At some point the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will have to address the Brit Pop phenomenon of the 1990’s.  Although Oasis is most likely to get that nod from the Hall (should it ever come and based on the way the Hall has treated the British heavyweight from the 1980’s), Blur could be the band that gets it in their place.  Blur may not have rivaled Oasis in American success, but they matched them in England note for note, and in some circles are considered the superior of the two bands.  They survived the demise of Brit Pop with Lo Fi endeavors and with Damon Albarn’s side project of Gorillaz remaining strong, his profile (and by default, Blur) might be strong enough to net an induction when eligible. 

Although Alice in Chains has been pegged primarily as a Grunge band, of the slew of Seattle bands AIC may have been the one that drew more from the Heavy Metal set than the rest.  They were very successful, charting often despite gloomy material and a dirty Post Punk sound. Equally adept at acoustic performances, AIC was a favorite among many who followed the Alternative set.  It can’t be argued that Nirvana will lead the Grunge charge for the Hall, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Alice in Chains will follow them in if a couple of the other Grunge acts get in.

Generally you don’t think of Nebraska when you look for influential Alternative bands but that is where we find 311, a band that combined Rap Metal with Funk and Reggae.  They built their following slowly with constant touring and grass roots promotion.  Over time, they escaped the American Mid West and achieved National prominence as a key Alternative band.  They did not reach the critical acclaim that other bands of their ilk did and this could be a big reason that they don’t receive the call from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.