12 Musicians & Bands Snubbed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The honor of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is given out annually to nominees selected by a voting committee from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Controversy has surrounded the Hall of Fame in regards to how the nomination process is run, since only a few individuals are behind it — and they’re not even musicians. To simplify it, artists are eligible to be inducted 25 years after their first recording is released, and looking at some of the current members, popularity has very little to do with it. Here are 12 musicians the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame snubbed despite record sales, fans, and influence on the music industry.
The Cure
Formed in 1976, English band The Cure has gone through several line-up changes — barring frontman Robert Smith — but still became one of the definitive bands of the goth-rock subgenre. Although Smith dislikes being categorized, especially as goth, The Cure were really one of the first alternative bands to have commercial success before alternative rock went mainstream. The Cure has been eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame since 2003, but they continue to be snubbed to this day, without even a nomination to whet our appetites.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
It’s apparent that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame looks at many factors in deciding who goes on the ballot, and commercial success isn’t always on top of that list. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have won seven Grammy Awards, sold over 55 million albums worldwide and hold a record of eleven number one singles on the Modern Rock charts — not to mention, being one of the best bands of the 90s. This was the first year RHCP met the eligibility requirements, but many fans were convinced that the band’s ability to masterfully fuse alternative rock, punk, funk, rap, psychedelic rock, heavy metal and pop rock would get them a first-ballot induction. Maybe next year…
Kiss
So, Kiss may not be one of the best rock bands ever (according to some), but in terms of what they’ve brought to the industry since their formation in 1973 — well, that’s another story. They’ve been rocking for 35 years and still outsell many bands to this day. How? Entertainment. Face paint, blood spitting, guitar smoking and fire breathing — when you go see Kiss, you get your money’s worth. Kiss has even been awarded 24 gold records and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Despite that, Rock Hall nominating committee member, Dave Marsh, once said, “Kiss is not a great band, Kiss was never a great band, Kiss never will be a great band, and I have done my share to keep them off the ballot.” Kiss has been eligible for induction since 1999, but were only just nominated this year, to no avail.
The Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys originally formed in 1979 as a hardcore punk group that morphed into the awesome hip-hop, rap/rock group that they are today. They’ve been eligible for the Hall since 2007 — and they were nominated that year — but the RRHOF committee has yet to honor these guys with the induction they deserve. The Beastie Boys remain one of the longest lived hip-hop acts worldwide today; they helped the initial drive of suburban America toward hip-hop, and were influential in areas not limited to music alone, but fashion and politics as well.
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper’s career as a rock singer has spanned five decades, but he has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame despite being eligible since 1994. Honestly, it seems like the Hall of Fame committee has something against metal, considering some of the inductees. If Alice Cooper didn’t invent rock and roll theatrics, then he was the Henry Ford of the concept — using guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, boa constrictors and baby dolls in his stage shows. This guy embodies rock and roll, and he may be one of the most deplorable snubs of the Hall of Fame.
Tears for Fears
English pop-rock duo Tears for Fears formed back in 1981, and has since sold over 22 million albums worldwide. Many believe that their album The Hurting was a masterpiece — with songs like “Head Over Heels” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” they hit it big on all levels. In fact, artists — the likes of Gary Jules and Kanye West — sample and cover those classic songs to this day. Despite the fact that they’re completely ingrained in the roots of modern music-culture, they have been eligible for Hall of Fame induction since 2006 with no luck.
Bon Jovi
Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi has managed to last over 25 years, selling over 120 million albums worldwide, and performing over 2,600 concerts that still sell out today. People love to hate Bon Jovi, but there’s no denying that their album Slippery When Wet contained some of the 80s’ best anthems, including “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” “You Give Love A Bad Name,” and “Livin’ On A Prayer.” The band was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and band members Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009 — now they just need to add the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to that list.
Depeche Mode
We realize that we’re talking about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame here, but Depeche Mode can simply not be snubbed any longer. The committee has inducted talents outside of the wide rock genre — like Run DMC — so why not include some electronic music? Depeche Mode has been eligible for induction since 2006 and with over 100 million albums and singles sold, they stand today as the most successful electronic band in music history. The committee can ignore Depeche Mode’s commercial success, but it’d be tough to ignore their influence on today’s artists, not only stylistically (the covers speak for themselves) but recording techniques and innovative use of sampling as well.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan — who became eligible for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2008 — influenced many artists in his day, and continues to do so even after his untimely death almost twenty years ago. Vaughan did more to champion blues as a genre in the eighties to a crowd with little exposure than any other single artist. Music producer Niles Rogers once said that “he played blues in an era when blues wasn’t cool, and exposed millions to a true American artform.” We couldn’t agree more.
Billy Idol
Billy Idol launched his solo career in 1981 with his Don’t Stop EP, but came into his own as an MTV staple a year later with hits “White Wedding” and “Dancing With Myself.” Idol has been eligible for induction since 2006, but remains unconsidered and outright snubbed by the Hall of Fame. His “Dancing With Myself” music video sparked a new era of feature film directors trying their hand at music videos, and despite what some critics may think, his hits are forever remembered as rock staples and iconic to an entire decade of music.
Rush
Eligible since 1998, Canadian rock band Rush has yet to even be considered by the committee for the Hall of Fame, despite the numerous fan-based efforts behind them. Rush is in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, so doubt surrounds a US induction altogether, but we get the feeling that our committee just don’t care about it anyway. Rush member Neil Peart is still influencing drummers today, Geddy Lee has the voice unmatched by anyone except Meat Loaf, and Alex Lifeson could arguably rank in with the top ten guitarists in the past thirty or so years — and that’s all without mentioning the synthesizers.
Joy Division
Post-punk band Joy Division may have had a brief career, but they may very well be one of the most influential bands of the last 25 years. Formed in 1976 in England, they weren’t quite a household name here in the US — which may be a big reason they’re not in our Hall of Fame — but their landmark song “Love Will Tear Us Apart” had such influence that it could single-handedly represent the missing link between punk and synth pop. If you’re still not convinced of Joy Division’s influence after confessions from U2′s Bono and The Cure, turn on the radio: post-punk revival bands like Interpol, Bloc Party, and the Editors will sound eerily familiar, while countless other popular bands will admit to listening to them.
Written by Cowboy on June 16th, 2010 | Tagged as: Popular Culture
On June 16th 2010, Val wrote:
Thank God someone is speaking up about the JOKE of a selection process! If artists inducted into the Hall are supposed to have possessed major influence over popular culture WHY is KISS a perpetual “nominee” and not ushered in with much fanfare? Chill’s, Cure, Idol – ditto ditto ditto – but the scorn of KISS is truly mind-blowing!
On June 16th 2010, beegirl wrote:
my biggest beef is not inducting depeche mode. they are still making brillant music to this day. wtf? i got a tattoo of the violator album cover on my arm to show my undying love for depeche. hopefully they will come to their senses.
On June 16th 2010, Soporifix wrote:
Kiss, Alice and SRV will get in eventually.
On June 16th 2010, Dick B. wrote:
Until Motorhead is in, the whole thing is a sham.
On June 16th 2010, some guy wrote:
You got the Tears for Fears recordings wrong. I agree The Hurting is great, but you mean The Big Chair… regardless, I find it hard to justify that many of these are actually very influential, other than Alice.
What about Jethro Tull??
On June 16th 2010, eeee wrote:
so you have problems with the hall of fame but list shitty bands who should get in? you have terrible taste in music and i guarantee that i could kick your ass.
On June 16th 2010, Trev wrote:
For what it’s worth, my humble opinion of where the H of F are correct from the above list:
The Cure – should be on
RHCP, Kiss and Rush – totally should be there.
Beastie Boys – not much more than a novelty act.
Alice Cooper – should be there with blood all over it.
Tears for Fears – Seriously? Bog standard 80′s popsters, nothing more significant.
Bob Jovi – totally, millions of fans can’t be wrong.
Depeche Mode – faggy little Brits rejected by their own country and embraced by people who don’t like actual songs.
SRV – should be stood at the top of the looking down at the others, an appalling omission.
Billy Idol – two hit wonder, didn’t write the songs, again another refugee from the UK. Wouldn’t even win idol these days.
Joy Division – surely will be there one day, Manchester forever.
On June 16th 2010, rickys wrote:
KISS was is and always will be a group of inferior songwriters and musicians dressed up to to amuse idiots. As for Bon Jovi, if popularity is the only criteria I can’t wait for Nickelback to get in.
On June 16th 2010, robert paulsen wrote:
The Rock n Roll hall of fame is a joke. Went last week to see it and was just surprised by what wasn’t in there. They won’t put these guys in the hall but aren’t above making money off selling their music and merchandise with their likeness.
On June 16th 2010, John wrote:
Joy division? “the most influential bands”? You have got to be kidding me.
On June 16th 2010, KingKennyCool wrote:
When they voted in Madonna they lost all cred.
On June 16th 2010, Jimmy wrote:
SRV: unbelievable that he’s not in
@ Trev: With respect, anyone who thinks the Beastie Boys were not much more than a novelty act doesn’t know much about them. If Miles Davis considered Paul’s Boutique one of the best albums ever, who are you to say?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul%27s_Boutique
On June 16th 2010, Vorple wrote:
Had me till Rush. They suck. Replace them with Kraftwerk on the list.
On June 16th 2010, MusicFan wrote:
Trev, you are a fucking idiot. Seriously.
On June 16th 2010, John wrote:
JOURNEY even got snubbed for this list, geez.
On June 16th 2010, David Cunningham wrote:
@vorple what the hell are you talking about when u say rush sucks. Name one other band that was playing in the early 70s and is still producing new material. They have evolved with the times and are still on top of their game musically instead of doing reunion tour after reunion tour like the other bands of their beginnings. In fact they are the #3 selling bands in the history of rock in regards to album sales behind the beatles and the rolling stones. The article was spor on in the description of the band members.
On June 16th 2010, Steve-O wrote:
I agree with this list. Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, & Joy Division most definitely should be in there. I am surprised Rush aren’t. Or even Kiss for that matter. However, in the new Rush documentary “Beyond the Lighted Stage”, the band have vehemently declared that they could not care less if ther were inducted or not.
Vorple, I agree Kraftwerk should be included. But the rest of your statement is invalid. ;-)
On June 17th 2010, 1984 wrote:
“Depeche Mode – faggy little Brits rejected by their own country and embraced by people who don’t like actual songs.”
Yeah right. Most bands wouldn’t have survived the Devotional tour.
On June 21st 2010, Music for the Masses wrote:
Depeche Mode is the biggest band in the world today.. the WORLD not just freakin’ America.. U go to Europe and Asia Depeche Mode are Household names, where as old Rockers (with due respect) SRV, RUSH and KISS or the other mainstream Rock artist, there only famous in US… HOF is about FAME how FAMOUS the artist is.. 100 Million albums sold around the GLOBE!! Who dat Beastiality boys?
On June 21st 2010, Chaos wrote:
People want their favorite band in because it seems like it will mean something. It doesn’t. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame admits artists by standards that have nothing to do with actual rock and roll or fame. Its just a group of people that arbitrarily decide on no actual criteria on who is inducted in to their private club. That’s right. That’s all it is. A private club with a figurative doorman arbitrarily deciding who is worthy of coming in. The RRHF sucks.
On June 23rd 2010, WTF wrote:
What about the ladies ??
Pat Benatar
Joan Jett
The Runaways
Linda Ronstadt
Genya Ravan
Fanny
Heart
some of the 60′s girls-Lesley Gore, Nancy Sinatra
Jackie DeShannon
all have had some kind of influence
They used to induct more than 5 artists/groups in the past
Many of the classic 70′s groups have been sorely overlooked in favor of stuff not worthy
Abba-rock ?? Who did they influence
Some of these on this list are good and they will have their time>>but don’t forget the “ladies of rock & roll”
On June 26th 2010, joe wrote:
SRV not being in is a travesty. I dont think Metallica should of been inducted before Maiden, Priest, or Deep Purple for that matter.
On July 11th 2010, philster wrote:
Philster says:
The induction committee is bogus. They have no criteria. Simply due to the fact Los Lobos, Little Feat and The
Doobie Brothers were never considered facilitates the dis card for this organization. No Steve Miller band, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Deep Purple, Chicago, Moody Blues further galvanizes my opinion. Are Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Young Rascals also excluded? What a joke. Clapton should hand his trophys back. Iggy Poop and the Cure have how many recognized songs? I’ll play 3 chords and you know these omited bands.
On August 26th 2010, y2jcb wrote:
Duran Duran, Duran Duran, Duran Duran ??? c’mon… 100 million sold/FAB5/Mtv Influenced (MJ Anyone) . All of these mentioned are good (maybe not Tears 4 Fears) but DD deserve it as much as Depeche/Cure/Joy Division
On September 21st 2010, Natalie wrote:
Pearl Jam should be added in due time. Why? They are the only “grunge” band still together and not only that, they continue to evolve as musicians not just “rock stars.” They sound better today in concert than they ever did 20 years ago in the studio. That is the mark of a great band. And they have a social conscience-something these other inductees do not. Just my thoughts…..
On October 14th 2010, Anna wrote:
Grand Funk Railroad, Nick Cave, Sonnic Youth and Thin Lizzy
On October 23rd 2010, niteowl59 wrote:
Cher, of all people, should have been in here years ago. What else does she have to do to prove her worth? Sonny & Cher were there very near the beginning of it all, & have had legions of fans since. Cher has had the distinct record of being the only female to have a top#1 in the last 5 decades & don’t know if the record still stands, but she also was #1 female in concert attendance $$ too. Does any of this count? Or does she have to stand on her head too?
On December 18th 2010, DB Cooper wrote:
The Guess Who…? What a great band!
On January 7th 2011, Grunge008 wrote:
@Natalie
Actually, Soundgarden is basically still together.