Depending on whom you ask in the Heavy Metal world, Venom was either one of the most important Heavy Metal bands or they were a complete non-factor. Venom is considered one of the first Extreme Heavy Metal bands of note, and although their record sales were dismal (as were many others on this list) their development toward Black Metal, Death Metal and Thrash is often cited as influential.

Sporting a brilliant career as a session musician in the 60’s (He actually may have a shot to get in as a side man), Campbell broke out on his own and produced some of the catchier Pop Country songs of all time and at the start of the 70’s he was a major star. Campbell is already in the Country Hall of Fame, and the question here is does he have enough Rock credibility form his solo work to breakthrough to Cleveland.

Making a splash with other Funk bands in the late 70’s, Cameo quickly dispelled the belief that they were a flash in the pan like some of the other Funk bands of their era became. Cameo forged onto through the 80’s with multiple hits and too many were the leading Funk based band of the decade. With that subjective title and with just enough hits a surprise induction could occur.

There are those in the Hall for one album, and it can even be debated in selected cases that it is for one song. With that said, can a case be made for the Kingsmen whose lone hit was a song that they didn’t even write? It is very hard to argue that the Kingsmen rendition of Louie Louie could be the most defining Garage song of all time and helped make Rock and Roll unsafe again. If any band could get in for a song they didn’t write, this is it.