With millions of records sold in Europe, and the unofficial status of being the top Boy Band East of the Atlantic, Westlife was a monstrous force for over a decade. Of course, two major things work against them in relation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. First, they are relatively unknown in the United States, and second they are a Boy Band! Enough said.

A very eclectic Electronic band, England’s UNKLE went through multiple lineups but always remained acclaimed. Going from Trip Hop, to Acid Jazz to Ambient influences, UNKLE always seemed to be slightly ahead of the curve and will likely be held in higher regard in the future than they are right now. They will have to be to get a shot for the Hall of Fame.

The start of the millennium was great for the Rock group, Train as they won Grammys, sold albums and hat a plethora of hits; and then it stopped…and then it started up again a decade later. That may be a good thing for as successful as they were at their career’s beginning, Train is not exactly a band that considered an influential act, and likely one that has to enter on the strength of sales and awards.

As one of the leaders of the Post Punk revival, the Rapture drew rave reviews and harkened many to the sound of twenty five years previous. That there is the problem for a band like this to enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as no matter how good they are, many of the original Post Punk bands of the late 70’s and early 80’s are still not in. How can the Rapture ever expect to enter the Hall unless that happens?