies.

As far as my big two: Yes and Electric Light Orchestra are concerned, they are 2 of my essential 5 artists. The other 3 are: The Moody Blues, Duran Duran and Sade, respectively.

If The Moody Blues had appeared on this ballot, they would have definitely received my vote.

So why do I separate Duran Duran from the rest of the 1980's artists and place them firmly under the "prog" banner? Perhaps, because their music had immediately resonated with me, it wasn't just because of their videos which featured scantily clad female models, although that certainly did not hurt, either. No, their music was great. It was escapist, but it was polished, sophisticated and it was quite innovative. I do not really agree with the idea that the music of Duran Duran was Chic meeting the Sex Pistols, I think of their music more like Roxy Music meets Yes, instead.

I am still having difficulty accepting the fact that Duran Duran have not yet received a nomination. However, seeing The Cars return to the ballot for a second time, and seeing Depeche Mode appear on the ballot does not really surprise me. Some individuals would argue that Roxy Music probably deserves to be there first and I probably wouldn't disagree with them.

Rush had waited nearly 15 years to receive their first nomination. Then, finally Rush had been nominated and immediately inducted; I think that Duran Duran will experience the same fate, once they finally receive their first nomination. Duran Duran were huge in America and their great singles and albums have been played on the radio for several decades. In 2018, Duran Duran will celebrate their 40th anniversary and Rush will celebrate their 50th anniversary as a band. What really made me take note of Duran Duran again was their 1993 album, "Duran Duran" (aka "The Wedding Album") and their great hit singles, 'Ordinary World' and 'Come Undone,' in addition to their albums, "Pop Trash," "Astronaut," "All You Need Is Now" and their live recording, "A Diamond In The Mind: Live 2011." After "Paper Gods" had been released last year, I thought that Duran Duran would finally receive their first nomination, unfortunately I was incorrect. Perhaps next year, instead?

The fact that The Moody Blues have not yet received a Rock Hall nomination, is almost completely incomprehensible. The co-founders of "prog" should have been admitted a very long time ago. However, Procol Harum has been nominated previously and The Zombies are once again on the ballot, so maybe The Moody Blues are next. Unfortunately, The Moody Blues tend to get marginalized as a "proto- prog" band instead. To many "prog" aficionados, true "progressive rock" began with "In The Court Of The Crimson King" by King Crimson. Even Rush, probably the biggest proponent of progressive rock for over 4 decades, has been labeled as a "heavy prog" group by the so-called "prog" cognoscenti. I have a slightly different opinion and so does the G.E.P.R. however.



Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 10/24/2016 @ 10:43am


I am mentioning Rush once again, because they figure prominently into this list of nominees and 3 out of my big 5 artists have been huge influences upon Rush.

As I had stated previously, "I see no greater influence upon Rush's overall discography, than that of The Moody Blues." I could give you many examples, but there are innumerable songs by Rush which have apparent Moody Blues ties. Some of the most apparent songs from the past few decades, include: 'Available Light' and 'Presto' from "Presto," 'Bravado,' 'Heresy' and 'Ghost Of A Chance' from "Roll The Bones," 'Nobody's Hero' from "Counterparts," 'Faithless' from "Snakes & Arrows" and 'The Garden' from "Clockwork Angels." The Moody Blues are third on my list of favorite artists.

I also see a great deal of Moody Blues influence upon songs by: Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Supertramp, Kansas, Styx, Roxy Music, Duran Duran, etc. In my honest opinion, both Alllmusic and Wkipedia need to amend this, as well as the list of Rush's influenceS. Many Sade aficionados also like The Moody Blues, as well.

So let's discuss Sade, my twenty second favorite "prog" artist and my twenty fourth favorite artist, overall. Sade is the fifth of my essential 5 artists. Ever since, I had first heard 'Smooth Operator' by Sade, I was immediately hooked. Now, this is quite unusual, because I am not much of a rhythm and blues fan. Prior to hearing Sade, the only R & B artists that I had really enjoyed were Stevie Wonder and the late, great Donna Summer.

Sade, however was different. For one thing, they had that jazz element in their music, which had recalled Supertramp and Steely Dan and in my honest opinion, Helen Folasade Adu has one of the greatest and most expressive voices that I had ever heard. Their songs prominently feature the saxophone, in addition to keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. Yet, they have also have pop and soft rock elements to their sound. I have termed their music genre as "progressive soul," kind of akin to The Moody Blues, or Yes meets Stevie Wonder. After six extraordinary recordings and at least two fantastic compilation albums, I think that Sade definitely deserves Rock Hall recognition.

Now let's move on two my other "big two," the "prog" artists who are on this year's ballot: Yes and E.L.O. I will discuss both artists in more detail, at a later time.

First of all, both artists are on my list of favorite artists of all time, with Yes placing second and E.L.O. placing twelfth. I have been familiar with most of their work for more than 35 years. I had discovered the music of E.L.O. In 1979. I had been introduced to the music of Yes in June, 1981.

I have written quite a bit about Yes on this forum, but I echo much of the same sentiment about E.L.O. as well.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 10/24/2016 @ 11:31am


The more I think about it, the more I approve of not allowing votes to be visible on the Rock Hall website.

The primary reason: It prevents the actual voters from using the online results as a guide. Not sure if that's a problem, but it makes sense. Not all voters are in the know regarding the music, and might not have time to do their own research (or they might not want to take the time) - resulting in less informed voting.

Posted by dmg on Monday, 10/24/2016 @ 13:23pm


Can we expect at least 6 Inductees this Time? Is there a way to find out? I guess maybe not. You would think with 19 Nominees it will Not just be 5 this year.

There is a lot of variety on this ballot. I think there will be More variety than last year but certainly at least 3 older Classic acts I would say.

Posted by Ben on Monday, 10/24/2016 @ 14:02pm


Enig,

It is very cool that both ELO and Yes are on the ballot. I think realistically that only one of them will Go in. I own lots of albums from Yes. Many Voters embrace Jeff Lynne more than Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford and the other Yes memebers. Some of the Voting body isn't educated enough to their wondrous talent. After the disappointment of the Moody Blues snub again I am being cautious with Yes. There is all kinds of Voters.

I have Joan Baez, Journey and Pearl Jam in my predictions. Those are very probable. There may be no Rap though this year since that happened last year. Unless there is 7 inductees. I mentioned that earlier. I wont elaborate.

Posted by Ben on Monday, 10/24/2016 @ 20:14pm


Bad Brains = Black Flag
The Cars = New Order
Chaka Khan = Whitney Houston
Chic = Wham!/George Michael
Depeche Mode = Duran Duran
Electric Light Orchestra = Roxy Music
The J. Geils Band = Johnny Winter
Jane's Addiction= Smashing Pumpkins
Janet Jackson = Mariah Carey
Joan Baez = Phil Ochs, Judy Collins, Peter, Paul & Mary, The Kingston Trio
Joe Tex = Chuck Willis
Journey = Foreigner
Kraftwerk = Devo
MC5 = New York Dolls
Pearl Jam= Soundgarden
Steppenwolf = The Sonics
The Zombies = Procol Harum
Yes = Moody Blues, King Crimson, Jethro Tull

Posted by Roy on Monday, 10/24/2016 @ 21:11pm


Enig,

Yes and ELO are 2 very fine acts on the Ballot. I'm sorry for my realism. I don't see both Yes and ELO as inductees this year.That would be 2 prog acts.That is due to the Voting Body. Many voters embrace Jeff Lynne and ELO more than Yes. Clearly Pink Floyd and Rush members will vote for Yes. There is lots of music veterans that would Vote for Yes. However, Isley Brothers members,Van Morrison and John Fogerty are also Voters. They may not be as likely to vote for Yes. I could see them voting for ELO. More hits and the popularity of Jeff Lynne in the music industry. I love Yes more but I think more votes will go to ELO. I dont want to be disappointed again. I would love to be wrong and see 2 prog acts inducted.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 10/25/2016 @ 08:24am


Enigmaticus:

Agree WHOLEHEARTEDLY with your assessment of the Moody's influence on MANY artists Rush, especially evident in their early 80's albums from Moving Pictures to Hold Your Fire, and it's truly LUDICROUS they've YET to be even nominated (they and Procol, NEED to be inducted as the PRIMARY origins of progressive rock, what with Floyd already in) - but, you overlooked a BIG one: Tears For Fears, who I even see as something of the 80's ANSWER to them.....

Posted by ogam5 on Tuesday, 10/25/2016 @ 08:31am


ogam5,

Thank you for your response.

It's interesting that you had mentioned, Tears For Fears. They certainly are regarded as having some of progressive rock's many attributes. PROG magazine has mentioned them a few times, so I think that they may be "prog" adjacent. However, Duran Duran has been a "progressive rock" band since their very beginning. Their music employs most of the characteristics of progressive rock throughout their entire discography; I have always seen Duran Duran as actually being the natural successors to Rush.

Although I do believe, that The Moody Blues have been a
huge influence upon Rush, I tend to see their influence mostly from 'Tears' on "2112" through 'The Garden' on "Clockwork Angels Tour." I especially see their influence on "Hold Your Fire," "Presto," "Roll The Bones," and portions of "Counterparts," "Snakes & Arrows" and most of "Clockwork Angels." I would even venture to say that 'The Garden' is their most poignant tribute to The Moody Blues.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/25/2016 @ 10:19am


Enig,

I have a question. You said 3 of your 5 big artists have been huge influences on Rush. I know Yes and the Moody Blues are 2. Who is the 3rd? I would love to know. Is it Duran Duran, King Crimson or another fav? Let me know when you can.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 10/25/2016 @ 11:37am


Joan Baez is the only lock for 2017.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 05:13am


I've narrowed my predictions down to five scenarios.

THE 2017 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

SCENARIO # 1: JANET JACKSON AND TUPAC SHAKUR, NOT ENOUGH STAR POWER FOR A BIG SHOW, SO 6 OR 7, NOT 5 INDUCTEES

01. Joan Baez
02. Janet Jackson
03. Tupac Shakur
04. Pearl Jam
05. Electric Light Orchestra
06. Journey
07. Yes

SCENARIO # 2: NO JANET JACKSON, NO TUPAC SHAKUR

01. Joan Baez
02. Journey
03. Yes
04. Electric Light Orchestra
05. Pearl Jam

SCENARIO # 3: JANET JACKSON, BUT NO TUPAC SHAKUR

01. Joan Baez
02. Janet Jackson
03. Journey
04. Electric Light Orchestra
05. Pearl Jam

SCENARIO # 4: TUPAC SHAKUR, BUT NO JANET JACKSON

01. Joan Baez
02. Journey
03. Electric Light Orchestra
04. Pearl Jam
05. Tupac Shakur

SCENARIO # 5: THE 2016 MODEL - 3 CLASSIC ROCK BANDS, 1 SINGER/SONGWRITER, 1 RAPPER

01. Yes
02. Journey
03. Electric Light Orchestra
04. Joan Baez
05. Tupac Shakur

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 06:42am


.....a point that needs to be made, question asked: is Sade more worthy of nomination than Seal? In my estimation, NO - not because her music wasn't extremely well-crafted but, Seal's (who by the way, was heavily influenced by both Elton John, Hendrix, Joni Mitchell & David Bowie, as well as a SLEW of classic R & B vocalists) transcends genres more extensively, is a LOT more diverse in styles.....as with DD, some essential, lesser-known Sealhenry numbers:

Deep Water (debut)

Whirlpool (debut)

Future Love Paradise (debut)

Dreaming In Metaphors (second)

Fast Changes (second)

Just Like You Said (Human Being)

Lost My Faith (theme from 'Entrapment'; Human Being)

Colour (Human Being)

My Vision (IV)

Loneliest Star (IV)

Heavenly...(Good Feeling) (IV)

Wedding Day (yes, with Heidi but, FAR better than you might believe by that aspect; System)

System (arguably his best song EVER - really, REALLY should've been the follow-up to "Amazing"; System)

Immaculate (System)

If I'm Any Closer (Commitment)

Weight Of My Mistakes (Commitment)


.....while his last record has its moments, it's the first which hasn't been imperative for me to get and, I actually have a Facebook page dedicated to getting him nominated (need to update it soon!) - so, the timing of that is less than serendipitous; one of the voters said he'd be in the mix this, his first year of eligibility.....needless to say, I'd have nominated him over Tupac in a HEARTBEAT....



Posted by ogam5 on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 08:18am


Roy,

I agree Joan Baez is a lock. There so many who will Vote for her. A long list Of Veteran Inductees. Wait a minute she is Not the only Lock. You forgot about Pearl Jam! Pearl Jam is absolutely a Lock
One of the most Key Bands of the 90s. I am not an expert on 90s but they are one of the most key bands from that time.


Also ELO is almost a lock
Jeff Lynne is very known in the Music industry. I know you like 70s a lot. I do too. ELO were huge in the 70s for a time. 1974-1979. They will get lots of Votes.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 08:39am


Ben,

Out of my five critical artists: Yes, The Moody Blues, Electric Light Orchestra and Duran Duran were influential on the music of Rush. Now, let's examine why this is so:

Yes was a huge influence upon Rush, through their individual players:

Founding member, the late great bassist Chris Squire was a huge influence on the bass playing of Geddy Lee.

Steve Howe, their great guitarist has been a huge influence on
Alex Lifeson.

Former drummer, Bill Bruford has been acknowledged as an influence on Neil Peart.

The Moody Blues have also had a huge influence on the music of Rush. Rush had always wanted to become the world's smallest symphony orchestra, plus many of their mellower songs show a definitive Moody Blues, influence.

The Move, the predecessors to Electric Light Orchestra have been acknowledged as a formative influence upon Rush.

Writing a "supposed" pop song in odd time signatures and combining it with a danceable beat is a very hard thing to do. If you do so, you are definitely going to get the attention of a major "prog" rock band. Do this consistently for decade after decade, employ orchestration, add unusual instrumentation and string sections and the members of Rush will be onboard. How much so? Well, Geddy Lee has acknowledged that Alex Lifeson had wanted to dress like Simon Le Bon. If you can name the individual members of a band, then they are an influence. Portions of the actual quote from Neil Peart are as follows: "We loved the music of that time period... we were young enough to be influenced by it... we've never said that doesn't suit Rush...." Is it a coincidence that Neil Peart had added electronic drums to his arsenal of percussion, or that Rush had sought out a "pop" producer for their albums? I would say that Duran Duran was definitely an influence upon Rush.

What about Sade?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 10:22am


.....since you bring up Lifeson being stylistically influenced by Howe, I'd say Rik Emmett, was even MORE so - and the Move (a HUGE favorite of mine now!) - Rush connection is provocative; gonna have to give that one some further consideration.....

Posted by ogam5 on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 12:25pm


Enig,

You answered the question I would say. It seems like you find Yes, Moody Blues and Duran Duran to be a big influence on Rush.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 12:33pm


Now that the fan ballot results are showing (but not updating via live results), the biggest news for me at least is that Stepphenwolf is doing surprisingly well on the fan ballot: #6 of the 19 nominees. They are right outside the top 5 and ahead of the likes of Depeche Mode, Janet Jackson, and Jane's Addiction. An impending induction for them doesn't now seem so out of the question or unreasonable.

I actually really enjoy Stepphenwolf a lot and genuinely surprised by their recent Rock Hall induction. If "When a Man Loves a Woman" got Percy Sledge in the Rock Hall (a glorified one-hit wonder), "Born to Be Wild" should then get Stepphenwolf into the Rock Hall. Few songs embody late 1960's Rock and Roll and the countercultural rebellion of that time quite like "Born to Be Wild." Everytime I hear it, I think of "Easy Rider." Such a great song but there's more to the band than that one song: "Magic Carpet Ride" (love that song too even it's overplayed like "BTBW"), "The Pusher", "Sookie Sookie" and my favorite "Rock Me." A great late 60s Rock band who I wouldn't mind seeing inducted this upcoming year.

On a side note, it's rather sad that Joe Tex is dead last in the fan ballot but it kinda makes sense. Besides Bad Brains or MC5, Tex is probably the least known performer on the ballot to the general public. A great soul singer who unfortunately gets overshadowed by his contemporaries (e.g., Cooke, Brown, Gaye, Redding). I like Tex quite a lot but he's probably gonna get lost in the shuffle by more modern R&B/Soul acts on the ballot and that's a damn shame.

Posted by Nick on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 13:22pm


^Stepphenwolf's "nomination" and NOT induction, at least yet. I reread it and thought that didn't sound right. I wanted to amend that comment right now.

Posted by Nick on Wednesday, 10/26/2016 @ 13:28pm


FRL,
It seems like the Rock Hall added the year of eligibility to the bio pages of the 19 nominated acts this year that appears on the fan ballot. I think they might have taken a page (no pun intended, well maybe a little bit) from FRL here since your website lists this information. But in typical Rock Hall fashion, it’s plagued with some noticeable errors. Here’s the ones I noticed and pass along to the Rock Hall website -

Bad Brains - Eligibility Year is NOT 2008, it’s 2007

Electric Light Orchestra - Eligibility Year is NOT 1986, instead it’s 1996

Depeche Mode - Eligibility Year is NOT 2016, instead it’s 2006


It’s also worth noting that the “years of eligibility” info only appears on this year’s nominees and not on the pages of Rock Hall inductees (for example, AC/DC was first eligible in 2001 and nominated 3 times before elected to the Rock Hall in 2003. It only lists 2003 as the year of their induction and excludes they were nominated the 2 previous years).

Posted by Nick on Thursday, 10/27/2016 @ 01:01am


Nick,

I like chatting with you on here. You have great knowledge of Music. I don't know how old you are. Maybe you will tell me. I loved your post on Steppenwolf. Born to be Wil embodies the late 1960s Rock n'Roll so well. I do think of Easy Rider. I love Magic Carpet Ride even after all these years. I also love the Pusher. There is also Sookie Sookie and Rock Me.

I just read an article about this Year's nominees on Yahoo. Some of the comments bothered me. This writer wrote that Steppenwolf don't deserve induction because they only are known for 2 songs. Its a typical misinformed Writer. I happen to know that Steppenwolf were a major band of the late 60s. I had a Hippie Boss in a Used Record shop almost 30 years ago.
He was 17, 18 at the time FM rock came on the rise. He taught me a lot more about 60s Rock. I knew the Doors, Jefferson Airplane on my own. I learned a lot about Steppenwolf from that boss. That silly article reminded me about your post. I agree that they are a great late 60s Rock band who I wouldn't mind seeing Inducted for 2017. There is a lot of competition this year.They may have to wait a little like Deep Purple and others did.

We discussed Joe Tex some time in the winter. Sadly he is dead last in that Fan poll. He is not very known to the General public. I would say not everyone knows Hold What You've Got a Top Ten hit from 1965. I own some tunes from Joe Tex

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 10/27/2016 @ 09:00am


Thanks Ben, it's much appreciated on my part and also enjoy reading your comments on these forums. I think Stepphenwolf could be a dark house choice for the 2017 ceremony. I tried to historize Stepphenwolf's place in rock history as a way of expressing the countercultural spirit of the late 1960s. I don't think any other song defines that era than "Born to Be Wild." It's absurd for that writer to write off them as a 2-hit wonder especially when they pretty influential. It seems kinda weird that Stepphenwolf isn't doing well on FRL's fan poll yet their doing so well in the actual Rock Hall fan ballot.

I really like Joe Tex as you do too but there's no way he would make my top 5 if I was an actual Rock Hall voter. I think his biggest hit was 72's 'I Gotcha,' a song which I nominated and received induction in the Song Project several months ago. He's a great talent but his chances are extremely slim this year.

On a side note, why don't you contribute to the Song/Album Projects and the Rock Hall Revised Project? You would be a great asset to the process and I think you would really enjoy it.

Here's my picks for the 2017 Rock Hall Inductees (if it's 5, although that's insane and it should be at least 6):

Electric Light Orchestra
Janet Jackson
Journey
Pearl Jam
The Cars

If 6 - Yes
If 7 - The J. Geils Band or Chic

Although this recent nominees list is pretty diverse, I have a feeling it's kinda be like the homogenous class of 2016 - the majority will be classic rock acts. Sad but properly true.

Posted by Nick on Thursday, 10/27/2016 @ 22:03pm


Also to answer your question Ben, I'm in the my late 20s but really feel a deep connection to past musical generations, especially from the 50s to the 70s. I really wish I grew up in one of those decades because there was so much incredible music from all forms of styles/trends/movements. My favorite genres are classic rock, R&B/Soul, and Blues (which I grew to appreciate more as I get older).

Posted by Nick on Thursday, 10/27/2016 @ 22:08pm


Nick,

I own I Gotcha from Joe Tex as well as the 65 hit. IT was a Top Ten hit in 1972. I will have to check out the Song Project. Joe Tex may get some Votes from Old Voters but Not enough.

I dig you historizing of Steppenwolf. I am 51 a lot older but I was too Young for their Height. I grew up in the 70s and 80s but I do love and know my 1960's music. The 60s are well represented this Year. Joan Baez and Steppenwolf are the 2 most known. The Zombies were rather key also. There is of course Joe Tex a 60s R&B performer.

I am proud to say I grew up as kid in the 70s. I was a kid when ELO were huge as well as Yes. I didn't find out about Yes until around 79. ELO had lots of Top Ten hits like Livin Thing. A fav when I was 12 in 1977!

Posted by Ben on Friday, 10/28/2016 @ 10:03am


.....official site's standings finally resolved for me - and, classic rock is in an impressive lead, as follows (Danny, ALL of your preferences are in the Top 6!)

Journey, ELO, The Cars, Yes, Pearl Jam, Steppenwolf, J. Geils and Depeche Mode.....

Posted by ogam5 on Sunday, 10/30/2016 @ 09:54am


From the list of 19 nominees, I think that there might be a chance that we'll have 8 inductees:

01. Pearl Jam
02. Yes
03. Electric Light Orchestra
04. The Zombies
05. Journey
06. Depeche Mode
07. Chic
08. The Cars

Of course, it is always possible that Steppenwolf might be inducted, as well. Chaka Khan may also be inducted, in lieu of Chic.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/30/2016 @ 14:38pm


The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

Press Releases

https://www.rockhall.com/press-releases

THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR 2017 INDUCTION

https://www.rockhall.com/rock-roll-hall-fame-announces-nominees-2017-induction

Bios and images of the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

Go here https://www.rockhall.com/press-room AND CLICK ON

2017 NOMINEES

https://www.rockhall.com/2017-nominees-1

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 10/30/2016 @ 19:16pm



From this list of 19 nominees, my favorite artists are:

01. Yes: my second favorite "prog" artist, overall. I have been an aficionado of their music for over 35 years. They have been a major influence on Rush and most "progressive" artists. I own almost the complete discography of Yes, with the exception of "9012 Live."

02. Electric Light Orchestra: I have been familiar with their music for over 37 years. I also own most of E.L.O.'s studio albums.

03. The Zombies: Although I would have preferred to see The Moody Blues on this list, it did not happen. I do not own any recordings by them, although I do like the song, 'Time Of The Season.'

04. Journey: I have been familiar with their music for over 35 years. I had owned "Infinity" and "Escape" on vinyl.

05. The Cars: 'Just What I Needed' is one of my favorite songs. I only own "The Cars' Greatest Hits."

06. Joan Baez: I like her version of The Band's 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.'

07. Depeche Mode: I think that Duran Duran would have been a much better choice instead.

08. Pearl Jam: they will be the shoo in, they really do not need my vote.

09. Steppenwolf: I am only familiar with 'Born To Be Wild' and 'Magic Carpet Ride.'

10. Kraftwerk: i know that they have been quite influential, but I prefer Tangerine Dream, instead.

11. Chic: Nile Rodgers is a great producer. I am familiar with a few songs which he has written.

12. The J. GeIl's Band: I am only familiar with 'Freeze Frame' and 'Centerfold.'

13. The MC5: almost polar opposite to the types of music I enjoy. Their music does not resonate with me in any manner, whatsoever.

14. Jane's Addiction: They're a fairly strange group, aren't they? Perry Farrell writes interestingly quirky songs.

15. Joe Tex: I am not familiar with any of his work, although I am certain that he was quite influential.

16. Chaka Khan: She is a very important artist, but her work does not resonate with me, either.

17. Janet Jackson: She's a very good actress and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis deserve to be inducted for songwriting. I know that she was influential, but none of her "work" resonates with me, in any way or on any level whatsoever.

18. Bad Brains: I have never heard of them, until quite recently.

19. Tupac Shakur: I have heard of him. Although I have never heard anything by him.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/30/2016 @ 21:21pm


.....and, some lesser-known, HIGHLY-recommended JOURNEY songs you may not have heard - there is a frequently-overlooked, INCREDIBLE soulfulness to their approach in MOST instances:

Patiently (from Infinity - not to be confused with Frontiers 'Faithfully', though easy to do!)

Somethin' To Hide / Winds Of March (Infinity, the latter, arguably among their VERY best)


Sweet And Simple (from Evolution - one of 2 OUTSTANDING Journey bluesier numbers - other than Lovin' Touchin', Squeezin')


I'm Cryin' (from Departure; quite simply, one of THE most impassioned blues songs EVER recorded)

Little Girl (from the Japanese soundtrack for 'Dream After Dream', and another GIGANTIC offering; Schon has NEVER sounded better)

Mother, Father (from Escape and, one of the most agonized readings on family life, ever recorded; utterly HARROWING)

Rubicon (from Frontiers, an album that in some ways broke entirely new sonic ground and, by FAR, their most optimistic song)

Colors Of The Spirit (from Trial By Fire, and Perry's ostensible swansong before being forced to leave the group, in part for health reasons.....MAGNIFICENT.)









Posted by ogam5 on Monday, 10/31/2016 @ 06:23am


Your transparency is comical and you can continue to knock Janet Jackson all you'd like. Her partnership with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis was just that, a very collaborative partnership. On some tracks, Janet may have added minor elements to the songwriting. On most tracks, she contributed greatly and even penned the bulk of the lyrics. On some tracks, she wrote the entire thing.

For The Velvet Rope album (one of her most critically acclaimed, mind you), she'd written 95% of the album prior to even hitting the recording studio with Jam & Lewis. But, by all means please continue to minimize her talent.

Happy Halloween!

Posted by Marissa on Monday, 10/31/2016 @ 08:46am


Nick, your picks seem real close to reality. I think if it's six, Joan Baez could be the sixth nominee, if seven, Chic.

I rather for it to be diverse than just classic rock. We know what happened with 2014 and 2015 lol

Posted by Tim on Monday, 10/31/2016 @ 09:44am


Thanks Tim for the compliment; I always try to take a step back and see how realistically the chances of these nominees weight against each other. Of my 5 predictions, I'm not really the biggest Journey fan but their strong showing on the fan ballot will allow them a better chance. I would rather see any of the classic rock nominees this year, especially either Yes or The Cars, inducted but the populist demand for Journey might be too much to overlook this year. It's entirely possible the larger voting body rejects Journey despite if they come in first on this year's fan ballot. For some voters, it might mean the prospect of a Steve Perry reunion with his old band which could become a big deal for this year's ceremony. Let's just hope it's not like the failed Peter Cetera-Chicago reunion from earlier this year. But I feel slightly more confident than Journey-Steve Perry will put any hurt feelings aside for one night.

Perhaps I did undercut Joan Baez's chances a bit here and I realize that. I understand her historical significance both to the 60s Folk Music scene (especially her ties with Bob Dylan) and her social/political activism, but I'm not really a fan of her work. I will revisit her work sometime in the next couple of days, but it just doesn't resonate with me. Of course just because I don't really care for her music doesn't mean I'm turning a blind eye for a potential case for a Rock Hall induction. She has a good case and her progressively liberal activism could help sway some voters. Plus she fits the singer-songwriter bill that the Rock Hall loves to death. It's just, I'd rather see Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan or even the women of Chic represented this year. The Rock Hall really needs to induct a woman of color this year and they represent one of the Rock Hall's weakest areas this decade - the lack of inducting R&B/Soul artists. Of these three, Jackson has the best shot but with a crowded ballot, her chances are no better than last year. If Jackson's having a hard time, I don't like the prospects of Khan, Tex, and Chic this year. I hope it's not an all-male class again.

Posted by Nick on Monday, 10/31/2016 @ 10:41am


.....I really DON'T have a lot of patience for arguments about quotas or appearances - if there ARE female African-American (or OTHERWISE) recording artists WORTHY of consideration (not NECESSARILY induction) then absolutely and, already expressed my belief that Chaka is far, FAR more so than JJ, who's much more a successful ENTERTAINER than she EVER was an artist (sorry, Melissa - she's the sheer PORTRAIT of mediocrity - aside from Rhythm Nation; The Velvet Rope is as self-indulgent and musically uninteresting, as Control - just a BIT more listenable than THAT resolutely atonal exercise, though - which is FAINT praise indeed). Again, I'd take a Sandra St. Victor, Joyce Kennedy or Nikka Costa over her OR Mariah ANY day of the week.....hell, who's NEXT - Jennifer Lopez (whose career has arguably been more successful by the measure of Janet's)? She has ABOUT as much to do with 'rock and roll' as Kenny G. or YANNI.....

Posted by ogam5 on Monday, 10/31/2016 @ 14:51pm


.....of course, it's TINA who should REALLY be going in next, and NO one else (though for heritage choices if they HAVEN'T been already: Lorraine Ellison, Mary Wells, Betty Everett, Bettye Swann.....)

Posted by ogam5 on Monday, 10/31/2016 @ 14:55pm


The thing I love about the Rock Hall nominees every year is discovering an artist I was previously unfamiliar with. I make a point to own music from every Performer inductee, whether it's their entire catalog or a couple songs. Every year when the nominees are announced, I look at the artists whose music I do not have, and I will at the very least make a compilation. I can generally find 10-15 songs that I enjoy. It's the only way I can make an informed opinion about who deserves induction. And I must say this year is STACKED! I have discovered some great music. The way I look at it, I would rather enjoy all the great music that is represented in the Hall than complain about who is not in there yet. I love coming here and reading all the discussions. I am definitely looking forward to this year's ceremony. I am hoping to make a trip to New York in April to attend it!

Posted by Greg P. on Monday, 10/31/2016 @ 16:20pm


Why have Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, Bad Brains and MC5 moved into the Top 10 in voting?

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 06:44am


Kraftwerk is in second place now. What's going on?

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 06:47am


For me ultimately, a true Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame artist, is one who is going to take the stage and play a musical instrument. I do not understand someone who takes the stage, lip synchs and dances. If I had really wanted to watch someone dance, I would prefer to watch a ballet, or perhaps a modern dance troupe, instead.

With respect to the artists whom I have chosen; this is essential.

Can someone please explain to me, why this has become so much more prevalent in recently years? What does this have to do with rock and roll? Who had started this abominable trend?

My favorite artists overall, are those artists who have learned how to absolutely master their musical instruments and who display this prowess, night after night, week after week, month after month, year after year. Under those circumstances, I can appreciate the concert.

With this criteria in mind, I had thus chosen my 2017 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominees as:

01. Yes
02. Electric Light Orchestra
03. The Zombies
04. The Cars
05. Joan Baez

By the way Donnie,

I have found your blog to be quite fascinating and I am defenitely looking forward to your next installment.

For me ultimately, a true Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame artist, is one who is going to take the stage and play a musical instrument. I do not understand someone who takes the stage, lip synchs and dances. If I had really wanted to watch someone dance, I would prefer to watch a ballet, or perhaps a modern dance troupe, instead.

With respect to the artists whom I have chosen; this is essential.

Can someone please explain to me, why this has become so much more prevalent in recently years? What does this have to do with rock and roll? Who had started this abominable trend?

My favorite artists overall, are those artists who have learned how to absolutely master their musical instrument and who display this prowess, night after night, week after week, month after month, year after year. Under those circumstances, I can appreciate the concert. That is why, my 30 favorite "prog" artists are:

001. Rush
002. Yes
003. The Moody Blues
004. Pink Floyd
005. Jethro Tull
006. Gentle Giant
007. King Crimson
008. Duran Duran
009. Talking Heads
010. Kansas
011. Alan Parsons Project
012. Electric Light Orchestra
013. Renaissance
014. Genesis
015. Emerson Lake & Palmer
016. Jefferson Airplane
017. Supertramp
018. Procol Harum
019. Asia
020. Styx
021. Sade
022. Caravan
023. Camel
024. Queen
025. The Who
026. Traffic
027. Heart
028. Foreigner
029. Boston
030. Echolyn



Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 10:42am


Enig,

Very similar to you I am going to give my take on each Nominee. It's similar. I have slightly different opinions on some of them.

Bad Brains: I have never heard of them really until quite recently.

Joan Baez: She is a great legend of folk music. I also like her version of the Band's the Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. I also like Diamonds and Rust and Best of Friends.

The Cars: I own their Greatest Hits and couple albums on CD. They popularized New Wave in the late 70s and were one of biggest groups of the 80s.

Chic: I respect the work of Nile Rodgers. He is a good musician who has worked with many People. Nile Rodgers is a great producer. I also know a few songs he's written.

Depeche Mode: They are not my bag. They are 80s synth music. Duran Duran would have been a much better choice instead.

Electric Light Orchestra: I have been into their music for 40 Years. I listened to hits like Evil Woman and Strange Magic, and Do Ya when I was about 12. I voted for them in the official Rock Hall poll. I like their studio albums Face the Music and New World Record.

J. Geils Band: I know soo much more than Centerfold and Freeze Frame. They were a great Blues Rock band of the 70s. Full House is landmark album of their early stuff. Must Got Lost was an early hit in 1975.

Janet Jackson: I also would say that she is a very good actress. I know that she was influential but none of her work resonates with me.

Jane's Addiction: Perry Farrell writes interestingly quirky songs. They were very important for the 90s alternative scene that emerged. They are OK.

Journey: They are one of the best Arena rock bands ever. I have been familiar with their music for over 35 years. I own Frontiers and the Gr. Hits on cd. Also some lesser known tunes from Evolution.

Chaka Khan: She is a very important artist. She is a great Vocalist. Her music resonates with me a bit more than J. Jackson. I know more about both than any Rap music.

Kraftwerk: They are influential for electronic music. They are not my bag. I prefer Tangerine Dream also.

MC5: They are a contrast to the kinds of music I like. Their music doesn't resonate with me much.

Pearl Jam: I am not a big fan of big 90s Rock. Pearl Jam are one of the few 90s bands I like quite a bit. They will be a shoo-in and I did Vote for them in fact.

Tupac Shakur: I am not a rap fan. I have heard of him. I had never heard anything by him until very recently

Steppenwolf: A very fine band of the late 60s. I know a lot of songs of theirs. We all know Born to Be Wild and Magic Carpet Ride. The Pusher, Rock Me and Sookie sookie soo are also very good. The tune Monster is very good too. I own Steppenwolf's Greatest Hits.

Joe Tex: A great R&B performer of the 60s and early 70s. I own 2 songs. Hold What You've Got and I Gotcha. He was indeed influential.

Yes: My 2nd favorite Prog artist. I am not complete aficianado but I have known a lot of their music for over 35 Years. They have been a tremendous influence on Rush and most progressive groups. I own a whole bunch of cds from Yes. I own 7 on either cd or on my PC. The Moody Blues are my top favorite Prog artist.

The Zombies: I predicted the Moody Blues and these guys on this list. I own 4 recordings by them. She's Not There- a huge Top 10 hit in 1964. I also own Care of Cell 44, A Rose for Emily and of course Time of the Season.


Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 12:48pm


Ben,

Thank you for your opinion. It's good to hear from you.

Donnie,

I really like your idea of redoing the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction. I am definitely looking forward to reading further installments.

Tom Lane and Philip,

I am also very interested in what both of you have to say next.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 13:07pm


Just a little something off-topic -

Thanks FRL for sharing that link about KSHE 95! I was an intern at one time there, along with several of my radio friends.

For those outside of St. Louis, KSHE 95 is the longest running free-form rock station in the country, and it will celebrate 50 years next year. Its got quite a history to it. Several classic rockers have given so much credit to the station for boosting their careers, most notably REO Speedwagon, Sammy Hagar (who visits the station at least twice a year), and the members of Styx. When I was at a recent Bryan Adams concert he mentioned KSHE playing his stuff in the early 80s when nobody else was. There are several other rock stars that haven't forgotten their roots, and who first played them (for example, Dee Snider credits 98 The Rock in Kansas City for a lot of things)

I know you are all thinking, "Big deal!". But as a true St. Louisan, I'm happy that something is getting nationally recognized. Ron Elz (who is mentioned in the article) is already enshrined in the Radio division of the RRHOF.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 16:39pm


.....FUNNY you should mention that, Jason - actually have the wood and brass plaque awarded Styx at the Superjam in '78, landed in an eBay auction! My collection of Stygian memorabilia, was once VERY large.....

Question for Enigmaticus: would you have included MARILLION in that list of 30 Prog faves? Their new album, F.E.A.R., is VERY impressive, capping a 35-year career (can't make the Boston show this time around, unfortunately, and it's probably going to be their LAST.....). Favorites of theirs would include:

Misplaced Childhood, Seasons End, brave, anaraknophobia, marbles and F.E.A.R.

Posted by ogam5 on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 18:31pm


I'm glad that Dave Abbruzzese is getting a lot of attention for his Pearl Jam snub, because its preposterous.

The same should be said for the ignoring of Kelly Groucutt, Mik Kaminsky, Hugh McDowell, and Melvyn Gale for ELO though.

Groucutt played Bass on all albums from Face the Music to Secret Messages, which are arguably ELO's hall of fame worthy run.
McDowell played on their first album and then returned for Eldorado and stayed through to Discovery.
Kaminski came on board for On the Third Day and stayed through until Discovery, with a return for Secret Messages and toured with them for the Time and Balance of Power runs.
Gale played from Face the Music to Discovery.

Hopefully these four can be righted as well.

Posted by Steve Z on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 10:35am


"For me ultimately, a true Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame artist, is one who is going to take the stage and play a musical instrument. I do not understand someone who takes the stage, lip synchs and dances. If I had really wanted to watch someone dance, I would prefer to watch a ballet, or perhaps a modern dance troupe, instead.

With respect to the artists whom I have chosen; this is essential.

Can someone please explain to me, why this has become so much more prevalent in recently years? What does this have to do with rock and roll? Who had started this abominable trend?"

--Enigmaticus

The trend goes back at least as far as American Bandstand, Ed Sullivan, etc. It happened from time to time on old variety shows. And it has everything to do with rock and roll. Rock And Roll isn't defined by "bands that play instruments on stage." It's not even defined by lead instruments. That's the kind of ignorant thinking that dominates the rockist crowd. For all your proggy weirdness, Enig, I thought you were better than that, at least. Serious Rock Hall discussion can only happen when you're willing to think outside the Trunk.
Rock and roll, like all musical genres, is defined primarily by its rhythmic structures. In that regard, some dance music, especially that of Janet Jackson, is closer to empirical rock and roll than most prog and prog adjacent, especially Sade, whose influences stem more from jazz than from any blues tradition. Weave whatever purple prose you wish about that, but that's the simple fact. It doesn't matter that that doesn't mean much to you personally. If that's a deal breaker, you're on the wrong forum, and don't let the door hit you on the way out.

It's not an abominable trend, period. The fact that it doesn't resonate with you doesn't mean squat. The simple fact of the matter is that people are different. There are people, many many people, who get more engaged in the concert-going experience, which by definition is arguably equal part visual as it is aural aesthetics, by seeing an artist dance with their whole body moving than they do from seeing a band member's hands and arms moving. Some people see the choreography of a singer as resonating the emotions that they, as a listener, feel when they hear that music, and it means more to them than a long, drawn-out, seven-layer salad of ennui that some people esteem prog to be. They're not wrong to find their euphoria in that context any more than you are to find it in the concert experience you seek.

To sum up, for billionth time, stop condemning other artists and other music lovers for having a different opinion than you. Your definition of rock and roll is not definitive. You even said it yourself at the start there... "For me." Well, buster, there are billions of other people on this planet with differing opinions on the superior form of music, and they're not wrong if and because their opinions don't sync up with yours. There are many branches of rock and roll, and they all should be discussed on their merits, and not just dismissed because YOU don't care for them. I'd tell you to keep an open mind, but I suspect that is, neurologically speaking, a much more difficult and arduous task for you than it is for most other people.

Posted by Philip on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 11:32am


.....must thoroughly disagree with you, Philip; aside POSSIBLY from the MUCH-referenced "Black Cat" ('ooooh, it has an edgy guitar solo - WHOA! Janet's ROCKIN' now') JJ's career roots are much more in jazz - the freeform, not-especially-compelling variety and, just to draw a comparison, even if a FEW of BRITNEY's songs can be transcribed to a rockier arrangement (specifically, Fountains Of Wayne's "Baby Hit Me One More Time" and Marillion's "Toxic" covers) DOESN'T make HER a rock artist in the SLIGHTEST.....

Posted by ogam5 on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 13:53pm


ogam... freeform jazz? Really. Not buying that one, considering how structured her songs are. Also, if you're seriously gonna try to tell me that guitars are what define rock'n'roll, I'm gonna have to punch you in the throat. Not literally, because I wouldn't know you from Adam, but I may have to vow to if we ever meet. That's a bullshit line of thinking and it's the second biggest problem with the populist push in the Rock Hall.

Posted by Philip on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 16:54pm


.....and now, you're making MY point FOR me, Philip - including a guitar solo, DOESN'T make an artist 'rock', and the freeform jazz element has more to do with the sound, NOT the structuring (which is frequently utilitarian, like MOST 'dance music' - as opposed to music that is ALSO danceable - see the artist and act the VAST majority of divas subsequently copped to mostly unremarkable effect, Diana Ross and the Supremes for those, courtesy of Smokey, Holland, Dozier and Holland, Steveland.....). As somebody with a BROAD collection of soul, R& B, funk and disco songs, can say that not ONE of Janet's, is especially memorable; rely upon merely being different, audacious.....

Posted by ogam5 on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 18:58pm


Janet's definitely worthy. Even if you don't 'like' her music.

Posted by Nick on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 20:01pm


Uh, I never said that having a guitar solo makes it a rock song. Just that your previous post came off as rockist. Thanks for the clarification. But I still disagree about her songs sounding like freeform jazz. And I'm not sure how you're defining "memorable", but "What Have You Done For Me Lately," "Nasty," "Black Cat," and "All For You" are a few examples that could be considered memorable.

Posted by Philip on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 21:26pm


.....both Jam & Lewis, have roots in jazz - so, would only follow some of their clients did.....the ONLY thing memorable about "Nasty", is the hook; a WHOLE lot of posturing, while both "All For You" and, to a SLIGHTLY lesser extent, "What Have You Done For Me Lately", are just INCREDIBLY non-committal, utter trifles with no real emotional clout, which evaporate upon completion.....with FEW exceptions, she's DIFFIDENT to a FAULT, and others have just done it a HELL of a lot better, more affectingly.....again, NOT worthy; at least Michael has SOME unforgettable soul statements, such as "Rock With You", "She's Out Of My Life" and "Human Nature" (to say NOTHING of "Ben" and "Got To Be There".....his sister, has absolutely NOTHING that even REMOTELY compares to those, NOR a "Do You Know Where You're Going To?", "Touch Me In The Morning", "Good Morning Heartache".....)

Posted by ogam5 on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 22:31pm


So, at least two fallacies in your last post there. The assumption that because Jam & Lewis have roots in jazz that therefore Janet must also as well because "some of their clients did". Which can easily be refuted just as intellectually by saying "And some of their clients didn't." Two, it's wrong to compare Michael and Janet. Family? Yes, but that doesn't mean you can put them on the same playing field. Michael started out in a quintet that had the weight of Motown behind them, so Michael had cut his teeth pretty good before going solo. And fwiw, "All For You" has the appropriate emotional tone for the overall feel of the instrumentation and subject matter. It isn't non-committal, it's a cheery and submissive tone, because that's the tone of the subject in the song.

I appreciate some of what you're saying. I think a lot of times her vocals get lost in the instrumentation, and that definitely hurts her, but that doesn't make her diffident and noncommittal.

Posted by Philip on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 23:00pm


Ah, Philip my old nemesis, it's always a delight to hear from you. So, where do I begin?

You must realize that I was definitely playing the devil's advocate in my last posting. I wanted to see if someone would challenge me, and apparently you did so demonstrably.

Regarding lipsynching and dancing, I have always wanted to hear an explanation that actually made sense. Thank you for providing that. My considerations were primarily contingent upon how a possible Rock Hall member might vote on a particular artist. We know that "prog" is not your particular cup of tea, but the reasoning that a committee member might have for including, or excluding a certain artist may be contingent upon their own personal preferences, as well. So, I thought that if I had presented my reasoning behind how I may or may not select a particular artist, it would receive some analysis.

If you really think that I am closed minded, please be aware that when I vote for any particular artist, I am going to take a lot of things into consideration. I am sure that you will do the same. However, we each have our own particular biases. For example, you do not like Rush, nor Yes and you have mentioned this numerous times.

Is this any different than saying that I thoroughly enjoy Janet Jackson's acting ability, but I do not particularly care for her musical posturings. Of course, I would vote for Janet Jackson in a heartbeat, if she would take the stage and play a Chopin piece on a grand piano. But, unfortunately that is probably unlikely to occur.

The only thing that I really have a problem with is lipsynching. . It seems somewhat like cheating on an exam to me. A lot of people do it, but just because they do so, it doesn't seem quite right. If you are a true musician then you are going to thoroughly present the best possible performance, whether your instrument is your voice, or a bass, or guitar, or a piano, etc. However, careful that one may be, flaws can sometimes exist in a live performance. That is okay. Those flaws have a tendency to make us humans, rather than machines.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 11/2/2016 @ 23:56pm


ogam5,

I am very interested in reading more of your opinions as I am, in Philip challenging them. It brings to mind the entertaining which had existed between Anon and Kitt on the Rush page, in the earlier years of this site. The conversation had gone back and forth, for year after year.

I had also viewed a copy of "F.E.A.R." By Marillion. I had never really been drawn into the music of Marillion, because they had sounded to me a lot like early Genesis and I reasoned that if I had wanted to hear early Genesis, then I would have placed an album like "Nursery Cryme," or "Foxtrot" in my CD player.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 01:15am


ogam5,

I am very interested in reading more of your opinions as I am, in Philip challenging them. It brings to mind the entertaining which had existed between Anon and Kitt on the Rush page, in the earlier years of this site. The conversation had gone back and forth, for year after year.

I had also viewed a copy of "F.E.A.R." By Marillion. I had never really been drawn into the music of Marillion, because they had sounded to me a lot like early Genesis and I reasoned that if I had wanted to hear early Genesis, then I would have placed an album like "Nursery Cryme," or "Foxtrot" in my CD player.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 01:16am


ogam5,

I am very interested in reading more of your opinions as I am, in Philip challenging them. It somehow brings to mind the entertaining revelry which had existed between Anon and Kitt on the Rush page, in the earlier years of this site. The conversation had gone back and forth, for year after year, with neither side winning.

I had also viewed a copy of "F.E.A.R." By Marillion. I had never really been drawn into the music of Marillion, because they had sounded to me a lot like early Genesis and I reasoned that if I had wanted to hear early Genesis, then I would have placed an album like "Nursery Cryme," or "Foxtrot" in my CD player.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 01:20am


Why is Bad Brains listed as The Bad Brains on the ballot?

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 03:43am


.....briefly to Philip: MOST of Control, passes the ear test for having been HEAVILY influenced (as was Michael on both Off The Wall and Thriller) by freeform jazz - in the latter's case, NOT a huge surprise with Q at the console but, I'm hardly the first to point out Jam and Lewis' similar influences affecting their clients - INCLUDING Prince in some instances....

To Enigmaticus: the early Genesis charge carried considerable weight when Fish was still with them - even so, NOT the only influence of theirs early on - but they have evolved, way, WAY past that comparison.....here is a list of their songs that I HIGHLY recommend you check out:


Seasons End: Easter, Holloway Girl, Berlin, Space

Holidays In Eden: Dry Land, Waiting To Happen, This Town

brave: the WHOLE album - hard to isolate single songs well

Afraid Of Sunlight: title track, Beautiful, Cannibal Surf Babe (like the Beach Boys meet The Damned)

This Strange Engine: Man Of A Thousand Faces, Estonia, 80 Days, title track

Radiation: These Chains, Three-Minute Boy, Now She'll Never Know

marillion.com: deserve, rich, go! tumble down the years, house

anaraknophobia: This Is The 21st Century, If My Heart Were A Ball (It Would Roll Uphill)

marbles: invisible man, genie, fantastic place (ESSENTIAL!) the damage, don't hurt yourself, drilling a hole and ESPECIALLY, neverland (start with this closing number FIRST! But it's a DOUBLE album - with almost NO filler so, WELL worth the time to check out in its entirety if you're able.....)

Somewhere Else: Thank You Whoever You Are, title track, A Voice From The Past, The Wound, The Last Century For Man, Faith, Say The Word

Less Is More (acoustic versions, including a COMPLETELY reworked 'hard as love', originally from brave, that will bring you to your KNEES.....)

Happiness Is The Road: more than a few good songs but, as 2 CDs, not nearly as accomplished as marbles: Essence, is one of their all-time best songs.....

Sounds That Can't Be Made: not a favorite; has its very impressive moments but, sonically, just haven't ever been able to really connect with it as with other Marillion albums....

F.E.A.R.: This one, you're just gonna have to investigate for yourself (not sure how much, if anything you've heard from it.....)

I'll get you started, with one of THE greatest songs ever composed - by ANYone, about love, loss, the afterlife and faith, or anything ELSE ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3NhNz9-EOA



Posted by ogam5 on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 09:00am


ADDENDUM to Enigmaticus: overlooked both the title track from Seasons End and especially, 'Uninvited Guest' - the video for which, is a HOOT.....also, I should add that The Who doesn't get mentioned nearly enough as a BIG influence with the Fish years and beyond; "Incommunicado", ANOTHER visual hoot from Clutching At Straws - his final album with them, most of all.....

Posted by ogam5 on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 09:17am


.....finally, one LAST note today for Philip: it might help you to understand my grievances with JJ, if you know that THIS, is by far, my favorite dance track of the last 35 years, both soulful and haunting - don't know WHAT to say that it's performed by a Nordic Caucasian; but there's NO reason Janet couldn't have produced something comparable, and there's just NOTHING in her catalogue its equal - like Paula Abdul (whose "Blowing Kisses In The Wind", written by the Family Stand's Peter Lord, Sandra St. Victor's bandmate, hence my mention of her further up in this thread - is a true soul CLASSIC; also STRONGLY recommend "Sweet Liberation" and "Shelter" by them) Robyn's clearly influenced JUST as much by Diana and the Supremes, reaches the level of Shannon in terms of Ross wannabes since 1983.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFZTjj1GypI

Posted by ogam5 on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 10:12am


.....damn; an oversight - was gonna say that, who could've seen Paula Abdul ever evoking comparisons to KATE BUSH? Still, Natalie Cole did a STUNNING cover of "Man With The Child In His Eyes" some time ago.....

Posted by ogam5 on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 10:18am


Enig,

Your devil's advocate ploy was well-played. I fell hook, line, and sinker, and am only partially consoled by the fact that there was some genuine feeling in part of what you posted. While it's true that I don't like Rush and Yes, I don't deny that they belong in the Hall, either. I don't think you were around this site in 2012 when the RHCP were inducted, but on my blog, I called them most deserving nominee on that ballot for induction and simultaneously the most painful for me to listen to. It's just frustrating when one equates merit and personal preference. Same with this ballot. I don't like Pearl Jam and I'm not a big fan of Kraftwerk, but they are likely to rank in the top five of merits when I get around to that. You are right when you say that when it comes down to making a decision on the ballot, personal taste can often be the deciding factor when given 19 names and told to pick only 5. In the past with fan ballots I've tried to walk that line. Not so much this year. This year, I'm voting Chic because I want to put them out of their and our misery, Janet Jackson because of the fan ballot shenanigans last year (which is hilariously tragic given this year's breakdown of the fan ballot), ELO, the Cars, and Steppenwolf.

Lip-synching... is it cheating? Maybe. But there are nights when an artist just doesn't feel up to snuff. Maybe they're in the early stages of a cold, or the late stages and don't want to cancel. Maybe they gota bad night's sleep for whatever reason. Lip-synching isn't ideal, and I agree that it's a problem when it's a staple or crutch of an act's performance. However, it's also a back-up in place for fans who paid money for a show to at least witness in person the on-stage presence and charisma of the act they came to see. I can't speak authoritatively to it, but I also suspect that the friction of the motion for some shows probably also generates a lot of interfering noise. Not that that excuses them, but the point is there are any number of reasons for it, and I would argue that you can't dismiss an artist because they sometimes lip-sync. But if wanna talk about it, talk about it, talk about it, talk about it, talk about, talk about moooo-vin'--but not singing live, feel free to carry on.

ogam5,
Different strokes for different folks. I didn't find anything haunting about that song at all, and only a hint of soul. I don't know that I'd even say it outshines everything in JJ's catalog either. I get your point: you think Janet either half-assed through everything or simply wasn't talented enough to sound any better than half-assed. But even if I agreed with that statement, her influence as a figure of dance music and R&B, plus her overall cultural impact on her own standing (and not just because she was Michael's sister) are too large to say she doesn't deserve induction. But it's funny how you keep mentioning Diana Ross, and that's probably where we're not going to see eye to eye. There are only a handful of Supremes songs where Diana actually sounds soulful and not self-absorbed in her vocal performance. I can't stand her; they sounded so much better in the '70s with Jean Terrell on lead. Suffice to say, I don't care enough about Diana's solo career to familiarize myself too thoroughly with it.

Posted by Philip on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 11:13am


.....there's NO question Diana was an egomaniac and, yes, can see something of your point; actually like the post-Ross Supremes a bit more myself and am now very familiar with their output as well as most of Diana's solo hits (JJ pulls out something like "Love Hangover" or "Upside Down", and I might be LESS averse to the notion of her being inducted - but to say Janet was a huge influence - outside some of the absolute WORST recording artists in history (Family Stand aside and even then, only as relates to the Chain album, their proper debut) on African-American culture, is something of a STRETCH; in terms of presentation, LaBelle, Cher are the EARLIEST female sources (won't get into the entirely male Parliament-Funkadelic, EWF and Commodores aspect) of present-day pop stars' costuming and stage presentation.....

Posted by ogam5 on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 11:38am


ogam, that you said her influence is pretty much only on "some of the absolutely WORST recording artists in history" really tips your hand more that it's a personal taste thing than anything else with you. And that's fine to a degree. But I think it's jading you a bit too much, and more to the point, it's also a mere part of what I was saying to Enig in the first place.

Posted by Philip on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 13:34pm


Well I haven't been On here a few days. I must say I have been missing some good chats. Now Janet is worthy even Though I don't like her music. She is one of the Jacksons. She doesn't deserve it as much as Michael who was a great dancer.

However, it is for a different reason that she may miss the mark again. I am predicting Chic. I am definitely Not a Chic fan at all. The Hall just needs to put them out of everyone's Misery. I do respect the work of Nile Rodgers that came afterwards. I didn't go so far as to Vote for them.

I voted for Joan Baez, ELO, Pearl Jam, Yes and the Zombies. It is mostly personal taste that prevailed. I am Not a huge Fan of Pearl Jam but merit did prevail there. There is A lot of merit for Pearl Jam and I like some of their songs. Based on pure personal taste I would have voted for Steppenwolf instead. I am more in with the Steppenwolf style.I DID NOT VOTE for Steppenwolf. Those other Classic names got my Vote.

My predictions are different than my Votes. I predict Chic for sure. I am not crazy about anything disco but they have been nominated so many many times. I also predict but didn't vote for the J Geils Band. I like quite a bit of their stuff. I think the Hall voters will get one Steve Van Zant fav in.

So I think perhaps Chic will displace Janet Jackson by getting more Votes. Nile Rodgers is liked by various veterans. The Queen members I believe have some liking for Nile and his gang as well as lots of R&B inductees. I predicted Journey also. I am predicting 6 so Janet gets left out. Thats how it goes. I am not into Chic but I would say they need to be inducted.

Ogam 5,

What is your favorite Dance Track of the last 35 years? I was trying to follow all this. You said its a Nordic Caucasian. Yu mentioned Marillion. So I reflected there on this thread.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 14:42pm


Hey, Ben - it's "Do You Know (What It Takes)" by Robyn, demonstrating an actual well-arranged, compelling song that shares only superficial aspects with most of Janet's material, and much more with Paula's.....as for Philip's retort, isn't a LOT (though NOT in toto) of this process about personal taste? But to anyone who has at least a PASSING familiarity with what 'music' constitutes, those to whom I referred as the absolutely WORST recording artists - sorry for the seemingly conflicting misnomer - which includes utter noise such as Misdameanor, Minaj and to a SLIGHTLY lesser extent, M.I.A. (who is RIDICULOUSLY overrated) they are HOPELESSLY tone-deaf, wouldn't know a good melody (OR other than utilitarian rhythm) if it bit them on their satin-covereds, and the SAME can be said of JJ in FAR too many instances....all spectacle, attitude - and almost NO heart, soul.....just as an ANTIDOTE for talking about such creatures, feel compelled to post a song showcasing ALL of the forementioned traits, by a group that, like the Five Stairsteps, rivaled the J5 (and Stylistics) on more than ONE level.....starts slow but, kicks into a PHENOMENAL progression:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7QUNg7g4Ho

Posted by ogam5 on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 15:57pm


The process does get personal taste involved quite a bit, but does it run the process? Well, we could debate that until the sun goes nova. But the point is, you're using personal taste almost entirely as the sole criterion for deciding whether or not an artist is worthy. You don't like Janet, or the artists who seem to be most heavily influenced by her. Verdict: keep her the hell out of the Hall. That's really not a productive discussion. No heart and soul? While I'm inclined to agree to a degree, it's also kind of subjective. Personally, I think much of dance, particularly EDM as a genre, lacks "heart and soul" kind of by design... going back to progenitors like Kraftwerk. So, kind of odd to me to hate Janet for that reason alone.

The Five Stairsteps... decent group, but I always found their biggest hit to be a little overly saccharine. Some of their other stuff, especially from the Windy C days, was pretty solid.

Posted by Philip on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 19:49pm


That's not to say I don't like electronica and dance music, although I haven't delved deeper into it to be more versed in it. Still, it's good aural enjoyment for me. The resurgence of popularity for Yoko Ono because of the remixing and rerecording of her older stuff has gotten me interested. I enjoy Swedish pop in general, and would definitely hook up with Amber in a heartbeat.

Posted by Philip on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 19:53pm


I love Diana Ross (singing in The Supremes), but 'soul' she was not.

Posted by Paul in KY on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 20:00pm


if you guys want to hear some soul & funk, by a young talent, check out Lizzo.

She is badass.

Posted by Paul in KY on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 20:03pm


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvUPuC4M6Es

2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Include Journey, Yes, ELO, Pearl Jam

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 20:17pm


.....only songs I really like that fall under the techno or electronic banner (a lot of Erasure, some Depeche - NOW - New Order) are "Once In A Lifetime" by Wolfsheim, and "Illuminate" by Orbital with David Gray - EDM stuff, would almost certainly put me to SLEEP before long - and let me just say it: noisemeisters such as Skrillex, is pretty much unlistenable - hate, hate, HATED "Close To The Edit".....

Posted by ogam5 on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 21:15pm


Steve wrote:

I'm glad that Dave Abbruzzese is getting a lot of attention for his Pearl Jam snub, because its preposterous.

The same should be said for the ignoring of Kelly Groucutt, Mik Kaminsky, Hugh McDowell, and Melvyn Gale for ELO though.

Groucutt played Bass on all albums from Face the Music to Secret Messages, which are arguably ELO's hall of fame worthy run.
McDowell played on their first album and then returned for Eldorado and stayed through to Discovery.
Kaminski came on board for On the Third Day and stayed through until Discovery, with a return for Secret Messages and toured with them for the Time and Balance of Power runs.
Gale played from Face the Music to Discovery.

Hopefully these four can be righted as well.

Posted by Steve Z on Wednesday, 11.2.16 @ 10:35am


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


8-)

Indeed, thanks Steve, I've already made my comment about this over at FRL's Electric Light Orchestra page, I also said that Sir Louis Clark should be a member because he was conducting the strings from Eldorado-Discovery and Secret Messages, then he played keyboard/cello on The Time & Balance of Power Tours! How can you have an ELO without orchestra strings along with their conductor?!

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 23:34pm


https://www.rockhall.com/vote

CURRENT STANDINGS

01. JOURNEY 70693 votes
02. ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA (ELO) 66196 votes
03. THE CARS 61998 votes
04. YES 59501 votes
05. PEARL JAM 55127 votes
06. STEPPENWOLF 40352 votes
07. DEPECHE MODE 35156 votes
08. THE J. GEILS BAND 32585 votes
09. THE ZOMBIES 25543 votes
10. JOAN BAEZ 24379 votes
11. JANE'S ADDICTION 23195 votes
12. JANET JACKSON 22447 votes
13. TUPAC SHAKUR 21692 votes
14. CHAKA KHAN 20456 votes
15. KRAFTWERK 16310 votes
16. CHIC 16130 votes
17. MC5 15397 votes
18. BAD BRAINS 14167 votes
19. JOE TEX 6141 votes

Posted by Roy on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 06:27am


Wow that's cool. Journey is #1. I like Journey quite a bit. I mostly the Hits with them but also some albums. City of the Angels is a good tune from Evolution. Chain Reaction is good tune from Frontiers.

ELO is #2. Also very cool. ELO does have its fan base. I am not a big fan but they are deserving for sure. After all Moody Blues are not in the picture. ELO had huge following in the 70s and early 80s.

Historically since these Fan polls started The Top 2 end up inducted. Last year Chicago was #1 and Deep Purple was #2 in the Fan Poll. That is what I recall. The Cars and Yes are pretty high up. Very nice. Steppenwolf, J.Geils Band and the Zombies aren't doing too bad. All in the Top 10. Look at that Chic is not at the bottom.

I think Chic may be inducted due to Votes from the rest of the Voting Body. Its hard to say with 19 Choices. Fan votes only count for a small percentage. It seems to help the Top 2.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 07:23am


.....checked out about a half-dozen Lizzo vids, Paul - way, WAY too much monotone rapping for my taste on ALL (both "Batches & Cookies" and "Bus Passes & Happy Meals" the worst offenders) but "Let 'Em Say" and, especially "Good As Hell" (where she reveals the FAR-too-rare ability of melodic rapping and, other than Mary J., RARELY heard by these ears). Intriguing but, based on that sample, hardly essential listening - YET.....here's the aforementioned Joyce Kennedy and Mother's Finest throwin' DOWN on one of the numbers from Another Mother Further, certainly among the greatest of African-American rock groups' albums (not far removed from those of either Rufus or LaBelle, true ENOUGH.....)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO0kLmCTN8Y

Posted by ogam5 on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 08:14am


I still think that there could be 8 inductees. Back in 2012, I had voted for: Rush, Procol Harum, Donna Summer, Randy Newman and Heart.

This year, my official induction ballot has been for these artists:

Yes
Electric Light Orchestra
The Zombies
Joan Baez
The Cars

Who do I think will be inducted?

Joan Baez
Yes
Electric Light Orchestra
The Zombies
The Cars
Pearl Jam
Chic
Journey

In slightly more than two months, we will know for certain.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 09:11am


ogam5, thanks for checking her out. She's dynamite live. Also young & will get better.

Posted by Paul in KY on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 15:13pm



This is who I think will be inducted if it's 7. I don't think there will be 8 but 7 inductees is very possible. I won't be so bold to think 8. This is Who I think. I said them before.

Joan Baez
Chic
Electric Light Orchestra
J. Geils Band
Journey
Pearl Jam
Tupac Shakur

So my predictions are NOT just my personal taste. I am no fan of Chic. I respect NIle Rodgers but would choose to listen to Chic. I really don't know much about 2PAc. I am Not a Rap fan but the Hall insists on including Rap so then 2Pac has a fairly good chance. The Votes will be a little tricky. I happen to think the J. Geils Band has a pretty good chance. The others are the same as Enig's mostly.

When are they announcing the Inductees? I would think Dec. In less than 2 months.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 18:15pm


Correction again.

I respect Nile Rodgers but I would NOT choose to listen to Chic. Left out the key word NOT. Nonetheless Induct Chic already. Get it over with and we move on to other R&B acts.

Enig mentioned that in slightly more than 2 months we will Know for certain about the Inductees. This would place it in Jan. Is that right?

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 19:18pm


My birthday is December 17, and I know the last 4 classes have all been announced on or around my birthday, so I would think the same goes this year since the fan vote ends December 5th.

Posted by Greg P on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 21:27pm


Ben,

I am sorry, I had moved the date back due to the larger number of nominees and voters this year. I think that we may know the results by mid December, however I cannot be absolutely certain. Didn't the nominees list appear later than normal, this year?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/5/2016 @ 10:41am


Enig,

I looked it up to be sure on my Facts. Last year The Inductees were announced On Dec. 17th. I had forgotten. We dont all remember the date. So with that in mind
This year the Nominee list appeared later than normal this Year. They were announced 10 Days later than last year.
So the Inductees may be announced later but in Late December, however I cannot be absolutely certain either.

Posted by Ben on Saturday, 11/5/2016 @ 11:01am


Now as far as the Voting Body. A bunch of acts have a good Chance. Joan Baez and ELO should get a lot of Votes among 60s and 70s Veterans. Pearl Jam Will get lots and lots of Votes all around. Chic and J. Geils Band could get quite a bit of Votes. What will hold 2Pac back is a lot of veterans may Feel that since NWA went in that its enough on Rap for awhile. Journey shoud do real good and also Janet Jackson and Chaka Khan. There is over 800 People that Vote. They are Previous inductees and Music critics.

Posted by Ben on Sunday, 11/6/2016 @ 12:21pm


Other acts like Steppenwolf and the Zombies should get a lot of votes from 60s and 70s Veterans. They may fall short to be inducted. Those 2 can come back another Year. If its up to me Yes are going in but sadly there is a lot of competition from other Classic Rock acts. Acts like Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk will probably find it hard to get Votes with so many choices. Depeche M and Kraftwerk will both probably return. I AM NOT into electronic music a lot. The Cars should get a decent amount if Votes. I can see that.

Posted by Ben on Sunday, 11/6/2016 @ 19:47pm


I think there will be a legitimate early influence inductee this year, and it will be Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Posted by Roy on Monday, 11/7/2016 @ 05:04am


The Nom Com is still (after all these years) clueless and reactionary. Oh well, at least they deigned to nominate Bad Brains, Kraftwerk and the MC5.

Posted by Chalkie on Sunday, 11/13/2016 @ 11:55am


MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE RRHOF CLASS OF 2017:

PEARL JAM - Need I say why?

2PAC - I'm gonna take the crazy route and bet on the Rock Hall putting two firsttime-eligible balloters on my induction predictions list this year. Should this happen, it would be the first time since 2005 that such thing would occur (U2 and the Pretenders were two first-year eligible inductees that year). It would also be the first time that rap/hip-hop acts would be inducted in back-to-back years (unless you want to count the Beastie Boys in '12 and Public Enemy in '13). Like it or not, there will be an incoming wave of inducting more 80s and 90s acts in the coming years. It's just a gut feeling. 2Pac will probably score enough votes to get in.

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA - Warning: in the next three predictions, I'll be repeating myself ("It took them this long to get on the Nominations ballot!"). This one's kind of like, in past recent years, the 'too big to pass up' act on the ballot. You know, like Rush and Chicago. Jeff Lynne is an icon to many, especially in the classic rock world. He's worked with several of the inductees, including Paul McCartney and obviously, the surviving members of the Traveling Wilburys. Goes without saying that he will get a lot of support from his friends.

JOAN BAEZ - As much as I want to see Janet get in this year (or sooner rather than later), I really think Baez will be the female representative next year. It took the NomCom long enough to even put her on the ballot - and now that she is on the board her chances of getting in are big, like it or not. Some may even see it as a 'sympathy vote', since she is one of the oldest (age 75), if not THE oldest. Some people will probably think of her landmark performances at festivals including Woodstock and Live Aid. Many users on this site have pointed out that Baez has a lot of support from the voters...probably more than we can think. Look at it this way: Pete Seeger is in, Bob Dylan too, their British counterpart, Donovan is in, and now the female version will likely get in. Sure Janet has several Top 10 hits under her belt. At this time, she can't compete with Baez. If we are lucky, both can get in next year. Maybe so. The good news is the NomCom will probably keep putting Janet on the ballot, repeatedly, until she gets in. Rest assured.

JOURNEY - Just like ELO, Journey is another band that took several years to finally make the nomination ballot. And because of their place in pop culture and positive effect on rock and roll, Journey will get in right after being nominated for the very first time. I predict this will be the one that will surprise people the most. If it does happen, it will definitely be in question if a reunion with Steve Perry and other members will occur. I'm sure Steve Perry will show up if so, just as he did when the band was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame (by surprise). Perry probably won't perform, but he'll definitely be standing at the podium with all of his old buddies. I can already picture that moment now, with all their trophies in hand, laughing. Despite what some believe as a public feud between Perry and the active longtime members, there is no bad blood - or so I read.

If there is a 6th inductee....

THE J. GEILS BAND - I have a feeling that this slot will go to acts who have been on the ballot in many previous years. I could give this to Kraftwerk, Joe Tex or the J. Geils Band. Needless to say, I believe it will be the latter. The voters know Little Stevie has to have his way, and a blues-influenced rock band will likely get a lot of votes.

If there is a 7th inductee....

CHIC - They are already the Susan Lucci of RRHOF nominees, and if it doesn't happen this year...well sorry guys, it just wasn't meant to be. Clearly the long list of voters don't want them in. Or they can keep trying for all I know. Maybe the voters are sick and tired of seeing them come up just about every year. If this does happen, I expect a huge celebration for this.

Here ya go. Ben, I just now realized your list mirrors mine. Hopefully you agree with my statements on them as well. I started this list a couple weeks ago and added on to it as I did more thinking. This is NOT based on personal taste; just what I consider a realistic look at what may happen in the Spring.

I really do hope that the others, especially Kraftwerk and Yes, will get their time soon. I'm confident they all will in the next few years. Believe me, this list was difficult to narrow down. Everyone else's lists have been great too. I notice a lot are similar to mine but most of them have The Cars (who are definitely long overdue as well).

Lastly, because there were a whopping 19 nominees this year, I really think they will get nearly a third of them inducted, just like they have in previous years. Just my way of thinking. Thoughts?

Posted by Jason Voigt on Monday, 11/14/2016 @ 23:11pm


Meh, I'll give a prediction a try. I won't do into detail, though:

1. Pearl Jam
2. Joan Baez
3. Electric Light Orchestra
4. 2Pac
5. Journey

6. Chic
7. Depeche Mode
8. Kraftwerk

Posted by SotN on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 01:15am


Jason,

That was a cool post. It got my attention. It deserves a nice response. Your list mirrors mine that's for sure. That's very cool. I do agree with your statements. Our lists are not based on Personal taste. They are just a realistic look at what may happen at the ceremony.

The only difference really is with 2 Pac. I think 2Pac happens if there is a 7th Inductee. I have Chic in the 6 Inductees. Voters especially Veterans like Paul McCartney, Pete Townsend, Van Morrison and Eric Clapton would vote for mostly 60s and 70s Nominees so 2 PAc may fall short if its 6 due to all the Votes from Old veterans. Pearl Jam will of course happen. A lot of Veterans respect 90s rock. Hey if its 7 inductees I say 2Pac is in anyway.

Your post was great. There is a good chance of 7 inductees with 19 nominees. There has been complaints about too few inductees.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 08:21am


I really Joan Baez will get in this year but I think they will put her as an Early Influence after being nominated as as Performer just like Wanda Jackson Freddie King and The 5 Royales were

Posted by richie on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 11:31am


Thanks for the kind words, Ben! Sorry about the post being all lengthy; I just had to put it out there. Then again, people who do the rankings and list-voting on this site tend to clog up the comments pages so I guess I shouldn't be sorry (laughs). (Word to the webmaster: create two different comments sections, please!) And I don't do the blogging thing anymore, since less people are reading blogs these days.

Richie, I really hope that doesn't happen. I can see where those who have said that are coming from. You never know whats up their sleeve.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 12:13pm


Jason,

I like reading long posts. I do them myself pretty often. I say No No No. Joan Baez will NOT become an early influence. Her career started around 1961. She became prominent around 1965. Its 60s stuff man. Wanda Jackson started in the 50s. Im NOT worried about Joan Baez. There is 5 acts from the 60s this year.

The only difference with our Statements is that I think 2Pac is the 7th Inductee. There are a bunch of Younger voters to Vote for him. There is more Veteran Voters though. A lot of them may feel Rap should b skipped this year. Some like Paul McCartney and Pete Townsend would not know much about him.

Besides Joan Baez. ELO, Journey J Geils Band and Journey have great chance.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 12:41pm


Joan Baez is not going in early influence! Joan Baez has a lot of friends voting.

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 12:52pm


Roy,

Exactly right. There are 5 nominees notable from the 1960s. Joan Baez is No way an early influence. Just like the Zombies and Joe Tex are NOT. Those 3 coexisted at the same time for awhile. That should give it perspective.

Its been a few years since 60s acts were nominated. Early influences are from acts that started in the 40s and 5Os. Even if yu update that slightly an Early influence is from the 50s. A few years ago early influences were prior to 1955. Perhaps now its acts prior to 1960. So enough of this early influence idea for Joan Baez. She was notable in the 60s and was at Woodstock. So I do agree.

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 15:10pm


Yo, I got a question. When the poll last year on their site was going on, how many of the top five inductees from their poll got in? I know at least three did. I don't know how high N.W.A. was but I don't think they were top five in their list?

Posted by Tim on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 18:40pm


Maybe the joke's on us - MC5 and/or the Zombies may replace 2Pac on the ballot for all I know. Just another month away until we know for sure....

My apologies if this article has been posted here already, but I found this article written by Troy Smith:

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/10/ranking_the_2017_rock_roll_hal.html#0

He suggests Joe Tex should get a backdoor induction. Honestly, I don't know too much about Tex but I know he charted a lot of hits on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts. He passed when I was a year old. Oldies stations didn't play too much of his music, so Spotify and Youtube helped me out a bit. Thoughts on this, anyone?

Warning: if you are an extreme Yes fan (I know several people on this site are), prepare to be offended if you read this article. This guy seems to be a huge Deftones fan too. I do agree with some of his points in the article, but the other half he's got it wrong.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 19:18pm


Jason,
Thanks for posting your predictions list and I enjoyed it. I think you have some valid cases for those performers receiving possible inductions. Journey is looking more like a lock the closer we get to the induction announcement, although I’d personally take almost any other classic rock over them. A possible surprise induction for MC5 would be totally kick-ass and I’d only want Tom Morello to induct those guys, especially since he’s good buddies with Wayne Kramer :)

I really enjoy Joe Tex’s music and was pleasantly surprised to see his name as one of the finalists on the 2017 Rock Hall ballot. Although he’s been nominated 4 times in the past (the last nomination came in 2011), Tex is one of the last great R&B/Soul singers not inducted in the Rock Hall. If you’re not familiar with his work, I’d recommend the following- “Hold What You’ve Got,” “A Sweet Woman Like You,” “Skinny Legs and All,” “I Want to Do Everything For You,” “Show Me,” “Buying a Book,” “I Believe I’m Gonna Make It,” “I Gotcha,” and “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman).” Some of the best non-Motown and Stax R&B/Soul records you’ll listen to from the 60s and 70s.

I re-read Troy Smith’s article and I think he was half-serious when he says Tex should be “grandfathered” into the institution. I think he just means that Tex should’ve been inducted years ago and it’s a huge oversight. I seriously doubt there would be a backdoor induction for Joe Tex and he definitely shouldn’t be considered for the Early Influence category (he’s not, since his chart success didn’t begin until 1964). That would be wrong, like Wanda Jackson and Freddie King wrong, if that’s what happens. If Tex’s name was substituted with say Chuck Willis, then I could see a possible Early Influence induction but that’s definitely not the case.

Part of the problem with a potential Joe Tex nomination in 2017 is something you pointed out- he died in 1982, 35 years ago. That’s a really long time and Tex is somewhat of a forgotten figure who’s overshadowed by his contemporaries (James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, among others). Tex has gotten lost in the shuffle, mainly because he didn’t become a household name like some of the other names mentioned. The best time for a Tex induction would’ve been in the mid-to-late 2000s when many of the Rock Hall nominating members had their pet projects inducted. Dave Marsh is a big fan of Tex and probably played an instrumental part in Tex’s nominations. Now it seems like it’s too late for Tex since he’s competing with many more-famous names on the ballot known to the general public. Tex is dead-last on this year’s fan ballot and his prospects don’t look too well, especially since this is another year loaded with many worthy candidates. What’s sad is that this might be the last time Tex’s name appears on a Rock Hall ballot and if this year’s fan ballot is any indication, that’s just a damn shame.

On a side note, Troy Smith is super ignorant when it comes to Yes and some of the other 2017 Rock Hall inductees. In an article on Cleveland.com from a few months ago, he labeled Yes a one-hit wonder- only citing their smash #1 1983 hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” While it’s a great song and I love it, the song is more Pop-ish than any of Yes’ output from the previous decade. That’s totally unacceptable for any serious music critic/writer to disregard a band’s legacy, especially one as revered as Yes by many rock fans. What about their breakthrough progressive rock albums throughout the 1970s? “Roundabout,” “Starship Trooper,” “Perpetual Change,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Close to the Edge,” “Yours is No Disgrace,” and “Long Distance Runaround” are some of Yes’ best songs from that decade and they have quite a deep discography. Troy should just say that he dislikes progressive rock and I’d be fine with that (it’s definitely not for everyone and I suspect there’s a genre or two that everyone on this site doesn’t like or prefer to others, so that’s just fine with me). Obviously I’m a huge Yes fan so maybe I’m a little defensive when it comes to their music but Smith is totally wrong here.

Also, did Roy respond to himself? I think it's someone else replying to one of Roy's posts, but it gave me a good laugh when I read that.

Posted by Nick on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 20:17pm


Tim,
Here’s the results of the “controversial” 2016 Rock Hall Fan Ballot. N.W.A finished in 12th place on the fan ballot and still received induction so I guess anything’s possible here. 3 of the 5 act in the top 5 received induction- Chicago (#1), Deep Purple (#4) and Steve Miller (#5). Cheap Trick (#7) also received induction.

1. Chicago (23.41%) 37,666,986 votes
2. Yes (16.20%) 26,062,484 votes
3. The Cars (16.14%) 25,973034 votes
4. Deep Purple (15.87%) 25,540,427 votes
5. Steve Miller (15.85%) 25,507,100 votes
6. Janet Jackson (5.88%) 94,618,90 votes
7. Cheap Trick (1.45%) 2,336,605 votes
8. The Spinners (1.28%) 2,066,743 votes
9. Chaka Khan (1.16%) 1,858,917 votes
10. Chic (0.84%) 1,348,330 votes
11. The J.B.’s (0.59%) 949,883 votes
12. N.W.A (0.42%) 673,866 votes
13. Nine Inch Nails (0.35%) 564,004 votes
14. The Smiths (0.30%) 490,088 votes
15. Los Lobos (0.25%) 404,767 votes

Posted by Nick on Tuesday, 11/15/2016 @ 20:29pm


Roy,

Lets try that again. It looked like you were writing to yourself. You are so right.There are 5 nominees notable from the 1960s. Joan Baez is in no way an early influence Just like the Zombies and Joe Tex are not. Those 3 coexisted at some point. That should give it perspective.

Its been a few years since 60s acts were nominated . Maybe it threw people off guard. Even ifyou update slightly an early influence is still from the 50s. A few years ago early influences were prior to 1955. Perhaps now its prior to 1960. So enough of this early influence idea for Joan Baez. She has a lot of friends that are Voters. I do agree Roy.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 11/16/2016 @ 05:17am


That wasn't me.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 11/16/2016 @ 06:48am


Why is Kraftwerk now leading the FRL poll? Where are all these Kraftwerk voters coming from?

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 11/16/2016 @ 06:49am


FRL, agree with Jason. There should be a recent comments page that is separate & does not include all the Rock Hall Projected, Song Project, Album Project comments.

Think it would get more traffic in here.

Posted by Paul in KY on Wednesday, 11/16/2016 @ 07:49am


Nick,

So that was me NOT Roy. I know what happened. I was tired and I must have put Roy's name in instead of my own. That's enough said. Joan Baez is in No way an early influence. Journey is looking more like a Lock. They are one of my favorite Arena bands of the late 70s and early 80s. I too would take a lot of Classic Rock over them though. They are one of my favorite Arena bands. I like them but would prefer to see earlier Classic rock acts Inducted first.

I like Joe Tex somewhat. I only know 2 songs. Hold What You've Got and I Gotcha. I will check out some of the other tunes you mentioned. I may know a Sweet Woman Like You and Aint Gonna Bump No More. I'll check it out. I will say that Joe Tex was an oversight.

I knew that Joe Tex died a long time ago. Tex has gotten lost in the shuffle mainly because as you said he did not become a Household name like James Brown and Wilson Pickett among others. I confess that I don't know Joe Tex as much as you. I have read about him. It does now seem like it's too late for Tex since he's competing with many more famous names like ELO, Journey, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan, Steppenwolf and Yes as well as several others.

I agree about Yes. They have great breakthrough Progressive Rock albums like the Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge as well as Relayer. I will read up on Troy Smith. I can google him at some point. I'm a huge Yes fan so that is Not right what that guy says.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 11/16/2016 @ 15:34pm


http://www.futurerocklegends.com/project_comments.php

Jason & Paul -- good suggestion. The link above is the new home for the latest comments in the Album, Song and Rankings projects. Everything else is still right here.

Hope this works for everyone!

Posted by FRL on Wednesday, 11/16/2016 @ 21:54pm


Ben,

Troy Smith may not like Yes, but his colleague Chuck Yarborough certainly does.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/17/2016 @ 09:34am


Enig,

I checked out the article from Troy Smith on Cleveland.com. It took awhile to find it. That guy does not like Yes.He so foolishly called them a One hit wonder. He is either Not old enough or Hates Prog rock and don't Care. Troy Smith seems to be kinder to the Moody Blues.

Now Troy Smith does not like Yes but his colleague Chuck Yarborough does like Yes. He doesn't get how Prog rock has been mostly avoided since the first Rock Hall class in 1986. I get the idea. It was strictly 50s with Elvis, Chuck Berry, and the other big 50s that year. I know what he was trying to say. Once the 1988 and 1989 classes came it wasnt long before snubbing of Prog began. I mean the 1993 class had greats like Cream, the Doors and Van Morrison. 1994 class had greats like the Band, the Grateful Dead, Elton John and John Lennon. That is where the snubbing began.

I didn't think about it right away either. I was excited about the late 60s and early 70s acts going in back in 1993 and 94. I love the Doors, Van Morrison, Grateful Dead and Elton.I don't know King Crimson very well but I know and love the Moody Blues a lot. Both have been snubbed for many years Now. Chuck shows some knowledge of Yes.

Chuck Yarborough acknowledges Chris Squire and mentions Fragile and Close to the Edge. So that is much better than Troy. I hope Chuck Yarborough is a Voter. Many rock journalists are voters for the Rock Hall. He shows good support of Yes. He says NO to Journey. I don't mind Journey at all. I personally like Yes a lot more though. Journey are Ok not like Yes though. I am predicting Journey due to enormous popularity. I am hoping for Yes. They do deserve an induction.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 11/17/2016 @ 13:45pm


Thanks for the perspective on Joe Tex, all. I'll give him another shot. For some reason, I think Brook Benton is in the same situation (even though he's never been nominated).

A lot of music journalists are becoming more difficult to take seriously these days - especially those in my generation or age-range. Smith calls himself a 'music lover'. Its almost like the 'true rock fans' are the ones that take the time to comment. But oh well, his journalism degree has probably paid off....

Posted by Jason Voigt on Thursday, 11/17/2016 @ 14:33pm


And thanks FRL for hearing my suggestion about the comments lists. Just so nobody gets the wrong idea, I mean no disrespect to those who take the time to make lists for these projects on this site. I'll be frank - sometimes I do find it interesting on what the true music historians have to say as far as what's the best. On the other hand, I also like to catch up on what's posted on the nominees/inductees pages too.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Thursday, 11/17/2016 @ 14:38pm


I don't know if anyone has noticed, but some people have been putting pictures of the ballot up on social media. FRL retweeted MC Ren's photo today. I noticed that it says the ballot is due by December 15, which would suggest that the announcement will not be made around the 17th, as it has been the past few years. I'm wondering if it will even come before the new year.

Posted by Greg P. on Thursday, 11/17/2016 @ 15:40pm


Thank's FRL for your quick action! Now, if you could just get pages for those acts I emailed you about months ago...;-)

Posted by Paul in KY on Friday, 11/18/2016 @ 08:08am


Ben,

Yes, I do hope that Chuck Yarborough is a voter also. Chuck is a champion for "progressive rock."

As far as Yes is concerned, my favorite albums are:

01. Keys To Ascension (1996)
02. Keys To Ascension 2 (1997)
03. Magnification (2001)
04. Symphonic Live (2002)
05. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
06. Close To The Edge (1972)
07. Going For The One (1977)
08. Fragile (1971)
09. The Yes Album (1971)
10. 90125 (1983)
11. The Ladder (1999)
12. Yessongs (1973)
13. Drama (1980)
14. Relayer (1974)
15. Live At Montreux 2003 (2007)
16. House of Yes: Live From House Of Blues (2000)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/18/2016 @ 09:14am


Enig,

I will rank my favorite Yes albums. As far as Yes goes here are my favorite albums.

1.Close to the Edge(1972)
2.Going for the One(1977)
3.Fragile(1972)
4.The Yes Album(1971)
5.Relayer(1975)
6.Drama(1980)
7.Yessongs(1973)
8.90125(1983)
9.Talk(1994)
10.Union(1991)

I came up with my Top Ten yes albums. I don't own as many as you. I don't own Union but I have heard it. I am not as extensive as you are with them. I don't own Yessongs also but I owned it long ago on record. I own my Top 5 Yes albums.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/18/2016 @ 10:38am


I just want to say that I did Not predict Yes this year as an Inductee. I think ELO may block that. 2 Prog acts in one Class may be too Hopeful. I am a huge Yes fan. When I predict a class it is Not just based on personal taste. It is a realistic look at how it may go with the Class of 2017. Jason agrees with this.

SO since ELO have such a good chance with Jeff Lynne. Journey will be inducted in replace of Yes. They are both Classic Rock. Journey would represent the Big early 80s Arena Scene in Classic Rock. J. Geils Band is pet project of Steve Van Zant. Their 70s stuff is Not the most famous but it was known on FM stations and Musta Got Lost was a decent hit. Some of you should know that.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/18/2016 @ 13:36pm


.....apparently my page hasn't successfully refreshed in DAYS.....a few notes / observations, inquiries:

- one, Yes' Tormato is a MUCH better album than acknowledged (though certainly NOT Top 5, either - conceded); sound quality was an admitted BIG liability back in '79, but the remastering, THOROUGHLY affirms this contention;

- not sure if it was somehow intentional (wouldn't TEND to think so) but, the voting is ASTRONOMICALLY down on the Hall's dedicated site compared to last year, and I'd doubt it's due to less beloved acts having been nominated;

- have any or all of Edwin Starr and Clarence Carter, Brook Benton been nominated in the past? Those 3 (along with Jerry Butler and Lou Rawls; fairly certain Bill Withers is already IN) I see as Joe Tex's closest rivals....

Posted by ogam5 on Sunday, 11/20/2016 @ 08:40am


Ben,

I highly recommend purchasing the following recordings by Yes, if available:

Keys To Ascension (1996)
Keys To Ascension 2 (1997)
Keystudio (2001)
Magnification (2001)
Symphonic Live (2003)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/20/2016 @ 09:48am


In the final analysis, I had voted for these particular artists, for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017:

1. Yes (my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush)

2. Electric Light Orchestra (my twelfth favorite prog artist)

3. The Zombies

4. The Cars

5. Joan Baez

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/20/2016 @ 10:02am


ogam5 -

No - I'm certain none of the artists you mentioned have been nominated (except Withers). I think Jerry Butler is in as a member of the Impressions though. As Ben mentioned, a lot of people in Tex's era and genre are being neglected over recent years. That goes for most non-Motown, Stax/Volt and Atlantic artists. Its like if you weren't in their company, you're....well, you know. Notice how I said 'most', not all. I don't know why it took me to figure that one out (laughs).

Anyone -

Has that guy Charles Crossley done an analysis on the nominees yet?

Posted by Jason Voigt on Sunday, 11/20/2016 @ 19:57pm


I checked them all and none have been nominated. Brook Benton is the only one that has been 'previously considered' according to this website.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Sunday, 11/20/2016 @ 20:06pm


Nick,

Thanks for that. :) Yeah, anything is definitely possible with this list. Shocked Janet got that many votes in that poll!

Posted by Tim on Monday, 11/21/2016 @ 01:51am


Sooo as far as my Votes and my Predictions. I Voted for Joan Baez, Electric Light Orchestra, Pearl Jam, Yes and the Zombies. Those 5. Those are NOT my predictions. 3 of them are. My Votes reflect my personal tastes. My predictions are NOT just my Personal tastes. So Enig, I voted 4 out of 5 the same. Yeah I did Vote for Pearl Jam. I like them and they deserve it. I DO NOT like Nirvana. Pearl Jam is one of the few major 90s bands I like.

NOW again these are my Predictions. A few are my personal tastes. NOT all.

Joan Baez
Chic
Electric Light Orchestra
J Geils Band
Journey
Pearl Jam

I like J Geils B. I would have voted for them if yu were allowed to pick 6 acts. Yes is complicated. I voted for them for sure but I dont predict them in light of ELO. I just dont think the Voters will Vote for 2 prog acts. I am realistic that Jeff Lynne and the ELO guys are more favored in the Music industry. Whether its Paul McCartney, the surviving Pink Floyd members or Tom Petty ELO will get Votes. Plenty of Votes.

I love Yes more but they won't necessarily get as many Votes. Tom Petty is NOT big with Prog at alll. He is friends with Jeff Lynne. The Traveling Wilburys connection. A lot of veterans love Jeff Lynne and ELO.

I think perhaps the Hall will get Chic over with. I mean they have been nominated 11 times at this point. I respect Nile Rodgers but certainly DO NOT Jam with Chic at all. Journey are OK. I like a couple of albums. I don't love them. They are one of my Fav early 80s Arena bands but overall not a priority for me. I predict them to be inducted due to plenty of Votes.

Posted by Ben on Monday, 11/21/2016 @ 10:40am


For some reason, I don't think they'll induct Joan. Again, like last time, Janet seemed to be the most popular among the ladies and as far as I can recall, no woman was inducted last year.

I've kinda updated my 2017 inductee list:
Janet
ELO
Journey
Pearl Jam
Chic
Kraftwerk (if six)
Joe Tex (if seven)

It's not Yes' time yet. Neither is it J. Geils'. 2Pac may be skipped over for next year. He'll be this year's Janet (just in case Janet gets inducted this year, I hope she is but I'm not too confident yet lol).

Posted by Tim on Monday, 11/21/2016 @ 21:50pm


I'm shocked that Eddie Trunk didn't pick Steppenwolf! Depeche Mode? Really? But then again, I didn't listen to the show, so I'm assuming his listeners or whatever had something to do with that. Otherwise, great choices on the ballot.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 04:29am


.....not sure what anyone else's take here is concerning artists that have had comparatively MASSIVE success in the UK and Europe, MOST other countries besides the US - for me, the GLARING example is Suzi Quatro, who should've been inducted LONG ago, ESPECIALLY being an American pioneer of her craft VERY familiar to the upper Midwest - but as I've been able to check out all his b-sides with Guy Chambers, HAVE to add Robbie Williams to that list for the near future; the 4 albums upon which both collaborated (Life Thru A Lens, I've Been Expecting You, Sing When You're Winning and Escapology, feature some of THE best songs EVER written, quite comparable to the Fabs, EJ and Who it's true but nonetheless original, a LOT more diverse than some might think, grunge or hardcore-heavy in places, and others, VERY soulful - a BIG part of why he's been able to move over 72 million units in the last 2 decades.....RW's definitely on my bucket list of shows!

Posted by ogam5 on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 07:07am


Who was Eddie Trunk's 5th pick? The picture doesn't go down the ballot far enough to show the 5th. I saw the Cars, Depeche Mode, ELO, and Journey, but who was the 5th pick? Also, does anyone have a link to be able to hear the show. I'm interested in listening to it.

Posted by Donnie on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 08:41am


Yes.

Posted by dmg on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 09:19am


Hi everyone. I checked out the Eddie Trunk site for his full Ballot. I found it. I figured some others would wonder besides me. His 5 picks were The Cars, Depeche Mode, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey and Yes. The great act Yes is Eddie Trunk's 5th pick. I too am shocked he didnt Vote for Steppenwolf. The line Heavy metal thunder should have ushered in a Vote from Him. Perhaps Eddie Trunk doesn't know their other stuff very well.

I am also shocked he did pick Depeche Mode. His listeners as mentioned may have had something to do with that choice. His fan base grew up in the 80s in general. Besides that it is great Choices. E Trunk was into ELO as a kid before Most of his Metal came to rise. The Same with Yes. Both acts toured a lot in the late 70s when he was a kid of about 13 or 14.

Eddie Trunk is OK but he is certainly Not the most diverse Voter around. I am much more diverse than him and many others on here are. I would not have minded a Judas Priest nomination but am not real disappointed about it either.

I Voted for ELO and Yes also in that Fan vote. I also voted for Joan Baez,Pearl Jam and the Zombies. E Trunk doesnt know about Joan Baez other than Diamonds and Rust. I know many tunes by Joan Baez. I like the tune Joe Hill performed at Woodstock among others. Now if thats me I would say many Veteran voters will vote for J Baez. So many will. The Zombies is a great 60s choice I voted for. Many veterans will agree on that act also. Although I will stress that they may not ultimately be Inducted. We shall see.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 09:28am


Did Trunk actually say he didn't know any other Baez or are you assuming that because he happens to focus most of his energies on other genree?

Posted by Dezmond on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 09:38am


ogam5, I'd go with Kate Bush or PJ Harvey over Susie Quatro as performers who are huge in UK/Europe, but not so much here.

I think both are eligible. In our Rock Hall Projected, we elected Ms. Bush in 2026 & Ms. Harvey in 2029, so we're not really ahead of the game (as real hall has 9 or 10 years to induct either).

Posted by Paul in KY on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 09:54am


Dezmond,

I did actually read that on his blog in Oct. I googled Eddie Trunk on the Rock Hall of fame and I was forwarded to his site. He list his take on every nominee. With Bad Brains he said they were a huge influence on Punk and Metal. So with Joan Baez listed next he said he knows Diamonds and Rust very well as done by Judas Priest and does know the original. He said he doesn't know her other music.

He don't like Pearl Jam too much I read that. He made a comparison to Van Halen. Van Halen didn't go in the first year they were eligible. He said Van Halen had to wait so should Pearl Jam. He claimed Van Halen waited like 10 years. Thats false. Van Halen who I like waited 3 years to be inducted.

Electric Light Orchestra- He always defers to seniority and who's been waiting forever...
Kraftwerk- He knows they are an electronic band,it's not his thing....
Yes-"Disgusting they didn't go in 20 years ago. Essentially the pioneers of Progressive music...
Janet Jackson-He says a ton of hits in the R&B pop world. He guesses that he got it.

Those are some examples of his takes on the nominees. Check out his Blog or Google Eddie Trunk dissects the list of 2017 Rock n'Roll Hall of Fame nominees. Get back to me.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 10:12am


Ben wrote:

Besides that it is great Choices. E Trunk was into ELO as a kid before Most of his Metal came to rise. The Same with Yes. Both acts toured a lot in the late 70s when he was a kid of about 13 or 14.

Friday, 11.25.16 @ 09:28am


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ben,

Did Eddie Trunk make mention of the fact that he was an Electric Light Orchestra fan on this particular show or did you find your info at some other place elsewhere?!

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 11:54am


.....I'd certainly agree with you about Kate, Paul - P.J. on the other hand, is a MASSIVE long shot (like Ani over Tori; just DON'T see it happening, and I don't necessarily say that as someone who hasn't ever been impressed by the former's style, approach to songwriting) while AGAIN, Suzi should've been inducted WAY before either Joan Jett or Blondie (sold 20 million more records than EITHER) as Debbie Harry ALSO idolized her.....

Posted by ogam5 on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 12:45pm


Rick,

I found my info about the fact that Eddie Trunk was an Electric Light Orchestra fan somewhere on his Web site last year I recall. It was during last year's Rock Hall season. He mentioned liking Chicago as well as ELO and some other 70s acts. That is all I remember about it. It makes sense that Eddie Trunk liked Rock during the 70s before His Metal favs came along.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 13:59pm


Rick and Ben,
Here's the link that Ben was referring to -

http://blog.siriusxm.com/2016/10/18/eddie-trunk-dissects-the-list-of-2017-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-nominees-on-trunk-nation/

It's an interesting read but I think it's strange that Trunk didn't have a lot to say about some of the artists. He says 'I get it' and 'they're influential' but that's about it on some acts like Janet Jackson and Joe Tex. I wonder if the Rock Hall still sends voters a sample of the nominated acts like they use to (via cds and web links). I mean, we live in the age of YouTube so I think it's not a good excuse to not vote for a nominated artist.

Since he's so into hard rock and metal, I would've have thought he pick Steppenwolf or MC5 instead of Depeche Mode. It's good to see something outside his norm there (and Depeche Mode is certainly worthy), although I do remember Trunk saying he voted for Nine Inch Nails on last year's ballot. Chic could've used his vote too and it was a nice surprise he mentioned them too.

Rick, I'm totally rooting for ELO this year and really hope they take the lead from Journey in the Fan Ballot.

Posted by Nick on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 14:10pm


ogam5 and Paul -

That's an interesting topic that hardly gets talked about. There's several bands/artists that achieved so much success in Europe but got very little notice here in the States. I agree about Kate Bush. I know that Robbie Williams (as well as some of the former members of Take That) is like a god over in the UK. I'm not really familiar with Suzi Quatro. There's several acts I could name but the ones that stand out to me right now are Cliff Richard and Tom Jones (who have both been knighted), Gary Glitter (he put out some cool music in his day but his reputation is now tarnished thanks to his longtime arrest), T. Rex, Bananarama (they're like the Supremes over in England), and many more. Those are just a few.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 14:29pm


Nick,

I do agree with you that it's an interesting read but I don't think it's strange that Eddie Trunk didn't have a lot to say about some acts like Janet Jackson and Joe Tex. It means he is not a big fan of those.

He didn't say much about Steppenwolf. He mentioned Magic Carpet Ride and said "I don't know if they've done enough". Steppenwolf did a bunch of stuff. I was more exposed to 60s Rock than he was perhaps. I did Not Vote for Steppenwolf either. It's not because they haven't done enough. He didn't have much to say about others like the Zombies or J. Geils Band.

He did mention Chic. I would only say that brief comment too. They shouldve gone in a long time ago. E Trunk had larger comments for the 2 90s acts to Voice his dislike for them on the Ballot. It is true that Motorhead, Priest, Foreigner, Yes and all kinds of Iconic bands have been on the sidelines. That is a big problem. However just to be realistic its not the fault of Pearl Jam and Jane's Addiction. The big problem is lots of iconic have been sitting on the sidelines.

You may have noticed that Eddie Trunk forgot to mention the Cars. He did However Vote for them.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 16:41pm


.....as to Gary G., would say that in more than a FEW aspects, his BAND eclipsed him, as one of the most influential from that MINDBLOWINGLY diverse year, 1974 - you can hear their influence as much as Sweet's and Queen's in a LOT of Eighties hair metal, and the consistency of their songwriting is DAMNED impressive (a BIG favorite: "Watch The Show") but of course, "Goodbye My Love" perked several different punk acts' ears OTHER than The Stiffs.....

Posted by ogam5 on Friday, 11/25/2016 @ 16:59pm


I have been watching portions of "Rush: Time Stand Still" and "R40 Live" on BluRay this evening.

I have also been rereading the article titled "Why The Rock Hall says: No Rush for you!" earlier today. This article, written by Tony Sclafani, had been written on March 30, 2009, prior to Genesis' nomination and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Here are a few excerpts from that article.

"The Hall began honoring performers in 1986, starting with pioneers like Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Elvis Presley. More recently, pop acts like Billy Joel, the Bee Gees and Madonna have made the cut, but Rush, Yes, the Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, the Electric Light Orchestra, Genesis, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Soft Machine have not. Beyond Pink Floyd, the closest the Hall gets to prog is Queen (who flirted with the genre) and Police drummer Stuart Copeland, who played in Curved Air."

“Besides Pink Floyd, we really don’t have much (progressive rock) in the Hall of Fame,” Peresman continues. “We realize that. And we’re taking a look to try and address some of those holes that we have in our place. So we just have to take a look at are we doing something right, wrong or indifferent.”

"The Rock Hall’s very first choices for inductees sent the message that they wanted to set the record straight about rock ’n’ roll; specifically, that it was a genre shaped and founded by African-American artists. But now the Hall is creating its own misconceptions about what rock evolved into, suggests Scott Rowley, the editor of the U.K.-based magazine Classic Rock."

“Rush and Yes and ELO are as good and as loved and as worthy as most of the acts in the Hall,” noted Rowley via e-mail. “I think it’s very damaging to the Hall of Fame’s credibility to continually ignore bands that they perceive to be on ‘the fringes,’ whether they’re prog, punk or metal acts. It makes you wonder if the selection committee is actually run by music fans.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/26/2016 @ 02:29am


Enig,

This has been such a big problem. I will continue from my Previous Post. The whole problem is a lot of Iconic acts were on the sidelines so long. Some like the Moody Blues still are. So many of these acts should have been inducted decades before any 90s acts were eligible.

Genesis and Rush have managed to be inducted into the Hall. So the situation is more hopeful but all these snubs should have never happened.It is very true that in recent years the Rock Hall has created misconceptions about what Rock evolved into. Somehow great acts like Jeff Beck, Metallica, Jimmy Cliff, Alice Cooper, Dr. John and Guns n'Roses were inducted a few years ago while Rush, Chicago, Yes, ELO and many others were snubbed.

As the writer Rowley pointed out Rush, Yes and ELO are just as loved and worthy as a lot of the acts in the Hall. Those 3 shoule have been inducted before. Well Rusj were inducted finally in 2013 and last Chicago and a few other Classic Rock acts were inducted. So now we have Yes and ELO are nominated. The fact that Yes are on their 3rd Nomination indicates an effort to fix things.

Posted by Ben on Saturday, 11/26/2016 @ 07:40am


Ben,

I completely agree. In my honest opinion, The Moody Blues, Procol Harum, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Yes, Rush, King Crimson, Supertramp, Gentle Giant, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Electric Light Orchestra, Kansas, Roxy Music and Duran Duran should have already been inducted. Of the remaining major "progressive rock" artists, the Rock Hall should now be considering the worthiness of Styx and Alan Parson's Project.

The Rock Hall should have already nominated and possibly inducted Sade, as well.

However that has not happened. So, we must now consider who will be nominated after the inductions of those currently nominated artists.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/26/2016 @ 11:57am


Nick wrote:

Rick, I'm totally rooting for ELO this year and really hope they take the lead from Journey in the Fan Ballot.

Friday, 11.25.16 @ 14:10pm


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nick, thanks, I hope so!

8-)

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Saturday, 11/26/2016 @ 13:21pm


.....Enig, one that you and more than a few others leave out a lot, is 10cc - not HUGE here in the States but, extremely influential on the likes of XTC and They Might Be Giants (to name but TWO.....). Nick, from where I sit, of ELO, Yes and Journey (ALL deserving of first-ballot induction, to be SURE) one of them doesn't make the cut - and unfortunately, I suspect it'll end up being Yes.....

Posted by ogam5 on Saturday, 11/26/2016 @ 14:08pm


Ogam 3,

I agree even though I am a huge Yes fan. I own lots of albums by Yes however as far as the Hall I unfortunately I also Suspect
it will be Yes that doesnt make the Cut.

Posted by Ben on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 09:36am


Ben and ogam5,

I certainly hope not! I think that Yes and Electric Light Orchestra do appeal to many Rock Hall voters. Besides, I do not really see a reason why Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and The Zombies could not be inducted in the same class. I am fairly certain that Joan Baez and Pearl Jam will be locks, as well. The Cars have once again been nominated. Electric Light Orchestra may overtake Journey in the fan vote.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 12:12pm


ogam5,

I am not that familiar with 10cc's discography. I am familiar with their song, 'I'm Not In Love,' however and some of Kevin Godley's and Lol Creme's works on video, namely the 'Girls On Film' video for Duran Duran.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 12:17pm


ogam5, after doing a little wiki-ing, I'd have to agree with you that Suzi Quattro is a better pick for Hall than PJ Harvey (currently).

Guess it is the Euro/Brit thing, as when you see her stats, etc. you'd think she'd be a fine female candidate for Hall.

Posted by Paul in KY on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 12:20pm


Enig,

The reason Im not predicting Yes to go in even though I love them is because a lot of the Hall voters dont love them. ELO and Yes in tbe same class would b awesome. Yes and ELO do appeal to many Rock Hall voters but ELO does seem to appeal to more of them. I am actually a bigger Yes fan myself but A bunch of Voters may not see it that way.

Posted by Ben on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 15:17pm


.....very true, Paul! Enig, there are a LOT of fantastic 10cc tracks to check out other than that LEGENDARY one (there's a BBC doc which is truly OUTSTANDING....) but I'd recommend "Wall Street Shuffle", "Speed Kills", "Headline Hustler", Fresh Air For Mama", "Rubber Bullets", "Donna" and "I'm Mandy, Fly Me".....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtPae3K-rUw

Posted by ogam5 on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 18:55pm


https://www.rockhall.com/vote

CURRENT STANDINGS

JOURNEY 104,065 votes
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA (ELO) 101,953 votes
THE CARS 93,066 votes
YES 92,143 votes
PEARL JAM 76,280 votes
STEPPENWOLF 64,379 votes
THE J. GEILS BAND 52,556 votes
DEPECHE MODE 49,239 votes
THE ZOMBIES 41,663 votes
JOAN BAEZ 36,762 votes
JANET JACKSON 33,324 votes
CHAKA KHAN 32,778 votes
JANE'S ADDICTION 32,752 votes
TUPAC SHAKUR 29,606 votes
CHIC 26,064 votes
KRAFTWERK 24,315 votes
MC5 22,316 votes
BAD BRAINS 20,110 votes
JOE TEX 11,739 votes

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 20:30pm


ogam 5,

I was listening to some 10CC after reading your post about them. I played Good Morning Judge.
I also know Dreadlock Holiday very well. It was a huge British hit in 1978. I guess a lot of us didn't mention them for the Hall because they are so behind on Prog. Oh sorry I got your screen name wrong. I think I know Wall Street Shuffle as well. I don't know 10CC very well.

Posted by Ben on Monday, 11/28/2016 @ 13:51pm


Damn, poor Joe...all the way at the bottom of the pole. He doesn't even have 1/10th of the votes that Journey has. Still has a chance though, since the fan ballot only counts as one anyway

Posted by Jason Voigt on Monday, 11/28/2016 @ 14:29pm


Enig,
I said that last year about Janet that you're saying about Joan right now. I mean it does seem like it would be fair but I think there's gonna be a shock if Joan is left over for someone else.

Posted by Tim on Monday, 11/28/2016 @ 16:30pm


FRL REGULARS

I'm curious if you think Steppenwolf will return to the ballot next year. Around 65,000 votes and counting. It's an impressive showing for Steppenwolf and their many fans. Looking like Pearl Jam, Journey, ELO, and then it's a real battle for the 4th and 5th spots. Hopefully,Chic or Yes take those last spots otherwise same logjam of groups in 2017-2018. KING

Posted by KING on Monday, 11/28/2016 @ 23:07pm


I really don't think the poll has any bearing on future nominations or is viewed with any credibility by most people at this point. The poll is a shiny object to kill time until the real ballots are submitted. Steppenwolf will come back if someone on the NomCom wants and pushes hard enough for them to come back.

Posted by DarinRG on Monday, 11/28/2016 @ 23:58pm


DarinRg, maybe the person trying to get fannies in the doors of the Rock Hall might care, but the average member/voter probably cares little to even making them being more against the top votegetters.

As for Suzie Quattro, if wiki is correct & she has sold 50 million singles/songs/whatever, then she is a very very wealthy woman. There are definitely people in the Hall who didn't sell anything like that & are not, therefore, stinking rich.

Those voters, IMO, sometimes are jealous of the success & it influences their likes/dislikes.

Posted by Paul in KY on Tuesday, 11/29/2016 @ 10:26am


DarinRG,

I havent seen yu here in awhile. I do agree. I dont think the Fan poll has much impact on future nominations. However, if Steppenwolf lose out there is a good chance someone on the NOM COM will push hard enough for them to come back. Steppenwolf would not return because of The Fan poll but because people like Paul Schaefer and Dave Marsh want them back

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 11/29/2016 @ 13:17pm


"Steppenwolf would not return because of The Fan poll but because people like Paul Schaefer and Dave Marsh want them back"

Exactly. I think they'll end up like the Zombies, a go to every couple years for the NomCom members who don't want to move on from the 60s (and I say that with no judgment either way). I think that it would be a favorable position to be in for acts like Steppenwolf, the Zombies, MC5 or maybe a returning Procol Harum if they aren't having to share ballot space and votes with each other. From this point on they're going to be competing with A and B+ level acts from later generations, but I think that if the NomCom floated them out one at a time, there might be enough support out there. Of course, the way 2016 has been going every musician over 55 might be dead by the end of the year.

Posted by DarinRG on Tuesday, 11/29/2016 @ 16:10pm


.....despite Chic seemingly having been nominated nearly HALF the Hall's existence, I worry that we'll never see Harum up again - and if there's ONE band other than the Moodies who are deserving of induction for their sizable influence on prog, it's THEM.....

Posted by ogam5 on Tuesday, 11/29/2016 @ 16:24pm


DarinRG,

We do agree on this. We do have some different music tastes. I love a lot of 60s music as well as stuff from my own time of the 70s and 80s. You nailed that point. Steppenwolf just like the Zombies will be nominated every couple Years.

This happened in the past with 5Os artists being nominated and inducted with 70s acts. So it happens with 60s acts now. From this point on Steppenwolf, the Zombies, Procul Harum and several other 60 acts are going to be competing with Alice in Chains, The Cure, Janes Addiction,Smashing Pumpkins, The Replacements and many other acts of Later generations. They could float out one 60s act at a time. Sadly a lot of them may be dead by the time they are Inducted. 2016 was a bad year for musicians over 55. Some acts from the 60s may survive long enough.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 11/29/2016 @ 19:01pm


ogam5,

I definitely agree that Procol Harum and The Moody Blues should have both been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame decades ago.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 12/1/2016 @ 09:23am


December has arrived.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 12/1/2016 @ 09:25am


Enig and ogam 5,

The Moody Blues and Procul Harum should b inducted as soon as possible. I would say that ELO and Yes may be more popular. Yes did not have a lot of hit singles but They sold tremedously with Their albums and concerts. The Moody Blues innvovated the Prog scene as did Procul Harum. The Moody Vlues were a big concert draw in the 70s too.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 12/1/2016 @ 12:00pm


.....more sad news, on the eve of Johnny Guitar's QUITE untimely passing 36 years ago: Greg Lake has joined Keith in taking leave from Karn Evil No. 9.....R.I.P., sir; you were a class act to the END :(

Posted by ogam5 on Thursday, 12/8/2016 @ 06:58am


Sad new indeed. R.I.P. Greg Lake. He was a class act Vocalist. So both Keith Emerson and Greg Lake are gone. It is only the P that remains from ELP.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 12/8/2016 @ 13:29pm


For those wondering when I'll have my official predictions up on Rock Hall Monitors, I've got it about 85% written, but it's slow going.

Posted by Philip on Saturday, 12/10/2016 @ 00:50am


One more prediction on the Class of 2017:

Who I think most deserves induction (just my opinion):

Electric Light Orchestra
Joan Baez
Kraftwerk
Yes
Janet Jackson

Who I think will get in:

Pearl Jam
Tupac Shakur
Journey
Electric Light Orchestra

...and possibly Janet Jackson. They may want to delay her induction by one year simply because the Hall likes its new inductees to perform at the ceremonies, and Jackson--who will be about eight months pregnant at the time (at age 50!)--won't likely be in any condition to do her singing and dance routines.


Posted by Joe on Monday, 12/12/2016 @ 01:46am


Janet's child is reportedly due this month and the Hall of Fame ceremony is in April. I think she'll be okay. She'll probably do the N.W.A/Madonna route if she's inducted: get someone else to perform in her place.

Posted by Tim on Monday, 12/12/2016 @ 16:32pm


Tim, you're probably right. Thanks for setting me straight.

Posted by Joe on Monday, 12/12/2016 @ 16:58pm


And even more sad news: Rest in Peace Bob Krasnow, record executive (Elektra) and co-founder of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1934-2016.

http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7617765/bob-krasnow-veteran-record-executive-rip?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Breaking+News&utm_term=biz_breakingnews

Posted by Joe on Wednesday, 12/14/2016 @ 18:05pm


I just read that the 2017 Rock Hall of Fame inductees will be announced next Tues. Dec. 20th. The headline says Pearl Jam will find out if they are inductees. We all know they will be. That's an automatic No brainer. We will also find out if ELO and Journey are inducted. So the announcement is in less than 6 days.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 12/14/2016 @ 19:27pm


Pearl Jam is a sure bet to get in. So is ELO and Journey (due to their long history of being snubbed). It's the other positions that we need to watch out. And how many will it be.

Will it remain five inductees? Or six? Or even seven?

Will Chic FINALLY get in after eleven tries?

Will Janet join Madonna, Prince and MJ as the other big '80s icon to get in the Hall of Fame (and also reassured the Jackson family's legacy following J5 and MJ)?

Will Joan Baez finally get in after being overlooked?

Will 2Pac be inducted or would have to wait another year?

Important questions to ponder as we wait on Tuesday's announcement.

Posted by Tim on Wednesday, 12/14/2016 @ 19:42pm


Yes indeed a key question I have is How many inductees it will be. I am guessing 6 since it has often been 6 in recent years. We will find out.

Will Chic finally get inducted after 11 tries?

Will Yes get inducted despite the probable induction of ELO? That would mean 2 prog acts but I suppose it could happen.

Will Joan Baez finally be inducted after all these years of being overlooked? I think she will.

Will 2Pac be inducted? I am still thinking if its 7 he will be. If it is only 5 or 6 I am uncertain 2Pac will make it in.

I personally hope that ELO and Yes are inducted at the same time but I know how the Hall can be with prog. So I am just hoping not Predicting Yes.

These things we wonder about as we wait for Tuesday's announcement.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 12/15/2016 @ 06:26am


KING's 2016-2017 Inductees RRHOF.
1.Pearl Jam. People love the grunge era and Pearl Jam continued to carry the banner for the Seattle scene. First 3 albums classics. Eddie Vedder Music Icon. Headliner.
2.ELO. The Jeff Lynne Factor In Effect. ELO will gather votes from 70's prog artists and classic rock voters. Good catalogue of hit songs.
3.Journey.The Winner of Fan voting has been a strong indicator of induction. Made some classic songs and popular band. Love Wheel In The Sky.
4.Joan Baez. She will collect plenty of votes. Roy's breakdown of possible Baez voters right on the $. The singer/songwriter and 60's fav.
5.J. Geils Band. They have the right backing and Peter Wolf is an outstanding front man. There's always a surprise inductee it seems. Like the Freeze Frame & Centerfold songs. Blues type artists do well.
6.CHIC. My guess the RRHOF will shoehorn Chic in this cycle. They have waited long enough. Tough luck for The Cars, YES, and Janet Jackson who will be on ballot again 2017-2018 if they fall short. KING

Posted by KING on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 05:15am


King,

That list and analysis is awesome. That is my exact list of predictions for the 2017 RRHOF inductees. It is identical to mine for the 6 inductees. Ditto on the explanations.

Chic may finally be inducted this year. If not now when then. I agree tough luck for the Cars, YES and Janet Jackson. I love the Cars and Yes but I think they will fall short. Last year I thought they were sure things when nominated in late 2015. I have learned from that. I am NOT a fan at all of Janet Jackson. My girl friend loves Pop and is NOT a fan either. She loves Madonna, Donna Summer and Laura Branigan. She is not a fan of Janet J either. Forget that. Janet J would have tremendous chance if not for all the competition. I think Chic may finally take the R&B/Dance slot.

I just want to add that the J. Geils Band had a lot of Blues type rock in the 70s. I like the Freeze Frame & Centerfold songs but I also like Serves You Right to Suffer and Musta Got Lost. Some veteran Voters for the Hall may know those.

Posted by Ben on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 10:06am


I agree with everyone that these 4 are locks:
Pearl Jam, ELO, Journey, and Joan Baez.

The 5th is anyone's guess. I'll guess Janet Jackson.

Wouldn't be surprised with Tupac, Chic, J Geils, or Kraftwerk.

Posted by Classic Rock on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 10:31am


Ok, I usually don't make predictions, but I'm going to give it a go this time around.

1. Pearl Jam - The seemingly no-brainer. Brings in a younger crowd and can be a headliner.

2. ELO - Jeff Lynne is a legend and well respected amongst his peers. It was only a matter of when. I do wish that they would've adjusted the members and included Kelly Groucutt, Mik Kaminski, Hugh McDowell, & Melvyn Gale. Those four (especially bassist Groucutt) were all essential to a huge chunk of ELO's essential songs and albums.

3. Journey - Going with the fan vote popularity, although I don't think they're as safe as they seem. I can foresee one day the Rock Hall screwing over a fan vote winner somewhere down the line and those fans going into an uproar.

4. Chic - The ballots this year included how many times and each year they've been nominated next to their names. People might see the 11 years and feel some pity for them. At least I hope so. They're not my favorite on the list by a long shot but its frustrating seeing them on here again and again.

5. Joan Baez - Could be Janet, but with her being pregnant, she probably wouldn't be able to attend or perform at the ceremony. The rock hall are ALL about their induction show, so they'll go for someone that would be there (plus the added bonus of bringing along recent Nobel laureate? Too good to pass up for them.)

6. 2Pac - I think if there is a sixth, it goes here. There seemed to be a big rush to get NWA in before Tupac finally became eligible. He's an icon of the genre, but he's long gone, so he wouldn't be able to attend the ceremony. They could pull in a huge tribute to him featuring a massive amount of today's hip hop stars, so there is a strong possibility.

The Cars will get in eventually, maybe just not this year. Yes is the hall's next Prog pick, for sure, but with ELO & Journey on this year's ballot, it'd be hard for them to squeeze in. I'm not sure why everyone seems so sure on the J. Geils Band. I like them and don't think that they're unworthy at all, but I think some of the other names are too good to pass up. They are a great live band though, so they could add some spice to the induction show (which is a main motivator of the hall of fame).

Posted by Steve Z on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 10:42am


Who do I think will be inducted?

1. Yes- Due to the fact that this is their third nomination and apparently until Yes is inducted, neither The Moody Blues, nor King Crimson, nor ELP, etc. will even be nominated. Plus the members of Rush and their "Voices For Yes" induction campaign have been pushing for Yes for years. Yes is a symphonic "progressive rock" band and extremely similar to Rush, whereas "Electric Light Orchestra" is crossover PROG.

2. Electric Light Orchestra- This is proof that there is enough variety within the world of PROG to offer more than one choice. Please keep in mind that when Rush had been inducted in 2013, Procol Harum had also been also nominated. However Procol Harum and Rush may have been considered to be too similar to each other. Jeff Lynne is well respected within the rock world, as a producer, as well. An induction for Electric Light Orchestra could lead to a nomination for Duran Duran, as well.

3. Journey- Apparently Journey had won the fan vote and that is enough impetus for them to get in. However, their high card may also be their connection to Santana. I do agree that an induction of Journey will lead to a nomination for Foreigner.

4. Pearl Jam- the obvious choice. I do not need to elaborate on this one. Do I?

5. Joan Baez- She's a well respected singer/songwriter and she will open up the door for Carly Simon, Carole King, etc.

7. The Cars- The Hall wants another classic rock group in and The Cars meet the criteria that the Hall has deemed favorable. Plus, an induction of The Cars will help Duran Duran.

8. The Zombies- influential '60's British Invasion act, even nearly fifty years later, 'Time Of The Season' and 'She's Not There' are still played on the radio. Plus, an induction of The Zombies may lead to another nomination for Procol Harum.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 14:42pm


Who do I think will be inducted?

1. Yes- Due to the fact that this is their third nomination and apparently until Yes is inducted, neither The Moody Blues, nor King Crimson, nor ELP, etc. will even be nominated. Plus the members of Rush and their "Voices For Yes" induction campaign have been pushing for Yes for years. Yes is a symphonic "progressive rock" band and extremely similar to Rush, whereas "Electric Light Orchestra" is crossover PROG.

2. Electric Light Orchestra- This is proof that there is enough variety within the world of PROG to offer more than one choice. Please keep in mind that when Rush had been inducted in 2013, Procol Harum had also been nominated. However Procol Harum and Rush may have been considered to be too similar to each other. Jeff Lynne is well respected within the rock world, as a producer, as well. An induction for Electric Light Orchestra could lead to a nomination for Duran Duran, as well.

3. Journey- Apparently Journey had won the fan vote and
that may be enough impetus for them to get in. However, their high card may also be their connection to Santana. I do agree that an induction of Journey will lead to a nomination for Foreigner.

4. Pearl Jam- the obvious choice. I do not need to elaborate on this one. Do I?

5. Joan Baez- She's a well respected singer/songwriter and she will open up the door for Carly Simon, Carole King, etc.

6. The Cars- The Hall wants another classic rock group in and The Cars meet the criteria that the Hall has deemed favorable. Plus, an induction of The Cars may help Duran
Duran receive a nomination.

7. The Zombies- influential '60's British Invasion act, even nearly fifty years later, 'Time Of The Season' and 'She's Not There' are still played on the radio. Plus, an induction of The Zombies may lead to another nomination for Procol Harum.

If there is an eighth inductee:

8. Chic- in order to receive eleven nominations, indicates that
someone definitely wants to have Chic inducted, another possibility might be Chaka Khan.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 16:02pm


Judging on just five... here's who I think might be the final five:

1.) ELO - just based on the heavy fan vote and mad respect they get. They should be a shoo-in.

2.) Pearl Jam - do we really need to tell why? Any rock fan would tell you they're an immediate pick.

3.) Journey - they're the Chicago/Stevie Ray Vaughan/Deep Purple/KISS of 2017 really.

4.) Chic - just to finally end the third strike and you're out trigger they always get (also should help to further legitimize disco as an important musical genre in the canon of rock and roll).

5.) Janet or Joan (they're gonna induct a woman but which one is a question mark; Chaka is definitely not gonna be the one but Ms. Jackson and Joan Baez stand a chance; wouldn't be surprised to see either of them "try again" for a 2018 induction; Joan seemed a shoo-in earlier but as we know, expect surprise when it comes to the Hall if they pick Janet over seemingly heavy fave Joan)

2Pac will try again next year. The Cars won't get in despite being heavy favorites on the fan poll so their snub will definitely be a controversial one for rock fans. I love Depeche Mode but no it's not their year, same with Jane's Addiction. Don't see Yes getting in at the same time as ELO but they will get in next year, no doubt. As I said about Chaka, she'll probably get another nod and be the new "Chic" in case she continually gets overlooked. Joe Tex might get in if there's a sixth inductee; I don't see how they'll induct Joe as an "early influence" since he was one of the founders of MODERN DAY soul/R&B music. But if Tex doesn't get in this year, I don't doubt they may try him again. Steppenwolf and the J. Geils Band will try again. The Zombies won't get in this year but they're likely to be nominated again.

I think the Hall wants to avoid the predominantly white inductee list of 2014... but either way, what will happen, not a lot will be satisfied lol

Posted by Tim on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 16:34pm


My predictions:

Pearl Jam. The most obvious one. "If not, I'd eat my shoe" certain. The only thing that could ruin it for Eddie Vedder & co, is that too many voters consider them a sure thing and decide to give their vote to an act who needs it more.

ELO. Jeff Lynne has many connections in the rock world, and his peers will gladly welcome him amongst them. I called the band a lock for induction when the voters were anounced, and I'll stick to that.

Chic. Would you nominate an act 11 times if it constantly ends close to the bottom? Probably not. I assume that Chic has been very close to an induction in the past, probably ending somewhere in the middle, between the 6th and 10th place. Some have said that they could benefit from the larger ballot, abd I agree.

Journey. No, I don't believe that winning the people's vote makes you an automatic inductee. Just look at the presidential election. Winning the Popular Vote doesn't mean a thing, per se. But I do believe that there are many among the voters with similar tastes as the people who have voted in the poll. That is why Kiss, Rush, and Chicago made it in, and that is why Journey also will make it.

Kraftwerk. Not only the number of nominees, but also the number of voters have risen this year. My suspicion is that most of these new voters are younger than average, and are therefore better acquainted with and have more repect for the influence of the godfathers of electronica. That could help them over.

If there's a sixth, it's possibly Joan Baez or 2Pac.

In the other categories, I'm going to predict DJ Kool Herc as non-performer. There has been a renewed interest in the early days of hiphop recently, and this guy was right there from the start. An essential inductee which would show how serious the Rock Hall is about celebrating hiphop as a part of rock n roll history.

And I seriously hope for an early influence inductee. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Roy Brown, Wynonie Harris are all essential to to tell the story of the roots of rock n roll.

Posted by The_Claw on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 17:24pm


My 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class Prediciton:

1. Journey: They won the fan vote, and I actually do believe they are safer than safe. The Rock Hall will probably do the fan vote dirty eventually, and hell hath no fury...
2. Pearl Jam: They are probably the critic pick. Great band, great fan base, I see them as a no brainer, I think the voting base will as well. The only way I can see them not getting the nod is if enough of the voting body says to itself. "Eh other voters will do it for me."
3. Chic: Everyone has Chic Nom fatigue. Right? I've seen quite a few twitter ballots and other voters talking about it, and it seems quite a few of them have scribbled the box.
4. Electric Light Orchestra: Another populist selection in my mind. Legions of hardcore fans, and Lynne like everyone has pointed out, has lots of respect and clout among the music industry, musicians and media a like.
5. 2Pac: Rap is getting more and more love from the institution, and I'm of the belief that we aren't to far off from a class that include 3 rap acts. 2Pac is an icon. I wonder if they trot out the hologram? I love hip hop so I'm never going to complain when one of the deserving artists get in. (It is Rock Music!)

6. The Cars: If their is a 6th nominee, The Cars will be it in my opinion.
7. Joan Baez: She'd be next on deck in my opinion. I find her completely unremarkable, but she has a case for induction when the likes of Percy Sledge and Laura Nyro are in.

2018:

The Cars, Joan Baez, Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, and Yes are the leading returners to me if they don't get in this year.

It's a damn shame that I have zero faith Joe Tex even has tiniest of chances. I'm willing to be floored and shocked though.

Posted by Billy R on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 18:05pm


As we wait for the Rock Hall’s announcement on the 2017 inductees, I thought it would be interesting to see what are some of FRL’s regular’s favorite songs from each of this year’s nominee. It's something to ponder while we wait this Tuesday morning. Here’s my picks.

‘Favorite Songs’

Bad Brains - I Against I
The Cars - Moving in Stereo
Chaka Khan - Through the Fire
Chic - I Want Your Love
Depeche Mode - Enjoy the Silence
Electric Light Orchestra - Telephone Line
Jane’s Addiction - Jane Says
Janet Jackson - Love Will Never Do (Without You)
The J. Geils Band - Give It To Me
Joan Baez - Diamonds and Rust
Joe Tex - Hold What You’ve Got
Journey - Wheel in the Sky
Kraftwerk - Trans-Europe Express
MC5 - The American Ruse
Pearl Jam - Even Flow
Steppenwolf - Rock Me
Tupac Shakur - Dear Mama
The Zombies - She’s Not There
Yes - Starship Trooper

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 18:17pm


My Rock Hall Fan votes...

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
The J. Geils Band
Joan Baez
Steppenwolf
The Zombies

I'd induct...

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
The J. Geils Band
The Cars
Joan Baez
Depeche Mode

Who I think will make it...

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) hopefully
Journey
Depeche Mode
Pearl Jam
2 Pac

Early Influence

Joan Baez

Musical Excellence

Chic

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Saturday, 12/17/2016 @ 20:58pm


Here’s my predictions for the class of 2017 and some analysis -

1. Pearl Jam - They are Shoo-ins this year and arguably one of the most deserving first-ballot nominated acts of the last decade. The Rock Hall had Vedder induct some truly legendary acts in the past like Neil Young and The Doors, so he has been on their radar for almost the entire span of Pearl Jam’s career. Plus, they are probably the most influential rock band of the past 25 years. Enough said, they should just book their flights to NYC in April.

2. Journey - A textbook example of the Rock Hall’s populist push in recent years (e.g., Hall & Oates, Kiss, Rush, Chicago). Journey, like most all the aforementioned acts/bands/artists, were never a critic’s band and they certainly never received any respect despite massive airplay and sales. Although there are more worthy classic rock bands nominated this year (pretty much any of them and Journey’s probably one of my least favorite nominees this year), Journey has the momentum when they consistently held the top spot on this year’s fan ballot. This must be killing the older voters like Dave Marsh (a well-documented proponent of Journey’s music), but we gotta give the people what they want. A Journey induction probably means we will see the return of Bon Jovi or the appearance of Foreigner on next year’s ballot (or someone from that era of classic rock).

3. Electric Light Orchestra - Like everyone’s been saying, Jeff Lynne is well-respected and has the right friends in the right positions. Everyone from Paul McCarthey to Tom Petty has praised Lynne and many HOFers have worked with him in the past. Plus ELO has a large catalogue of hit songs and deep cuts that make them a worthy candidate. It’s a long time coming and I think the Hall will quickly allow ELO entrance to the Hall. Besides Pearl Jam, I think they are the next surest thing to receiving induction this year.

4. Chic - I suspect the Rock Hall allowed 19 nominees this year to increase the chances of the committee’s pet projects. The two immediate bands on the ballot that greatly benefit here is the J. Geils Band and Chic. Of the two, I think it’s Chic moment in the spotlight. They have been nominated a record 11 times and it just has to stop now. Chic is very much a worthy act but they have the disco stigma with many voters. With 19 nominees, Chic only needs 1/3 of the votes to get inducted this year and if they have been performing decently on prior ballots, then their chances seem pretty well. A Chic induction would allow the committee to look at other worthy 70s R&B/Soul acts like The Spinners, War, Barry White, and The Commodores.

5. Janet Jackson - I know most people are predicting Joan Baez as the selected female artist this year, but I suspect Jackson will get the honor instead. It’s more of a hunch than anything else but I want Jackson to get the honor more so. I would love Chaka Khan to pull a huge upset but I don’t see it happening on a ballot this stacked. Plus this makes it easier for Khan on a future ballot; or the Hall might look to nominate more contemporary female artists like Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey. But this would almost entirely happen after Jackson gets inducted (let’s face it, it’s gonna happen). I’m hoping a woman is inducted this year and all 3 women (4 if including the women of Chic) are definitely worthy and would make great inductees.

If there’s a sixth slot, expect one of the following artists - Kraftwerk, The J. Geils Band, or 2Pac. I have a feeling there will be a surprise inductee that few of us were expecting this year. Kraftwerk seems to have the support of many music writers as of late, via FRL’s Twitter feed. Kraftwerk might be a dark horse pick this year. After all, electronic music is arguably the most popular music genre right now and why not look at one of the forefront pioneers of that genre. Things are looking better for Kraftwerk this year and maybe American voters are finally waking up and noticing the bands’ brilliant innovations.

The J. Geils Band is one of those picks that have all the right friends in the right places. Look, I love the J. Geils Band and even voted for them multiple times on the fan ballot, but they are probably one of the least worthy acts on the ballot (when compared to the accomplishments) nominated this year. But, Wenner and Van Zandt usually get what they want in terms of inducting their favorite artists. Plus, like I mentioned with Chic, the stacked ballot might allow The J. Geils Band to sneak their way to induction since they only need roughly a 1/3 of the total votes. It’s a plausible choice, but I think their induction depends largely if the Hall decides to induct 6 artists or not.

2Pac should be a first-ballot HOFer but I suspect that might be a tough sell for older voters, especially those who prefer classic rock over modern music genres/trends (e.g., Bad Brains and Hardcore Punk, Depeche Mode and Synth Pop, 2Pac and Hip-Hop/Rap). It’s almost akin to Nine Inch Nails’ two failed nominations - it doesn’t appeal to those voters. Let’s face it, N.W.A got inducted because of that biopic movie and as a result regenerated interest in their career/legacy. If that movie didn’t come out, then N.W.A would’ve been nominated yet again this year. Yes, N.W.A is worthy and deserve their place in the Rock Hall but that movie, IMO, put them over the top with hesitant voters. 2Pac, on the other hand, is a cultural icon who died young yet left a brilliant body of work in a short period of time. I wouldn’t be floored by a 2Pac induction this year but I’m thinking it’s gonna take a year or two for him to get in. Hopefully I’m wrong here.

I wouldn’t be shocked if The Cars or Yes sneaked their way to induction this year. Both bands seem like no-brainers from the classic rock era, but they have faced unbelievable competition that makes their chances all the more difficult. Personally these are my two favorite bands on the ballot, but I would like to be genuinely surprised here (almost like when Deep Purple was inducted; few predicted them that year despite their massive influence on hard rock/heavy metal. It was a welcoming surprise). Of these two, I like Yes would have the edge.

Posted by Nick on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 00:10am


This is the most interested I've been in a class reveal in quite a few years. The Voting Committee got bigger and younger this year and a lot of people are overlooking how many voters who have revealed ttheir ballots have voted for Kraftwerk. Also, I won't go so far as to predict that Journey doesn't make it, but I've never seen more tepid support for a fan poll winner as this year. It's going to happen eventually.

Posted by DarinRG on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 03:47am


This is the most interested I've been in a class reveal in quite a few years. The Voting Committee got bigger and younger this year and a lot of people are overlooking how many voters who have revealed ttheir ballots have voted for Kraftwerk. Also, I won't go so far as to predict that Journey doesn't make it, but I've never seen more tepid support for a fan poll winner as this year. It's going to happen eventually.

Posted by DarinRG on Sunday, 12.18.16 @ 03:47am


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I really do hope Journey will be first to win Rock Hall's Fan Vote but not be inducted after Neal Schon's very unprofessional behavior by blocking me from his Official Record Company Twitter Account over some friendly banter with zero foul language and insults except from them that he or their fans couldn't take, so now I'm no longer a fan of the band, thanks!

>:(

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 08:30am


Guess I'll do some prognosticating as well:

Going with 5 inductees (last 2 names will be the 6th & 7th, if they elect more):

Pearl Jam
Tupac
Chic
ELO
Yes
Journey
Janet Jackson

My votes would be for:

Pearl Jam
Tupac
ELO
The Cars
Janet Jackson
Kraftwerk
Bad Brains

Posted by Paul in KY on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 10:31am


Wow, sorry you had to experience that, Nick. I did hear about how not nice Neal was. And sorry that turned you off from the band. That had to suck.

You know personally, I'd rather The Cars get in more than Journey... like someone else said, they fit more of the classic rock style.

Posted by Tim on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 12:00pm


Interesting, Nick. I've had a couple similar weird episodes with Joan Jett but that didn't stop me from supporting her from getting into the HOF. (It was going to happen anyway...)

Posted by Jason Voigt on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 14:16pm


"I really do hope Journey will be first to win Rock Hall's Fan Vote but not be inducted after Neal Schon's very unprofessional behavior by blocking me from his Official Record Company Twitter Account over some friendly banter with zero foul language and insults except from them that he or their fans couldn't take, so now I'm no longer a fan of the band, thanks!" - Rick

I've seen a few people float the idea of Pearl Jam not making it because enough voters will assume that everybody else is voting for them and skip out, but I'm seeing Pearl Jam on a lot of ballots. I think that Journey is at the biggest risk of assumption. I'm not seeing them on many ballots and few people are even attempting to make a case for their importance beyond having a few popular songs. The fan poll results are always eye rollingly predictable and the idea of a fan poll winner not making the cut is uncharted territory, but Rush, SRV and Chicago all showed obvious momentum and support that I'm just not seeing for Journey. There may well be a silent majority out there for them among official voters, but if so, they've been really silent.

Posted by DarinRG on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 17:01pm


DarinRG,
I totally agree with you on Kraftwerk. I did note that too in my post yesterday because of what I've seen on FRL's Twitter feed and other music writers' posts/articles online. I think there is a wave of support for them from various music critics/writers this year that I haven't seen in previous years. It would be awesome to see a Kraftwerk induction and would bring the Rock Hall a bit more credibility, especially since the Hall is often criticized for being too Americentric. It's definitely not out of the question to see a Kraftwerk induction this year.

In regards to Journey and their support, I believe Eddie Trunk and Jason Henley are the only two Rock Hall voters who said they voted for Journey. Michael Norman said that Journey was his final cut on his ballot. There might be a silent majority voting for them (and i predict there probably is), but I haven't really heard much support either. We'll definitely know this Tuesday morning.

Rick, sorry hear about your experience with Neal Schon. What did you say Rick that provoked it? It really couldn't have been that bad. Maybe he thinks 'he'll be alright without you' to paraphrase one of Journey's songs. No seriously thou, I'm pulling for ELO and hope they prevail this Tuesday morning.

Posted by Nick on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 18:40pm


I'll drop by real quick with one more prediction:

1. Pearl Jam
2. Electric Light Orchestra
3. Joan Baez
4. 2Pac
5. Kraftwerk

6. Journey
7. Chic
8. Depeche Mode

Posted by SotN on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 19:54pm


I've seen a few people float the idea of Pearl Jam not making it because enough voters will assume that everybody else is voting for them and skip out, but I'm seeing Pearl Jam on a lot of ballots. I think that Journey is at the biggest risk of assumption. I'm not seeing them on many ballots and few people are even attempting to make a case for their importance beyond having a few popular songs. The fan poll results are always eye rollingly predictable and the idea of a fan poll winner not making the cut is uncharted territory, but Rush, SRV and Chicago all showed obvious momentum and support that I'm just not seeing for Journey. There may well be a silent majority out there for them among official voters, but if so, they've been really silent.

Posted by DarinRG on Sunday, 12.18.16 @ 17:01pm


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Interesting, I have got the very same funny feeling about everyone assuming that Electric Light Orchestra will be a lock for induction just because of Jeff Lynne's music industry connections with many other voters, but only IF they return their ballots, when I've only seen ELO on two Rock Hall ballots thus far, Eddie Trunk and Jim McGuinn, unlike Pearl Jam, so I'm cautiously optimistic as anything's possible.

:(

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 20:23pm


My prediction:
Only 1 in 10,000 people on the street can name one Bad Brains song.

Posted by Classic Rock on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 20:34pm


Yeah. There is a possibility Journey may not be part of the final list of nominees. I'm actually seeing more support from Kraftwerk than I am of Journey, which surprised me.

Posted by Tim on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 23:04pm


I'm not so sure ELO is the lock many seem to be suggesting. Just as others like Chic and Donna
Summer experienced stiff headwinds to induction from their involvement in the disco craze of the late 70s, ELO could also be held back since they are somewhat tainted as well. Remember, they put out an album of almost entirely disco in the late 70s called Discovery = Disco very.

Posted by Arrow Man on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 01:00am


I'm not so sure ELO is the lock many seem to be suggesting. Just as others like Chic and Donna
Summer experienced stiff headwinds to induction from their involvement in the disco craze of the late 70s, ELO could also be held back since they are somewhat tainted as well. Remember, they put out an album of almost entirely disco in the late 70s called Discovery = Disco very.

Posted by Arrow Man on Monday, 12.19.16 @ 01:00am


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hall of Famer's The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Chicago and more did the exact same thing with disco then were inducted among their first times on a ballot.

But I agree except for different reasons like music industry insiders or musician Rock Hall Inductee Voters who would normally vote ELO not returning their ballots or assume other ones will so they won't need to. Please see my previous comment.

Posted by Rick Vendl II on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 01:29am


Interesting comments about ELO and Journey. So even they're a question mark as far as being inducted goes. There's a possibility both groups won't get in this year.

Seeing the big push for the Cars and Yes, they could easily replace ELO and Journey as inductees of this class. And that still leaves the other three. Like last year, this year's inductee class can go either way.

Posted by Tim on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 02:13am


I read some interesting posts of the last day on predictions in General. I do see that even ELO and Journey are in question about being Inducted. I still think ELO will pull through due to a lot of appeal among all kinds of Veteran Voters. Now Journey may not have that kind of support among Veteran voters. I AM NOT changing My predictions. Slightly younger voters Can vote for Journey.

Now if for some reason ELO do NOT make it then I figure Yes can surely be inducted instead. I just think the Cars will be skipped again. Kraftwerk may actually have a better chance than the Cars based on what people like you Darin are saying. I am NOT a Kraftwerk fan but the There are voters mostly younger that may be voting for Kraftwerk. BUT I will stay the course and keep my predictions this late in the Game.

Posted by Ben on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 05:40am


Why was the FRL 2017 Rock Hall Pole taken down?

Posted by Roy on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 07:22am


Classic Rock, I'm not going to take that bet, because I've seen them & have 2 of their albums & I can't name one of their songs!! LOL!!

Posted by Paul in KY on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 07:41am


I will repost my Predictions for the Class of 2017. Im going with 6 inductees. This is due to the fact there is 19 Nominees. They are unchanged.

Joan Baez
Chic
ELO
J. Geils Band
Journey
Pearl Jam

Now it is possible there are 7 inductees. I predict the 7th inductee will be Tupac Shakur if that happens.

Now there is a lot of buzz about Yes who have been nominated 3 times Now. I still think ELO will come through but if they dont Yes can easily slip thru. We will find out tomorrow.






Posted by Ben on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 08:09am


Same here, Ben. I'm sticking to my list, which mirrors yours (and the FRL guy's) except 2Pac is in my Top 5 and Chic is still my pick if they induct 7.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 14:55pm


Jason,

Exactly. Its not so good over predict and change the list a lot. Most of the regulars seem to be sticking with their original lists. I do recall yours mirrors mine. Hey we have the same picks with slightly different emphasis. I think votes are so weary of Chic on a ballot. This pushes 2Pac to the 7th inductee only. There is a lot of veteran voters from the 1960s and 70s. However there is enough younger Voters like the Beastie Boys and NWA in fact that could make him the 7th IMO. We find out tomorrow.

Posted by Ben on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 15:36pm


I just don't see 2Pac making it First ballot. This is a large diverse ballot and votes scattered to different artists. Look how many times it took NWA to receive induction and LL Cool J still on the outside. This ballot helps out ELO & Journey since plenty of Classic Rock groups have been inducted last 5-10 yrs. They should vote for 1 or both. YES still under the radar somehow. The Nom Com has been putting YES on the ballot up to voters now. There's always a surprise who shows up. KING

Posted by KING on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 16:27pm


My final, FINAL, picks for 2017. I don't know how many times I said it was my final. But I'm finally making some legit lists. Like who I WANT in, who I THINK will get picked, and who will be snubbed.

My personal picks:
The Cars
Pearl Jam
Janet
2Pac
Depeche Mode
Chic (if six)

Who will go in:
ELO
Journey
Pearl Jam
Janet
2Pac
Chic (if six)

Who will be ultimately snubbed (in the case of just five inductees):
The Cars (I would love for them to go in but I think they'll be one of the top 3 acts to be snubbed)
Steppenwolf
Yes (they'll put Jeff Lynne in before Rick Wakeman, believe that)
Chaka Khan (Joan/Janet seem to be the female pick or picks; Chaka stands a better chance with Rufus imho)
Kraftwerk (better luck next time fellas)
Joan (only reason I'm putting her here is I'm not TOO sure her induction is a safe bet. It could be but Janet's in it and they probably wanna make right by her that they didn't in 2015; Joan will be inducted next year if she's snubbed this year so don't be shocked if Miss Jackson, who actually has more votes than Joan in the Hall of Fame fan poll, ultimately gets picked; again I won't be surprised either or but this is why I believe Joan WON'T be picked this year, then again I said the same about Donovan, Randy Newman and Laura Nyro so don't trust this one lol)
Bad Brains (if Pearl Jam is a safe bet, these guys are the opposite of that)
Joe Tex (look at Bad Brains)
J. Geils Band (I mean they could get in simply because they fit better in a jam session but with the diverse picks this year, they find themselves in a pickle; so better luck next time fellas)
Jane's Addiction (their nomination was a surprise but they stand a better chance of making an ad for PETA (again) than getting in the Hall, least this year or the year after next)
Depeche Mode (heavy fan favorite on the poll but they will be snubbed too)
MC5 (they seem a good pick for induction due to their political anthems but I doubt they'll reach the minimum ballots required for induction)
The Zombies (no, just simple as that, no)
Chic (if there isn't six inductees, I don't see Chic getting in due to Janet and Pac having more ballot push than them but if they do get inducted, it would only be a sympathy vote since the committee is tired of putting them in the nomination list, they want them in...and NOW!)

Posted by Tim on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 16:34pm


One last chance to post my wishlist. I know it's unlikely but who knows...

Kraftwerk
Joan Baez
Jane's Addiction
MC5
Depeche Mode
Chic
Maybe Bad Brains

A bunch of outsiders. I would be so happy...

I'm pretty sure there will be more than five inductees this year.

Posted by MichaelEU on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 16:59pm


My wishlist:

Bad Brains
MC5
The Zombies
Kraftwerk
Chic
The Cars (if 6)

My prediction:

Journey
Pearl Jam
ELO
The Cars
Kraftwerk
Janet Jackson (if 6)

Posted by dmg on Monday, 12/19/2016 @ 17:05pm


.....WOW - Journey, ELO, Yes, Pearl Jam AND Joan ALL inducted - in the same YEAR!!! Plus, Chic FINALLY disappears from the NOMINEES list - for the BEST reasons.....

Posted by ogam5_2001@yahoo.com on Tuesday, 12/20/2016 @ 09:32am


I should've known Joan was gonna go in lol

Next time, Janet. Next time.

I'm bummed they picked only Nile for the induction when Bernard could've gotten in too but they had to do something with 11 nominations so... and I had argued that Nile and them should've gotten Musical Excellence instead of being inducted as performers.

I'm happy for 2Pac's pick and the other five picked are all deserving of their induction. Not hating.

Posted by Tim on Tuesday, 12/20/2016 @ 09:37am


Why is not Dave Mustaine and Megadeth in hall of fame?He is the most importen person behind thrash metal he deserves to be here.what he gave metallica anthrax slayer the key on how to sound.why is it that no one gets what they deserve when they are still alive just look at michael jackson when he was alive everyone tryed to destroy him but when he was gone all of a sudden he is raised to the sky for his talent Dave mustaine is the greatest in metal pleas let him know now when he still is with us

Posted by Johan ahlqvist on Tuesday, 02/14/2017 @ 10:08am


Johan, honestly I think there's alot of people in The Hall who either don't care about or actively dislike 'thrash metal'. If they get in, it will be in about 20 years or more, IMO.

Posted by Paul in KY on Wednesday, 02/15/2017 @ 17:43pm


I'm still waiting on the Marvelettes to be nominated and win. This is a major fumble. Looking at the list of who hasn't made I was a bit taken aback. So many great bands and entertainers. Is it political? Do you have to know someone to get nominated. Marvelettes please

Posted by Amy on Saturday, 02/25/2017 @ 06:03am


http://ourrockandrollhalloffame71305.yuku.com/topic/1870/Motowns-Marvelous-MARVELETTES?page=1

The Marvelettes should have been inducted LONG BEFORE The Ronettes. They had 3 times the hit records that Ronnie and Co. had , and were more historically important to boot. The only really memorable song the Ronettes made was "Be My Baby",
whereas The Marvelettes' songs have been covered by everybody from The Beatles to The Carpenters. From Bonnie Raitt, to Marvin Gaye .From J Dilla to Blondie. In fact, many of the artists that have COVERED their songs are THEMSELVES RRHoF Inductees ...But, The Marvelettes are NOT ??
With that kind of influence, The Marvelettes should have been inducted DECADES ago !!
They were historically important because The Marvelettes were Motown's FIRST successful Girl Group...and had the label's FIRST-EVER # 1 Pop Hit
with "Please Mr. Postman". other Top 10 and Top 20 Pop Hits included PLAYBOY, BEECHWOOD 4-5679, DON'T MESS WITH BILL, THE HUNTER GETS CAPTURED BY THE GAME,and MY BABY MUST BE A MAGICIAN . Top 20 R&B Hits included those previously named songs, plus
TWISTIN' POSTMAN, SOMEDAY,SOMEWAY, STRANGE I KNOW, YOU'RE MY REMEDY, TOO MANY FISH IN THE SEA, I'LL KEEP HOLDING ON, WHEN YOU'RE YOUNG AND IN LOVE, HERE I AM BABY, YOU'RE THE ONE and DANGER: HEARTBREAK DEAD AHEAD .
I wholeheartedly agree...INDUCT THE MARVELETTES !!

Posted by Bill G on Sunday, 02/26/2017 @ 18:26pm


http://ourrockandrollhalloffame71305.yuku.com/topic/1870/Motowns-Marvelous-MARVELETTES?page=1

Check out my blog on the Marvelous MARVELETTES at the above link !!

Posted by Bill G on Sunday, 02/26/2017 @ 18:29pm


Here are my preliminary fifteen nominees for 2017/2018 in strictly alphabetical order:

A Tribe Called Quest
Bad Brains
Carly Simon
Def Leppard
Foreigner
Janet Jackson
Joy Division/New Order
New York Dolls
Nine Inch Nails
Phil Collins
Radiohead
The Cars
The Doobie Brothers
The Meters
Warren Zevon

If there are more than 15:

If 16, add: MC5
If 17, add: The J. Geils Band
If 18, add: The Marvelettes
If 19, add: Soundgarden
If 20, add: The Moody Blues

Posted by dmg on Tuesday, 04/25/2017 @ 17:14pm


Joe Cocker should have been inducted a long time ago, this is a shame and a sin, what a flawed system you must have to not put in one of the greats.

Posted by drew on Wednesday, 05/17/2017 @ 16:17pm


DMG
Impressed with your preliminary RRHOF nominees list. I'm impressed with the Phil Collins pick. Amazing he hasn't been inducted twice yet. Def Leppard too. The Leps might be my FAV group of all time. You will probably see 1 of Nilsson or Zevon on the dead singer-songwriter slot.
DREW
I think Joe Cocker deserves it with his fiery raw vocals. I'd put in Joe Cocker over The Pixies or Blink 182. However, I think David Gates was a better singer vocally than Joe Cocker. Would vote Bread over Joe Cocker head to head. Maybe, the FRL regulars can support 1 of Bill G's R&B groups if they are on the ballot. KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 05/17/2017 @ 17:26pm


I think we can now safely write Soundgarden into next year's nominations in permanent marker. As we have seen, death isn't *always* a guaranteed way to overcome the snub list; but with Tom Morello on the nominating committee, I can't imagine him not wanting to pay tribute to Chris Cornell, who he played with in Audioslave. I could even see him shooting down any discussion of Rage Against The Machine so he didn't feel like he was competing against Soundgarden/Cornell for votes.



Posted by Shrek on Thursday, 05/18/2017 @ 11:46am


Bill G.

Getting closer to nomination season. Wonder if you could suggest which R&B to put support for nomination & induction. As you know Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson, The Spinners, The Marvelettes, etc have all fallen short in recent years. I'm leaning towards The Spinners again and adding Kool & The Gang this year. Maybe, Janet gets through this time if nominated. Thanks for the James Brown threads. Highly informative and interesting reads. KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 07/12/2017 @ 10:07am


"Getting closer to nomination season. Wonder if you could suggest which R&B to put support for nomination & induction. As you know Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson, The Spinners, The Marvelettes, etc have all fallen short in recent years. I'm leaning towards The Spinners again and adding Kool & The Gang this year. Maybe, Janet gets through this time if nominated. Thanks for the James Brown threads. Highly informative and interesting reads." KING

************************

Hi, KING !!

There has been an almost covert movement inside of the RRHOF to ERASE R&B artists from possible induction into the RRHOF.
It is a major source of controversy right now over at Top Of The Charts Forum.
Rhythm and Blues artists, over the last 8 years , simply are not getting inducted...and are slowly but surely being replaced by RAP/HIP-HOP as the predominate form of Black Music today.
Whenever superstar R&B acts like The Spinners,Janet Jackson ,Chaka Khan & Rufus,WAR, and The Marvelettes can't be inducted, it's quite certain that there's "something rotten in Denmark".
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Non Com has been taking superstar White Rock acts,such as Pearl Jam,Journey, and Yes, and pitting them against second-tier R&B acts, such as multiple nominee failures such as Joe Tex,and CHIC, while superstar R&B acts such as The Commodores, The Pointer Sisters, The Spinners,(who were taken off the ballet this year, just as support was growing for them,) Barry White,and The Pointer Sisters, artists that may actually have a CHANCE with the voters, are not even nominated. If the Nom Com doesn't put them on the ballot, the voters can't vote for them, thus, they can't be inducted.
The last R&B-identified GROUP that the voters actually inducted was Little Anthony & THE IMPERIALS in 2009. And that was EIGHT YEARS AGO.
Since then, The majority of Black Music acts inducted have been Rappers: Tupac.NWA.Public Enemy, etc.
Of course, this doesn't count Special Committee inductions, and Awards For Musical Excellence, which the voters don't have the opportunity to shoot down, such as The Miracles, The Famous Flames, and The Midnighters, groups that SHOULD have gone in with their lead singers ANYWAY, but didn't , due to the HoF's OWN screw-up, and The "5" Royales, a highly influential and deserving group that the Hall had to backdoor in via the "Musical Excellence" category.
Poor Donna Summer was nomimated, and then shot down more than once, not being inducted until she finally DIED, and THEN the RRHOF put her in.

There is no reason to think things will change in 2018. The "Hallowed Hall" will give only ONE (1) Induction slot to a Black Music act, that slot WILL go to a Rapper, while The R&B acts will continue to be LEFT OUT...and continue to age until they die out.
People tend to forget that this is the "ROCK and ROLL HALL of FAME".
Not the "ROCK Hall of Fame".
ROCK and ROLL is a term that is all-inclusive,and covers ALL sub-divisions of the genre.
"ROCK" is, by it's very nature, EXCLUSIVE, and,prefers only ONE group of artists above all others.
I don't know just WHO to recommend, because, as I said before, there's no reason to believe that things will change...But If the Hall finally WAKES UP, Here are the R&B acts who I'd like to see considered on the ballot for 2018:

The Spinners.

The Marvelettes.

Dionne Warwick

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (including Teddy P.)
RUFUS (not Chaka solo)

The Pointer Sisters

Mary Wells

The Chi-Lites

Gene Chandler

Janet Jackson

Will ANY of them get there? probably NOT. It's just my wish list.

Posted by Bill G on Wednesday, 07/12/2017 @ 12:08pm


Also deserving of serious consideration due to their long , distinguished careers:

The Whispers

The Dramatics

The Manhattans

The Stylistics

Jr. Walker & The All-Stars

Patti LaBelle & The Blue belles/ Labelle

(same group;same members,although LaBelle was minus Cindy Birdsong...who also DID NOT get inducted w/The Supremes)

The Delfonics

The Belmonts (should've gone in w/Dion)

The Wailers (should've gone in w/ Bob Marley)

Johnnie Taylor (Can't BELIEVE he's not in !!)


Posted by Bill G on Wednesday, 07/12/2017 @ 18:45pm


Deserving left over Motown acts still not yet in:

The Commodores

Rick James & The Stone City Band

The Marvelettes

Mary Wells

Jr Walker & The All-Stars

Ashford & Simpson (as performers or songwriters)

Whitfield and Strong (as writers only)

Frank Wilson (as a writer:You'd be surprised how many big hits he wrote !!!)

Clarence Paul & Sylvia Moy (wrote lots of big hits for Stevie).

Some of these I already mentioned on previous lists.

Posted by Bill G on Wednesday, 07/12/2017 @ 18:54pm


More deserving Motowners:

The Funk Brothers

The Andantes

Posted by Bill G on Wednesday, 07/12/2017 @ 18:56pm


I'd actually kind of hate to induct the Funk Brothers as a unit for two reasons: one, they already inducted a couple members individually as Sideman inductees, and thus isn't fair to the other members who would only be part of a unit induction; and two, as proven by the inductions of the groups over the past few years (heck, over the Hall's whole history), they still screw it up and leave important members behind but never go back to them, because, hey, the Funk Brothers are in and that should be good enough.

Same thing with the Wrecking Crew. Let's just induct the members individually like the were doing, and leave the group Sideman/AME inductions for those that they aren't going to screw over with limited selection of members and haven't already begun to acknowledge.

I know that won't be a popular opinion, but there it is.

Posted by Philip on Wednesday, 07/12/2017 @ 23:25pm


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