Mabuse

Mabuse

rw2516

If I was in charge I'd induct classic album covers, artists like R. Crumb, even Max Yasgur for owning a farm.

Paff

Max Yazgur ABSOLUTELY belongs in the HoF

Josh-da-man

I would assume it comes down to "I know it when I hear it."

Or whatever musicians want to self-identify or market themselves as.

In its original form, it was a blend of early 20th century country-western and rhythm-and-blues music.

But, decades later, it has evolved past that point. For example, a number of heavy metals have little blues or country influence, and seem more influenced by classical or opera. An act like Iron Maiden is far removed from Hank Williams and Robert Johnson, and more extreme metal acts even moreso.

There isn't really any kind of hard-and-fast formula that we can hold music up to an say whether or not it's rock and roll. The closest I can really get to is that it is guitar and drum-based, but even then, that formula seems to excludes artists like Elton John and includes any number of current country-western acts.

And another thing to consider is that rock and roll (and many of subgenres like metal and alternative) acts tend to absorb all kinds of influences. Like above, I mentioned how some metal borrows heavily from classical and opera. Rock and roll also borrows from others genres like rap, funk, reggae, jazz, electronica, and disco.

dex14

Congratulations to the newest Inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In the Performer Category:

• Depeche Mode
• The Doobie Brothers
• Whitney Houston
• Nine Inch Nails
• The Notorious B.I.G.
• T. Rex

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

• Jon Landau
• Irving Azoff

These new Inductees will be celebrated at the 35th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Ceremony will be broadcast live for the first time on HBO on May 2nd at 8 p.m. ET. Performances and special guests and Induction Week programs will be announced later.

Toddarino

Bolan went glam before Bowie.

B5Erik

Yet another horrible year of snubs. Awful.

Paff

Worthy inductees, and I like how they encompass various styles and eras of rock and roll (and yes, rap does belong). Still, none of them will make me want to watch the ceremony, unless they somehow bring Marc Bolan back from the dead for T-Rex's part.

B5Erik

If Rap/Hip-Hop does belong, doesn't Heavy Metal? Doesn't Hard Rock?

I mean, there are MORE Rap/Hip-Hop acts inducted (7) than there are Metal acts (2). That's bullshit.

When it comes to Hard Rock the numbers are a little better (not great, but better), but Metal is still snubbed.

Judas Priest should have been in years ago. Ronnie James Dio should have been in years ago. Iron Maiden should have been in years ago.

Paff

I do not disagree with a single word of that.

Decker

^ I'm with you 100% B5Erik, those three are WAY more deserving of induction. This is maybe the worst class I've ever seen. Definitely skipping the special this year. Part of it is that I have hated Depeche Mode since the 80s. Part of it is, like I said when the finalists came out, Whitney Houston absolutely does not belong. It's one thing to induct a pop singer who does dance music like Madonna or a disco pioneer like Donna Summer, but Whitney Houston is a pop ballad singer, almost exclusively. How was she influential to Rock? I could buy the case for someone like Beyonce who has been hugely influential to the entire music scene, but Whitney wasn't. If she gets inducted, why not Barbra Streisand? Why not The Carpenters? Why not Sinatra?

Drexl

I don't like the Whitney Houston induction either. I was fine with Janet Jackson, as she had more of a rock attitude. Now I guess Mariah Carey will make it.

BTW, if they want to induct more women, Sheryl Crow has been eligible for a couple of years now. I think she's more deserving than Stevie Nicks, for example.

cungar

A little shocked at the T-Rex pick. Thought they were largely forgotten other than Bang a Gong. Always liked but never loved them. Thought the music was pretty one dimensional boogie rock. Mott the Hoople was a far better band and had several songs that are classic rock staples.

B5Erik

T-Rex was absolutely HUGE in the UK. Massive. They influenced Bowie.

Decker

Absolutely. And maybe I'm a little biased because I know them personally, but how about the Go Go's? They certainly seem more Hall-worthy.

stvn1974

I wish they would just change the title to "The Music Hall Of Fame" so we don't get endless posts about what is and isn't rock n roll every time the list is announced.

B5Erik

It SHOULD be called The Popular Music Hall of Fame, but they'll never do that because Rock and Roll just sounds so much cooler.

So they bastardize the term, change it to their whims and needs, and then EXCLUDE the purest, most basic elements form of Rock around and keep it out (mostly).

Thin Lizzy influenced almost every single Hard Rock band of the late 70's through the early 90's. And they were hugely successful in the UK, and very successful in Europe and Japan, and had moderate success in the US.

If Black Sabbath invented Heavy Metal, Judas Priest defined it. And they were hugely successful and influential as well.

And Motorhead? They're merely one of the most revered bands of the last 40 years.

Then you've got Iron Maiden and Ronnie James Dio. Both should have been inducted a decade ago.

The Hall is still a sham. They induct Rap/Hip-Hop and Pop acts like it's no big deal, but keep most Hard Rock and almost all Metal out. That's a problem.

Paff

Until I read your post, I assumed the Go Go's were already in. They certainly should be.

Decker

I think they have only been Finalists once.

Nick Danger

I'm not a fan of metal, but yes those bands should have been in years ago.

Jason

For what? Renting a field?

Paff

Yes!

Not as a performer, obviously, but they have inductees for journalism, producing, record execs, etc. Yazgur did as much as a lot of those clowns, even more. Some of those guys were just pencil pushers or signers of checks.

Daytripper

I'm a huge Depeche Mode fan, especially their golden age (1986-1991). And I know they are not for everyone. But I've never met or spoke to anyone before who hated them. They have some truly great albums/songs IMO. And influenced quite a few artists including NIN and the Killers. I think they deserve to be in the RRHOF. I also think the Smiths should be there too as well as New Order. And Kraftwerk should have been inducted years ago. But it's criminal that Whitney Houston was picked over Pat Benatar. And while I might not be a fan of metal, I agree that there are so many metal bands that should be in the RRHOF too.

Decker

I don’t mean that Depeche is undeserving, just that I personally loathe them. Just my unpopular opinion. I find them whiny and dull. Would have much rather had The Smiths in. Then New Order. But even I can admit that “Just Can’t Get Enough “ is a really good song.