2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

Today is one of the few days us Rock Hall Watchers all get together, and excitedly, go crazy on social media. For the right reasons, of course. We all had mixed thoughts as always; actually, this time around everyone seemed to be in good spirits and satisfied (well, with the exception of some person that calls itself Zuzu...). Satisfied of the fact that some unpredictable moments occurred (which I'll get into). In short, in the words of Hall of Famer Ice Cube, "today was a good day".

Your 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees:

Def Leppard-Stevie Nicks-Janet Jackson-Roxy Music-The Cure-The Zombies-Radiohead


I didn't get all of them right, but close enough. That's usually what happens, with the exception of two years ago! Still, this is great. I agree with all the Rock Hall Watchers that this is one of the best inductee lists in years. I like to think of it as a Heinz 57 class, you know where the Rock Hall 'catches up' with some of the backlog. As Nick B. put it, it is a step forward for alternative rock in the HOF. The baby boomers generation is about to end, which is a good/bad thing - that's for another time. After years of "classic rock-heavy" classes, this may be a new page in the history of the RRHOF. What's even great about this class is the diversity. Even greater is that all new inductees have expressed their appreciation on their social media pages (with the exception being Radiohead...).

Def Leppard easily won the Fan Vote, which to this day has been a success from the beginning. (Like I always say, it only counts for one ballot!) Stevie Nicks was no surprise either. The Rock Hall Watchers community seemed a bit divided on this one. Many feel she isn't deserving as a solo act. As for me, I know about her influence among several female singers today and I do agree her solo career isn't very noteworthy. I look at it both ways, so I see where the others are coming from. But it happened. I'll be the 498th person to say that she will be the first woman to get into the Clyde McPhatter Club - or the 'inducted more than once' group. I do feel that distinction should have went to someone else, be it Carole King, Tina Turner or Diana Ross. I'll save that conversation for another time. Radiohead - hey, I'm happy they got in on second try. At least I don't have to worry about them, Janet or the Cure popping up again on future ballots. The only thing with Radiohead is there's a strong possibility that they won't show up (as Tom Lane pointed out) to the ceremony, so maybe that's why there's an additional spot for them on the list. Roxy Music finally got in, as this was a group that has appeared on several Rolling Stone lists in the past. I'm very happy for Janet, as many have doubted her chances for not being "rock and roll". (Pssttt...tell that to Vernon Reid, who I hope will be part of her induction performance) Many have already pointed out that Janet's induction will open doors for several divas including Whitney, Mariah, etc. I'm happy for the person behind the Twitter account, InductJanet, that their efforts to get Janet in have paid off. The Zombies, I don't even know where to start...in a great way! Finally, the Cure. It is awesome that they will finally open the door to possibly several alternative/80s indie groups. Ever since my big sis turned me on to them when I was little, I've been a dedicated fan of theirs. (I still have to see them in concert though!)

Those who didn't get in: LL Cool J, Todd Rundgren, John Prine, MC5, Devo, Kraftwerk, Rufus/Chaka Khan, Rage Against the Machine

As the saying always goes, "Better luck next time, or in this case, better luck next year...". The biggest shocker is Todd Rundgren, whose name appeared on the ballot for the first time. He's well known all around in the music world, so it was a bit odd not seeing him on the list. I'm positive he'll get in soon, now that he's on the board. Devo and John Prine were also new names, and I also see them getting in sometime in the next few years - maybe sooner. All respect to Tom Morello (nah, I'm pretty sure he's not reading this, haha), I'm not at all worried about Rage. I'm one of many who are concerned about Kraftwerk's chances of getting in. I have to keep telling myself that it took Black Sabbath a ridiculous 8 nominations (in a span of ten years) to get in. But the German electronica pioneers have waited longer, time-wise. Please no back-door inductions for this group! I'm one of the few concerned about LL Cool J. I'm sure he'll get in, but I'd hate to see him get in when its time for Jay-Z and Eminem to get inducted. Many of you know how I feel about Rufus/Chaka Khan. If not, I'll give you the short explanation: I do recognize their worthiness, but I'd rather someone else from that genre and time period get in than them.

Some interesting notes and observations. Many Rock Hall Watchers tweeted about them and/or put them on the FRL site:

-Janet Jackson is the first female inductee born after 1960. There are 66 living male inductees born from 1960 on. (Thanks, FRL guy!)

-With Janet going to be in the Hall of Fame, she will extend the Jackson family's record as the family with the most inducted members (Michael, Tito, Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine - who were all part of the Jackson 5, and Janet). All members of the family were involved in music and released singles of their own, but its very unlikely any more will be inducted into the Hall.

-One more thing about Janet: she is the first living black woman to be inducted since Claudette Robinson (who was inducted with the Miracles in 2012). (thank you Alex Voltaire!)

-According to one of FRL's tweets:
     -This is one of the largest class of performers since 2004.
     -5 out of the Top 6 finishers in the official fan poll were inducted
     -3 of the inductees were inducted on first nomination
     -36 total people inducted (4 are deceased)
     -2 woman inductees

-5 out of the 7 inductees are British acts (thank you Gassman)

-Many are already saying that this will probably be the best Induction Ceremony in years. Anyone who will be lucky to get a ticket will get to witness several legends on-stage, that's assuming most will show up! One pointed out that Janet, Def Leppard and Stevie Nicks may have to fight over the headlining spot. It will for sure be a star-studded event, maybe with some surprises. Even if Radiohead chooses not to show.

I'm sure there's more, just can't think of any at the moment.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with this class. I can't wait to do my annual Rock Hall Special on my radio program in March. I know I'll be playing lots of Cure! (laughs)   I am disappointed, like every recent year, there are no inductees in the other categories (outside of Performers). However, it was revealed there will be more Song Inductees - we all can't wait to hear who/what they are. Now for predicting, who will induct whom.....