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.
