Every act on the 2019 ballot deserves an induction into the "Performers" category in the Rock Hall, but there's a couple that I feel may just get the back-door induction. Still, its a popularity contest every year as one act outweighs the other in some way. Read on -
Alright, here we go....
JANET JACKSON - The NomCom has been great to put Ms. Jackson on the ballot over the years, but each time, it seems, she can't compete with other long overdue acts. This year, in my mind, there are no excuses. I really hope three times is a charm for her.
STEVIE NICKS - Let's pretend and time travel back 20 years ago (1998). Ask ourselves as Rock Hall watchers, "Who will be the first female that would be inducted twice?" - and we may have said either Tina Turner, Diana Ross, or Carole King. (Not trying to speak for all of us, just guessing) Times change. The attitudes, the tastes, the leadership, trends, etc. Unfortunately, what's staying the same is the politics of the Rock Hall. I really shouldn't go there, so I won't. For whatever reason, those three women I mentioned were just never given a chance to appear on a ballot. So now, in 2018, we have Stevie Nicks, who was inducted 21 years ago as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Her solo career isn't really that memorable, even though there are some interesting parts (Did you know that Prince played on "Stand Back"?).
When I saw Fleetwood Mac in concert (2015), Stevie stole most of the show, with her speeches, moves and of course, her singing. Point is, it somehow dawned on me that she could possibly be inducted as a solo artist soon. There's no denying that women are influenced by her image and all. Some people suggest that Stevie is now the "Queen of Rock", a title that has never been officially given to anyone, except maybe Tina Turner. When you get done reading this, google "Queen of Rock" and tell me what you see. It's a mixture, depending on your news source.
Whether or not you believe she is deserving as a two-time inductee, the time will probably come for her. There's not very many women that could get into the "Clyde McPhatter Club", so this may be it and who knows when it will ever happen next.
DEF LEPPARD - As we all know, the Rock Hall's official fan vote has been a proven winner since its inception (even though it counts for one vote!). I think most voters are aware that the boys from Sheffield are the biggest of the hard-rock snubs that deserve induction, and they know hardcore music fans demand it. These aren't really credentials but worth noting: 65 million units sold, still touring like crazy, and according to their Facebook page, their records have set the bar for generations in music.
THE ZOMBIES - When I visited the Rock Hall museum back in September, I noticed there were several columns and sections devoted to artists, mostly RRHOF inductees. The Beatles, Elvis and the Stones were among the many few that had their own oversized section. Then you had groups like U2, the Doors...and the Zombies that had "columns" of memorablia, along with an essay attached. I don't know how long its been up, but this is a sure sign that the folks behind the Rock Hall clearly want them in (just read the long essay below, if you can). The voters, I surely hope so. Rod Argent and crew want to get in as well. Same case with Janet, this year there shouldn't be an excuse...
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| The Zombies "column" at the Hall of Fame, September 2018 |
LL COOL J - I believe voters will finally put him in after several tries. Its best to get him in anyway before the big guys like Jay-Z and Eminem get their shot. Of course, he'll put on quite a performance if inducted and he'll have an all-star group of supporters. Hip-hop is the new rock, and LL Cool J has helped lead the way more than others. And he's the first solo hip-hop superstar, as well as the first rap act to appear on American Bandstand.
-If there is a 6th inductee and/or a backdoor induction-
TODD RUNDGREN - It's a longtime mystery about how it took this long for rock's everyman Rundgren to ever get placed on the ballot. I'm with everyone else on his legacy, be it behind the mic and behind the scenes. His Wiki page states that he was one of the first acts to be prominent as an artist and producer, although it seems like there were others before him that accomplished such. He's also known for his unorthodox way of doing things musically - in fact when I saw him in concert two years ago it was mostly electronica songs he did (from his latest album at the time). Rundgren has put out many different albums, even one with Robert Johnson covers. I don't know if Steve Tyler would vote for him (if you know what I mean), but he's well respected all around in the music community.
It's a dilemma for just about everyone, be it the Rock Hall people to the fans, on which category Rundgren deserves to be inducted in. Does he belong in the Performers category? Let's see...his 1972 double LP, Something/Anything, is a favorite of many (including me), especially Axl Rose and Cameron Crowe (stupid question, is Crowe one of the voters?). That produced two memorable singles, at least. Over a decade later, he would release that novelty tune that psychs us up ("Bang the Drum All Day"). He put out some great songs here and there, including "Can We Still Be Friends", "Caravan" (w. Utopia) and "Secret Society". He's been around the block, performing with several Hall of Famers. Or does he belong in the Musical Excellence category? We all know he produced Meat Loaf''s Bat Out of Hell, and in addition he has produced over a dozen albums, including for Hall & Oates, XTC and the New York Dolls, among others. Since I really have no say, I'm sure the Rock Hall will make the decision with their heart. It is what it is, whatever it will be.
Why I didn't predict....
JOHN PRINE - Well, truthfully, I knew very little about this man (just his name) when he appeared on the Nominations list last month. Sadly, I haven't really taken the time to listen to his recordings. When discovering an artist, one of the big challenges is where to start. Prine had no big hits or memorable songs, to my knowledge, but that doesn't matter. I do know that he is a well-respected songwriter, and I do know Bob Dylan and Roger Waters are fans of his work. I can see Prine getting in, just not yet. Then again, voters will hurry up and put him in. We shall see on this one.
THE CURE - Just like other groups from their "era" (Smiths, Depeche Mode, etc.), they're having a hard time getting in. There's no denying they are very influential for so many punk/alternative bands from the last 25 years. Along with Bauhaus, they are also known to be one of the pioneering groups in the goth rock genre. There's so much more to say, its ridiculous. A ballot like the 2019 one was hard to compete with many others - I guess I can say the same for other years. The Cure would have to do something to draw very much attention. I do hope they get in sooner rather than later. I can't even wait to see who inducts them (most likely, Billy Corgan, lol). As I write this, they are at the top of the user's poll (51% of the vote) on the Future Rock Legends website, but just a hair above Radiohead.
RADIOHEAD - Never thought I'd say this, especially about Radiohead, but it looks like for now they will be "pushed to the side" and be just one of those that will appear on future ballots until "the right time". Last year was an easy chance for them, and there's no need for me to even go there as we all know the story. Radiohead, of course, will continue to make albums and tour, maybe even re-invent themselves, so they really should have no trouble getting in in the next few years.
KRAFTWERK - Kraftwerk should have been in several years back, before HBO broadcasted the ceremony. There are theories that HBO wants headliners for the Induction Ceremonies they show, and I wonder if this is one of the reasons why we don't see mid-level/influential acts at these events. Voters haven't really drawn any attention to the pioneering group. To most people (myself included), they are the most innovative and influential act not in the Hall of Fame. And I really hope they don't get a backdoor induction of any kind. Arguably, two of their songs "Autobahn" and "Trans-Europe Express" (well, the whole album too) have changed the course of music. The real question is: if/when they do get inducted, will any of the original members show up?
MC5 - If they don't get in this year...mark my words: they will be a Song Inductee. That's assuming the category continues after its inaugural year (2018).
Who I'd pick if I were a Rock Hall voter:
Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard, Janet Jackson, Kraftwerk, The Cure
I've seen a lot of my fellow Rock Hall watchers' lists, and I always enjoy reading others. What are yours?
