It could be in the next hour, the next day or maybe in a week, but the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be announcing the 15 Candidates who will comprise this year’s Class of inductees. In what has become an annual tradition, a competition has arisen between myself (The Committee Chairman, and regular contributors DDT, and Spheniscus as to who can correctly predict the most Nominees
I will admit I was proud of my prognostic ability as I won the first go around (despite Fela Kuti being one of my predictions, which I am still hearing about!), however Spheniscus, our friend from New England captured year two. DDT, seeking his first win, appears to have solicited some help from Rock and Roll legends.
With that being said, let’s take a peak into Cleveland’s crystal ball shall we
The Committee Chairman
When I first envisioned five years ago in a bar in Toronto, the Jack Daniels and Polish pilsner would argue back and forth with me about the merits of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the snubs. Jack is still very much in my life, but he has softened his stance as many of his favorites (Rush and KISS most notably) have entered and the first ballot inductees they should have went with in the last few years have found their way in.
Like a sports team, I am a firm believer in momentum, and my picks are more of a reflection of that, as I believe that the same contenders are going to come up again and again. Every year, I find myself less and less surprised by whom they serve up on the ballot, so you will have to forgive my conservative (Fela Kuti free) choices.
Deep Purple:
Not only am I going to say that Deep Purple is going to be nominated, I will go one step further. This is the year they get in. Their support is growing from inductees (Rush and Metallica), they are staples on Classic Rock stations to this day (and more than just Smoke on the Water) and I am going to go with the most scientific fact of all; they are set to appear on the Notinhalloffame.com logo!
Let me explain. The main logo of our site always featured one snubbed Rock act, beginning with Alice Cooper, who at that time never received a nomination. Cooper was replaced with Rush who got in the year we placed them on the logo. Kiss took that spot and finally got in. Who did we place on the logo that we haven’t put up yet? Deep Purple. Yep, I am feeling cocky.
Kraftwerk
This is not because the first time we had a list, these eccentric Germans were tops on the list. Full disclosure, I come from an eccentric German, so you will have to forgive my obvious bias. Still, they have been up to bat before, and their influence is undeniable. The funny thing is with all these artists who have been passively aggressively campaigning for a Hall spot, here is a group that may have the strongest case (remember the only criteria that the Hall hangs their fedora on is “influence”) that could not possibly have less interest in the Hall, nor do their fans have any kind of campaign to get them in.
Bon Jovi
Okay, I know that Bon Jovi isn’t exactly “Arena Rock” based on the Journey/Boston definition, but can I argue that this is what they evolved into? The music, while never considered deep, never considered Metal (by the 80’s jean jacket set), never considered Alternative by anyone, but was always considered Rock Stars. Like Kiss before them, this is a band that we sometimes have to remember that this is an act who sold a lot of records, have signature Rock anthems and are not at all out of place here.
Quoting DDT, many arguments about the Hall would have been eliminated had they simply called it the “Rock and Soul” Hall of Fame, and there would be less “this guy isn’t Rock!” arguments and mild acceptance of perceived “non-rock” performers. It would be like die hard sports fans complaining when the pick the Sports & Leisure category and rather than being asked who was the American League MVP in 1961 and getting a question on backgammon instead. You hate it, but have to accept it because it said “Sports & Leisure”.
Wait, what was I talking about again? Oh yeah, Bon Jovi. Say what you want about them, but they have been a Rock band that survived better than Styrofoam. It’s a safe pick for the committee and after taking a barrage of rubber bullets from sites like us, it seems like it is time to throw out a softball, and a Hall of Fame concert draw.
Janet Jackson
I interviewed Mike Litherland, the founder of the “Induct Janet” campaign on social media not long ago and have been watching his numbers swell over the past year. I think we have forgotten (and thanks Mike for helping us remember) what an impact she had for an extended period of time and if the Hall is serious about inducting powerful women into the Hall, this is a great choice. Just don’t let Justin Timberlake anywhere near her during the acceptance speech!
The Cure
Frankly I would rather see either Joy Division/New Order or the Smiths in this spot, but with a past nomination for the Cure, I elected to go with the gothic one for this spot. 80’s Alternative actually has a place in the physical Hall of Fame, but there is little representation in the Hall itself in terms of the inductees. One of those three should get a nomination, I will go with the brooding one (Robert Smith) as opposed to the dead one (Ian Curtis) or the pompous one (Morrisey).
The Spinners
Like the Meters and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, this is a band that will appear on the ballot off and on, and never make the final cut. This is a group that represents Motown, the underappreciated Philly Soul, and as even last year’s inductee’s Hall & Oates will tell you, they wouldn’t be in, if it weren’t for the Spinners.
N.W.A.
There is always at least one rap group nominated and I defy ANYONE to tell me that N.W.A. is not the most important rap group eligible for the Hall not yet in. They have two previous nominations, a biopic coming out, and as long as Ice Cube doesn’t release another “Are We There Yet?” film, we promise to champion this cause until he gets in. Apologies to Eric B. and Rakim, and a non NCIS L.L. Cool J, but this should be a lock nomination, and this year a lock induction.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Do you know whom I get the most hate mail about in terms of rankings on the Rock List? Yep, Joan Jett. There have not been that many Hard Rocking females in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and by their own admission that is something that they want to address, and sorry Linda Ronstadt does not exactly satisfy that void. Jett is pure Rock yumminess and she keeps proving her prowess with a guitar and her voice on large stages, something her arguable equals (The Go-Go’s, Pat Benatar, and remember I said arguable) have not shown of late.
Chic
I don’t know what more to say here. This will be the 112th time that they will be nominated and not selected and I am secretly wondering I am wondering how many more times Lucy is going to pull away the football from Charlie Brown. I suspect another year anyway.
MC5
I almost took the New York Dolls in this slot. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s love for the early Punk movement is well documented, and they served the Stooges up again and again until they got in. How this hasn’t shifted towards MC5 yet could be because there is no Iggy Pop equivalent, but sooner or later they will at least get another nomination. I am going with sooner.
Green Day
This is the only first year eligible that I will peg for a nomination. Green Day, is a love it or hate it band, but detractors can’t ignore that this was the band that spearheaded a Punk revival, sold out a lot of venues and fit that pseudo-contemporary slot that the Hall loves. You know what else they love? Kowtowing, which Green Day has done for them ample times. With a Hall of Fame with as many political undertones as this one, I am almost convinced they will nominate them twice.
Yes
Last year’s nomination of Yes, and the induction of Rush two year’s before was a huge victory for Progressive Rock, the most forgotten genre in Cleveland. If we can argue that this is one of the most important groups in the genre not in, and they finally took step one, I believe they will take that step again. Though, why do I get the feeling that Jethro Tull will somehow take over this spot?
Procol Harum
They have been up to bat before, and there always seems to be a designated spot for the British Invasion. Procul Harum had the major hit (Whiter Shade of Pale), critical respect puffy shirts. Maybe the last one doesn’t help a whole hell of a lot, but since they won’t give this to the forever snubbed, Moody Blues (who rocked the puffy shirts better, I might add), I’ll go with the Conquistador here.
Pixies
The Replacements shocked me by getting a spot last year, and then I was shocked even more when nobody talked about it. This year, I think that the Pixies are up and are going to get a hell of a lot more buzz. I am also going to play the Kim Deal card, and this could also work as a powerful female inductee nomination.
Warren Zevon
There is always a Singer/Songwriter on the ballot isn’t there? As much as I would love see to past nominee, Gram Parsons in this spot, I have spent some time lately listening to Zevon’s back catalogue, and if this is a way to get the average man knowing that he did a hell of a lot more than “Ahhhhhooooooo” then I am all in for this one. I almost put Sarah McLachlin due to her huge Lilith Fair influence, but doesn’t that seem just as long ago as Zevon’s apex? I think Sarah will have to wait for one of those reflective moments that she is way too young (looking) for.
DDT
Recently, I sat down with David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel, founding members of the legendary Spinal Tap, to ponder the nominees who would appear on the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot. After several cups of strong black coffee, we were able to take a guess at that ballot. The excerpted conversation attempts to describe how we arrived at our predictions.
Ballot Virgins: First-Time Eligibles in 2014
Green Day
David: Well, they're a bit like the Clash meets the Beatles, aren't they? All that punk aggravation but done with that pop shine to it. Not surprising they got huge.
Nigel: Yeah, they started out as little snots but then Bobby Joe and them—
David: —Billy Joe, I think.
Nigel: Whatever. They got kind of political and all, and then people had to take them seriously.
DDT: So, you think they'll make the ballot in their first year of eligibility?
David: Oh, yeah. I mean, they're not like Nirvana last year. They might not get voted in right off, but—
Nigel: —I think they just might get voted in first time. You know, they did that album American Moron and they made—
David: —Idiot.
Nigel: [affronted] 'Eere, why you callin' me an idiot?
David: No, it's American Idiot. The album.
Nigel: Oh. Well, it was made into a play. Just like the Who and that album they did about the handicapped kid playing pinball.
DDT: Tommy?
Nigel: No, it's Nigel, mate. Thought you was writing all this down?
Sarah McLachlan
Nigel: Cor! I'd like to get her to smell the glove and—
David: —Nigel! [rolls his eyes, shakes his head] Can't take him anywhere.
Nigel: What I mean is she's got that Joni Mitchell thing going on, and what with the birds—er, I mean, the women—getting all rock and roll now . . . [drifts off; looks confused]
David: I don't know that she was a huge pop star but her albums were big.
DDT: Yes, she has a number of platinum albums: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, Surfacing, Afterglow, and—
David: —Right. Really popular with the adult album alternative crowd. Big critical darling.
Nigel: Didn't she start that Birdfest?
David: I think that was Lilith Fair. [nods] That was influential.
DDT: Historic, too.
Nigel: Well, yeah. She was in the Bible, I think.
David: [looking puzzled] Er, right. I think Sarah is just part of that singer-songwriter thing that the Hall usually goes for. She'll be on the ballot.
Nigel: All I know is that when I hear "Angel" I want to cry just thinking 'bout all those chucked-away puppies getting the chop.
Nine Inch Nails
David: Although it's not to my taste, you can't really discount industrial—it got to be very huge, and Nine Inch Nails sort of led it all.
Nigel: Yeah, but it's really all just that bloke, right?
DDT: Trent Reznor.
David: So what? Who cares if it's called Trent Reznor or Nine Inch Nails? They were bloody influential.
Nigel: I just don't know if they'll nominate Trent Whatshisname or Nine Inch Nails.
David: [sounding exasperated] It doesn't matter, Nigel! It's all the same bloke!
DDT: So, you both think Nine Inch Nails will be nominated. Do you think they'll—he'll—be voted in the first year?
David: I think, yeah. He—they—did so much with synthesizers and computers and whatnot, but you can still tell there's a human beneath it all. It's like . . . machines with a soul. And then he started doing picture soundtracks like that one about that Facebook wanker.
Nigel: I dunno. I think that the Charlie Manson thing may hurt him. Them. Whatever.
David: [frowning] What are you talking—do you mean Marilyn Manson?
Nigel: No, no. Where he used to live. Didn't he live in the house where Manson's lot did all those killings?
DDT: Sharon Tate's house in Los Angeles.
David: [exasperated] What's that got to do with anything, Nigel? Besides, that's rock and roll. Axl Rose used to wear a Charles Manson T-shirt and that didn't stop Guns 'N Roses from being—
Nigel: —All right! Just trying to think beyond the carton.
David: Do you mean "outside the box"?
Queen Latifah
Nigel: She's important, yeah. But Queen Latifah is really just like the woman version of LL Cool J—she did rap to get famous, but then went on to telly and pictures.
David: Well, I dunno. Rap was such a boast for blokes, and here she comes with her "Ladies First" and all. That was pretty impressive.
Nigel: But didn't she also try to sing for a while?
DDT: Yes. She sang soul and jazz standards on The Dana Owens Album.
Nigel: [looks quizzical] I thought we was talking about Queen Latifah?
David: Dana Owens is her real name. But, yeah. Forgot about that. [purses lips] Well, I think the rap stuff done by a woman will get some notice, but like Nigel says—[shrugs]
DDT: So, you think Queen Latifah will get a courtesy nomination but that's it?
Nigel: I do. I think it will be like those gangsta blokes.
DDT: NWA.?
Nigel: [frowns] I thought that used to be an airline?
David: [sighs] That's TWA! But, yeah, she'll be on the ballot because the Hall of Fame wants to show that it likes rap and lady rappers, but I don't know that she'll get many votes.
Ballot Virgins: Eligible in Previous Yea
Dick Dale
David: What's brilliant about surf music is that, apart from the Beach Boys, all the really great records are the instrumentals.
Nigel: [nods] A lot of my leads are inspired by what I heard on all those old Dick Dale records. The fast arpeggios and that. He's just flash, a real master of the Stratocaster.
DDT: Do you think a Dick Dale nomination would be a courtesy one, like Link Wray's was last year?
Nigel: Oh, yeah. All these blokes—when David and I were learning to play, we wore down our copies of "Rumble" and "Miserlou" and them, listening over and over to how they made their guitars sound like that.
David: It's too bad that the kids today don't know who these . . . geniuses were, but what's really crook is that the voters will look and say, "Well, he didn't have big hits like Duane Eddy did."
Nigel: Wasn't he the bloke who died in the motorbike crash?
DDT: That was Duane Allman.
David: The Pulp Fiction thing may help him.
Nigel: Dick Dale was in that?
David: [groans] No, Nigel, but his record was. But, yeah, I think it'll be a nod and a wink to him to say they nominated him once.
Def Leppard
David: Well. [chuckles] It's hard to be unbiased about the competition, but I'm a bit surprised they haven't been nominated yet.
Nigel: Yeah, Def Leppard were pop-metal—they didn't have the same, ah, musical complexity that we did—but you heard their songs everywhere.
David: And let's face it—all the birds went to see them.
Nigel: Right. Sometimes I'd look out at the audience and it was—what do they call it now? A sausage fest?
David: Which of course renders Derek's bit of padding a bit ironic sometimes.
DDT: Do you think Def Leppard could be voted in as well?
David: Good question. All of us back then, Priest, Maiden—dare I say Tap?—thought we were cutting-edge, but sometimes it's the popular ones. So, yeah. Maybe.
Nigel: I do wish we'd written something like "Rock of Ages," though.
David: We still have "Stonehenge," Nige.
Whitney Houston
Nigel: If it were just on looks alone—Cor! She was a right looker! At least until [sniffles] the drugs thing knocked her about. [rubs nose]
David: [looks askance at Nigel] I think she's remembered for her voice. I'm a bit surprised she hasn't even been nominated yet, so, yeah, I think it's her turn.
Nigel: It was that thing she did with a note, right? Stretch it out until next Tuesday and made it swan about?
DDT: Melisma.
David: That really added a gospel-style emotion to her singing—gave it a real punch. It's just too bad that everybody had to start doing it.
Nigel: Right. Every wannabe on Pop Idol and American Idol and all them.
DDT: Do you think she's a Hall of Fame talent?
David: I do. Yeah. I mean, I'm not a big pop fan, but give credit. She was huge and influential. A little like Madonna.
Nigel: But Madonna's still alive. Isn't she?
David: Of course she is, Nigel. Not always sure about her career, though.
Janet Jackson
David: Well. [grins] I suppose we'd better get the "wardrobe malfunction" out the way first.
Nigel: What? When she showed her Bristols on telly? What was that? That big football game? Or what you lot call football over here.
DDT: Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, when Janet Jackson did the halftime show with Justin—
David: —That's hardly the extent of her career, though. Besides, that's like Elvis wiggling his hips way back when, or what Madonna and Prince do now nightly.
Nigel: I'm not a big pop fan, but I always thought Janet's songs hit harder than her brother's.
David: Yeah, she did have an edge to her hits, and that was really influential. Can't believe she hasn't even been nominated yet.
DDT: Do you think she belongs in the Hall of Fame?
David: [pauses] Um, yeah, I suppose. I mean, she's not really a great singer, but her musical style is quite—
Nigel: —Bob Dylan can't sing for apples, but he's in the Hall—
David: —But Janet Jackson is hardly Bob Dylan! So, yeah. She's important enough.
Nigel: Besides, they'll get loads more visitors if they keep the "wardrobe malfunction" video running on a loop.
Jethro Tull
Nigel: [looks surprised] What? You mean that old geezer who plays the one-legged flute isn't in the Hall already?
David: [disgusted] They haven't even been nominated yet! And it's been—what?—ages since they've been eligible, right?
DDT: Twenty-one years.
David: Crikey! Has it been that long? I remember when they came along. All Dickensian burlesque or something, but nobody was doing what they did.
Nigel: Yeah, all that "in England's green and pleasant land" stuff gave us the idea for "Stonehenge," I think.
David: [looks dubious] I dunno about that, but Tull's hard-rock approach to old folk songs did inspire us to branch out a bit. Inspired a lot of bands, actually, although nobody could actually copy what they did.
Nigel: No, no. They're quite unique. In fact, I'd say they're one of a kind.
DDT: Well, "unique" does mean one of a—
Nigel: —You say they've never even been nominated?
David: I say it's right bloody time! Before the poor geezers start to kick off!
[Editor's note: Jethro Tull's original bassist Glenn Cornick died on August 28, 2014.]
The Steve Miller Band
David: These geezers have been around for ages too. Can't believe they've not been nominated yet, although I doubt I'd vote for them.
Nigel: Oh, I dunno. They were quite the flavor in the Seventies, weren't they? That one about time slippin' into the future, that was really . . . deep. [looks off reflectively]
David: But what's that got to do with soaring like a falcon?
DDT: "Fly Like an Eagle."
David: Yeah, whatever. He was, like, just recycling all that trippy-hippie guff we used to sing about in the Sixties and made it sound smooth.
DDT: Actually, Steve Miller got his start in the Sixties, and—
Nigel: —That's right! He was the "Space Cowboy," wasn't he? And didn't that other bloke used to sing with him? The one who went disco in the Seventies?
DDT: Boz Scaggs.
David: Oh, yeah. [nods slowly] Some of that was quite forward-looking. [grins] He was Seventies in the Sixties, then went Sixties in the Seventies.
Nigel: So, what happened to him in the Eighties?
DDT: "Abracadabra"?
Nigel: [frowns] He became a magician?
Roxy Music
Nigel: Right, this one I don't understand. I mean, these guys were a bit Bowie, and that one singer bloke was a bit of a ponce, but they—
DDT: —Brian Ferry.
Nigel: Well, there you go! Even his name is a bit Nancy-boy!
David: [sighs] Nige, it was Ferry, F-e-r-r-y. Like the boat. [pauses] They were a bit artsy, but—cor!—they had a real drive! They were like half-glam, half-art rock, and we all know how the Hall feels about art-rock.
Nigel: Hang on—these were the blokes that had that flash guitarist, Phil Maserati or whatever. Yeah, he was totally brill—
DDT: —Manzanera. Phil Manzanera.
Nigel: Yeah, whatever. He played some right tasty stuff. That one number where—
David: —What I don't get is that—look. These blokes, they did this real glam bit but they could really rock out at the same time, and Ferry was like this . . . this Noel Coward kind of chap who got the birds all excited, damp knickers and the whole lot. And when the New Wavers came along, slagging all that Seventies art-rock and arena rock, geezers like Zeppelin and Pink Floyd and—
Nigel: —Us.
David: [clears throat] Well, maybe, yeah. But my point is that Roxy was real influential on all those Eighties high hairdos and synths and all.
Nigel: Without a doubt. Top-gear band.
DDT: A Hall of Fame band?
David: That's wot I'm sayin'! Know wot I mean?
T. Rex
David: And speaking of Bowie . . . Bolan was his own guy, though.
Nigel: And a rocker, too. Those were some punchy pop-rock songs they did. Didn't Robert Palmer and a couple of blokes from Duran Duran do a cover of one of them?
DDT: Power Station covered "Bang a Gong (Get It On)."
David: Not everyone remembers that they used to be called Tyrannosaurus Rex, and in the Sixties they were a real artsy-folksy lot, all flowers in their eyes and stars in their hair. Or something.
Nigel: [wistfully] A bit like Tap, actually. But they smelled the winds of change too.
David: And a mighty wind that was. [rolls eyes] But, yeah, I can see them gettin' nominated, 'cause it wasn't just Bowie that was big in glam.
DDT: They had the same producer, though. Tony Visconti.
David: Yeah, but I think that Bolan and T. Rex were a bit more bawdy, though. Bowie's a genius and all, but he's a bit precious sometimes. Bolan's the kind of bloke you'd have a pint with down at the local.
Nigel: And he'd help draw the birds too.
David: So, I think he'll get a nomination, though I don't think he'll get in the Hall right away.
Nigel: Oh, I dunno. I'd vote them in, even if they are dinosaurs.
David: In a manner of speaking, yeah.
Ballot Veterans: Nominated Previously
Deep Purple
Nigel: It's a bloody shame that these geezers aren't in the Hall yet! I mean [plays air guitar]—"dun-dun-DUN! Dun-dun-DUN-DUN!" How much more rock and roll can you get?
David: Steady on, Nige! [rolls eyes again] But, yeah, they were really influential. We decided to get a keyboards player because of Purple.
DDT: Really?
Nigel: Oh, yeah. Gave us a whole new dimension.
David: Definitely. It let me open up my songwriting into multi-part pieces, with various moods and voices, contrasting sections—
Nigel: —Intersecting lines.
David: Yeah. The whole bit.
DDT: But were they really that good? I mean, they had a brief glory period but—
Nigel: —What, are you one of those snooty critics who have to . . . criticize everything?
DDT: Well, not really, but—
Nigel: —If you think it's so easy, then you try it sometime!
David: Now, Nige. You know the saying: Those what can't do become rock critics. But, I dunno. I think of Zeppelin as being huge, Sabbath being huge, but Purple being just . . . big.
Nigel: [groans] Not you too, David! C'mon! "Smoke on the Water"! "Highway Star"! Er, that one about trucking through space!
DDT: "Space Truckin'."
David: If AC/DC and ZZ Top are already in. [shrugs] Yeah, why not them too?
Kraftwerk
David: These blokes are really odd! I mean, talk about humorless German engineers!
Nigel: Yeah, but they were doing computers and synthesizers before everybody else.
DDT: Well, almost everybody. Tangerine Dream was doing—
David:—The Hall don't really do Krautrock, do they? I mean, yeah, the Yanks invented rock and [smiles slyly] the Brits perfected it, but give credit. The Germans had a real technical thing going on.
Nigel: Right. A lot of modern techno owes its life to what Kraftwerk was doing.
David: And rap too. Don't forget that one bloke who did "Planet Rock."
DDT: Afrika Bambaata. And Donna Summer and her producers seemed to—
David:—There you go! All that dance music in the Eighties and beyond. You've got Kraftwerk lurking about in the shadows there.
Nigel: They're a bit like Nine Inch Nails, only they're machines without a soul. [frowns] Which I suppose would make them—
David:—Just machines.
Nigel: But without a soul.
The Spinners
Nigel: But speaking of soul—you mean these geezers aren't in yet? Crikey! Better hurry before the Grim Reaper sticks his . . . er, whatever that thing he carries is.
DDT: A scythe.
Nigel: No, not the sound he makes. That harvesting thing he tots about with.
David:[sighs] These blokes are pensioners. They've been around for ages!
Nigel: What gets me is, look at all the black folks who are already in. You've got—
David:—Hang about, Nige. You don't want to sound like Enoch Powell!
Nigel: [frowns] Didn't he play drums for Jeff Beck?
DDT: No, that was Cozy Pow—
Nigel: —All I mean is, you've got these great soul and R&B groups that are already in, and here are the Spinners, sleeping rough outside the door. Even that geezer who sang "When a Man Loves a Woman" is in.
DDT: Percy Sledge.
Nigel: Isn't he an MP?
David:What Nigel means is that it's a real miscarriage of justice that they aren't in yet. And I agree completely.
Nigel: That's right. [looks puzzled] But I thought abortion wasn't legal here.
DDT: Well, gentlemen, it's been an honor having you predict who the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will nominate this year. I hope you picked all winners!
David:[grins] And we didn't even have to make a stupid bloody joke about "going to eleven"!
DDT: There's still time.
Nigel:Oh, yeah? What are the hours?
Spheniscus:
So, last year I had the most correct predictions on this site, correctly determining 7 of the 15 nominees for the Rock Hall. Really, it should have been 8, but I refused to believe that the groundswell of support for Yes was real and switched them out for Barry White at the last moment. The moral of the story as always, none of us actually know a damn thing.
That said I actually feel like I have a much better handle on what the committee is thinking this year. That clearly means that I will get four correct. But here goes anyway...
First Time Eligibles
Green Day
This is now the fourth year in a row that we have had one absolute no-brainer first year inductee, following Guns 'N Roses, Public Enemy, and Nirvana chronologically over the last three years. Green Day will get nominated and they will get in. Which is pretty amazing, seeing as if you had repeatedly asked 17 year old me whether Green Day or The Offspring would have been the first one in the Rock Hall, I would have picked The Offspring every time. The difference is 2004's "American Idiot" which took Green Day from very good punk band to worldwide phenomenon, and spawned a musical that would win two Tony Awards. They will be nominated and I hope they have the time of their lives at the induction ceremony next April.
Nine Inch Nails
Looking at the list of first time eligible, there are some interesting names out there: Lenny Kravitz, Pavement, The Manic Street Preachers, Tom Petty as a solo artist. Sarah McLachlan will be discussed as not only an artist but the founder of Lilith Fair. Garth Brooks will have supporters. So will Selena and heck, maybe even the Barenaked Ladies. But ultimately if there is a second nominee out of this group I think it would have to be the kings of industrial rock Nine Inch Nails, a band with so many members over the years that only Trent Reznor might get inducted. I’m not sure they will get in this year, but nominating a rock band from Cleveland in their first year of eligibility would certainly be popular in the Rock Hall’s hometown.
Returning from Last Year
Spheniscus:
N.W.A.
Once again N.W.A. will most likely be the only rap group on the ballot this year. Erik B. and Rakim and LL Cool J are still lurking out there as possibilities, but unless you think "Bust a Move" makes Young MC a Hall of Famer, there's no one new to challenge them this year. N.W.A.’s issue for induction is that they only released two studio albums, but the first was Straight Outta Compton, which went double platinum with nearly no airplay nationwide. They are in many ways the Stooges of the rap world, so it may take them some time to get in. But they will be nominated again this year, and actually with ?uestlove now involved I'd be shocked if it wasn't this year.
Deep Purple
Deep Purple has made the ballot for the past two years and given the shock that accompanied their not getting in either year, I expect they will stay on this list until they are inducted. Detractors will call them a one hit wonder, which is bupkus (although if it were true, having "Smoke on the Water" as your one hit would be a pretty bad ass). But at this point they have collected some powerful allies. Most notably Metallica's Lars Ulrich and our very own Chairman, who I believe are equally powerful voices at this point.
Yes
My gast was flabbered last year when they were nominated. I saw the momentum behind them coming from Capitol Hill staffers of all people and put them as my last choice last year. Then I thought, when was the last time a bipartisan committee got something important done in Washington and changed my vote to Barry White for no reason other than he's Barry White and should have been in long ago. I am not making the same mistake this time. Stories that they missed by less than 40 votes and my favorite that they actually were inducted but had already committed to a Prog Rock cruise at the time of the Induction Ceremony so their induction got pushed back a year are circulating. That is enough for me to believe that they will be returning to the ballot.
Chic
Let’s be honest, this is just going to keep happening. Nine nominations, nine rejections. You wonder if Nile Rodgers is going to finally change the name of Chic’s biggest hit back to its original title (that would be changing “Freak Out” to “F*ck You” for those of you curious at home) if they get nominated and don’t get in this year. Strangely it is his work with a much more modern song that may help Chic this time around, Daft Punk’s three time Grammy Winner “Get Lucky”. Hopefully for Chic and Disco fans everywhere, that title will prove prophetic and the 10th time will finally be the charm.
The Zombies
Little Stevie lost last year. No seriously, he actually didn't get his nominee in the British Invasion slot. Two years ago I gave this slot to the Zombies only to see Procol Harum become Little Stevie's pet project. Last year I was resigned to them getting nominated again and inducted so that Little Stevie's next pet project, Johnny Burnette and the Rock 'N Roll Trio, could step forward. Instead, sanity reigned and the Zombies got this spot. I think they got one more shot at it this year. If they don't get elected, however, expect someone else to take this slot next year.
Returning from Previous Years
Gram Parsons
Two years ago I said that for their songwriter spot, the committee would go back to someone they had nominated before. And instead of Parsons they went and took Tyrion Lannister hater and my musical kryptonite Randy Newman. Last year there really wasn’t anyone in this spot (Peter Gabriel was a bit too pop to be considered a songwriter), so I think they go back to it this year. And Parsons previous nomination gives him the nod in my mind over the equally worthy Warren Zevon.
Bon Jovi
Two years ago, the Rock Hall elected the band with the most vocal fans over their continued snubbing with Rush. Last year, against all odds (well I hadn't counted on Tom Morello), they placated the KISS army. The question now is who is the biggest upset fan base remaining? The two main names to me have to be Chicago and Bon Jovi and only one of those bands is still selling out stadiums and arenas all across the country. So Bon Jovi gets the nod here (sorry Bills fans).
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
The Rock Hall skipped over Joan Jett for a nomination last year after having given her the nod in 2012 and 2013. I am on record saying I’d prefer the Runaways or Pat Benatar, but it looks like Jett has to get in first before any other hard rocking ladies will be considered. And it should be noted that her excellent performance with Nirvana at last year’s ceremony not only showed that she still has it, but showed the nominating committee she is willing to play the game to get in. I believe the nomination happens again, but I’d be a bit surprised if she gets in this year.
The Chantels
There are still several groups from the Motown era who have not been inducted. The Marvelettes were the choice two years ago but I think that The Chantels, who have been nominated twice before in 2002 and 2010 will get their shot again. The first popular girls group, they are the trailblazers for all who came after them. They are a committee favorite and after a five year absence, are due for another nomination.
First Time/Long Time
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Dear nominating committee, you have a Blues performer spot every year. Every year someone other than Stevie Ray Vaughan fills that spot. You are not doing your jobs. I mean, have you heard "Texas Flood"? Good God almighty Stevie is overdue.
Joy Division/New Order
I get no joy in combining these two bands into one nominee. It makes me feel icky. But as I have said the past two years, it is better for both to go in together than making them both wait indefinitely while you decide who should be nominated first (Joy Division is my vote on that front if you are scoring at home). While New Order was much more commercially successful and has had a longer run, Joy Division changed music and before Ian Curtis’ suicide more or less created the Post-Punk sound. I’d love to get them in separately, but the last exhibit you see in the Rock Hall’s main gallery in Cleveland are the two of them combined in one panel and I think that is the only way they get in. If not, you will see substantially the same paragraph every year until they are nominated. This has to happen. And soon.
Janet Jackson
Now that the Rock Hall has gotten those pesky just died (Donna Summer) or can't sing anymore (Linda Rondstadt) female artists out of their way (even though both should have been in long ago) they have two options. They could go back to the pet projects of Little Stevie (see Love, Darlene and Nyro, Laura) or they could go keep going with artists who should be no-brainers. Since I cannot predict the whims of a supporting character on the Sopranos, I am going with the latter. Looking at who is still out there (myriad), and the new blood that has come on to the nominating committee, Janet "Ms. Jackson if you're nasty" just seems like the obvious choice. I have probably just doomed her chances at nomination.
Sonic Youth
Is this really happening? After being largely ignored by the Nomination Committee since 2007 when they first became eligible, it appears that this is the year. As much as I complain about Little Steven getting whatever he wants, I am all in favor of ?estlove getting whatever he wants. Because what he wants is awesome. Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo, and Steve Shelley have been making music together since 1981 (okay Shelley has only been around since ’85 but you get the idea). And unlike other bands, Sonic Youth’s new stuff is still challenging, interesting, and vital. To me they are the Velvet Underground for Generation X. If they get nominated, they will get in. And I think they are getting nominated.
Steve Miller Band
Two years ago the Chairman selected Fela Kuti and I haven’t let him forget it. I can’t mock him anymore, there appears to be legitimate love flowing Kuti’s way for once. That said, I still couldn’t pull the trigger on putting Kuti in the last spot. Last year I gave it to Barry White who should just be in already. Do you hear me Committee? Anyway, this year, I have moved to another band that everyone figures is in already: The Steve Miller Band. Steve Miller Band has been eligible since 1993 and has never been nominated. I am as confused as you are as to how this is possible. I didn’t know any guy in college who didn’t have at least SMB’s greatest hits album. And anyone who didn’t figured they could just borrow it from someone else or download it from Napster (hey, remember Napster? We are so old). I have no idea if this will happen, but it should. As should Roxy Music, Dire Straits, the Grass Roots, Bill Withers, Cher, Gil Scott-Heron, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Patti LaBelle, Tina Turner, Peter, Paul, and Mary, the Spinners, Phil Collins, Sting, Ben E. King, Ruth Brown, and well, I should probably stop here. This list will get really long, really quickly.
So gang, those are the picks we have made, and perhaps you may want to join in on the fun and let us know what you think!
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