We take a look at 10 bands and artists that we believe deserve a place in the international Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Frankly, it's shocking they are not in there yet! In no particular order...
Iron Maiden
How the Iron's aren’t in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame is baffling. If it’s mainstream acceptance that the committee thinks this band doesn’t have, they are sorely mistaken. Whilst Iron Maiden haven’t featured heavily on radio in their incredible career, (unlike inductees Metallica for example) there is no mistaking their importance, influence, and impact on the world of music. Maiden are in the upper, upper echelon of metal bands in the world and have been for decades, constantly selling out arenas. PUT THEM IN! And, remind yourself of how great they actually are with this all-killer playlist.
Radiohead
This band is almost a genre unto itself, never copying, never conforming, they are polarising and wildly loved the world over. Mysterious and weird, beautiful and misunderstood, they have affected the musical landscape for long enough and deserve their place in the HOF. They certainly fit the innovation and influence criteria.
Judas Priest
As far as heavy metal goes, the HOF is slowly starting to recognise the heavy hitters, and Judas Priest is definitely one of the heaviest. Influencing and selling millions, they’ve been a constant since 1969. As equally as important to heavy music as Black Sabbath through the 70s, JP paved the way for thrash metal, and were at the forefront of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal.
Def Leppard
Another band in the NWOBHM from the late 70s, some would argue that they’re not ‘very metal’ at all. However, they did have to change their musical style a touch after drummer Rick Allen lost an arm. They kept him, adapted, and sold millions. Another rock band that deserves a place in Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
Soundgarden
There is certainly no disguising the impact the Seattle music scene had on the world. (You can read about the most important grunge bands in another story, here). So when you think of that genre, there are but a few bands that instantly spring to mind, and one right at the pointy end, is Soundgarden. Style makers, pioneers, influencers, leaders. And one of the greatest voices in rock.
Willie Nelson
OK, I’ve taken a sharp left turn here, but hear me out. Willie Nelson is cool. He’s proven that time and time again. He’s the kind of guy you wanna sit and talk to for hours, or rather, let him talk for hours and you listen. Sure, country music artists aren’t very well represented in the HOF, but how much crossover appeal does this guy have?! It’s him, and Johnny Cash, that everyone loves!
Sonic Youth
I know I’m stretching the realms of possibility when it comes to the Hall Of Fame, as they’re (seemingly) not really into inducting fringe artists, despite their innovation and influence. I don’t know of any other band that could be mistaken for Sonic Youth. Perhaps their lack of album sales will hold them back from ever achieving that immortality? Time will tell, but when I listen to "Dirty Boots" and hear that wailing feedback and freaky guitar noises they used so well, I’m reminded of how important they are.
The Doobie Brothers
These lads have been eligible since 1997 and like so many worthy bands, have sat on the sidelines left wondering. A hugely successful band who underwent a few style changes, they broke up, and reformed and are still touring today. 40 million plus albums sold, longevity and influence. Honestly, this is a no-brainer. Put the Doobies in!
Motorhead
People know Motorhead. People know who Lemmy is. People, just, know. That’s the definition of iconic. Motorhead are universally loved across the musical landscape and everyone in rock music has a Motorhead story. How they heard the band for the first time, and even better, when they got to spend time with Lemmy. They invented speed metal, they influenced millions as part of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, and it’s a bloody shame that they aren’t it there, yet.
Rage Against The Machine
Political bands and artists are nothing new, but when RATM burst onto the scene, things changed. No one was as ferocious and in your face as RATM in their prime. And whilst I could try to convince you as to why they should be in the Hall Of Fame, I think you owe it to yourself to watch the entire 45 minutes of their first-ever public appearance from 1991. They had it from the start.
For the full list of inductees, go here, and if there's anyone you think is missing we'd love to hear your thoughts over on our Facebook page.
