In the over the top decade of the 70’s KISS were among the flashiest and you could not turn around without seeing their painted faces everywhere. Opinions on whether this theatrical band should be in the Hall are very strong on both the pro and con. Their fervent supporters will point to their massive record sales, vibrant concerts and thirty years plus of longevity as vital reasons for their cause. Their detractors will point to their lack music’s lack of depth and that they were little more than a gimmick band. Fact is; both camps are right. Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons will never be confused for John Lennon & Paul McCartney or Keith Richards & Mick Jagger but to their millions of fans their music is pure escapism and their definition of what Rock music is all about. And while yes, their kabuki style make up was a gimmick…well, it was one hell of a gimmick!

When the idea for this website was in its infancy, the first thing we did was figure who out all the eligible artists who are not in the Hall.  Many elicited a surprised reaction that they were not enshrined, but Deep Purple received the biggest “they aren’t in yet?” reaction from us. As we discussed the idea of this site with others, Deep Purple’s omission continued to get the most surprised reaction. Considering that budding musicians still cut their teeth to “Smoke on the Water” it is easy to understand why people feel that way about Deep Purple. Probably more than any other band on this list, they just “feel” like they belong in a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

To their legions of fans, Rush could be the quintessential definition of Progressive Rock. Through periods of Blues infused Rock, futuristic concept albums, the use of the synthesizer in the 80’s and Alternative Rock, Rush has been able to successfully borrow from multiple styles yet still remain a hard driving Rock band. Any publication that ranks the individual talents of musicians will almost certainly have members of Rush (especially their drummer, Neil Peart) listed in it.