With their amazing blend of Funk, Punk, Rock and Rap, the Red Hot Chili Peppers sounded like no other band before or since. With unequaled energy and incredible innovation, the Peppers took the California sound to places that their musical Mecca never thought possible, and did so with millions of people listening.

We wondered aloud if the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just plain forgot about our next selection. It is curious that with both the Velvet Underground and the Talking Heads enshrined that Roxy Music; the premier Art Rock band between them has not received a serious look for induction.

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!

With our next selection we had a bit of an internal debate. We were very tempted to merge the work of Joy Division and New Order to form one entry. There is a precedent for this as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame collectively inducted Parliament and Funkadelic but unlike the aforementioned Funk outfits, New Order began when Joy Division ended and their sounds were different enough to illicit separate entries.