When the NIHOF committee got together and threw around adjectives to describe the musicians on this list the word “revolutionary” was mentioned quite often. Revolutionary certainly fits the music of MC5 (The Motor City 5), but this could be the only band that actually wanted to start a political revolution one as well.
Had we done this list with the criteria of chart success, Chicago would have easily been in our top ten. Having charted over multiple decades, Chicago has enjoyed a devoted following that few on this list can match. One has to wonder if the band was a little flashier, and the fans a little louder if it would not come as such a great shock as to the average music fan as to just how successful they were.
The NIHOF Committee knew that we had would be placing many artists that achieved limited commercial success. Yet when we looked at Big Star, we just couldn’t figure out why they never did hit the mainstream. Had they achieved more than just critical acclaim, they would likely be in the Hall already.
With this selection, we approach an artist who we just couldn’t figure out where to place; or even if we should place him at all. Was John Coltrane right for the Roots and Early Influence category? We didn’t think so as his greatest success and period of influence was simultaneous with the British Invasion. Does Jazz have a viable place in the Hall? We think so, as Miles Davis is in and many a Rock genre is Jazz infused. Besides, if any Jazz great had a “Rock Star” quality, it was John Coltrane.
When the world first discovered Peter Gabriel it was as the eccentric and flamboyant lead singer of Genesis. After splitting with Genesis and starting a solo career, Gabriel moved away from the Progressive Rock sound and was able to create radio friendly songs that still kept true to his eccentric nature. Gabriel was also able to incorporate his work into the video medium, creating groundbreaking videos (Shock the Monkey, Sledgehammer, Digging in the Dirt for example) that pushed the visual medium. His main focus of late has been the production and expansion of World Music showing that music truly is the great common denominator.
On the surface The Moody Blues appear to have a Hall worthy resume so when we initially put this list together it surprised us to find that they were not already inducted. As we learn more about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction practice it would now surprise us if they never got in.
After we came up with our rankings, it just seemed right for the Cure to be associated with number thirteen (their original rank). The mystical number might fit the gothic image of a band (who ironically despised that label) better than any other group on this list.
For years there has been a lack of Progressive Rock acts in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The bulk of that genre originated in the United Kingdom and it is there where we make our next selection, Jethro Tull. However, like many other British Progressive Rock bands they are on the outside looking in.
