Who will be on this October's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ballot? If the current conversations around the Hall portend anything, more women will be nominated, along with a genre-spanning mix of the overdue and newly eligible.
Here are E-Rockracy's 15 predictions for the Class of 2020 ballot, in no particular order:
Oasis - Dear god, here we go. Major reunions of fractured, grudge-holding rock acts are a bit scarce at induction ceremonies (KISS refused to play with Ace and Peter, Axl didn't show up in 2012, etc.), so if the Hall can put Gallagher brothers Liam and Noel together, it deserves some type of peace prize. If it did happen, though, it would be monumental (one wonders if Liam and Noel are just waiting for this honor to kick off Oasis 2.0). The band was always a more significant concern in the U.K., but did make waves in the States with "Champagne Supernova" and the ubiquitous "Wonderwall," currently being howled at a karaoke bar near you. Further, "Don't Look Back in Anger" has become an anthem of resilience in Manchester, and for deeply tragic reasons: The song was performed by Noel at a benefit concert for the 22 victims of the terror attack at Ariana Grande's show in the city in 2017. To hear a stadium full of young people singing a song that existed before they did speaks to the triumph of both the human spirit and, yes, rock and roll. This would be a first-ballot induction, and not even Radiohead achieved that, but it's easy to imagine Oasis on the nominee list, at least. Do they get in? Another story, morning glory.
The Go-Go's - Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, and Kathy Valentine make up the only all-female group that wrote and played its own music to top the Billboard 200 chart. The band started out as punks, then went pop, taking over radio and MTV in the '80s with such hits as "Vacation," "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat." Their legacy is secure, and their influence is far more wide-reaching than most people realize. They reportedly came up in the nominating committee meeting last year, and it's a safe bet they will again. One benefit of a Go-Go's induction that bears mentioning: It would result in five (living) women filling out ballots next year, and going forward.
Duran Duran - The Rock Hall loves a fan vote winner, and is there any doubt that these punchy-sounding, magnetic MTV heroes would just crush that metric? (This fanbase's passion might exceed even Bon Jovi's.) It may seem a bit too neat and tidy that Roxy Music's induction speakers would find their band enshrined immediately the next year, but hysteria-generating headliners for the ceremony are always welcome. Duran Duran is still active and in demand; a recent high-profile gig was at Kennedy Space Center, where they performed their recent song "The Universe Alone" to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. This October, look for the"Fab Five" (Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Andy Taylor, Roger Taylor) to land on the ballot.
Notorious B.I.G. - "Birthdays was the worst days/Now we drink champagne when we thirsty..." A more epitomizing couplet of the American success story (i.e., from drug dealer to rap king) of the late Notorious B.I.G. might not be found. While many hip-hop stars would gladly show up to perform for Biggie (Christopher Wallace), an additional idea might also reside in the all-star jam: Potential fellow inductees Duran Duran could lead a rendition of their galvanizing song "Notorious" (once actually sampled by Wallace) as a bonus nod to this rap icon. Considered possibly the best rapper of all time, Biggie's influence can be heard in disciples ranging from Eminem to Foxy Brown to Kendrick Lamar.
Judas Priest - In October last year, nominating committee member Alan Light disclosed on SiriusXM's "Feedback" show that these metal gods did "horrendously" in the final voting tallies in 2017 (for the Class of 2018), so that explains why they were missing entirely from this past ballot. If a metalhead can be wildly optimistic, though, it would be amazing to see Priest follow the Janet Jackson pattern, i.e., she was left off the nominee list for a year, and then nominated/inducted the next. There's no question this band needs to be in, it's just a matter of when (seriously, given guitarist Glenn Tipton's Parkinson's diagnosis, the sooner the better). A Priest induction opens the door for other worthy metal acts, including Iron Maiden, Ronnie James Dio, and Slayer.
Cher - Is there a more fascinating American life than Cherilyn Sarkisian's? A woman that has seen and done it all, with a singing/TV/film career spanning decades, from Sonny & Cher to her solo work. So many hits from "The Goddess of Pop," so little time. Plus, she's a Tony Award away from an EGOT. Suffice to say, this is a justifiable honor for a tough, no-nonsense woman who asserted independence and control in an unforgiving industry. She could justifiably be carved on popular music's Mt. Rushmore. Imagine this induction performance.
Todd Rundgren - The ballot often features artists two years in a row; Todd Rundgren will be back again this year. He came in third in the Rock Hall Fan Vote in 2018, and that's a fact the Hall simply cannot ignore. Whether one is talking about his work in Nazz, Utopia or as a solo artist, here's a multifaceted musical virtuoso that's been in the conversation for years. His colossal recording and performing career encompasses singer-songwriter fare ("Hello It's Me," "I Saw the Light"), producing credits (Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell, Badfinger's Straight Up, XTC's Skylarking), and even playing in Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. Futuristic, bravely experimental, and forever on the fringe, Rundgren would lend some artistic depth to the ceremony next April (and the fans love him).
Sleater-Kinney - The Pacific Northwest has yielded a ridiculous number of superlative, meaningful bands. Olympia, Washington's Sleater-Kinney, purveyors of a dynamic, fierce brand of indie rock, can officially be counted among them. Critical and cult favorites, Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss shook listeners up with such persuasive landmark albums as Dig Me Out and All Hands on the Bad One. This feminist trio, currently in their first year of eligibility, is viewed by many as one of the best bands of the late 20th and early-21st century. Punk rock? Yep. Riot Grrrl? Sure. Hall worthy? All the credentials are here. There was some recent S-K controversy, as Weiss just left the group, but they are pressing forward in 2019 with The Center Won't Hold, an album produced by St. Vincent's Annie Clark.
The Doobie Brothers - Among the many surprises of last year's nominee list (John Prine! The Cure!) was the omission of the Doobie Brothers. The consensus among Rock Hall followers was that Doobies manager/music mogul Irving Azoff would grease the wheels for a nomination. (He also manages No Doubt, so stay tuned.) It feels unlikely the easy-grooving, harmony-loving Bay Area group misses this year's ballot. While Gen X is noticeably being accommodated more at the Hall of late (Nirvana! The Cure!), baby boomers are still very much at the table. The Doobies serve a demographic that the Hall is still invested in. And this ceremony performance would be so well-received by everyone, there's really no downside to inviting them to the party.
Kraftwerk - With five nominations (tying them with Joe Tex and the J. Geils Band), one has to think the Hall will fix this absurd Kraftwerk oversight once and for all. This act is a missing corner brick in the Rock Hall pyramid; for all intents and purposes, they pioneered electronic music. Honestly, putting otherwise deserving, synth-based acts like New Order and Nine Inch Nails in before them would be unseemly, and those acts would likely agree. It would be like putting Green Day in before the Buzzcocks or something.
J. Geils Band - Always the bridesmaid... well, you know. Nominated a whopping five times to date, this high-spirited outfit is a favorite of Steven Van Zandt. If this prediction holds and he gets the J. Geils Band on the ballot for a sixth time this year, it would be a safe bet they get inducted, too. Helping their Rock Hall case is singer/former Boston radio DJ Peter Wolf, esteemed by the institution enough to be invited twice as an induction speaker (for Paul Butterfield Blues Band in 2015 and Jackie Wilson in 1987). The J. Geils Band is just one of those acts that checks all the boxes for the Hall. Looking back on their history, they were an exciting live unit, and distilled the finer points of blues, R&B, boogie and even new wave on hits like "Musta Got Lost," "Give It to Me," "Freeze Frame" and "Love Stinks." Unfortunately, and too frequently the case for unnecessarily delayed Rock Hall inductees, namesake guitarist J. Geils passed in 2017, but the rest of the band would certainly take the stage and perform in his honor.
TLC - Few girl groups have sold more albums than TLC, who reigned supreme in the 1990s with an catchy fusion of pop, New Jack swing and take-no-mess R&B. CrazySexyCool was the key album, and the gargantuan hit singles were "Creep" and the inescapable "Waterfalls." This fearless trio set the table for so many that followed, from Destiny's Child to Britney Spears to Christina Aguilera. Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, rapper Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas were three women with style and talents that coalesced into something extraordinary; their music really made the world stand up and take notice. Sadly, Lopes died in a car accident in 2002, but TLC's legend lives on, with Watkins and Thomas still releasing albums and touring in recent years.
Willie Nelson - A certified American treasure and a genuine Rock Hall snub, Nelson is associated with country and Americana, but he truly transcends genre. His songwriting, resilience and hard-touring ways set a blueprint for generations of musicians after him across the American musical spectrum. It may finally be Nelson's time, as country-affiliated inductees have been scarce of late; the last few examples include the country-adjacent Linda Ronstadt (2014) , rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson (2009), Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys (1999), and Nelson's friend and Highwaymen collaborator Johnny Cash (1992).
Depeche Mode - Brilliantly creative titans of synth-pop and reigning commercial and critical champions of the electronic music genre, Depeche Mode somehow feels way overdue for the Hall. The Cure's induction seems to clear the path for David Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher (and ideally earlier members Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder) to go right in. (Next up, hopefully: Joy Division and/or New Order). And frankly, if there is a more relevant song in today's sociopolitical climate than "People Are People," someone point it out. Depeche Mode has all the qualifications — a widescreen, bracing sound, and sharp lyrics that boldly traverse the human experience, from lust to greed to transcendence. Nominating committee member/previous Seymour Stein colleague Sandy Alouete, who formerly worked with Depeche Mode at both Sire and Reprise records, is clearly their advocate in the room.
The Spinners - This beloved R&B act, eligible now for 33 years, has had three previous nominations for the classes of 2012, 2015, and 2016, but no Rock Hall induction luck so far. It's well past time for that to change. The Spinners first emerged as a doo-wop group in the '50s, then blossomed into one of greatest soul outfits ever. They were initially signed to Motown, but it was their Atlantic Records tenure that made them stars in the '70s, with hit singles like "Could it Be I'm Falling in Love," "I'll Be Around" and "The Rubberband Man." Sadly, most of the Spinners have passed on, including Bobby Smith, C.P. Spencer, Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, George Dixon, Edgar "Chico" Edwards, and Philippé Wynne. Lone surviving member Henry Fambrough keeps the Spinners and their legendary music on the road to this day, and could very well do so in Cleveland next April.
August 29, 2019
June 14, 2019
Introducing Hall Watchers, A New Conversation about the Rock Hall!
Hey, E-Rockracy readers, it's Eric. Be sure to check out Hall Watchers, my new Rock Hall podcast with Mary from Induct Dennis!
Click here to listen
Also available on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Google Play and iHeartRadio.
Thanks so much for reading and listening!
-Eric
Click here to listen
Also available on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Google Play and iHeartRadio.
Thanks so much for reading and listening!
-Eric
March 21, 2019
It's Too Late: Artists That Should Have Been Inducted Before They Died
Ain't that a shame.
Another beloved music artist passes on, and along with the sadness their fans feel, the realization that this icon wasn't inducted into the Rock Hall is salt in the wound.
But let's pump the brakes just for a second. Perspective is so important. A Rock Hall induction, to the departed's immediate family and friends, doesn't even register. There are concerns of far greater consequence. Life, after all, is way bigger than a career achievement trophy. Recently, Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) made some entirely rational comments to Stereogum on this very topic:
"...I’m not gonna sleep any better. Included or not. With that being said, it’s always nice to feel you’ve been appreciated to some degree but it’s not on my list of things I have to achieve before I die."
Reznor's candid position is presumably shared by many of his peers. But on the other side of this matter, the fan experience is different. Fans feel these artists belong to them on some level; these musical heroes have enriched, provided a soundtrack to, and elevated their lives in immeasurable ways. Music has given them freedom, identity and exhilaration when they needed it most. To evoke the late Dick Dale's thrilling guitar work, music is the wave we catch — it carries us. Everyday fans process these deaths differently — to them, it's unjust that their heroes weren't afforded the proper respect while they were with us, in the form of Rock Hall recognition. It was avoidable, and it's hard to understand. They feel invalidated by proxy.
So this stuff matters, on some level. Whenever a major popular music figure dies, from Prince to Gregg Allman to Aretha Franklin, the fact they were members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is reliably noted in their obituary, often within the first two paragraphs. And it must be said — few turn down the honor or fail to show up. Most celebrate it and invite their families to the ceremony.
Alas, many never got that chance. Here's a partial list of snubbed artists that should have been inducted before they died (yes, there are others). In a perfect world, the Hall's committees and voters would observe the recent lessons of Dick Dale and Peter Tork passing, and take appropriate nominating/inducting action with those still with us. There are many still-living artists that are wildly overdue, and many ailing musicians that could get in before it's too late.
(One distinction to call out: There are also several individuals who were inducted posthumously when it didn't have to be that way/after long periods of eligibility, i.e. Yes' Chris Squire, Deep Purple's Jon Lord, Donna Summer, Moody Blues' Ray Thomas, etc. The following list is comprised of deceased individuals that might have had nominations, but were never inducted.)
Barbara Ann Alston (The Crystals) - Eligible in 1988, died in 2018, no nominations
William Jan Berry (Jan and Dean) - Eligible in 1985, died in 2004, no nominations
Clive Burr (drummer, Iron Maiden) - Eligible in 2004, died in 2013, no nominations
Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) - Eligible in 1991, died in 2010, no nominations
Glen Campbell - Eligible in 1987, died in 2017, no nominations
Bob Casale (keyboardist/guitarist, Devo) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2014, 1 nomination
"Fast" Eddie Clarke (guitarist, Motörhead) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2018, no nominations
Joe Cocker - Eligible in 1994, died in 2014, no nominations
Glenn Cornick (founding bassist, Jethro Tull) - Eligible in 1993, died in 2014, no nominations
Dick Dale - Eligible in 1987, died in 2019, no nominations
Ronnie James Dio - His band Dio eligible in 2008 (he was technically eligible with Black Sabbath in 1995, Sabbath was inducted without him in 2006). Died in 2010, no nominations
Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) - Eligible in 1995, died in 2016, no nominations
Roky Erickson - Eligible in 2005, died in 2019, no nominations
J. Geils (J. Geils Band) - Eligible in 1995, died in 2017, 5 nominations
Lesley Gore - Eligible in 1995, died in 2015, no nominations
Lux Interior of The Cramps (Erick Lee Purkhiser) - Eligible in 2003, died in 2009, no nominations
Gladys Horton (The Marvelettes) - Eligible in 1986, died in 2011, 2 nominations
Whitney Houston - Eligible in 2009, died in 2012, no nominations
Davy Jones (The Monkees) - Eligible in 1991, died in 2012, no nominations
Arthur Kane (bassist, New York Dolls) - Eligible in 1998, died in 2004, 1 nomination
Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2015, no nominations
Nick Knox (drummer, the Cramps) - Eligible in 2003, died in 2018, no nominations
Greg Lake (King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer) - Eligible with King Crimson in 1994 and with ELP in 1995, died in 2016, no nominations
George Michael - Eligible in 2012, died in 2016, no nominations
Alan Myers (drummer, Devo) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2013, 1 nomination
Art Neville (co-founder/keyboardist of The Meters and The Neville Brothers) - Eligible in 1994 (with Meters), died in 2019, 4 nominations (Meters). The Neville Brothers, eligible in 2003, have no nominations.
Charles Neville (saxophonist, The Neville Brothers) - Eligible since 2003, died in 2018, no nominations
Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2018, no nominations
Johnnie Taylor - Eligible in 1992, died in 2000, no nominations
Phil Taylor (drummer, Motörhead) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2015, no nominations
Peter Tork (The Monkees) - Eligible in 1991, died in 2019, no nominations
Mary Travers (Peter, Paul and Mary) - Eligible in 1987, died in 2009, no nominations
Alan Vega (Suicide) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2016, no nominations
Scott Walker - Eligible in 1991, died in 2019, no nominations
Mary Wells - Eligible in 1986, died in 1992, 2 nominations
Link Wray - Eligible in 1983, died in 2005, 2 nominations
Warren Zevon - Eligible in 1994, died in 2003, no nominations
Members of the Spinners - Eligible in 1986, 3 nominations
Pervis Jackson, died in 2008
Billy Henderson, died in 2007
C. P. Spencer, died in 2004
Bobby Smith, died in 2013
George Dixon, died in 1994
Edgar "Chico" Edwards, died in 2011
Philippé Wynne*, died in 1984 (*prior to Rock Hall's existence)
(Acknowledgement and thanks, as always, to Future Rock Legends for many of these stats.)
Another beloved music artist passes on, and along with the sadness their fans feel, the realization that this icon wasn't inducted into the Rock Hall is salt in the wound.
But let's pump the brakes just for a second. Perspective is so important. A Rock Hall induction, to the departed's immediate family and friends, doesn't even register. There are concerns of far greater consequence. Life, after all, is way bigger than a career achievement trophy. Recently, Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) made some entirely rational comments to Stereogum on this very topic:
"...I’m not gonna sleep any better. Included or not. With that being said, it’s always nice to feel you’ve been appreciated to some degree but it’s not on my list of things I have to achieve before I die."
Reznor's candid position is presumably shared by many of his peers. But on the other side of this matter, the fan experience is different. Fans feel these artists belong to them on some level; these musical heroes have enriched, provided a soundtrack to, and elevated their lives in immeasurable ways. Music has given them freedom, identity and exhilaration when they needed it most. To evoke the late Dick Dale's thrilling guitar work, music is the wave we catch — it carries us. Everyday fans process these deaths differently — to them, it's unjust that their heroes weren't afforded the proper respect while they were with us, in the form of Rock Hall recognition. It was avoidable, and it's hard to understand. They feel invalidated by proxy.
So this stuff matters, on some level. Whenever a major popular music figure dies, from Prince to Gregg Allman to Aretha Franklin, the fact they were members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is reliably noted in their obituary, often within the first two paragraphs. And it must be said — few turn down the honor or fail to show up. Most celebrate it and invite their families to the ceremony.
Alas, many never got that chance. Here's a partial list of snubbed artists that should have been inducted before they died (yes, there are others). In a perfect world, the Hall's committees and voters would observe the recent lessons of Dick Dale and Peter Tork passing, and take appropriate nominating/inducting action with those still with us. There are many still-living artists that are wildly overdue, and many ailing musicians that could get in before it's too late.
(One distinction to call out: There are also several individuals who were inducted posthumously when it didn't have to be that way/after long periods of eligibility, i.e. Yes' Chris Squire, Deep Purple's Jon Lord, Donna Summer, Moody Blues' Ray Thomas, etc. The following list is comprised of deceased individuals that might have had nominations, but were never inducted.)
Barbara Ann Alston (The Crystals) - Eligible in 1988, died in 2018, no nominations
William Jan Berry (Jan and Dean) - Eligible in 1985, died in 2004, no nominations
Clive Burr (drummer, Iron Maiden) - Eligible in 2004, died in 2013, no nominations
Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) - Eligible in 1991, died in 2010, no nominations
Glen Campbell - Eligible in 1987, died in 2017, no nominations
Bob Casale (keyboardist/guitarist, Devo) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2014, 1 nomination
"Fast" Eddie Clarke (guitarist, Motörhead) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2018, no nominations
Joe Cocker - Eligible in 1994, died in 2014, no nominations
Glenn Cornick (founding bassist, Jethro Tull) - Eligible in 1993, died in 2014, no nominations
Dick Dale - Eligible in 1987, died in 2019, no nominations
Ronnie James Dio - His band Dio eligible in 2008 (he was technically eligible with Black Sabbath in 1995, Sabbath was inducted without him in 2006). Died in 2010, no nominations
Roky Erickson - Eligible in 2005, died in 2019, no nominations
J. Geils (J. Geils Band) - Eligible in 1995, died in 2017, 5 nominations
Lesley Gore - Eligible in 1995, died in 2015, no nominations
Lux Interior of The Cramps (Erick Lee Purkhiser) - Eligible in 2003, died in 2009, no nominations
Gladys Horton (The Marvelettes) - Eligible in 1986, died in 2011, 2 nominations
Whitney Houston - Eligible in 2009, died in 2012, no nominations
Davy Jones (The Monkees) - Eligible in 1991, died in 2012, no nominations
Arthur Kane (bassist, New York Dolls) - Eligible in 1998, died in 2004, 1 nomination
Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2015, no nominations
Nick Knox (drummer, the Cramps) - Eligible in 2003, died in 2018, no nominations
Greg Lake (King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer) - Eligible with King Crimson in 1994 and with ELP in 1995, died in 2016, no nominations
George Michael - Eligible in 2012, died in 2016, no nominations
Alan Myers (drummer, Devo) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2013, 1 nomination
Art Neville (co-founder/keyboardist of The Meters and The Neville Brothers) - Eligible in 1994 (with Meters), died in 2019, 4 nominations (Meters). The Neville Brothers, eligible in 2003, have no nominations.
Charles Neville (saxophonist, The Neville Brothers) - Eligible since 2003, died in 2018, no nominations
Johnnie Taylor - Eligible in 1992, died in 2000, no nominations
Phil Taylor (drummer, Motörhead) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2015, no nominations
Peter Tork (The Monkees) - Eligible in 1991, died in 2019, no nominations
Mary Travers (Peter, Paul and Mary) - Eligible in 1987, died in 2009, no nominations
Alan Vega (Suicide) - Eligible in 2002, died in 2016, no nominations
Scott Walker - Eligible in 1991, died in 2019, no nominations
Mary Wells - Eligible in 1986, died in 1992, 2 nominations
Link Wray - Eligible in 1983, died in 2005, 2 nominations
Warren Zevon - Eligible in 1994, died in 2003, no nominations
Members of the Spinners - Eligible in 1986, 3 nominations
Pervis Jackson, died in 2008
Billy Henderson, died in 2007
C. P. Spencer, died in 2004
Bobby Smith, died in 2013
George Dixon, died in 1994
Edgar "Chico" Edwards, died in 2011
Philippé Wynne*, died in 1984 (*prior to Rock Hall's existence)
(Acknowledgement and thanks, as always, to Future Rock Legends for many of these stats.)
December 8, 2018
It's the Time of the Season: Rock Hall Watchers Predict the Class of 2019
Who will be inducted into the Rock Hall on March 29? Anticipation is building, as the official ballots are due this Monday, December 10. Meanwhile, the Hall's fairly revealing Fan Vote finds Def Leppard and Stevie Nicks safely locking up the top two spots, followed by Todd Rundgren, the Zombies, and the Cure.
The Class of 2019 inductees announcement hits Thursday, December 13 at 8 a.m EST on SiriusXM Volume (channel 106), and presumably via a simultaneous press conference at the Cleveland museum. Until then, here are some insightful predictions from Rock Hall watcher community:
Alex Voltaire
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Radiohead
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Janet Jackson (if there are 6 inductees)
Nick Bambach
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Roxy Music
The Zombies
LL Cool J (if there are 6 inductees)
Charles Crossley
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
John Prine
Todd Rundgren
Roxy Music (if there are 6 inductees)
Donnie Durham
Sure Bets:
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Too Close to Call - 3 acts with a 50/50 chance. 1 out of these 3 will be inducted if there are 5 inductees; 2 out of these 3 will be inducted if there are 6 inductees:
Janet Jackson
John Prine
Radiohead
Future Rock Legends
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Radiohead
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
John Prine (if there are 6 inductees)
Iconic Rock Talk Show
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Joe Kwaczala of "Who Cares About the Rock Hall" podcast
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Radiohead (if there are 6 inductees)
Tom Lane
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Rock Hall Monitors
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Radiohead
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Troy Smith, Cleveland.com
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Roxy Music
Todd Rundgren
E-Rockracy
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
LL Cool J
Stevie Nicks
Radiohead
The Zombies (specifically predicting 6 inductees)
The Class of 2019 inductees announcement hits Thursday, December 13 at 8 a.m EST on SiriusXM Volume (channel 106), and presumably via a simultaneous press conference at the Cleveland museum. Until then, here are some insightful predictions from Rock Hall watcher community:
Alex Voltaire
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Radiohead
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Janet Jackson (if there are 6 inductees)
Nick Bambach
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Roxy Music
The Zombies
LL Cool J (if there are 6 inductees)
Charles Crossley
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
John Prine
Todd Rundgren
Roxy Music (if there are 6 inductees)
Donnie Durham
Sure Bets:
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Too Close to Call - 3 acts with a 50/50 chance. 1 out of these 3 will be inducted if there are 5 inductees; 2 out of these 3 will be inducted if there are 6 inductees:
Janet Jackson
John Prine
Radiohead
Future Rock Legends
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Radiohead
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
John Prine (if there are 6 inductees)
Iconic Rock Talk Show
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Joe Kwaczala of "Who Cares About the Rock Hall" podcast
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Radiohead (if there are 6 inductees)
Tom Lane
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Rock Hall Monitors
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Radiohead
Todd Rundgren
The Zombies
Troy Smith, Cleveland.com
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
Stevie Nicks
Roxy Music
Todd Rundgren
E-Rockracy
Def Leppard
Janet Jackson
LL Cool J
Stevie Nicks
Radiohead
The Zombies (specifically predicting 6 inductees)
November 21, 2018
Predictions: The Rock Hall Class of 2019 (Plus Rock Hall Singles)
To paraphrase "Spinal Tap," this conversation goes to 11. Rock Hall chatter is louder and more abundant than ever. Social media is abuzz, podcasters are dropping weekly shows, and the public is voting in person and online. Much like the institution itself is changing (i.e., museum CEO Greg Harris noticeably emerging as its public face, vs. Joel Peresman, as well as the increased fan engagement), the conversation around it also transforms.
Rock Hall fever is about to peak with the inductee announcement in mid-December. Ballots from the official voters are due December 10, and fans have been voting since October 5, with Def Leppard and Stevie Nicks lodged firmly in the Fan Vote's top two spots, respectively.
But who gets inducted March 29 in Brooklyn? A preponderance of factors play into that final slate. Official ballots and the fan vote figure in, naturally, but closed-door decision making, internal politics, and the HBO broadcast also hold significant sway.
E-Rockracy predicts the artists below will make up the Rock Hall Class of 2019. There are six choices here; no group of five nominees, in any combination, felt quite sufficient for the genre-diverse extravaganza the Rock Hall needs to mount next year. Hopefully the Hall follows suit, and goes with six or more inductees.
Def Leppard - Here is your Fan Vote winner, and your Barclays Center ceremony headliner. Fly that Union Jack, and raise your lighters. And look for a possible cover of David Essex's "Rock On" (which appeared on Def Leppard's 2006 album Yeah!) as a potential end of night all-star jam vehicle.
Janet Jackson - Another headliner, and a rather overdue accolade for this pop legend after three nominations. This looks like her year. Few female artists have accomplished what Janet has, from conquering the charts, MTV and radio to bouncing back triumphantly from unjust controversy. Missy Elliott (eligible in 2022!) is a likely induction speaker.
LL Cool J - Last year's Kennedy Center honoree and a longtime Grammys host, James Todd Smith gets flak for being a television star, but all that obscures his massive influence and contribution to the world of hip-hop. He's a pioneer, a household name, and further, a five-time nominee. With Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z and Eminem coming up eligible in the next consecutive three years, in that order, there's no better time to induct this hip-hop luminary.
Stevie Nicks - Many would have preferred to see the Go-Go's or Pat Benatar take this performer slot (well, they'd have to be nominated first), but the Hall, and fans voting at the "Voice Your Choice" kiosks, are clearly intent in having Nicks be the first doubly inducted female artist in Rock Hall history. Not to detract from Nicks, as she is understandably adored, but legions of worthy female artists are still on the outside looking in. Since this all feels a bit calculated, the Fleetwood Mac star's imminent entry into the Clyde McPhatter Club is a valid reason why there should be at least six inductees this year.
Radiohead - Will they send a Sex Pistols letter? Do they actually show up? Does only bassist Colin Greenwood (who told Rolling Stone in 2017, "I’d be grateful if we got in. Look at the other people that have been inducted. I don’t know if everyone else will go though...") attend? These and other mysteries loom over Radiohead, who are perplexed, British, and by no means reliable guests. The band falls under a problematic category of Rock Hall nominees — positively worthy all-timers who don't care. Given their astonishing body of work and prestige, they don't need to. Look for the Hall to just go ahead and exorcise this Radiohead ghost from the machine, while simultaneously canonizing an act that truly belongs in Cleveland. It'll please the critics and balance out the more populist elements in this class.
The Zombies - Eligible since 1989 and boasting four previous nominations, this British Invasion group with familiar hits but also an uncommonly strong discography will round out the Class of 2019. Odessey and Oracle (1968) is a psychedelic pop masterpiece, and defining singles like "Time of the Season" and "She's Not There" have truly endured.
Speaking of singles, should Steven Van Zandt stroll out onto the Barclays Center stage and announce that newest of categories, Rock Hall Singles, there are six picks below that are more suggestions than predictions, given how many songs shaped rock and roll.
The selections below attempt to meet the ideal criteria for this honor, which is recognition of a significant song by an artist that has scant chances, at this point, of getting inducted as a performer. (Slotting Link Wray and Chubby Checker songs in this category last year was unfortunate, as both should have been inducted as performers long before.) Still, this new category has potential if carefully curated, as opposed to becoming a tainted "side door induction" for acts not getting over the hump with voters. Here are six singles — turn them up to 11!
Rock Hall fever is about to peak with the inductee announcement in mid-December. Ballots from the official voters are due December 10, and fans have been voting since October 5, with Def Leppard and Stevie Nicks lodged firmly in the Fan Vote's top two spots, respectively.
But who gets inducted March 29 in Brooklyn? A preponderance of factors play into that final slate. Official ballots and the fan vote figure in, naturally, but closed-door decision making, internal politics, and the HBO broadcast also hold significant sway.
E-Rockracy predicts the artists below will make up the Rock Hall Class of 2019. There are six choices here; no group of five nominees, in any combination, felt quite sufficient for the genre-diverse extravaganza the Rock Hall needs to mount next year. Hopefully the Hall follows suit, and goes with six or more inductees.
Def Leppard - Here is your Fan Vote winner, and your Barclays Center ceremony headliner. Fly that Union Jack, and raise your lighters. And look for a possible cover of David Essex's "Rock On" (which appeared on Def Leppard's 2006 album Yeah!) as a potential end of night all-star jam vehicle.
Janet Jackson - Another headliner, and a rather overdue accolade for this pop legend after three nominations. This looks like her year. Few female artists have accomplished what Janet has, from conquering the charts, MTV and radio to bouncing back triumphantly from unjust controversy. Missy Elliott (eligible in 2022!) is a likely induction speaker.
LL Cool J - Last year's Kennedy Center honoree and a longtime Grammys host, James Todd Smith gets flak for being a television star, but all that obscures his massive influence and contribution to the world of hip-hop. He's a pioneer, a household name, and further, a five-time nominee. With Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z and Eminem coming up eligible in the next consecutive three years, in that order, there's no better time to induct this hip-hop luminary.
Stevie Nicks - Many would have preferred to see the Go-Go's or Pat Benatar take this performer slot (well, they'd have to be nominated first), but the Hall, and fans voting at the "Voice Your Choice" kiosks, are clearly intent in having Nicks be the first doubly inducted female artist in Rock Hall history. Not to detract from Nicks, as she is understandably adored, but legions of worthy female artists are still on the outside looking in. Since this all feels a bit calculated, the Fleetwood Mac star's imminent entry into the Clyde McPhatter Club is a valid reason why there should be at least six inductees this year.
Radiohead - Will they send a Sex Pistols letter? Do they actually show up? Does only bassist Colin Greenwood (who told Rolling Stone in 2017, "I’d be grateful if we got in. Look at the other people that have been inducted. I don’t know if everyone else will go though...") attend? These and other mysteries loom over Radiohead, who are perplexed, British, and by no means reliable guests. The band falls under a problematic category of Rock Hall nominees — positively worthy all-timers who don't care. Given their astonishing body of work and prestige, they don't need to. Look for the Hall to just go ahead and exorcise this Radiohead ghost from the machine, while simultaneously canonizing an act that truly belongs in Cleveland. It'll please the critics and balance out the more populist elements in this class.
The Zombies - Eligible since 1989 and boasting four previous nominations, this British Invasion group with familiar hits but also an uncommonly strong discography will round out the Class of 2019. Odessey and Oracle (1968) is a psychedelic pop masterpiece, and defining singles like "Time of the Season" and "She's Not There" have truly endured.
Speaking of singles, should Steven Van Zandt stroll out onto the Barclays Center stage and announce that newest of categories, Rock Hall Singles, there are six picks below that are more suggestions than predictions, given how many songs shaped rock and roll.
The selections below attempt to meet the ideal criteria for this honor, which is recognition of a significant song by an artist that has scant chances, at this point, of getting inducted as a performer. (Slotting Link Wray and Chubby Checker songs in this category last year was unfortunate, as both should have been inducted as performers long before.) Still, this new category has potential if carefully curated, as opposed to becoming a tainted "side door induction" for acts not getting over the hump with voters. Here are six singles — turn them up to 11!
- The Big Bopper - "Chantilly Lace"
- Lesley Gore - "It's My Party"
- Don McClean - "American Pie"
- Gil Scott-Heron - "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"
- The Troggs - "Wild Thing"
- Mary Wells - "My Guy"
August 30, 2018
Predictions: The 2019 Rock Hall Nominees
To quote Bruce Springsteen, "Is there anybody alive out there?!"
A valid question, as far as the Rock Hall is concerned. In recent years, the induction ceremony seems to have traded formality for an actual pulse. Electricity, danger and humor, the key elements of rock and roll (i.e., the stuff Iggy Pop is made of), have left the building for the most part.
There have of course been exceptions: Brittany Howard's rousing take on Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "That's All" this past April, and 2014 inductee Nirvana's lightning-in-a-bottle musical tributes, with Kim Gordon tearing into "Aneurysm" and Annie Clark (St. Vincent) performing "Lithium." The only hitch with high-watermark moments like these is the contrast they strike against the bummer portions of the inductions, like acceptance speeches, death reels, and artists who could have performed together standing onstage in a fragile detente (rhymes with "miss"). It's only rock and roll, guys.
And does anyone remember laughter? Alex Lifeson's legendary "blah blah blah" speech in 2013 suggests he does, Bill Withers amused in 2015, and the bawdy Howard Stern got laughs this year inducting Bon Jovi. The ceremony needn't be a riot, nor a stand-up routine, but overall, it needs to lighten up.
It's time to shake up the induction paradigm. But what are the Rock Hall Foundation, Nominating Committee and ceremony producers to do? It's tough to forecast the prevailing mood, egos, or stage behavior in this annual gathering of rock stars and industry types. Further, there are deceased artists that are worthy of induction, and recently departed icons should be paid proper respect. Still, this thing shouldn't be a wake, it should be a party... and who gets invited to that party is hugely consequential.
This is an annual guest list that needs pruning and restructuring. A certain stasis has set in, and culpability lies entirely with the graying, overwhelmingly male Rock Hall votership and its weak follow-through on nominee pools (along with whatever abject skulduggery that goes on in the "purposefully nontransparent" backrooms during inductee selection). But there is a solution: induct exciting acts and get them to show up. All too often, brilliant, fire-breathing (also: living) artists are put forth, and then passed over for induction. Oh, how things might have been: Imagine the 2018 ceremony with live sets by Judas Priest and/or Radiohead, 2017 with Janet Jackson, or 2016 with Nine Inch Nails. Inductees with an edge result in a show with edge, plain and simple; when Joan Jett exploded onto the stage in 2015 with "Bad Reputation," it felt like the roof of Cleveland's Public Hall had taken its talents to South Beach.
All of this is leads to E-Rockracy's nominee predictions for the Rock Hall Class of 2019. Below lies an alphabetical list of 19 artists, primarily chosen based on likelihood, eligibility and merit. But look closely, as there's a smattering of strategic picks — some electrons charged with fury, genius and satire — that just might shock that moribund induction ceremony back to life.
Bad Company - 19 years eligible, with FM radio staples such as "Shooting Star" and "Can't Get Enough," this British supergroup led by gifted vocalist Paul Rodgers is a favorite of Rock Hall Nomination Committee member Steven Van Zandt. There's various indications that Van Zandt hasn't had much luck getting his pet project acts in lately, so that trend may reverse this year with Bad Company (and another pick below). Further, Bad Company, a classic rock institution, jives perfectly with the raise-your-lighters/"Are you ready to rock?" classes of late.
Beck - When Beck Hansen attended the 2015 induction ceremony to pay tribute to Lou Reed with a faithful rendition of "Satellite of Love," it felt like his Rock Hall fate had been sealed. It's his first year of eligibility, and he's one of the few artists left on this planet you could credibly frame as a "no-brainer." (Even Taylor Swift's got to shout.) This Gen X icon is the restless architect of a songbook radiating ironic creativity, acoustic sensitivity and even pop instinct, given his slick 2017 album Colors. Always adventurous or emotionally direct, Beck has shuffled down a variety of sonic avenues, including fragmented, Dust Brothers-produced avant-rock ("Where It's At"), zeitgeist-capturing anthems ("Loser"), and lovelorn folk (the Sea Change and Morning Phase LPs). His lyrics are also a point of fascination, vacillating between bonkers and brilliant: "Silver foxes looking for romance/In the chain smoke Kansas flash dance ass pants" from Odelay's "Hotwax"; and "Down river bound/Where the lemon tea sky fell down/A plot against your will/Is furrowed into your brow" from Morning Phase's "Country Down." Beck is exceedingly qualified for the Hall, not to mention a loose-limbed live dynamo that would perk up the induction ceremony in a major way.
Pat Benatar - Eligible for induction 14 years now, Pat Benatar is conspicuous in her absence from the Hall. By way of contrast, she's been omnipresent for decades on the FM dial, concert stages, and MTV. Impassioned, confident and singing her heart out, she broke down the door in 1979 with "Heartbreaker," the lead track of her debut album In the Heat of the Night. It's quite the opening salvo ("Don't you mess around with me") and has endured as a heavy-rotation anthem. The exclusion of Benatar, quite simply, is surprising. The ostensible criteria for induction, musical excellence and influence, abound here. If the complaint is that her peak era was the '80s, that shouldn't be a strike against her; many artists already in the Hall were around for just a few years. Also, as the first female artist to appear on MTV ("You Better Run" was the second-ever clip to air on the fledgling network), she opened doors for the later video success of Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, among others. She didn't write enough of her songs? The Rock Hall is full of individuals that didn't author their own material, and in fact, Benatar co-wrote some of her most notable singles, including "Treat Me Right," "Promises in the Dark," and "Fire and Ice." She won Grammys four years in a row between 1980 and 1983, so there is a precedent of genuine industry respect. Benatar belongs, and if inducted, she should go in with her longtime musical and life partner, Neil Giraldo.
Black Flag - Formed in Hermosa Beach, California, and eligible since 2003, Black Flag were pioneers of hardcore punk. They blazed a screaming, reckless trail across America, serving up hot plates of rage in defiance of a nation that had severely alienated them. The group embraced the DIY ethic, self-releasing albums on their label SST and touring in a van under such inhuman conditions, they had to have wanted it. Their influence is all over the place, with Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Pantera, Ryan Adams and Green Day just a few names indebted to them. Black Flag, a paragon of American independent music, was founded by guitarist Greg Ginn, and the band's volatile membership included original singer Keith Morris (Circle Jerks) and eventually, frontman Henry Rollins.
The Doobie Brothers - Will mighty artist manager/industry titan Irving Azoff (Bon Jovi, Eagles, Journey, etc.) push for his clients the Doobie Brothers to make the ballot this year? That seems to be the consensus. It does help, on a separate level, that the San Jose-hailing Doobies are due for enshrinement in Cleveland, with 22 years of eligibility. Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, John McFee, et al. are the epitome of an American rock band, with loyal baby boomer fans and a stack of sturdy FM radio hits ("Black Water," "Long Train Runnin', "Takin' it to the Streets"). The Doobies have sold 40 million records, and their touring fortunes have vastly improved due to Azoff's placing them on 2017's Classic East/Classic West stadium concerts with the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Journey. Hmm... who in that lineup is not inducted yet? Induction bonus: Former Doobie Brothers member/pop culture icon Michael McDonald gets onstage with his old bandmates again. Don't bootleg the show, Rerun!
Eurythmics - Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart were an enchanting duo, marrying haunting synthpop with bold, MTV-ready aesthetics. Eligible since 2006, Eurythmics graced the charts and MTV in the '80s starting with "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and followed it with a pile of other hits, including the narcotic "Here Comes the Rain Again" and the hard-driving "Missionary Man." Alongside her guitar-playing foil Stewart, powerhouse vocalist Lennox summoned fire and ice in equal measure, and with ease. On a side note, there's a direct Aretha Franklin connection here with the Eurythmics/Franklin collaboration "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves," a hit that appeared on both artists' 1985 albums. (You know, an imaginative induction ceremony showrunner might do something with this song to honor Aretha at the top of the show, and involve lots of female inductees, but perhaps that's just too optimistic.)
The Go-Go's - Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, and Kathy Valentine comprise the only all-female group that wrote and played its own music to reach the top of the Billboard chart. It's reason enough for a Rock Hall nomination, and there are many more beyond that. The Go-Go's started on the L.A. punk scene, but turned into a pop machine, taking radio and MTV by storm with "We Got the Beat," "Vacation," and "Our Lips Are Sealed," among other hits. Currently, the Go-Go's music is the basis for "Head Over Heels" a new, 16th century-set musical currently on Broadway. Besides the Go-Go's meriting induction anyway, and at the risk of sounding cynical, the Rock Hall voting body sure could use an infusion of five (living) women filling out ballots next year.
Janet Jackson - Janet being left off last year's ballot might actually be a positive sign — a purposeful break so she could hit the ballot again, fresh, in 2018. What more can be said about Janet that isn't common knowledge, whether you're a fan or not? Tough yet vulnerable, and a magnificent singer-dancer, this global superstar was just handed the Icon Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. Janet's having a banner year: She's finishing up the latest leg of her acclaimed State of the World Tour, and just released a new single, "Made for Now," with Daddy Yankee. Industry legend? Check. Multi-platinum albums and pop landscape-altering hits throughout her catalog? Check. Five Grammys? Check. Still at it? Check. A Rock Hall coronation seems inevitable, and this may finally be the year.
Jethro Tull - "They're not in yet?!" says just about everyone. They may have zero Rock Hall nominations thus far, but Jethro Tull's luck may be about to change. Their songs are permanently etched on the walls of rock history — "Aqualung," "Locomotive Breath," "Bungle in the Jungle" and "Living in the Past" have truly endured. Critics reviled the band in its heyday, failing to appreciate Tull and their their flute-driven, folk/rock/prog hybrid. However, there's no denying that Ian Anderson and his troupe carved out their own mystical, hard-rocking universe. The Tull catalog, worth revisiting, reveals a treasure trove of songs teeming with thunder and melody. There are startling achievements throughout, from lesser known efforts like Minstrel in the Gallery to Crest of a Knave, the 1987 LP that stole a Hard Rock/Metal Performance Grammy out from under Metallica. Interestingly, "We Used to Know," from Tull's 1969 album Stand Up, has a monumental Martin Barre wah-wah guitar solo that seems to prefigure Eddie Hazel's searing, psychedelic turn on the 1971 Funkadelic track "Maggot Brain." Presumably, Hazel never even heard "We Used to Know," but inspiration arrives in mysterious ways. In any case, Tull is on their 50th anniversary tour and is primed and ready to perform next April at Barclays Center. There's no question that the majority of Rock Hall voters would check a box for them.
J. Geils Band - Apart from Bad Company, J. Geils Band is the other likely Van Zandt ballot submission this year. It's good to have friends in high places, and it also helps to be a friend of the Rock Hall — charismatic frontman/former DJ Peter Wolf is regarded by the institution well enough to be invited twice as an induction speaker (for Jackie Wilson and Paul Butterfield Blues Band), so J. Geils Band seems headed for their sixth (!) nomination. As for their music and chart success, credit where credit is due: J. Geils Band, a top-notch live act, injected a winning garage band energy into blues, boogie, R&B and even new wave on songs like "Give it to Me," "Musta Got Lost," "Freeze Frame" and "Love Stinks." Sadly, and is too often the case for belated Rock Hall inductees, namesake guitarist J. Geils died in 2017, but his surviving bandmates could certainly put on a show to honor both him and his legacy.
Judas Priest - When was the last time metal was part of a Rock Hall ceremony? Like, headbanging, devil-horns-in-the-air metal? You'd have to go back to Metallica's induction in 2009, and then to Black Sabbath's in 2006. The maligned genre is overdue for representation, and what better act than the leather-clad, vengeance-screamers/law-breakers Judas Priest. This induction would mean so much to many, but it would be especially great for founding guitarist Glenn Tipton, who had to step away from playing full shows due to a Parkinson's diagnosis last year (lately, he's been coming out with the band during encores to play a couple of songs). Priest's sterling qualifications for induction probably go without saying, but more on that here.
George Michael - There's nothing like death to bring attention an artist's taken-for-granted accomplishments. A shocking 2016 passing in a year full of them (on Christmas Day, no less), pop genius George Michael died prematurely at age 53. However, it's what he left behind—an amazing, globally embraced songbook—that matters now. Based on his mega-hits with Wham! as well as his brilliant solo career (albums like the 1987 blockbuster Faith and Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1, and songs like "Father Figure," "Freedom (90)," and "Fastlove"), his legacy is secure. Among major pop stars, Michael is a deserving candidate for Cleveland. Adele, Sam Smith and Justin Timberlake are just a few of the artists he's deeply influenced. Michael's music has even impacted Hollywood — in the 2016 Jordan Peele/Keegan Michael-Key comedy Keanu, Michael's music wins over a car full of hardened gang members, to hysterical, legend-burnishing effect.
Nine Inch Nails - Trent Reznor should be in the Rock Hall, if, for nothing else, successfully crash landing industrial rock onto the mainstream, like a modern rock Sully Sullenberger. A Cleveland-area prodigy with a gift for synthesizer hooks as well as songwriting and production savvy, Reznor and Nine Inch Nails have been revolutionizing music since the early '90s, after the breakout of Pretty Hate Machine and the watershed of The Downward Spiral. From his early festival days trashing a smoky, comically sunlit stage at Lollapalooza and the down-in-it mud ritual of Woodstock 1994, to album triumphs like The Downward Spiral and 2013's Hesitation Marks, this glaring necromancer has earned his Rock Hall immortalization. (His recent "Twin Peaks: The Return" appearance was extremely cool, too.) Nine Inch Nails have two prior nominations, and this would be the third. With any hypothetical induction performance, Reznor would throw more lightning than Zeus; who wouldn't love to see that?
Radiohead - A spot in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time seems to all but guarantee nominations for Thom Yorke and his mates. But despite being one of the most revered rock acts since Nirvana, there's a sense Radiohead doesn't care, and feel they don't particularly need this honor. In turn, the Rock Hall officials, those bunglers of diplomacy, just don't know how to negotiate around that. This British crew does belong in the Hall, and would bring a welcome jolt of future shock to an induction gala, but they may cycle through 3-4 nominations before they make it. Look for them on this year's ballot, and if they don't get in, they'll probably disappear completely from it for awhile.
Roxy Music - Eligible since 1997, Roxy music emerged out of London in 1971 and went on to profoundly impact glam, new wave, and anything under the rubric of "art-rock." In a career journey that took them from the cutting-edge to a suave sophistication, Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno and company created soaring, stylish music with plenty of disciples, from a young Steven Patrick Morrissey to Blondie to Duran Duran to INXS.
Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan - Eligible since 1999, perhaps it's finally time to party like that year and induct Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. Best known for introducing powerhouse vocalist Khan to the world, this Chicago funk outfit had it all in the '70s — commercial success and a series of massive hits that tore up the pop and R&B charts. Stevie Wonder wrote "Tell Me Something Good" for them, and "Ain't Nobody" and "Sweet Thing" were among their other smashes. Khan went solo in 1983, which has led to her appearing on the ballot with and without Rufus in recent years. The entire collective was nominated last year, and Questlove is likely to push for Chaka and company once again when the committee meets in mid-September. Khan is held in very high esteem, and in fact, she's performing at Aretha Franklin's funeral.
Salt-N-Pepa - Rap with a side of feminism — that would be some needed rain on the poorly representative desert of the Rock Hall. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., Public Enemy and N.W.A. are all inducted, but there's nary a woman among them. Queens from Queens and among the most successful female hip-hop acts, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella would be breaking the Rock Hall's glass ceiling. By any standard, they're worthy, with major, your-mom-even-likes-these-guys hits like "Push It," "Let's Talk About Sex," "Shoop," and "Whatta Man" (featuring En Vogue). This trio blazed a trail for assertive women in hip-hop, and TLC and Missy Elliott definitely took key inspiration from them. The first all-female rap group — Hall of Fame-caliber stuff, without question.
"Weird Al" Yankovic - The exact criteria for induction into the Rock Hall can be debated, but satirist "Weird Al" Yankovic rules a very specific corner of the music world unopposed, and no one else even compares. To be parodied by "Weird Al" is among the highest honors in music; eccentric, guarded individuals from Kurt Cobain to Michael Jackson basically bear-hugged the very idea of Yankovic doing one of their songs. And this is how humor could enliven and lighten the induction ceremony — by having the parodist appear in full, costumed regalia to perform a few of his gems from across the decades, from early MTV favorite "Eat It" to "Amish Paradise" to the astonishingly great, hottest-flow-since-lava banger "White and Nerdy" (parody of "Ridin" by Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone). Yankovic was just honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so the Rock Hall should follow suit and grant this beloved hero a richly deserved tip of the hat. Lonely Island guys, care to write a speech?
Warren Zevon - "Lawyers, Guns and Money"...but enough about American politics! Warren Zevon, Los Angeles' late purveyor of acerbic, libertine songcraft, is the ideal fit for 2019's singer-songwriter slot (think 2013 inductee Randy Newman). Paul Shaffer, who jammed with Zevon many times on the Letterman show, is a crucial Zevon evangelist and Nomination Committee member. By honoring Warren, the Hall could have a substantial induction ceremony performance on their hands: Imagine what prior Zevon collaborator Bruce Springsteen or even spiritual descendant Father John Misty could do with "Johnny Strikes Up the Band" or "Accidentally Like a Martyr" (the latter performed by Bob Dylan live after he learned Zevon was dying of cancer). If Bob sees fit to cover your song, you probably warrant entry into the Hall.
A valid question, as far as the Rock Hall is concerned. In recent years, the induction ceremony seems to have traded formality for an actual pulse. Electricity, danger and humor, the key elements of rock and roll (i.e., the stuff Iggy Pop is made of), have left the building for the most part.
There have of course been exceptions: Brittany Howard's rousing take on Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "That's All" this past April, and 2014 inductee Nirvana's lightning-in-a-bottle musical tributes, with Kim Gordon tearing into "Aneurysm" and Annie Clark (St. Vincent) performing "Lithium." The only hitch with high-watermark moments like these is the contrast they strike against the bummer portions of the inductions, like acceptance speeches, death reels, and artists who could have performed together standing onstage in a fragile detente (rhymes with "miss"). It's only rock and roll, guys.
And does anyone remember laughter? Alex Lifeson's legendary "blah blah blah" speech in 2013 suggests he does, Bill Withers amused in 2015, and the bawdy Howard Stern got laughs this year inducting Bon Jovi. The ceremony needn't be a riot, nor a stand-up routine, but overall, it needs to lighten up.
It's time to shake up the induction paradigm. But what are the Rock Hall Foundation, Nominating Committee and ceremony producers to do? It's tough to forecast the prevailing mood, egos, or stage behavior in this annual gathering of rock stars and industry types. Further, there are deceased artists that are worthy of induction, and recently departed icons should be paid proper respect. Still, this thing shouldn't be a wake, it should be a party... and who gets invited to that party is hugely consequential.
This is an annual guest list that needs pruning and restructuring. A certain stasis has set in, and culpability lies entirely with the graying, overwhelmingly male Rock Hall votership and its weak follow-through on nominee pools (along with whatever abject skulduggery that goes on in the "purposefully nontransparent" backrooms during inductee selection). But there is a solution: induct exciting acts and get them to show up. All too often, brilliant, fire-breathing (also: living) artists are put forth, and then passed over for induction. Oh, how things might have been: Imagine the 2018 ceremony with live sets by Judas Priest and/or Radiohead, 2017 with Janet Jackson, or 2016 with Nine Inch Nails. Inductees with an edge result in a show with edge, plain and simple; when Joan Jett exploded onto the stage in 2015 with "Bad Reputation," it felt like the roof of Cleveland's Public Hall had taken its talents to South Beach.
All of this is leads to E-Rockracy's nominee predictions for the Rock Hall Class of 2019. Below lies an alphabetical list of 19 artists, primarily chosen based on likelihood, eligibility and merit. But look closely, as there's a smattering of strategic picks — some electrons charged with fury, genius and satire — that just might shock that moribund induction ceremony back to life.
Bad Company - 19 years eligible, with FM radio staples such as "Shooting Star" and "Can't Get Enough," this British supergroup led by gifted vocalist Paul Rodgers is a favorite of Rock Hall Nomination Committee member Steven Van Zandt. There's various indications that Van Zandt hasn't had much luck getting his pet project acts in lately, so that trend may reverse this year with Bad Company (and another pick below). Further, Bad Company, a classic rock institution, jives perfectly with the raise-your-lighters/"Are you ready to rock?" classes of late.
Beck - When Beck Hansen attended the 2015 induction ceremony to pay tribute to Lou Reed with a faithful rendition of "Satellite of Love," it felt like his Rock Hall fate had been sealed. It's his first year of eligibility, and he's one of the few artists left on this planet you could credibly frame as a "no-brainer." (Even Taylor Swift's got to shout.) This Gen X icon is the restless architect of a songbook radiating ironic creativity, acoustic sensitivity and even pop instinct, given his slick 2017 album Colors. Always adventurous or emotionally direct, Beck has shuffled down a variety of sonic avenues, including fragmented, Dust Brothers-produced avant-rock ("Where It's At"), zeitgeist-capturing anthems ("Loser"), and lovelorn folk (the Sea Change and Morning Phase LPs). His lyrics are also a point of fascination, vacillating between bonkers and brilliant: "Silver foxes looking for romance/In the chain smoke Kansas flash dance ass pants" from Odelay's "Hotwax"; and "Down river bound/Where the lemon tea sky fell down/A plot against your will/Is furrowed into your brow" from Morning Phase's "Country Down." Beck is exceedingly qualified for the Hall, not to mention a loose-limbed live dynamo that would perk up the induction ceremony in a major way.
Pat Benatar - Eligible for induction 14 years now, Pat Benatar is conspicuous in her absence from the Hall. By way of contrast, she's been omnipresent for decades on the FM dial, concert stages, and MTV. Impassioned, confident and singing her heart out, she broke down the door in 1979 with "Heartbreaker," the lead track of her debut album In the Heat of the Night. It's quite the opening salvo ("Don't you mess around with me") and has endured as a heavy-rotation anthem. The exclusion of Benatar, quite simply, is surprising. The ostensible criteria for induction, musical excellence and influence, abound here. If the complaint is that her peak era was the '80s, that shouldn't be a strike against her; many artists already in the Hall were around for just a few years. Also, as the first female artist to appear on MTV ("You Better Run" was the second-ever clip to air on the fledgling network), she opened doors for the later video success of Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, among others. She didn't write enough of her songs? The Rock Hall is full of individuals that didn't author their own material, and in fact, Benatar co-wrote some of her most notable singles, including "Treat Me Right," "Promises in the Dark," and "Fire and Ice." She won Grammys four years in a row between 1980 and 1983, so there is a precedent of genuine industry respect. Benatar belongs, and if inducted, she should go in with her longtime musical and life partner, Neil Giraldo.
Black Flag - Formed in Hermosa Beach, California, and eligible since 2003, Black Flag were pioneers of hardcore punk. They blazed a screaming, reckless trail across America, serving up hot plates of rage in defiance of a nation that had severely alienated them. The group embraced the DIY ethic, self-releasing albums on their label SST and touring in a van under such inhuman conditions, they had to have wanted it. Their influence is all over the place, with Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Pantera, Ryan Adams and Green Day just a few names indebted to them. Black Flag, a paragon of American independent music, was founded by guitarist Greg Ginn, and the band's volatile membership included original singer Keith Morris (Circle Jerks) and eventually, frontman Henry Rollins.
The Doobie Brothers - Will mighty artist manager/industry titan Irving Azoff (Bon Jovi, Eagles, Journey, etc.) push for his clients the Doobie Brothers to make the ballot this year? That seems to be the consensus. It does help, on a separate level, that the San Jose-hailing Doobies are due for enshrinement in Cleveland, with 22 years of eligibility. Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, John McFee, et al. are the epitome of an American rock band, with loyal baby boomer fans and a stack of sturdy FM radio hits ("Black Water," "Long Train Runnin', "Takin' it to the Streets"). The Doobies have sold 40 million records, and their touring fortunes have vastly improved due to Azoff's placing them on 2017's Classic East/Classic West stadium concerts with the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Journey. Hmm... who in that lineup is not inducted yet? Induction bonus: Former Doobie Brothers member/pop culture icon Michael McDonald gets onstage with his old bandmates again. Don't bootleg the show, Rerun!
Eurythmics - Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart were an enchanting duo, marrying haunting synthpop with bold, MTV-ready aesthetics. Eligible since 2006, Eurythmics graced the charts and MTV in the '80s starting with "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and followed it with a pile of other hits, including the narcotic "Here Comes the Rain Again" and the hard-driving "Missionary Man." Alongside her guitar-playing foil Stewart, powerhouse vocalist Lennox summoned fire and ice in equal measure, and with ease. On a side note, there's a direct Aretha Franklin connection here with the Eurythmics/Franklin collaboration "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves," a hit that appeared on both artists' 1985 albums. (You know, an imaginative induction ceremony showrunner might do something with this song to honor Aretha at the top of the show, and involve lots of female inductees, but perhaps that's just too optimistic.)
The Go-Go's - Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, and Kathy Valentine comprise the only all-female group that wrote and played its own music to reach the top of the Billboard chart. It's reason enough for a Rock Hall nomination, and there are many more beyond that. The Go-Go's started on the L.A. punk scene, but turned into a pop machine, taking radio and MTV by storm with "We Got the Beat," "Vacation," and "Our Lips Are Sealed," among other hits. Currently, the Go-Go's music is the basis for "Head Over Heels" a new, 16th century-set musical currently on Broadway. Besides the Go-Go's meriting induction anyway, and at the risk of sounding cynical, the Rock Hall voting body sure could use an infusion of five (living) women filling out ballots next year.
Janet Jackson - Janet being left off last year's ballot might actually be a positive sign — a purposeful break so she could hit the ballot again, fresh, in 2018. What more can be said about Janet that isn't common knowledge, whether you're a fan or not? Tough yet vulnerable, and a magnificent singer-dancer, this global superstar was just handed the Icon Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. Janet's having a banner year: She's finishing up the latest leg of her acclaimed State of the World Tour, and just released a new single, "Made for Now," with Daddy Yankee. Industry legend? Check. Multi-platinum albums and pop landscape-altering hits throughout her catalog? Check. Five Grammys? Check. Still at it? Check. A Rock Hall coronation seems inevitable, and this may finally be the year.
Jethro Tull - "They're not in yet?!" says just about everyone. They may have zero Rock Hall nominations thus far, but Jethro Tull's luck may be about to change. Their songs are permanently etched on the walls of rock history — "Aqualung," "Locomotive Breath," "Bungle in the Jungle" and "Living in the Past" have truly endured. Critics reviled the band in its heyday, failing to appreciate Tull and their their flute-driven, folk/rock/prog hybrid. However, there's no denying that Ian Anderson and his troupe carved out their own mystical, hard-rocking universe. The Tull catalog, worth revisiting, reveals a treasure trove of songs teeming with thunder and melody. There are startling achievements throughout, from lesser known efforts like Minstrel in the Gallery to Crest of a Knave, the 1987 LP that stole a Hard Rock/Metal Performance Grammy out from under Metallica. Interestingly, "We Used to Know," from Tull's 1969 album Stand Up, has a monumental Martin Barre wah-wah guitar solo that seems to prefigure Eddie Hazel's searing, psychedelic turn on the 1971 Funkadelic track "Maggot Brain." Presumably, Hazel never even heard "We Used to Know," but inspiration arrives in mysterious ways. In any case, Tull is on their 50th anniversary tour and is primed and ready to perform next April at Barclays Center. There's no question that the majority of Rock Hall voters would check a box for them.
J. Geils Band - Apart from Bad Company, J. Geils Band is the other likely Van Zandt ballot submission this year. It's good to have friends in high places, and it also helps to be a friend of the Rock Hall — charismatic frontman/former DJ Peter Wolf is regarded by the institution well enough to be invited twice as an induction speaker (for Jackie Wilson and Paul Butterfield Blues Band), so J. Geils Band seems headed for their sixth (!) nomination. As for their music and chart success, credit where credit is due: J. Geils Band, a top-notch live act, injected a winning garage band energy into blues, boogie, R&B and even new wave on songs like "Give it to Me," "Musta Got Lost," "Freeze Frame" and "Love Stinks." Sadly, and is too often the case for belated Rock Hall inductees, namesake guitarist J. Geils died in 2017, but his surviving bandmates could certainly put on a show to honor both him and his legacy.
Judas Priest - When was the last time metal was part of a Rock Hall ceremony? Like, headbanging, devil-horns-in-the-air metal? You'd have to go back to Metallica's induction in 2009, and then to Black Sabbath's in 2006. The maligned genre is overdue for representation, and what better act than the leather-clad, vengeance-screamers/law-breakers Judas Priest. This induction would mean so much to many, but it would be especially great for founding guitarist Glenn Tipton, who had to step away from playing full shows due to a Parkinson's diagnosis last year (lately, he's been coming out with the band during encores to play a couple of songs). Priest's sterling qualifications for induction probably go without saying, but more on that here.
George Michael - There's nothing like death to bring attention an artist's taken-for-granted accomplishments. A shocking 2016 passing in a year full of them (on Christmas Day, no less), pop genius George Michael died prematurely at age 53. However, it's what he left behind—an amazing, globally embraced songbook—that matters now. Based on his mega-hits with Wham! as well as his brilliant solo career (albums like the 1987 blockbuster Faith and Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1, and songs like "Father Figure," "Freedom (90)," and "Fastlove"), his legacy is secure. Among major pop stars, Michael is a deserving candidate for Cleveland. Adele, Sam Smith and Justin Timberlake are just a few of the artists he's deeply influenced. Michael's music has even impacted Hollywood — in the 2016 Jordan Peele/Keegan Michael-Key comedy Keanu, Michael's music wins over a car full of hardened gang members, to hysterical, legend-burnishing effect.
Nine Inch Nails - Trent Reznor should be in the Rock Hall, if, for nothing else, successfully crash landing industrial rock onto the mainstream, like a modern rock Sully Sullenberger. A Cleveland-area prodigy with a gift for synthesizer hooks as well as songwriting and production savvy, Reznor and Nine Inch Nails have been revolutionizing music since the early '90s, after the breakout of Pretty Hate Machine and the watershed of The Downward Spiral. From his early festival days trashing a smoky, comically sunlit stage at Lollapalooza and the down-in-it mud ritual of Woodstock 1994, to album triumphs like The Downward Spiral and 2013's Hesitation Marks, this glaring necromancer has earned his Rock Hall immortalization. (His recent "Twin Peaks: The Return" appearance was extremely cool, too.) Nine Inch Nails have two prior nominations, and this would be the third. With any hypothetical induction performance, Reznor would throw more lightning than Zeus; who wouldn't love to see that?
Radiohead - A spot in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time seems to all but guarantee nominations for Thom Yorke and his mates. But despite being one of the most revered rock acts since Nirvana, there's a sense Radiohead doesn't care, and feel they don't particularly need this honor. In turn, the Rock Hall officials, those bunglers of diplomacy, just don't know how to negotiate around that. This British crew does belong in the Hall, and would bring a welcome jolt of future shock to an induction gala, but they may cycle through 3-4 nominations before they make it. Look for them on this year's ballot, and if they don't get in, they'll probably disappear completely from it for awhile.
Roxy Music - Eligible since 1997, Roxy music emerged out of London in 1971 and went on to profoundly impact glam, new wave, and anything under the rubric of "art-rock." In a career journey that took them from the cutting-edge to a suave sophistication, Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno and company created soaring, stylish music with plenty of disciples, from a young Steven Patrick Morrissey to Blondie to Duran Duran to INXS.
Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan - Eligible since 1999, perhaps it's finally time to party like that year and induct Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. Best known for introducing powerhouse vocalist Khan to the world, this Chicago funk outfit had it all in the '70s — commercial success and a series of massive hits that tore up the pop and R&B charts. Stevie Wonder wrote "Tell Me Something Good" for them, and "Ain't Nobody" and "Sweet Thing" were among their other smashes. Khan went solo in 1983, which has led to her appearing on the ballot with and without Rufus in recent years. The entire collective was nominated last year, and Questlove is likely to push for Chaka and company once again when the committee meets in mid-September. Khan is held in very high esteem, and in fact, she's performing at Aretha Franklin's funeral.
"Weird Al" Yankovic - The exact criteria for induction into the Rock Hall can be debated, but satirist "Weird Al" Yankovic rules a very specific corner of the music world unopposed, and no one else even compares. To be parodied by "Weird Al" is among the highest honors in music; eccentric, guarded individuals from Kurt Cobain to Michael Jackson basically bear-hugged the very idea of Yankovic doing one of their songs. And this is how humor could enliven and lighten the induction ceremony — by having the parodist appear in full, costumed regalia to perform a few of his gems from across the decades, from early MTV favorite "Eat It" to "Amish Paradise" to the astonishingly great, hottest-flow-since-lava banger "White and Nerdy" (parody of "Ridin" by Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone). Yankovic was just honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so the Rock Hall should follow suit and grant this beloved hero a richly deserved tip of the hat. Lonely Island guys, care to write a speech?
Warren Zevon - "Lawyers, Guns and Money"...but enough about American politics! Warren Zevon, Los Angeles' late purveyor of acerbic, libertine songcraft, is the ideal fit for 2019's singer-songwriter slot (think 2013 inductee Randy Newman). Paul Shaffer, who jammed with Zevon many times on the Letterman show, is a crucial Zevon evangelist and Nomination Committee member. By honoring Warren, the Hall could have a substantial induction ceremony performance on their hands: Imagine what prior Zevon collaborator Bruce Springsteen or even spiritual descendant Father John Misty could do with "Johnny Strikes Up the Band" or "Accidentally Like a Martyr" (the latter performed by Bob Dylan live after he learned Zevon was dying of cancer). If Bob sees fit to cover your song, you probably warrant entry into the Hall.
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