Analysis: Did the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame get it right this year?
Do the Stooges, ABBA, Genesis belong in the Rock Hall?
Iggy Pop of The Stooges: I got in!
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame better prepare for assault from the Kiss Army. There’s no fan scorned like a Kiss fan. The glam hard rockers lost out on their bid to get into the Rock Hall when the class of 2010 was announced today. In are Abba, Genesis, the Hollies, the Stooges and Jimmy Cliff.
Out, along with Kiss, are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer, LL Cool Jay, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro and the Chantels. All were on the final nomination ballot and can continue to be nominated on future ballots.
Of the 12 contenders, we would have picked Abba, The Stooges, Jimmy Cliff, Donna Summer and Laura Nyro. We certainly understand Genesis’s inclusion and we’re all for their induction, just not this year. The Rock Hall is big on picking acts that symbolize an entire movement and for many people, Genesis represents progressive, art rock (at least in the early days, when Peter Gabriel fronted the band). Just like with Van Halen, there are two distinct Genesis incarnations and we’re pretty sure the Rock Hall voted in the “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” Genesis rather than the “Abacab” Genesis (though we happen to love both).
Similarly, Donna Summer is disco music to most mainstream folks. She is the face of that movement. Laura Nyro probably didn’t get in because most folks really think her contributions as a songwriter far overshadow her contributions as a performer and that’s a fair assessment.
As far as LL Cool J and Red Hot Chili Peppers, even though they’re eligible because their first recordings came out 25 years ago, it still feels awfully early to be enshrining them.
For Kiss, it's actually better that they stay out for as long as possible: it gives Gene Simmons something to rail against and talk about how Kiss was never accepted and appreciated for the true talents they are. It's a shame there's not a Marketing Hall of Fame because if there were, I'd make Kiss the first inductees.
To be sure, there are some grumblings that Abba is not a rock act. That’s true, but the simple fact is the founders of the Rock Hall, rightly or wrongly, have taken it upon themselves to count virtually all music but classical as Rock. Abba is, other than the Beatles or the Bee Gees, probably the biggest pop band ever created in the world. “Waterloo” and “Dancing Queen” may see lightweight, but just try to write something that catchy. They’re bonafide geniuses and we’re all for their inclusion.
Don’t get us started on acts who have never even made it onto the final nominations ballot like Hall & Oates and Electric Light Orchestra. We’ll save that rant for another time.
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About This Blog
Melinda Newman is the former West Coast Bureau Chief for Billboard Magazine with more than 15 years of experience in the music industry. She covers music and entertainment for the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Associated Press, MSN, AOL and other outlets. Recent interviews include Taylor Swift, Pink, Brad Paisley, Foo Fighters, Jonas Bros. and Snow Patrol.
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupJon Fred Good list of bands that didn't make it but you did forget to mention one. Rush.
December 15, 2009 at 6:28PM EST Reply to CommentTom Hall & Oates' snubbing is a badge of honor. They were eligible since 1997. Any induction after that would be insulting. On the other hand, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich will be inducted in the non-performer category and it's richly deserved.
December 16, 2009 at 1:15PM EST Reply to CommentJohn Wonderful to see The Hollies get in. By far, the best of inductees this year. I don't see the point in them inducting questionable late 70's and 80's artists when they haven't even finished with the great bands of the 60's.
December 16, 2009 at 4:16PM EST Reply to CommentLody Well.. Donna Summer is the face of disco music, but my God... she is far more than a disco singer. There is so much rock, soul, R&B, techno, pop, reggae and other sources of music to find in her collection of album which spans more that four decades! Just a grab: The Wanderer, Cold Love, Protection, He's a Rebel, Eyes, Voices Cryin Out, Cold Love, My Baby Understands, Romeo..... the list goes on. When will mainstream people will discover the real Donna Summer? Sigh...
December 23, 2009 at 10:33AM EST Reply to Comment