A band that is constantly compared to (or in the shadow of) Tool, Chicago’s Chevelle was a decent Hard Rock band in their own right. Dark and brooding, though very talented, the band also has been compared to by Helmet (by themselves too) and with constant comparisons to those two higher profile acts, it is next to impossible to see them inducted. 

A bit of a Late 90’s/Early 00’s Hard Rock Throwback, Buckcherry was a Rock band that seemed to hit the big time a few years too late to be big. The band had a few hits, and could very well have a few more, but unless that happens they won’t have much a chance for Cleveland. 

More of a hybrid of Country and Southern Rock than most people realize, Brad Paisley was labeled as a Country star, though he seemed to have more qualities that resembled Lynyrd Skynyrd than other Traditional Country Acts. Regardless, Paisley is in the same boat as many other New Country stars in that unless the old Country Superstars get in, it does matter how much “Rock” credibility that they have as they under the eight ball for Cleveland consideration. 

The Zakk Wylde led Black Label Society has one major intangible: Zakk Wylde.   Wylde is beloved in Metal circles and as such, his project automatically gained him an automatic fan base. However, as watchers of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are very much aware that the musical genre of Heavy Metal is not exactly respected by them, and as such we don’t see any real chance for the Black Label Society to enter the Hall; despite the Zakk Wylde effect.