2024 Nominee Predictions

 

Sorry no newly-eligible picks this time. Hoping for a Heinz 57 ballot.

-Never before nominated-

BRYAN ADAMS - I guess you can say tis is my "left field pick", as for whatever reason, every time a veteran artist puts on a huge tour (usually with Joan Jett as the opener), their chances of getting in the Rock Hall are pretty big. Adams hasn't been on anyone's radar - still, he should be remembered for his long career that seemingly stopped at the turn of the millennium. Or that he became the next Kenny Loggins (the soundtrack king). I'm aware he made some offensive comments during 2020 but fans still showed up to his arena shows in 2023.

JIMMY BUFFETT - In 2023 the death fairy unfortunately struck many times, with musicians from the 50s, 60s and 70s passing away, seemingly more frequent than ever. Jimmy Buffett will arguably be the notable one that both the R&R and Country HOFs may consider inducting soon. Part of me also sees that Buffett may get pushed to a side category like Musical Excellence, but I hope that does not happen.

TRACY CHAPMAN - I'll "give you one (obvious) reason" I'm putting Ms. Chapman on my list - and that of course is the huge success of Luke Comb's version of "Fast Car" in 2023. However, I feel Tracy didn't really receive a lot of attention despite of that. Either way she still remains musically active. Some may argue she doesn't have a HOF-worthy career, but the NomCom and voters can be the judge of that.

COLDPLAY - Technically they were eligible for the first time in 2023, despite them being international superstars. Coldplay has several hits and million-selling, award-winning albums under their belt, plus high-grossing worldwide tours that I'm very surprised they haven't really been on anyone's radar, or so it seems. They even have their Hall of Fame indicators scorecard nearly filled out on their FRL page! Although I will be frank, even if they do get nominated - I don't see them getting in on their first try. Hope I'm wrong

KOOL AND THE GANG

HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS - 80s icons seem to be coming back, here and there, and Lewis has made appearances all over, thanks mostly due to his Back to the Future fame. He may not be able to play again, but I'm sure he'll make a great presence at the induction ceremony if/when his moment happens.

ALANIS MORISSETTE - I recently watched her HBO doc which came out in 2021, and then I find out the album it's based on is now a musical. Despite of her remarks about the Rock Hall in 2022, she may have a change of heart

OUTKAST - Putting a rap/hip-hop artist on here is always a challenge. I could have put Salt 'n Pepa or Queen Latifah (who recently was a Kennedy Center honoree), or an act that has made ballot appearances (Tribe, Eric B/Rakim, De La Soul). Instead, I'm going to keep adding the Atlanta duo until they finally get on the board. I'm well aware that they haven't been active in almost a decade since their "festivals-only" tour, but hey, I'm sure they'll put on quite a performance once they get their Rock Hall due.

-Previously nominated-

BECK - Yes, Beck, is still not in the Rock Hall. Then again neither is Weezer, the DMB...

DEVO - Q: Will the NomCom, just by coincidence, put them on the ballot, so they can be inducted in Cleveland in '24? A: I think so!

CYNDI LAUPER - She fell short but at this point it's not if but when and her support is strong. I'm sure either way, she is ready to perform at the ceremony when her time comes. 

NEW YORK DOLLS

SOUNDGARDEN - It's still a mystery why these guys aren't in. With Rage's recent induction, the path should somewhat be clear for Cornell & company to finally get their due.

DIONNE WARWICK - I'm at the point where I'm putting her name down until she gets inducted. She hasn't really posted any real tweets lately, but her presence still shows in music. If you keep up with today's music, you'll know that Doja Cat's #1 hit, "Paint the Town Red" heavily samples her classic "Walk on By". Fun fact: did you know Cyndi Lauper did her own version of "Walk on By" that made the Dance chart top 10 in 2004?

THE WHITE STRIPES - Like everyone else, we were all shocked to see them on the ballot last year (and they didn't get in) so there's really no excuse for them not to in 2024. Jack White is, arguably, one of the last rock legends already and even with Meg not in the picture, he could still lead a rockin' good induction night.

WARREN ZEVON - Here's another I'll probably end up putting on my list until they're inducted. Last year as we know, Zevon had so much ballot competition that he didn't get in. But I'm sure voters, fans and those who appreciate his mark on music will celebrate his enshrinement soon.

-Who almost made the cut-

The B-52's - Destiny's Child - Emmylou Harris - Jethro Tull - Joy Divison/New Order - Lenny Kravitz - Queen Latifah - Salt 'n Pepa - Conway Twitty - Barry White

2023 Inductee Predictions

 Hello and welcome to.....

my predictions for who will go in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023! I think a lot of us saw this to be a challenge as this was a very competitive ballot. I can’t even remember the last time there was one. FRL even pointed out six possible shoo-ins. Everyone has their opinions and their own logic as to why they put acts on their predictions list. At the same time, it’s the same feeling: if I had a ballot, who would I choose? Who do I want to see before (random act)? Which five of these (#) do I want to see on stage, or get special acknowledgement for their groundbreaking, memorable careers? 

Again, this was a ballot that everyone agreed that all of the acts listed were deserving, as did I. So, who WILL get in and who will be benched for the next or future years? There were a lot of first-ballot acts, including one that was first-year eligible. Well, actually two as I personally didn’t consider the White Stripes a FYE. Disagree if you must but I still think it was a crap move on the Rock Hall’s part to put them on a ballot early. This is not to say I don’t think they are deserving. I just hope that voters have stuck to putting in long overdue acts. There are at least a few acts that are no longer with us. (Actually let me explain myself: George Michael, Warren Zevon, Chris Cornell, Ian Curtis, and most of the members of the Spinners) Luckily, the Rock Hall knows how to handle that situation when it comes to ceremonies. And then, as usual, those who keep showing up on the ballot waiting for their turn. I think we can all agree it was a very musically diverse ballot as it featured all (or most) genres. And that’s another thing worth thinking about: the artist would represent the genre they are best known for, which voters liked the most. That’s kinda my way of thinking. As I completed my list, I realized that more than half of my inductee predictions would not be able to perform at the ceremony. Weird how that happens. (Then again, Dave Grohl could easily replace somebody who isn’t there…) Lastly, there were at least four that I found to be instant shoo-ins, which are highlighted below.

Willie Nelson - Disagree? Then get ready for a barroom brawl. I would’ve said the same thing 10 or even 20 years ago. It’s embarrassing that the Hall has let Willie and his fans waiting this long…but, better late than never, I suppose. And he’ll be 90 in a few days (at the time I’m writing this) In truth, I originally thought that he would automatically be put in a side category like Musical Excellence or Early Influence. (After all, he’s been around musically since the 1950s) However, I’m convinced that the Rock Hall won’t let that happen as the voters will gladly put him in. Eddie Trunk even managed to put a checkmark by him, though I’m sure he had a little help from his listeners.

Cyndi Lauper - I’m just gonna call it; this is her year. Even though there have been a few that didn’t vote for her (those who have shared their ballots). She’s had quite a long career, having been in the pop spotlight for a few years. Still, she’s iconic in several ways. With the MTV theme going (prominent acts like Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Eurythmics, etc getting in recent years), it just seemed obvious that somebody overdue like Cyndi will make the ballot in just a matter of time. Just about every person and/or organization that has pushed for this to happen will finally be able to celebrate.

George Michael - This one definitely came as a surprise to some of us RHWs (though some did put him on their prediction ballots) when Michael appeared on the ballot. Well, at least to me because despite of his hit-filled career he never really was on my radar to get in, even after his death years ago. But I think he’s a shoo-in, either way. It’s hard to forget that he’s remembered as one of the biggest artists of the 1980s/early 90s. I’m sure when his enshrinement happens, there will be a big all-star jam with his songs. Side question: what about Andrew Ridgely? I would hate for this guy to be left out of the Hall. Maybe put him in a side category or something…

Kate Bush - We all, or most of us RHWs predicted her to be on the ballot and to no surprise she made it again for the fourth time. And this time around, Bush had some serious competition. Despite of that, I still think she has a shot of getting inducted. It’s been said, don’t underestimate the British vote. And also the millennials who have a ballot. Even though she has somewhat came out of reclusiveness recently, I’m not confident she’ll show up to the ceremony…but I wouldn’t rule out a video or audio message from her. I’m aware that it has been suggested by two RHWs that she should be put in the ME category, but I doubt that will happen. I’ve been wrong before…

Soundgarden - I think at least one hard rock act will get in this year, and between them, Iron Maiden and RATM, it’s almost got to be another Seattle grunge group. I really hope they’re not in the club where they are struggling to get in, while appearing on several ballots. Part of me thinks most voters will give them a chance to get in. The recent news about the surviving band members amending with Cornell’s widow may even help, who knows. Sometimes media attention works.

Warren Zevon - Another overdue artist that finally made the ballot is this well-respected singer-songwriter. There have been several people yearning for him to be in the Rock Hall, and it finally took Billy Joel, reportedly, because of his open letter to the NomCom. Of course, it worked. Zevon will definitely get the votes from more people than we all think. I’m already predicting an all-star gathering featuring dad-rock (oops, classic rock) artists performing his songs.

-Should there be a 7th Performer inductee-

Joy Division/New Order - RHW blogger Tom Lane interestingly said that this was the third time the Rock Hall had grouped together acts (Parliament/Funkadelic; The Small Faces/Faces) and both got in on their second and first ballots, respectively. Will JD/NO get in right away? Similar early alternative/new-wave groups including The Cars, The Cure and Depeche Mode did not make it on first try, so this will get very interesting indeed.

2023 Nominee Predictions

 Thinking and typing up lists like these is more than a challenge, but also fun. I could think of several names. There really is no right or wrong answer; well, actually there is when the ACTUAL list comes out on February 1st, 2023 (lol). This is just something me and other Rock Hall watchers (RHWs) have been doing year-by-year and it never seemingly gets old. It is not to say that times haven’t changed, as they surely have. Not just because of the events of the last three years, but the Rock Hall has changed as to how their induction classes have looked. The Rock Hall doesn’t want us to think they are predictable, as they are not. We’re always hit with surprises all the time, sometimes we don’t find out things until the ceremony! (Remember the Singles category?) I’ve met a lot of great people over the years online because of futurerocklegends.com (FRL), although I’ve never met most of them in person. Still hoping that will change once I attend an induction ceremony. At this time (late January 2023), nobody knows for sure where this year’s ceremony going to be. Most likely it will be in NYC, or maybe Cleveland - who knows. 

Again, predicting the nominees is a lot tougher than it looks, especially with the backlog of Rock Hall-worthy artists that are likely to get in. This year’s cut-off year is 1997. While some may have included Destiny’s Child and Missy Misdemeanor Elliott on their lists, I decided not to put any first-year eligible artists. Sometimes you have to use your best judgment on how big of a name they are. And unfortunately, there aren’t that many first-year eligibility shoo-ins left in the coming years, except maybe a few. Some people may see this as a great thing as it provides an opportunity for the Rock Hall to “Heinz 57” on their ballots. 

In many ways, things are kinda getting back to normal as the way things looked in early 2020. More and more public events, such as concerts and awards ceremonies have happened in 2022, and likely to be that way in ‘23. Some acts are back to releasing albums and touring. Some have maintained a presence on social media. Or their work. These are factors that influence what I put on my list. Sometimes another determining one is about what has happened at previous ceremonies. Sheryl Crow and Lenny Kravitz made appearances at the last ceremony. (Funny, a couple people gave me crap for putting Kravitz on my list last year, but wouldn’t you know he would be the one to induct Lionel Richie?!)  But truthfully, sometimes what it all comes down to is: what will the Rock Hall induction ceremony be like? Will it sell tickets? Will this be HBO-worthy? Will this be the all-star jam from heaven? I’ve heard just about everyone’s positive accounts on last year’s ceremony, as I’m sure it was one to remember. (I’m still too piss poor to get HBO, but luckily there’s this thing called YouTube…) 

Last year’s nominees and inductees totally changed the way I (and maybe we) looked at things as in who are the next priorities or genres to watch out for. The biggest one being that Dolly Parton was the first country artist inducted in a long time. Does this mean Emmylou Harris or the recently deceased Loretta Lynn will be inducted soon? When predicting these things, I like to keep it eclectic as much as I can. Maybe a couple classic rock acts, a few women, a couple 90s or more recent acts. The 1950s era is long-gone, and the 1960s has been looking that way for years, as they may sneak in a few one at a time. The 1980s so-called “MTV-era” seems to be where the Rock Hall is, at this moment. There is always that “one act” that nobody ever sees coming. Last year, arguably it was Lionel Richie and Dolly Parton. Admittingly, picking the “left field” spot has always been fun, as is reading everyone elses. In the past few years, I picked Lenny Kravitz, George Thorogood and Peter Frampton. This year, it’s…well, below. 

Last year, 17 nominees were on the list. But I’m still going to pick just 16, evenly dividing between previously nominated and never-before-nominated. As always, I’d love to read your thoughts. Be sure to check out other’s lists on the links on the right. Enjoy!

Previously nominated:

Beck - I could easily put another 90s’ act in this slot (besides DMB below), but I don’t think a lot of us saw Beck sneaking onto the ballot last year, so now that he’s on the board…

Kate Bush - Need I say….

Jane’s Addiction - I could have easily went with Sonic Youth, the PIxies or some other alternative act from the 80s/90s but I think Farrell and crew may have another shot coming soon.

Fela Kuti - it sounds like the NomCom really believes this can happen, meaning Kuti’s induction. (I know that came out kinda terrible…) But the Rock Hall, as I’m sure everyone feels, needs more international artists, especially from outside North America and Europe. If more and more voters would educate themselves about Kuti, then an induction may take place. In all honesty, it’s very likely he will be put in a different category. Still, they’re going to continue to put him on the ballot.

Dave Matthews Band

MC5 - As Hall Watcher Nick B. said in one of his blog posts, “Something’s gotta give for MC5”. If nominated this year, it will be the group’s 7th time and usually that is not a lucky number for those who have been picked that many times. Might as well be a Musical Excellence or even an Early Influence pick.

New York Dolls

Dionne Warwick 

Never before nominated:

The B-52’s - Third year in a row that I put these guys on the Noms list…will that be a charm? Sure hope so. Like fellow RHW Tom Lane said, it’s time to temporarily put aside Devo and substitute them with a similar act. (I know he didn’t say it like that, but…) Save Devo for Cleveland!

Sheryl Crow - I’ll admit, I was either going to put her or Alanis in this spot. Both, while they seem different from each other, have had great, long successful careers from the 1990s on. Alanis had a documentary made about her a couple years ago (highly recommend!), but Sheryl has had quite a presence in Rock Hall ceremonies, especially last years. It’s clear they want her in sometime - maybe sooner rather than later. 

Kool and the Gang - I’m willing to put any 70s/80s R&B act in this slot - but for now, I’m focusing on the Kools. Yes, the Spinners, War and many other similar acts from that era are way overdue for getting in but this group stands out as I’m writing this piece. 

Cyndi Lauper - For the 2nd consecutive year, I’m putting her back on my predictions as the path to the Rock Hall seems very clear. We all know the Rock Hall is in the MTV era and they’re all going crazy with 80s big-names. 

Kenny Loggins -or- Loggins & Messina    Carly Simon’s nomination and induction last year reminded us that the Hall is still paying attention to the 70s/80s singer/songwriters, and I believe Loggins is next in line. According to FRL’s website Loggins has not been previously considered and he’s been eligible for over 20 years now. And that’s him as a solo artist. No, he hasn’t really stood out this century. Loggins turned 75 this month. The Huffington Post says he’s the King of the Movie Soundtrack. That and he wasn’t very innovative/influential would probably keep him out. But he maintained a great presence in music and rock & roll throughout the 70s and 80s. I wouldn’t count out Jim Messina; he is touring this year (he’s actually coming to my hometown, Edwardsville, IL!). “Your Mama Don’t Dance” would be a cool all-star jam number. 

OutKast - Every ballot always has at least one rap act, and some have been successful to get in the Rock Hall (N.W.A., 2Pac and others), one was backdoored (LL Cool J) and some kinda fell off the radar. OutKast has been the one that many of us have waited for to finally get on the board. Though they haven’t been active since 2014 when they did their festival run, I see the duo putting on a great performance when their time comes for an induction.

Diana Ross - Do I really want to put Cher or Mariah Carey on here? Yes. I’m not sure if Cher (because of her comments toward the Rock Hall) are getting her blackballed, but to be on the safe side, I’m putting Diana Ross on mine. I’ve said in the past that Ross will, of course, be a two-time inductee and she would be the fourth woman to accomplish that. As for Carey or those from the 80s and 90s, I believe the NomCom will be putting one more classic diva before they get to the modern age. It wouldn’t hurt for Carey since it seems like she’s going to be known for her holiday song that hits #1 each year. Ross teamed up with Tame Impala last year and came up with a catchy song (“Turn Up the Sunshine”), even though it couldn’t compete with Bad Bunny, Drake, Beyonce….

Slade - As you may have guessed, this is my left field pick this year. For whatever reason, I think they’re going to go with these Brits instead of Iron Maiden for a change. I started listening to them last summer, and I was blown away. I already knew they were influential, but the list of bands that consider them an influence is mighty long. This includes those that are in the Rock Hall. I’m positive that if they were to make an appearance on the ballot, they would get in right away as one should never underestimate the power of the British vote. An act like Slade probably won’t sell tickets to the induction ceremony, but it would be great to have the original members (who still perform!) together with the other big names. 

Also considered:

Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Iron Maiden, Lenny Kravitz, George Michael, Television