I’ve criticized the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Hall) on more than one occasion, especially regarding the Moody Blues. In order to satisfy my disapproval and curiosity, I decided to examine the qualifications established by the Hall for honorees.
According to the Hall’s website,
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors the legendary performers, producers, songwriters, disc jockeys and others who have made rock and roll the force that it is in our culture
… to recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact on the evolution, development and perpetuation of rock and roll by inducting them into the Hall of Fame.
Eligibility
the artist must have released a record, in the generally accepted sense of that phrase, at least 25 years prior to the year of induction; and have demonstrated unquestionable musical excellence.We shall consider factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique, but musical excellence shall be the essential qualification of induction.
Admissions and Omissions
In the list below, I selected performers in relationship to the status to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are randomly paired, and this doesn’t not imply that none of the honored shouldn’t be – but I feel the Hall is missing more than a few worthy artists. At the end is a song by an omission with a fitting title.
In – The Stooges
Out – Yes
In – Green Day
Out – Doobie Brothers
In – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Out – Jethro Tull
In – Sex Pistols
Out – Three Dog Night
In – The Staple Singers
Out – The Cars
In – The Clash
Out – Electric Light Orchestra
In – Lovin’ Spoonful
Out – Guess Who
In – Heart
Out – Journey
In – Hall & Oates
Out – Moody Blues
So … what do you think?
Very interesting, Frank! The process does seem very subjective. While I agree with all that were inducted on this list, I’m surprised that Journey was not, among others. Is there a limit to the number of times a nominee can be considered? For example, could Journey be considered again?
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They can induct an artist long after 25 years after the artist’s first album, so Journey and everyone else who’s out is basically in consideration every year until they’re in.
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Thank you for clarifying the process, LoX!
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Danica,
Very subjective indeed. My point wasn’t to criticize those that are in, but merely to compare those that are out to those in. Journey’s omission is a big surprise to me … then again, the other out bands are also very accomplished. Then again, all them could be admitted next year.
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Being a newbie here, I don’t know your opinion on The Moody Blue, but personally I love them and enjoyed listening to this memorable song. To me, music almost always reflects a feeling, a time and a place, and whilst I love to hear of one of my favourite artists being inducted into The Hall, for me, it’s the Goosebumps Factor that makes an artist or a song special to me.
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Joanne,
I’m a Moody Blues fan … thus I have frequently mentioned the Hall’s snub when I included one of their songs .. hence I included one of their songs on this post.
Great point about music. Even a song by a one-hit wonder can be very special because of time and place.
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I can’t believe the last six you listed aren’t in it, especially Guess Who and Journey. Well, all of them, really. Their careers seemed to have spanned longer than Joan Jett’s. As for Green Day, have they really been around for over 25 years? Wow, I’m getting old…
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Carrie,
I built this post around those who aren’t in … and I still surprised and will remain so. Even if they admitted all these tomorrow, I still don’t get it!
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Really? Yes, Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, Jethro Tull, ELO, Journey, Guess Who and Moody Blues? I mean, Aqualung is one of the best albums of all time! Not to mention EVERYTHING the Moody Blues did!
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Cathy,
I know you enjoy music, so I can tell you are as surprised as I on those that are on the outside looking in.
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Agree with Cathy U (above). Hard to believe such great musicians and influential artists would be out. They were truly the soundtracks of so many of our lives. Magnificence is often overlooked in our fast paced information jumbled world. Don’t know why but it is. The “outs” are just as great as the “ins” on this list in my opinion.
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Janni,
Rock and Roll is a wide field containing many different genres … let alone the changes in music over time. Bottom line seems that the bands that I listed as OUT have not demonstrated unquestionable musical excellence, innovation, depth in their career, and more. I simply remain perplexed.
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The Clash isn’t in? I have to say I like the Dobbie Brothers, an iconic 70s band. I think they all represent something a little different and then in the whole spectrum of things, it’s really hard to say. Wow, it’s hard to make all these choices. Perhaps all those that you suggest should just be inducted!
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Amy,
In each pair of bands I listed, one was in … one was out. Therefore, The Clash IS in.
No question that the Hall contains a wide spectrum of music. Well, except the bands labeled as progressives … Moody Blues, Yes, ELO, and others.
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interesting selection, Frank. maybe one day your fave band can make it in, yes? i mean they do allow for that i hope. at least Heart got a yes since it seems female rockers have a shorter time staying in the game. have a great week!
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Sun,
I imagine some of these listed as OUT will be in sometime in the future … but it may simply be a wild dream. Heart had a good career … and critics seems to say that Nancy Wilson played one heck of a guitar. No question about their impact on other female musicians.
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Heart is either still out there or out there again. We have a cruise booked this fall that has a Heart concert on the ship at one of the port stops (and yes, we did buy tickets to the concert.)
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Cool that Heart is associated with the cruise!
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I have to preface my comment by mentioning that I don’t know a single one of these groups or people you mentioned. But it seems to me, that the worth of creative artists can not be weighted by awards or prizes. Those that give such recognition are themselves judged by their choices… and relate to a community with which they have a common taste. The artists themselves reap the greatest reward from the love of those who enjoy their work and find inspiration in their message. It is all very subjective. So is the Nobel prize, and all other accolades.
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Shimon,
Very true about creative artists – and in all field of art, including music. I know that you don’t know much about this topic, therefore, I place great weight on your words. Thank you!
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The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame seems like one big clique. I don’t place any importance on it, that’s for sure.
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Julie,
There seems to be a clique factor … after all, how else can one explain the subjective nature. As a building, it’s a wonderful museum!
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I realize the criteria are very subjective, but really, ELO is out?
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X,
ELO is out. Some categorize ELO, Yes, and the Moody Blues as progressives, and for whatever reason, they are collectively out.
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The fact alone that Jethro Tull and YES [of all groups – honestly! – talk about influential absolutely brilliant musicians who ought to be praised not just for their mastership but as ‘all inclusive’ musicians! – Sad about Chris Squire… a great loss] are out says a lot about their …policy! I had no idea.
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Marina,
Those two groups are very worthy, but we aren’t on the selection committee. In order to put the Moody Blues in context, I felt it was important to see other bands not honoree in light of the qualifications … let alone those admitted. Emailing a question soon.
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Hmmm..I’m (like most of your “Clique”) stunned by some of these exclusions. Then again, I don’t really care about these lists – they won’t make me appreciate a band more or less by being or not being part of it.
Great discussion, though!
And, good morning, dear Frank.
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Dale,
Stunned is an understatement. As I look at the exclusions in light of the qualifications, I’m more confused. Oh well … only in my wildest dreams.
Good morning Dale … you are up early!
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Couldn’t sleep. But did go back!
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Me neither … just got up from napping for 2 hours.
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Welcome to the club! Viva las naps!
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All of these things are subjective…who ever said life was fair?
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Debra,
Very true … after all, life is only fair when one is on the desired side of subjectivity.
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That cannot be a real list of exclusions… can it? No Yes? No ELO? NO JOURNEY???? Come on! I love the Moody Blues too, I even liked their 80’s stuff (remember The Other Side of Life?). Wow, talk about weird standards… although if it were up to me, I would keep Jethro Tull out. Permanently.
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Trent,
Definitely true on all the omissions. Here’s the list of inductees, which I should have included in the post.
.. https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/alphabetical/
Meanwhile, love The Other Side of Life … but Jethro Tull should be in, even if you don’t like ’em.
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All right, we’ll let the flute-guys in… but they gotta bring Ric Ocasek with them.
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Oh my … your bargaining! … LOL … too good! … But I can live with that. At least you didn’t ask for The Knack or other one-hit wonders.
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Hi Frank – I’m still laughing at Trent’s comment on Jethro Tull – lol Anyway, I can’t believe those bands aren’t in either. It really disappoints me especially since I live and work so close to the Hall.
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Kelly,
Looking into the list of omissions was interesting in itself … but hey, as you know, the museum itself is a good one!
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Yes, it is, but could be better with the additions you listed!
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Oh yes … but even without any of these, it is quite the place.
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I agree!
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Yes out, Jethro Tull out?!?!?! Absurd, I say! Two of my favorite bands. guess I’ll have to start my own RNRHOF!
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Steve,
Glad you saw this post. The list could define absurdity! BTW – Time to think about a new theme with your images. Got any ideas?
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Perhaps I’m in the wrong generation to opine on this but I admit being quite taken with the Moody Blues’ In Your Wildest Dreams. That said, I had to look up the lyrics to understand all of them, something pretty much unnecessary back in the day. Unlike many modern lyrics, this one was real quality in my opinion.
There is a fundamental human attraction about listing and ranking stuff. The evidence includes most magazine covers. I think List of X can confirm this. 🙂 But in this case the appeal of this Hall is completely lost on me. It’s like trying to rank sunsets or clouds.
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Jim,
As a museum, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is quite the place. I’ve only been there once, and had limited time, but quite the collection of stuff and exhibits. … and a high majority of the inductees are worthy of such an honoree.
Then again, I like your ranking sunsets analogy … which also includes subjectivity. Glad you enjoyed this Moody Blues tune.
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I reiterate everything ShimonZ said in his comment, from start to finish.
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Cynthia,
Like-mind philosophers stick together when wisdom is involved.
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i’m not a fan of the moody blues. their music puts me to sleep. however, i can’t argue with your stance based on the given criteria. and there’s no reason for hall and oates to be in the hall. or greenday.
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Rich,
I know that not every group pleases everybody. However, once I put together the OUT list, I thought an IN list to counter would be an interesting way to look at this … and Hall & Oates definitely caught my eye on the first pass.
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i would put h&o in before greenday. ELO in before both of them put together.
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Most HOFs are subjective … so the debates of in and outs will always be.
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yup
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Kind of a shock to see that Green Day is that old. I like Green Day, I just hadn’t thought of them as an old band. I’d leave The Cars on the out list though, never liked them.
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LB,
To me, The Cars would be a tweener, but good for fodder. One thing about music, no band is accepted by all.
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If we live long enough maybe we’ll see all of our favorites in.
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John,
That’s my hope!
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For you my hope as well.
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I’m going to add to the general, Huh?
I heard just the other day that Paul was just about to induct Ringo in. Ummmmmmmmmmmmm
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Elyse,
Here’s the scoop. Performers can be in as individuals and/or members of a group. Therefore, some individuals are inducted multiple times.
The Beatles are in … but so are the other three … but Ringo (the 4th) was inducted this year (I think April 2015).
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I know that. But it’s Ringo. He is the Rodney Dangerfield of the Beatles!
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LOL!
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You are killing me, what a perfect description.
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I liked that one too! When I was a little girl and we played ‘Beatles’ — we all got to choose a Beatle to marry. There were four of us and we fought over who got stuck with Ringo. Poor man. So close and yet so far!
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I’m amazed at some of those names in the ‘Out’ list, and haven’t even heard of some of the ones that are in with the in crowd. 🙂
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Sylvia,
I’m with you … then again, maybe we have some blame for not keeping up with the times.
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Some things are best left alone. 😃
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Let’s not forget the their is an economic side to HoFs.
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The Moody Blues were wildly popular with our little group in college. I’m surprised by many of those listed in the “out” group.
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Merril,
Every performer doesn’t please every listener … but for me, this list questions the credibility of the decision makers and/or the decision process.
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I stopped trying to figure out how this group of subjectively distorted individuals comes up with a list each year and how they have left out the acts that you mention along with so many others. I don’t think they appreciate what they label as pop rock, which affects people like Journey and Bon Jovi. How many voices were better than Steve Perry?
I don’t know what to say, only that I’m happy that each year they get one or two right. Of course that doesn’t make up for the dozens that have been ignored but you take the crumbs they give you and be happy with the morsels of intelligence they show.
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George,
Great points. On the other side, although I’ve never watched one, I hear induction night is quite the show. Have you watched one?
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Yes, I generally watch the show when it comes on. I’m always curious how the performers have aged in terms of their sound.
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Love Journey, ELO, and THE CARS aren’t in? So many that are out should be in! I wonder if Bad Company is there. And, I love Green Day as well.
I wonder, if it’s like many things…as in, it’s about who you know. I hope not!
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Brigette,
Bad Co. is not in as I considered them for my list of OUTS for this post. As with any rankings, there are definitely in … and many definitely outs … but the tweeners are the controversial ones.
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Hi Frank – I wondered if you knew about this [attached] which was just seen on facebook – it is an interesting look at connections, time, music, dance and it never being too late 🙂 Andre Rieu and ‘a famous film star’……. https://youtu.be/1LGVGekPSzo
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I like Creedance Clearwater Revival, I wonder if they’re in the hall of fame?
It’s funny, I got into listening to them by a very funny circumstance: I went to the store to buy a CD of classical music by a man who is a composer and musician, George Winston, the CD is titled: “Winter”, so I get home, put on the CD, lie down on the couch to relax to the classical music, when suddenly the music comes on and it’s rock and roll! Creedance Clearwater Revival! The wrong music had been put on the disk, but there it was and still is to this day, labeled, “Winter”, by George Winston.
I just love their song: “Fortunate Son”, it’s my favourite on the album.
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Ha ha! That’s hilarious! Winter is one of my.favourite George Winston albums
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Dale,
GW’s Winter is outstanding … and Good Morning.
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Good morning, Frank! I will never forget Torvill and Dean skating a programme they called “Encounter” which was to George Winston’s “January Stars”. It was gorgeous (as all their programmes were, really) and figured I’d share it with you (second figure skating thing I share, eh?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OWk5a0I1BA
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Torvill & Dean … Pure excellence … and a wonderful combination with Mr. Winston.
BTW … here’s my tie to an skating legend. https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2009/01/10/on-an-ice-legend/
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Scott is in my top faves, by the way… Our very own Kurt Browning considers him an influence in his own skating (and you can see it in the fabulous footwork). Scott has gone through so much and yet his spirit shines through. One of the best!
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Genie,
Yes, CCR is IN! Meanwhile, that’s one heck of a way to be introduced to them. George Winston is a wonderful artist, and Winter is a great album, so …. did you ever buy it? Thanks for sharing!
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Yes! I did go and buy Winter by George Winston, and it is good, as you say, however, I like some of his other albums better than that one.
Great to hear CCR is in, they deserve it.
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For the record, I grew up with CCR hits. 🙂
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I couldn’t agree more about these important bands and artists and the failure to acknowledge their impact on generations–at this point–of music. My vinyl album of “Days of Future Passed” has a very prominent place in my collection. After all the albums Moody Blues sold and continues to sell I can’t imagine how the band has been excluded. Maybe one day they’ll allow for a write-in campaign!
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Debra,
Cheers to being another Moody Blues supporter … but I knew that. “Days of Future Passed” is a classic LP, Have you attended their concerts?
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Wait The Doobie Brothers aren’t in? Maybe they feel like the blues isn’t considered rock and roll when in essence rock and roll was most likely inspired from the blues and jazz formations. What do I know though I guess. Great post Frank.
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Kay,
Nope … Doobie Brothers aren’t in … and who knows why not.
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Hard to take the Hall seriously – what a list. It’s a beauty pageant? Only thing that makes sense…
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Mouse,
Beauty pageant is a great explanation!
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I will remain flummoxed by those who are not in, especially after seeing this more expansive list. I have never understood how the Moody Blues could not be in after all this time. I love Jethro Tull, always have. But some of the others who are not in, strange.
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Val,
Thanks for supporting the purpose of this post. I had no idea Jethro Tull wasn’t in until I researched this topic. Cheers to your love for good music.
And a special note to you. I am confident that this is the first time “flummoxed” has ever appear on this blog … so a give for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TUJooBlGvQ
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Ahhhh, thank you. That was very cool.
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It’s absolutely bizarre that ELO, Moody Blues, and The Cars haven’t made it. Another thing that bothers me is how long it took for some very popular bands to make it in. However you personally feel about ABBA or Bee Gees, you can’t penalize them for being too popular or mainstream. ABBA didn’t make it in until 2010.
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Greatsby,
Thanks for another example of the oddity in the selection process. The “outs” in my list causes my head to continuous shake.
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Wow! The Guess Who aren’t in the “Hall”. They are incomparable. Yet, Rush are in. Please!
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Resa,
Cheers to both of those Canadian bands. Rush being in didn’t surprise me as much as the Guess Who being out.
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WOW! I can’t believe they aren’t in. In fact I would have thought they’d all be in. I am surprised that the ones you listed as in. I can see Heart being in. Or Hall and Oats, although they don’t compare with the rest of the Outs.
You research everything like Danny does.
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Sarah,
I do like to looking into stuff … of course my wife says I remember too much useless stuff. I agree that the Outs here is surprising.
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So I am from Cleveland and agree there have been a few “misses,” over the years. I am happy overall that this year the Induction at least was not held in NY. 🙂
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Robin,
I always found it odd that the induction ceremonies were in NYC – but I didn’t realize it changed. The museum is quite the place, and most of the honorees are very deserving … and the omissions are head scratchers.
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I think once a year you should hold your own Rock & Roll hall of fame inductions.
First one to be held 2016 (if too late to prep one for this year) – You can make it a grand blog post event!
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RoSy,
Good thought … but LOL … too daunting of a task.
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True.
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