WOW! I was not expecting this to be the ballot. Judas Priest AND Motorhead?! No Rage Against the Machine? Dave Matthews Band getting the nom over the likes of Beck and Weezer? Thin Lizzy coming out of nowhere? Crazy.

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:09am

I don't know who all it will be, but I very easily see this being another 2016: four Dad-rock bands and one rap act. Maybe 2018, with one woman getting in, too. The patriarchy stands tall and proud.

Posted by Philip on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:09am

A couple initial thoughts.

With Judas Priest, Soundgarden, Motorhead, Thin Lizzy, Nine Inch Nails, and to a lesser degree T. Rex and Pat Benatar, I would say this is the "Hard Rock" ballot.

A ridiculously low amount of female inductees, but the three are very strong that could get in. Whitney and Pat especially have a big chance to get in. Which could bode well for more female inductees.

Last thought: This is gonna be really hard to pick my initial 5.

Posted by Donnie on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:12am

Since Whitney Houston has finally been nominated, I'm looking forward to see KXB whine like a bitch.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:15am

Anyone who's shocked about Dave Matthews Band's nomination, they were one of three groups along with Notorious B.I.G. and Whitney Houston, to be mentioned in the New York Times headline on the nominees.

Posted by Gassman on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:16am

Nice eclectic list but I thought 2018-2019 was a better slate. Would have enjoyed Iron Maiden and Motley Crue over Judas Priest and Motorhead. The Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan I don't understand. Should have either went with Chaka 1 more time without Whitney or just Whitney this time. I would rather have seen Alice In Chains than Soundgarden. Why Soundgarden now after not nominating Cornell when he died?! No Bad Company, Bryan Adams, Scorpions, Smashing Pumpkins. etc. Told you they wouldn't put Depeche Mode and Duran Duran on the same ballot. T. Rex looks like a lock induction as so many of the young Brits worshipped Marc Bolan. Sort of Roxy Music like with their influence. Thin Lizzy placed on to ruin perfect ballots. They were very influential with their 2 guitar attack and Phil was very influential. Depeche Mode and T. Rex stand out as 2 locks. Great to see Pat Benatar! I will vote for her and hope she makes it Induction. B grade. Tired of MC5. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:18am

I went with:

Whitney Houston
Judas Preist
Kraftwerk
MC5
T. Rex

Posted by Gassman on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:20am

@Gassman,

That's fair, and I'm not saying they're unworthy, but I suppose its just that I don't understand why. If you asked me three months ago who'd I'd expect to see on the ballot first, I'd go with Weezer, Beck, Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, or even Phish any day before Dave Matthews Band.

But congrats to them. Let's see if they'll be able to get in on their first time or if they'll need a few rounds.

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:22am

I think it getting out that Judas Priest did horribly two years ago may have ended up helping them in the long run, as it might stoke the flames in a way and get people to really get behind them. I think with Motorhead also on the ballot though, that they'll split the votes this year and unfortunately neither will get in this go around, but the support for Judas Priest will only grow (while Motorhead will have to wait until they're in.)

T. Rex feels like a Roxy Music situation where they'll get in quickly. Doobie Brothers and Pat Benatar may get in easily too. Thin Lizzy feels like they'll need a couple nominations before making it. Rundgren might be in the same boat as Thin Lizzy, unless they give him the Award for Musical Excellence which I actually think would be very fitting.

Depeche Mode and Soundgarden have very good chances. Biggie's a lock. If Kraftwerk, MC5, and Rufus are all returning again and again that must mean that each year they're having a pretty good showing, no? I'm hoping Kraftwerk finally makes it this year. Nine Inch Nails may go one way or the other, but I think he'll fall by the wayside again with Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode sharing the ballot.

Whitney may not get in this year but I think it'll happen sooner rather than later. Here's hoping they go with more than 5 inductees this year.

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:31am

@Steve Z

Yeah, it's an odd choice over Weezer, Beck, etc. I can see them over Phish as they had much larger mainstream and chart success. Plus DMB had better connections (Farm Aid, Bridge School Benefits, etc.).

Posted by Gassman on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:37am

Wow. I was also not expecting this ballot.

I got 5 correct.
.
Pat Benatar
Kraftwerk
Notorious BIG
Todd Rundgren
Soundgarden

This is a nice eclectic list but wow, NO Jethro Tull and king Crimson. I was sure B52s,Duran Duran and Eurythmics would be nominated. None of those were nominated here. Blood,Sweat & Tears and Dionne Warwick were long shots. One of the most obvious snubs here, NO Motley Crue?What the hell. I am disappointed about that. I know the Dude is disappointed about that. It is 2 other Heavy Metal choices instead.

There is 3 very strong female nominees with Pat Benatar, Whitney Houston and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.

They finally got around to nominating Soundgarden. They are late with since Chris Cornell died awhile ago.

I am a bit shocked about the Dave Matthews Band. I did not read the New York Times article. That's very cool. They are one of my favorite 90s bands. They were a opposite reaction to all the Grunge. They helped popularize Acoustic Jam band music in the 1990s. I am rooting for them.T Rex is a cool interesting choice. Marc Bolan was worshipped in the 1970s. They were a big part of the 70s Glam Rock scene. Great to see Pat Benatar. I also will vote for her!

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:47am

Richie and a few others might have been right on Motley Crue. There must have been some on the Committee that weren't comfortable about Crue's past and things. I haven't seen as many candidates hot as Motley Crue for an entire year without a nomination. Where's Willie Nelson?! I would have replaced Rundgren with Nelson. Maybe, they have a special award for Willie. They better considering his age. The Thin Lizzy decision is a real head-scratcher. Not many have mentioned Lizzy. Other than Chaka and MC5, you can make a case for an induction of the other 14. Dave Matthews Band is the wild card. These Daveheads are like cult fanatics. Following him all over the United States at his concerts. I could see DMB winning the FAN VOTE. Have to say I'm intrigued how it shakes out. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:56am

The Good:

Very happy to see Pat Benatar nominated. It is appropriate to have longtime collaborator and husband Neil Giraldo included as well. She still tours and is a solid pick with a bunch of hits.

Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Kraftwerk and Soundgarden are all welcome additions. Judas Priest is a pleasant surprise to see return, and Thin Lizzy and Motorhead are longtime snubs.

Good for Todd Rundgren. I was skeptical he would return so soon to the ballot, but he is a great musician with wide-ranging influences. One of the best candidates on the ballot. Hope he makes it this year.

Chaka really needs to get in, with or without Rufus. Whitney Houston was not the highest female priority for me at all but I enjoy her music and have no problem with her being nominated.

I like the size of the ballot. 16 is just right. More nominees just mean more left off, which is a bummer.

Posted by remy10 on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 08:57am

I have to say, I'm incredibly happy with the nominees. Especially Thin Lizzy. I think I got a little too excited when I saw their name listed, even if their chances are pretty slim. I'm curious to see how this plays out, honestly.

Also, KING
Just kinda curious: Why do you say that you can't make cases for Chaka and the MC5?

Posted by Jason Dagotto on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 09:04am

My prediction on who will win the ballot for next year's class.

Notorious BIG
Whitney Houston
Pat Benatar
Nine Inch Nails
Depeche Mode
The Doobie Brothers
T. Rex

If room for extras

Soundgarden
Judas Priest
Todd Rudgren

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 09:06am

@Gassman,

Yeah Phish may have been stretching it a bit, now that I think back on it.

Now in regards to which members will be included with each band, I actually think the Hall hit the mark on most of them. Maybe some extra "non-essential" members here and there, but I'd rather a band have more than less. Neil Giraldo being with Pat Benatar is a bit of a nice touch, but he really should get in the sidemen category instead.

BUT I think an argument can be made for several members of Motorhead, T. Rex, Rufus, and NIN that all got left out.

Hawk Wolinski of Rufus is the most egregious. Phil Campbell and Michael Burston should be in there for Motorhead. Steve Peregrin Took, Dino Dines, Gloria Jones, and Davy Lutton are worthy enough to have been included with T. Rex. NIN is trickier, but Chris Vrenna and Danny Lohner all contributed to peak NIN albums.

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 09:11am

The Bad:

Too much rock. As Phillip mentioned, it is easy to envision this induction class as painfully monochromatic. Not that they aren't worthy, but The Doobie Brothers, Judas Priest, MC 5, Motorhead, Nine Inch Nails, Dave Matthews Band, Soundgarden, T. Rex and Thin Lizzy ALL on the same ballot? Really?

Not sure how I feel about The Dave Matthews Band as a first year eligible. I really like them, but there are so many other acts from the early 90s that should be higher priorities. Jane's Addiction, Beck and Outkast are just three examples.

The kiosk? By my count Dave Matthews was the only one in the top 8 to score a nomination. I wasn't crazy about some of the picks (Blink-182, God help us), but it does seem odd with all this talk about public participation to see the top choices mostly shut out. Not surprised about Motley Crue, though.

Not great representation for African Americans. I count four acts, including two dead solo artists. Some things never change.

Wait until January? That stinks. This might start dragging out as long as the baseball hall of fame.

Posted by remy10 on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 09:29am

My pick for 2020

1. Notorious BIG
2. Whitney Houston
3. Nine Inch Nails
4. Soundgarden
5. Dave Matthews Band

If 6
6. Doobie Brother

If 7
7. T-Rex

Early influence
Kraftwerk

For 2021

1. Foo Fighters
2. Jay-Z
3. Judas Priest
4. Motorhead
5. Depeche Mode

If 6
6. Tina Turner

If 7
7. Willie Nelson

Posted by Kyle on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 09:50am

Jason
Chaka and MC5 have been nominated several times before and not been inducted. I don't see the light bulb going off with the voters suddenly voting them in. Plus, Whitney will receive her share of the votes. I don't see how Chaka will receive enough votes with a strong list of nominees. MC5's spot could have went to Bad Company, Procol Harum, Grand Funk Railroad. Somebody like that. MC5 were last in the FAN voting last year and most members are dead. I think Wayne Kramer is still alive. You really think MC5 will receive more votes than say Judas Priest or a Soundgarden. I don't and MC5 won't make it again this year. Whitney got me this year. I had her on my projected 2020-2021 ballot. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 09:56am

What? Not a single major prog artist on the ballot?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 09:58am

Remy10 - the bands you list include three with mixed race lineups- Doobies would include at least Titan Porter; Thin Lizzy was fronted by Phil Lynott; DMB includes deceased sax player LeRoi Moore, drummer Carter Beaufort, violin player Boyd Tinsley - and they could include trumpet player Rashawn Ross and keyboard player Buddy Strong (newest member).

Posted by Shrek on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 09:59am

Ah, alright. That's fair, KING. I'd honestly like to still see them get in. I think that they'll just continue getting nominations and never actually get in. That, or if something like a Veterans ceremony happens then I an absolutely see them getting in someday. However, I agree that their spot should've gone to Grand Funk or Bad Co.

Posted by Jason Dagotto on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 10:07am

http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=5427

"What? Not a single major prog artist on the ballot?"

- Enig

Nine Inch Nails is closet you could get, since they're considered as a "Crossover Prog" band other than Industrial and Alternative Rock according to Prog Archives.

Am I the only one who thinks T.Rex will be next year's Zombies? I could see them get the most votes from the voting body cause they originally started off as a psychedelic folk band.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 10:24am

I hit on 7 of the nominees with my 15 predictions.

Was I the only one who guessed DMB (before their name started popping up in John Sykes interviews by the way!)

Posted by Shrek on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 10:24am

http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=5427

"What? Not a single major prog artist on the ballot?"

- Enig

Nine Inch Nails is the closet you could get, since they're considered as a "Crossover Prog" band other than Industrial and Alternative Rock according to Prog Archives.

Am I the only one who thinks T.Rex will be next year's Zombies? I could see them get the most votes from the voting body cause they originally started off as a psychedelic folk band.

EDITED

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 10:24am

Quite a diverse list!

I actually hope Soundgarden gets over and DMB doesn't lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 10:25am

Are we absolutely certain that Eddie Trunk is not on the Nominating Committee, now?

The "prog" train has been derailed!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 10:44am

A safe and uninspired list of nominees..
They are still beating the drum for J Geils and Kraftwerk which assumes that they will vote them in.
Rundgren reappears, and that may also indicate they will vote him in.
Disappointed that Early Influence, Musical Excellence (sidemen), and Ahmet Ertegun categories are skipped again (and again)

Posted by Mark on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 10:57am

Oops
Rufus, not Geils

Posted by Mark on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:17am

Sunday was the 31st anniversary of what I have considered to be the final day of my last "proper" vacation, a 1.5 day air safari in Kenya and 3.5 days of staycation in Mombasa. In actuality, my last vacation had been those 3 rain drenched days in Tokyo, Japan almost 32.5 years ago, but I digress. Tomorrow will be the day which we have been waiting for, for oh so many, many years. I have promised myself a vacation in the next 2.5- 3.0 years, if certain artists are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. It had first started with Rush being inducted. Then Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and The Moody Blues had deserved to be inducted also. Therefore in 2018, the inductions of the "holy trinity" of prog (Rush, Yes and The Moody Blues) had been complete, but Duran Duran had still not received a nomination, nor had Carly Simon, nor Sade, nor the Doobie Brothers. My vacation had been contingent upon
all 7 of those artists being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Tomorrow morning, we will finally know if I will be able to take another vacation in 2022, or if I will have to wait until 2039, or later. With only the Doobie Brothers being on this nomination list. It looks like I will be 77 years old, when I take my next vacation.

At least, Doobie Brothers and Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo finally made the list!
In the meantime, I am planning on purchasing quite a few pieces of Le Creuset cookware over the next decade, or so!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:17am

@Enig

I think you should go on a vacation no matter who gets inducted.

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:25am

"Leak" Source Score Card:

Nom Committee Members (4 out of 5): Obviously, Paul Shaffer didn't get his way when it came to Willie Nelson. However, Dave Matthews Band and Biggie and Depeche Mode and T. Rex are all on the ballot as advertised.

Nominee Pages Still Being Up (1 out of 2): Kraftwerk, yes. J Geils Band, no.

Teaser Video (3 of 7): Duran Duran, The Go-Gos, Motley Crue and Iron Maiden all failed to make the ballot. Big names from that did make the ballot were Pat Benatar, Motorhead and Whitney Houston.

Obviously, the teaser video was always going to be a crapshoot.

Posted by Casper on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:30am

I am very happy with the emphasis on the Rock Heavy list of nominees. but now I have too many to choose from. Definitely excited for Pat Benatar, well deserved for sure, but sorry, Enig. I figured Jethro Tull for the Prog choice, a total snub. Thin Lizzy is very surprising, one of my favorite bands, which I never talk about, due to I did not figure them for a chance at nomination. Judas Priest is a great choice, love it, but I had Iron Maiden in their slot for this year, even though I feel JP is more deserving. Nine Inch Nails and T. Rex were 2 of my Top Picks, so that is very cool. We absolutely got Heavy and Classic with this class, and Motorhead too, I guess they were due for a nomination. Too many great artists to choose from. I believe they will have to induct 7 or 8 this year..

Posted by Will N. on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:37am

My early predictions of who will be inducted...

Bank on it

Notorious B.I.G.
Whitney Houston
T. Rex
The Doobie Brothers

Very Strong Chance

Pat Benatar
Todd Rundgren
Soundgarden

Solid/Decent Chance

Depeche Mode
Nine Inch Nails
Rufus feat. Chaka Khan

Minimal Chance
Kraftwerk
Dave Matthews Band

Not Likely/No Chance

Judas Priest
Motorhead
Thin Lizzy
MC5


I'll be posting more on my blog over the coming months.

Posted by Donnie on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:41am

Ranked By Chance Of Induction:

1. Depeche Mode - Nobody else is really in their lane (maybe NIN to a minor extent). They have the hits and the super popularity and Roxy/Cure getting in last year.

2. Notorious B.I.G. - Nobody really in his lane, but he could be seen (rather easily) as a step below ALL the inducted rap acts and thus could miss out. Short career and gangsta rap has occasionally struggled (see: N.W.A.)

3/4. Doobie Brothers and Pat Benatar - Doobie Brothers (like Bad Company) feel like a total shoe-in given all the classic rock that's been inducted lately. Pat Benatar is 80s, so her road to induction might be a little rockier.

5. Soundgarden - The many, many inducted members of guitar bands will vote for them and so will the critics. This is a pick on the lines of Green Day or Pearl Jam. They're practically a shoe-in under most circumstances but this hard-rock heavy ballot could lead to a lot of vote splitting, and thus, gives me pause.

6. Todd Rundgren - Has to have been super close last time (I mean, really, he finished 8th place or WORSE?) and will get plenty of support from classic rockers and critics.

7/8. Kraftwerk and MC5 - These two clearly have had an uphill trajectory in voting, hence why they keep coming back. Inductions of Roxy/Cure for the former and Stooges for the latter prove that it can be done.

9. T. Rex - I'm PROBABLY underselling this one and they'll get in fairly easily (see: Roxy Music), but I can't help but think that they were given a much higher value in the UK and kind of niche here in the US. Regardless, they've been one of the museum's biggest snubs for decades.

10. Nine Inch Nails - Industrial still remains a tough sell with the voting body, but if they want to induct younger acts (and one of the most important on the ballot, at that), this is a MUST vote for.

11. Dave Matthews Band - I don't really see the critics or guitar band inductees really jumping on this one. In fact, who really will? I should probably have ranked them much lower.

12. Judas Priest - Too many RAWK acts on the ballot. Too much vote splitting and if they "did horribly" last time, what will change?

13. Whitney Houston - A lot of people will just see the name and think an induction is inevitable, but the more innovative and cutting-edge Janet Jackson struggled for years to get in. Houston did a lot of SCHLOCK for every masterpiece single she put out and that could really hurt her case. Perhaps more than any other nominee, she REALLY tests the definition of "rock"...

14. Thin Lizzy - I love this pick. Perhaps if the ballot weren't so stacked they'd have a prayer.

15. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan - I don't think they've really had much of a surge in support. This is just Questlove continuing to be stubborn.

16. Motorhead - Ultimately, too niche.

Posted by Casper on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:41am

Huh. This ballot is a bit of a surprise. I guess there's nobody there that does not deserve an eventual induction on their own terms. It is just an odd mix on one ballot.

Some long term snubs finally given a shot, but some will split votes. Nice to see Judas Priest given another shot and then Motorhead and Thin Lizzy finally getting nominations (did Eddie Trunk have the floor at this year's meeting?) Metal and associated hard rock acts are one of the biggest snubs as a genre, but then throwing them all on the same ballot kind of hurts all of their chances.

This year I think it really might be about who has the clearest lanes. Considering that, I think Doobie Brothers have a good shot. As do Depeche Mode. Notorious B.I.G. Whitney Houston. Those are the four I am most confident in. Have to think some more beyond that.

Kraftwerk is the most deserving artist on this list as far as influence. Voters don't know that, though. And still no King Crimson.

Posted by Dezmond on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:46am

Hey Dude, Whitney may have been nominated (over Tina???), but NO WAY she's getting in; Benatar will likely be the sole femme inductee...

Posted by KXB on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:47am

I couldn't personally give a damn if Motley Crue ever gets in the HOF, they're not really anywhere in my list of favorite bands. But, the more I think about it, the more I think it's a horrible precedent that they got passed over.

I mean, what exactly is the point of promoting public feedback, if you aren't going to actually respond to it? You tell people that you have provided a method for them to have their voices heard; even promote it as a reason to visit your museum; and then just ignore the votes, dump them all and reset the counters for next year in order to just ignore them again?

It just seems completely insincere.

Posted by Shrek on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:48am

My personal votes:

Depeche Mode
Kraftwerk
T. Rex
Thin Lizzy
Motorhead

My tastes are more eclectic than my votes indicate, I'm just not super excited about some of these others. However deserving they may be.

My predictions (so far):

Doobie Brothers (the boomers won't be able to resist Michael McDonald crooning some yacht rock)

Depeche Mode

Notorious BIG

Whitney Houston

I am less certain beyond those four. But if I need to pick a 5th: Soundgarden

Posted by Dezmond on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:51am

Great to see Pat B. and Whitney H. among the nominees. here's my usual rundown of nominees, with their number of nominations and years that they've been eligible. Eight acts who have been eligible in previous years receive their first nod, with Notorious B.I.G. as the only first-year-eligible nominee.

* Pat Benatar- first nomination; 21st year of eligibility
* Dave Matthews Band- first nomination; second year of eligibility
* Depeche Mode- third nomination; 14th year of eligibility
* The Doobie Brothers- first nomination; 24th year of eligibility
* Judas Priest- second nomination; 21st year of eligibility
* Kraftwerk- sixth nomination; 25th year of eligibility
* MC5- fifth nomination; 29th year of eligibility
* Motörhead- first nomination; 18th year of eligibility
* Nine Inch Nails- third nomination; sixth year of eligibility
* Notorious B.I.G.- first nomination; first year of eligibility
* Rufus featuring Chaka Khan- fourth noomination; 22nd year of eligibiliy
* Soundgarden- first nomination; ninth year of eligibility
* T. Rex- first nomination; 27th year of eligibility
* Thin Lizzy- first nomination; 25th year of eligibility
* Todd Rundgren- second nomination; 25th year of eligibility
* Whitney Houston- first nomination; 11th year of eligibility

Posted by JR on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:53am

I hope not to ruffle any feathers but can a nominee list get more milquetoast and boring than this? I'm happy to see Benetar and Whitney but the rest is head-scratchingly generic.
Artists like Björk, Tori Amos and PJ Harvey have been eligible and have had tremendous innovation and influence...but they pick Dave Matthews? And Tina Turner will still be tethered to her abusive partner? What a shame. The boys' club is back in town (special shout-out to new nominees Thin Lizzy).
Am I alone in my feelings towards this?

Posted by Josh on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:53am

"I mean, what exactly is the point of promoting public feedback, if you aren't going to actually respond to it? You tell people that you have provided a method for them to have their voices heard; even promote it as a reason to visit your museum; and then just ignore the votes, dump them all and reset the counters for next year in order to just ignore them again?"

Music critics and Social Justice Warriors are to blame.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:54am

PS- Casper is so right-on about Whitney being a schlock 'artist', and the fact she LIP-SYNCHED the National Anthem (no doubt while 'impaired') makes her a not-credible choice...

Posted by KXB on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 11:58am

Shrek makes a good point. I can see this causing backlash amongst fans, although its not like the hall isn't use to it by now.

I feel like this could've been avoided if, say, Iron Maiden got nominated instead of Crue, Priest, & Motorhead. Not only would a top 3 vote getter get onto the list, but if they were on there without the others, fans might be more likely to accept that they were only doing a "one metal act a year" type of thing as well as it'd make it much easier for Maiden to get in. But with both Priest and Motorhead getting on, it proves that there hypothetically could've been a spot for both Maiden & Crue, making the snub that much more felt.

Posted by Steve Z on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 12:15pm

They are not letting us view the results of the fan poll this year.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Rock%20Hall%20Fan%20Vote

What's going on?

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 12:41pm

A nice big group this time. I do not like The Notorious BIG or Whitney Houston. Motley Crue was rumored but snubbed again, a real shame. Newly-eligible Hootie and the Blowfish got snubbed, a real shame. Dave Matthews was a nice surprise.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 12:41pm

Roy,
I saw that on the fan poll. Maybe it is still to early in the process. Hopefully we will get that feature soon.

Also, I believe they got it right with Pat Benatar, including Neil Giraldo, as she probably would not accept it any other way. Plus he is and always has been just as important to the success of their band, and yes, Pat Benatar has always been a band, just not presented that way. Similar situation with the Elton John band, who did not get included when he was inducted, but should have been.

Posted by Will N. on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 13:15pm

The Ugly:

Women in the hall: I really thought the hall would make more of an effort to increase the female nominees this year. It's not just to increase the number; there are so many deserving choices out there and so few actually in the hall. This ballot does nothing to help that cause, however. I think all three are good choices and was very glad to see Pat Benatar's name. But this is truly unfortunate.

Kraftwerk: I don't honestly know what to do with them. They are objectively the most deserving act on the ballot, probably by a landslide. Yet I don't think they have much of a prayer this year. Maybe I'm wrong and they will sail in. But I do not see them getting inducted off of this ballot.

Moving Early Influence: Evidently there is talk of moving up the early influence category into the 60s and beyond. Hell, that might be how Kraftwerk eventually gets in. I know that an act like Link Wray had his peak about 60 years ago by now and the music continues to evolve. But the MC5 as an early influence? Yuck.

More thoughts later I suppose. Still processing this unexpected ballot.

Posted by remy10 on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 13:16pm

Shrek,

Thanks for the information on the bands and the lineups. I missed that.

I'll work on predictions soon. I would remind everyone that the seven inductees last year was probably an exception, not the rule. I would be shocked if they induct seven performers this year.

Posted by remy10 on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 13:21pm

You might be waiting a long, LONG time for a Hootie nomination.

Posted by jtrichey on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 13:27pm

My personal honest thoughts on this ambivalent ballot.

Positive aspects:

Motörhead AND Judas Priest, no Mötley Crüe
Soundgarden, Depeche Mode AND NIN
T.Rex and Pat Benatar finally nominated, Thin Lizzy is solid too.
Another chance for Kraftwerk and MC5 to get in (Kraftwerk for EI is the dumbest thing I've ever heard)
No J. Geils Band
The kiosk voting seems to be the most laughable invention since Little Steven's singles category (Blink, MC, Mercury solo - come on. Stevie Nicks solo is enough.)

Negative aspects:

No Willie Nelson
The Doobies (Azoff's pet project)
Dave Matthews Band (??? One of the most annoying acts that comes to my mind. DMB over Beck *facepalm*)
3/16 female acts - poor rate in a year with that many conversations on this topic
Todd Rundgren should have been inducted last year in the AME category.


No prog acts. I know many of the regulars will get furious. Personally, I'm okay with that.

My votes would be:

Kraftwerk
Nine Inch Nails
Depeche Mode
MC5
T.Rex or Chaka Khan

Posted by MichaelEU on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 13:37pm

I really want to hear what Philip has to say about this list of nominees on his "Rock Hall Monitors" blog. In the meantime. It's time to tune into the "Who Cares About The Rock Hall?" podcast.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 13:54pm

Shangra Las passed over again

Posted by Suzanne Noa-Gali on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 14:29pm

An ok ballot. I will tear into it as I get a chance. Very happy to see Whitney, Depeche Mode, and NIN on the ballot. Soundgarden I'm torn about, because I was ok with them not getting nommed for now to let more genres in, but now that they are, this better open the door for Alice in Chains very soon, since they are line C-D on a completely straight line below Nirvana and Pearl Jam on the grunge hierarchy.

The best thing about this list is the omission of the J Geils band. It is something of a bad precedent to not have Motley Crue in, because it seems they don't care about the fan vote, which at least was a token nod to the masses.

The RRHOF Facebook page is filled with grief and grime about Whitney and Biggie being nominated, but cry a river to them. Rock and Roll doesn't just mean rock; it's the "roll" part, and there's always influences, but this loud group will be around til the end of time. Interestingly, they also attack Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, and Rufus; I guess we only should have American guitar 1970s rock in this Hall, and put everyone in, because they are naming anyone that's ever played on staples of classic rock radio. Someone mentioned Mountain as being snubbed...REALLY?

Look forward to the reviews here...

Posted by K-Dawg on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 14:31pm

Re: Shangri-las passed over again.
Yes, it is a huge oversight by the nominating committee.
Unfortunately, it seems that 60s rock, not to mention 50s acts,
have lost consideration.

Posted by Mark on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 15:40pm

Decent enough. Sadly, this is stacked enough that it won't turn out as well as it could've done. T. Rex might be just a one-hit wonder in the US, but given Roxy Music sailing straight in last year I imagine Bolan and company are a lock, and rightly so. Biggie is the other shoe-in. Kraftwerk,NIN and Depeche together? Argh. All three are deserving, but they're just going to take votes off each other here. Likewise, Priest and Motorhead is a guaranteed vote split. If you're down to one guitar act on your ballot and you're choosing between them, MC5, Lizzy and Soundgarden...

The five I would choose, though that could change in an hour: B.I.G., Kraftwerk, Priest, T. Rex and MC5. What I expect will happen: B.I.G., T. Rex, Depeche (sell some tickets), Doobie Brothers, Benatar

Posted by Sam on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 15:47pm

Sorry, but the Singles category means no Shangri-las.

Posted by Follower on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 16:01pm

Firstly, as a huge Oasis fan this ballot is disappointing to say the least. Second, as an advocate for stronger gender/genre/race inclusion, this is a huge disappointment. At the end of the day though I'm a very big T. Rex fan, but that hardly salvages this list mainly due to the sheer abundance of classic rock nominees (I dread a world where the Doobie Brothers are inducted before T. Rex).

Overall I voted for T. Rex, Depeche Mode, the MC5, Kraftwerk, and Whitney Houston. Out of the rest of the nominees it's hard to find others in whole heartedly supportive of. Biggie is a lock so I didn't feel the need to waste a vote on him, but I'm only lukewarm on the idea of NIN, Pat Benetar, Soundgarden and Todd Rundgren. Such an odd ballot; in a landscape where the hall claims to be moving towards more inclusivity, shoving all these classic rock bands on the same ballot isn't gonna help anyone.

Don't even get me started on DMB.

Posted by Tyler Partnow on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 16:27pm

Somewhat surprising list!

The five I would vote for:

Kraftwerk
Pat Benatar
Todd Rundgren
Depeche Mode
Thin Lizzy

Who I think will be inducted:

Pat Benatar
the Doobie Brothers
Whitney Houston
the Notorious B.I.G.
Depeche Mode

If six:

Kraftwerk

If seven:

Todd Rundgren

The large number of bonafide Rock acts nominated may well dilute things out so that none of them will get in. That would be a shame. Of the rockers here other than Thin Lizzy, I would go with Judas Priest.

Not surprised by the omission of Motley Crue. With apologies to the Dude, Motley Crue is the third artist whose band name starts with MOT that I would vote for, after MOTt the Hoople and MOTorhead.

Posted by Eric Tompkins on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 16:33pm

I dunno, can't really picture Motörhead getting in that soon; they were a niche band outside of the UK, and they're one of those bands you don't hear on terrestrial radio (which is rare). Priest is slightly more easier, depending on how much support from the voting body they could get. At this point, the Doobies are the easiest classic rock band to capitalize the hall.

Unlike the other two bands I've mentioned - and even Motley - they actually have a diamond album certified by the RIAA, and they're already killing fan ballot online right now.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 16:52pm

The one thing I remember about Motorhead, is that their exposure in the States is largely due to tie-ins with their signature song "Ace of Spades", as well as Lemmy's friendship with Triple H from WWE, and he gets all his intro songs from Lemmy. I think he might not be on the radar of a majority of the RRHOF committee, and while the metalheads are screaming his praises, I would have let Priest have the spotlight or even gone with Iron Maiden instead, who in my view have less stigma than Priest when it comes to HOF credentials

Posted by K-Dawg on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 16:57pm

@ K-Dawg

Sadly, most casual listeners who love local radio can't name a single song by Motörhead. While some might know them for "Ace of Spades," but they're too lazy to go beyond that.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 17:18pm

Emerson Lake and Palmer should have been nominated long ago and before many this year's nominee's. Keith Emerson's work with Bob Moog alone has historical significance in music and both where great influencers for the Progressive Genre.

Posted by John Lattarulo on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 17:18pm

Where is Korn. Their first year of eligibility.How can you not nominate a band that created a new genre of metal. They are still selling out shows and headlining tours!!

Posted by rob46 on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 17:22pm

"Where is Korn. Their first year of eligibility.How can you not nominate a band that created a new genre of metal. They are still selling out shows and headlining tours!!"

- rob46

Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Alice In Chains, Rage Against The Machine, Foo Fighters (eligible next year), Tool, Jane's Addiction, and Stone Temple Pilots first, then we could have a real discussion about Korn here.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 17:50pm

DMB before Bad Company? WHY?

Posted by Liam on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 17:55pm

rob46,

I love Korn. I have advocated for them, but to introduce "nu metal", they need to start with NIN. They open the door for most of the groups that we grew up on like Disturbed, System of a Down, Mudvayne, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, and of course, Korn. I'm not saying they're all worthy, but the sound came from NIN first. Honestly, and I know it won't happen because the nom com is completely neutered, Pantera should also have a long look.

Posted by K-Dawg on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 18:03pm

FRL REGULARS
I think having Depeche Mode and Judas Priest inducted this cycle would be outstanding. They are 2 of the biggest snubs and the NOM COMM can move to the next tier of worthy acts. Motley Crue is a surprise with incredible buzz all season. Don't see why they would ignore Paul Rodgers and Willie Nelson as both are legends. They are going to botch this and Willie will die someday. Hopefully, he receives a Special Award. I was right on 5 or 6 this year. Have to get Kraftwerk or MC5 inducted creatively. They are gumming up the works. Depeche Mode and Judas Priest are 2 I would like to see inducted this time. Both seem to be honored by their nominations and still at the top of their games. Would be fantastic performances. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 18:08pm

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME NOMINATED MEMBERS

THE BREAKDOWN - GENDER, RACE, ALIVE, DEAD

71 NOMINEES

68 - MEN
3 - WOMEN

1 BLACK AND WHITE MAN

1 JAPANESE MAN
1 INDIAN MAN

1 WHITE WOMAN
2 BLACK WOMEN

55 WHITE MEN
10 BLACK MEN

42 LIVING WHITE MEN

13 DEAD WHITE MEN

7 LIVING BLACK MEN

3 DEAD BLACK MEN

1 LIVING BLACK WOMAN

1 LIVING WHITE WOMAN

1 DEAD BLACK WOMAN

1 DEAD BLACK AND WHITE MAN

1 LIVING INDIAN MAN

1 LIVING JAPANESE MAN


TODD RUNDGREN (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

WHITNEY HOUSTON (FEMALE, BLACK, DEAD)

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. (MALE, BLACK, DEAD)

NINE INCH NAILS

01. Trent Reznor (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

PAT BENATAR

01. Pat Benatar (FEMALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Neil Giraldo (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

MOTORHEAD

01. 'Fast' Eddie Clarke (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
02. Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
03. Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)

T. REX

01. Marc Bolan (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
02. Steve Currie (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
03. Mickey Finn (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
04. Bill Legend (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

KRAFTWERK

01. Karl Bartos (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Wolfgang Flur (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Ralf Hutter (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Florian Schneider (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

MC5

01. Michael Davis (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
02. Wayne Kramer (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Fred 'Sonic' Smith (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
04. Dennis Thompson (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Rob Tyner (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)

THIN LIZZY

01. Eric Bell (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Brian Downey (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Scott Gorham (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Phil Lynott (MALE, BLACK, WHITE, DEAD)
05. Brian Robertson (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

SOUNDGARDEN

01. Matt Cameron (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Chris Cornell (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
03. Ben Shepherd (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Kim Thayil (MALE, INDIAN, ALIVE)
05. Hiro Yamamoto (MALE, JAPANESE, ALIVE)

DEPECHE MODE

01. Vince Clarke (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Andy Fletcher (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Dave Gahan (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Martin Gore (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Alan Wilder (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

JUDAS PRIEST

01. Les Binks (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. K.K. Downing (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Rob Halford (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Ian Hill (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Dave Holland (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
06. Glenn Tipton (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
07. Scott Travis (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

01. Carter Beauford (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
02. Jeff Coffin (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Stefan Lessard (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Dave Matthews (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Leroi Moore (MALE, BLACK, DEAD)
06. Tim Reynolds (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
07. Rashawn Ross (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
08. Boyd Tinsley (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

01. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. John Hartman (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Michael Hossack (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
04. Tom Johnston (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Keith Knudson (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
06. Michael McDonald (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
07. John McFee (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
08. Tiran Porter (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
09. Patrick Simmons (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

RUFUS

01. Dennis Belfield (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Al Ciner (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Andre Fischer (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
04. Chaka Khan (FEMALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
05. Tony Maiden (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
06. Nate Morgan (MALE, BLACK, DEAD)
07. Kevin Murphy (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
08. Ron Stockert (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
09. Bobby Watson (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
10. David Wolinski (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 18:30pm

If Whitney Houston and Notorious B.I.G both get enough votes for induction in 2020, then there better be 8 inductees, not 6. 2 dead, 6 living.

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 18:47pm

16 nominees - 8 inductees - that would be fair.

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 18:49pm

Looking back at my predictions there were three artists I was confident would appear on the ballot. All three (Biggie, Depeche Mode and NIN) happened. A fourth I was pretty confident on, The Doobie Brothers, also showed up. I whiffed on pretty much everyone else.

I considered several of the actual nominees, like Pat Benatar, Kraftwerk, Todd Rundgren and Whitney Houston. A few like T-Rex and Soundgarden didn't surprise me much but I wasn't really expecting them.

I really thought The Eurythmics, B-52s, Iron Maiden and The Spinners/War/Meters were likely. Never dreamed we'd see Thin Lizzy, Motörhead and DMB. And I would have bet money the ship had sailed for The MC5 and Judas Priest.

All in all a fascinating but puzzling ballot. I don't hate it. But the more I think about it the less I love it.

Posted by remy10 on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 19:13pm

There's one glaring problem with this ballot. It's too small to start making an inroads to get this logjam cleared up. I wouldn't have minded 10-15 more acts added to induct around 12-15 for 2020 because it's only going to get more crowded now that we're firmly entrenched in the 90s and the 2000s are just a few years off.

Posted by K-Dawg on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 19:30pm

https://futurerocklegends.com/statistics.php

What Future Rock Legends voters got right for 2020

Whitney Houston
Depeche Mode
Nine Inch Nails

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 19:32pm

My thoughts on this year's nominees:

I correctly predicted 9 of the 16 nominees this year from both of my lists of predictions, Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Judas Priest, Kraftwerk, MC5, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., Rufus With Chaka Khan and Todd Rundgren.

So happy to see Pat Benatar, Whitney Houston, Motorhead, Soundgarden and T. Rex all finally receive their first nominations too.

Shocked to see Dave Matthews Band and Thin Lizzy receive nominations.

I'm not going to make any predictions for the inductees this year, I think that it's pretty wide open this year, but I will say that Pat Benatar and The Doobie Brothers are both locks for induction this year because Classic Rock has dominated the Rock Hall classes in the last few years and I think that they will be the top two in the online fan vote this year as well, I also think that Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden and T. Rex are also top contenders for getting inducted this year as well.

As much as I want to see Kraftwerk, MC5 and Rufus With Chaka Khan get in, they don't have much of a chance this year, Judas Priest, Motorhead and Thin Lizzy will all cancel each other out because they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is a tough sell for the voting committee and Priest did horrendously in the voting tally when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class and Dave Matthews Band just won't be able to compete with the two other 90's acts that are nominated this year and are bigger than them and that is Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden.

Those are my thoughts.

Posted by richie on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 20:48pm

My thoughts on the noms:
Pat Benatar - she'll get in. she deserved to get in a long time ago.

Dave Matthews Band - won't get in this time. deserves to get in eventually.

Depeche Mode - borderline. could get in. I don't care either way.

The Doobie Brothers - sorry about your wait, welcome to the club.

Judas Priest - won't get in this time. should have been in a long time ago. A first line metal act.

Kraftwerk - f off

MC5 - f off

Motorhead - f off

Nine Inch Nails - not my cup of tea, but should be in. may get in this time

Notorious B.I.G. - again, not my cup of tea, but a top level rap act, will get in.

Rufus featuring Chaka Khan - f off

Soundgarden - short peak, overrated. may or may not get in this time. will get in eventually

T. Rex - weak body of work. f off

Thin Lizzy - overrated as well. 3 song band.

Todd Rundgren - mixed feelings. don't care either way.

Whitney Houston - sorry about your wait, go right in.

Posted by Classic Rock on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 21:00pm

I need time to decide who I predict for all the Inductees. I think and hope it will be 7 inductees. Kraftwerk and Soundgarden have a Very good Chance. I think both Doobie Brothers and Notorious BIG are locks. That's diverse right there. I am NOT a Rap fan but a few years ago I failed to predict Tupac Shakur and he was inducted. Whitney Houston may not get in this year. But I do think it will happen soon within a couple years. I remember that it took Janet Jackson 3 times to be inducted. I think since she Almost exclusively Pop she will need at least a couple tries. Janet J did eventually get inducted. I think Whitney H will follow a similar pattern.

If I consider 7 inductees I feel there will be other priorities before Whitney H. I am very Confident about Doobie Brothers and B.I.G. I willl leave the details of B.I.G. to those on here that know Rap music. But I do predict him along with Doobies as locks.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 21:30pm

Ben,
You were probably a bit shocked that there were a few artists that seemed to be certain for nomination, and were not selected. So many were on board for Motley Crue, and I had them as a probable nominee ranked at #15. We both had Jethro Tull for nomination, and also The B-52's, as both were in my Top 10. I did have 6 of the Nominees in my Top 10, which were Nine Inch Nails, Kraftwerk, T. Rex, Pat Benatar, Doobie Brothers, and Depeche Mode. Soundgarden, I had at #12, and Rufus at #16.
There are just so many possible nominees to choose from, I am sure there were some borderline decisions. I was a bit surprised at the re-nomination of MC5, and I figured they may bypass Todd Rundgren this go round. This may increase his chances for induction. I had not included the newer eligible artists on my pick list on purpose, so Biggie, Whitney, and Dave Matthews I did not consider. I have been a fan of Judas Priest since the Stained Class album came out, so I will be supporting them, and Thin Lizzy was a major surprise, out of left field with that pick, but I love it..

Posted by Will N. on Tuesday, 10/15/2019 @ 23:21pm

Let us consider the "prog" train, shall we?

This is how I see it:

In 1993, Cream and The Doors had received inductions.

In 1995, the late great Frank Zappa had been inducted.
In 1996, Pink Floyd and Jefferson Airplane had been inducted.




In 2002, Talking Heads had been inducted.

In 2004, Traffic had been inducted.





In 2010, Genesis had been inducted.


Then there were no prog artists inducted until 2013, when Rush (the first member of the "holy trinity" of prog) had been inducted.
In 2014, former Genesis member Peter Gabriel had been inducted as a solo artist.
In 2015, no "prog" artists had been inducted.
In 2016, Deep Purple and Chicago had been inducted.
In 2017, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey and Yes (the second member of the "holy trinity" of prog) had been inducted.
In 2018, The Moody Blues (the third member of the "holy trinity" of prog) had been inducted.
In 2019, Roxy Music, The Zombies and Radiohead had been inducted.
In 2020, the "prog" train had been derailed.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 00:15am

So, who even though, no major "prog" artists are on this list, who would I vote for from this list of nominees?

1. Pat Benatar
2. Doobie Brothers
3. Motörhead - because the late great Lemmy, had been a previous member of Hawkwind, a "prog" band.
4. Judas Priest
5. Depeche Mode/Kraftwerk

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 00:28am

Sunday was the 31st anniversary of what I have considered to be the final day of my last "proper" vacation, a 1.5 day air safari in Kenya and 3.5 days of staycation in Mombasa. In actuality, my last vacation had been those 3 rain drenched days in Tokyo, Japan almost 32.5 years ago, but I digress. Today will be the day which we have been waiting for, for oh so many, many years. I have promised myself a vacation in the next 2.5- 3.0 years, if certain artists are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. It had first started with Rush being inducted. Then Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and The Moody Blues had deserved to be inducted also. Therefore in 2018, the inductions of the "holy trinity" of prog (Rush, Yes and The Moody Blues) had been complete, but Duran Duran had still not received a nomination, nor had Carly Simon, nor Sade, nor the Doobie Brothers. My vacation had been contingent upon
all 7 of those artists being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Today, we will finally know if I will be able to take another vacation in 2022, or if I will have to wait until 2039, or later. With only the Doobie Brothers being on this nomination list. It looks like I will be 77 years old, when I finally take my next vacation.

At least, Doobie Brothers and Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo finally made the list! Also, let's not forget Motörhead and the late Lemmy Kilminster, former member of Hawkwind.
In the meantime, I am planning on purchasing quite a few pieces of Le Creuset cookware over the next decade, or so!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 01:13am

OH MY GOD SHUT UP ABOUT YOUR VACATION NO ONE CARES STOP BEING A MARTYR AND JUST TAKE A VACATION WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU

Posted by No One Cares on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 03:27am

16 NOMINEES FOR THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

THERE SHOULD BE 8 INDUCTEES

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
WHEN VOTING FOR SENIORITY:

01. T. Rex
02. MC5
03. Kraftwerk
04. Todd Rundgren
05. Thin Lizzy
06. The Doobie Brothers
07. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
08. Judas Priest

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
WHEN VOTING FOR THE MOST RECENT ACTS:

01. The Notorious B.I.G.
02. Dave Matthews Band
03. Nine Inch Nails
04. Soundgarden
05. Whitney Houston
06. Depeche Mode
07. Pat Benatar
08. Motorhead

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
WORST CASE SCENARIO - THIS WOULD MAKE FOR A VERY DEAD CEREMONY:

01. MC5
02. T. Rex
03. Thin Lizzy
04. Kraftwerk
05. Motorhead
06. Whitney Houston
07. The Notorious B.I.G.

16 NOMINEES FOR THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

A 5 – 5 – 6 SCENARIO

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
WHEN VOTING FOR SENIORITY:

01. T. Rex
02. MC5
03. Kraftwerk
04. Todd Rundgren
05. Thin Lizzy

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
WHEN VOTING FOR THE MOST RECENT ACTS:

01. The Notorious B.I.G.
02. Dave Matthews Band
03. Nine Inch Nails
04. Soundgarden
05. Whitney Houston

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
WHEN VOTING FOR THE REST:

01. The Doobie Brothers
02. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
03. Judas Priest
04. Depeche Mode
05. Pat Benatar
06. Motorhead

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 03:31am

If Whitney Houston and Notorious B.I.G both get enough votes for induction in 2020, then there better be 8 inductees, not 6. 2 dead, 6 living.

16 nominees - 8 inductees - that would be fair.

Matt Cameron will be a 2-time inductee if Soundgarden gets inducted. Inducted with Pearl Jam.

All the nominated members of Motorhead are dead!

Duran Duran should be brought back to induct T. Rex as they inducted Roxy Music. Members of Duran Duran, Chic, and Robert Palmer (Power Station) did a remake of Bang a Gong by T. Rex in the 1980s.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 03:32am

71 NOMINEES

53 LIVING

18 DEAD

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 03:34am

https://futurerocklegends.com/2020_Nomination_Predictions.php

FUTURE ROCK LEGENDS GOT ONLY 4 NOMINEES CORRECT

01. The Doobie Brothers
02. Todd Rundgren
03. Whitney Houston
04. The Notorious B.I.G.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 03:43am

What is this nonsense about a second ceremony for the older generation?

You better not induct MC5 and Kraftwerk in the Early Influence category, or you will lose all credibility!!!

Joel Peresman, the Rock Hall's president, said that because the induction ceremony is later than usual this year (May 2nd), they decided to extend the voting deadline by a month. The Fan Poll closes on January 10th, and inductees should be names shortly thereafter.

"So we're looking at a Hall Of Fame induction class that could potentially honor almost exclusively dead artists and bands with dead frontmen: Notorious B.I.G., Soundgarden, Whitney Houston, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, Motörhead. That sounds like a very morbid ceremony!" -- Donnie Durham

Rock Hall CEO Joel Peresman just floated the idea of a second ceremony that would include older generation artists (in the context of discussing the MC5).

Alan Light and Joel Peresmen are talking about Kraftwerk possibly becoming an Early Influence inductee if they don't get in. Also that Early Influences is no longer "50's and 60's." NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 04:31am

Five mixed-race bands nominated,

The Doobie Brothers, Rufus, Soundgarden, Dave Matthews Band, Thin Lizzy,

but no all-black groups!

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 06:07am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8MxF-uIs8

2020 Rock Hall of Fame Nominees:

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 08:48am

Will N.,

I was bit shocked that certain artists were not picked like B52s,Jethro Tull and Motley Crue. I did have Pat Benatar,Kraftwerk, Notorious BIG,
Todd Rundgren and Sounbdgarden.

You did Not included newly eligible artists. So you did Not consider Biggie and Dave Matthews Band. That's fine. But Whitney is Not newly eligible. I think she has been eligible since 2010. I think you made an error there.

Now as far as Whitney Houston goes. I was going to predict her Now as an Inductee but I do remember that Many people thought Janet Jackson would be inducted right away. But it took Janet 3 nominations. I feel it will be similar with Whitney. I am Not someone who says never but perhaps in 2 or 3 years. She did a lot of Easy listening type music for every huge single she put out. I think that's a good way to put that. That could hurt her chances on this ballot.

I think ones like Pat Benatar,Kraftwerk and T Rex are very likely. As I said I think the Doobie Brothers and Biggie are locks. I think Judas Priest have a decent chance. I am Not a huge fan but I had a few friends that were Priest fanatics. Since Motley Crue were snubbed Judas Priest becomes somewhat likely among Voters who dig Old Heavy Metal. Thin Lizzy came out of left field.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 09:34am

Some thoughts on the nominees:

Pat Benatar - Honestly, I think she's a shoo-in to get in this year. She's the one female nominee that touches the rock contingent, she's a major early '80s icon in terms of her music videos, and she has a pretty big fanbase even now. Wouldn't have been my first choice, but I see her getting inducted pretty easily.

Dave Matthews Band - I... Just... No. I don't get it. For the life of me, I can't see how they got nominated in their first year of eligibility, over so many other artists who came up in the same era. Sadly, they're still enough of a draw that I could see a way for them to get in for name value at the ceremony. I expect it won't happen, but they have a stronger shot than I'd prefer.

Depeche Mode - Many people think they have a good chance to get in this year after Roxy Music and the Cure made it last year. If they weren't splitting the synth pop vote with both Nine Inch Nails and Kraftwerk, not to mention a couple other bigger names, I'd consider them a possibility. But I don't see 2020 being their year.

The Doobie Brothers - Probably will get in, as they're one of the few out-and-out Classic Rockers on the ballot this year. That plus the fact that them getting in would mean a big name reunion for the ceremony, where most of the big names are still around, and I'm comfortable with saying they breeze on by.

Whitney Houston - Getting in. No question. She's too big, and doesn't have the cultural baggage that Janet still had the first couple years she was nominated. The only drawback is, being dead, Whitney didn't need to be a priority over artists like Tina Turner, Diana Ross, or maybe even Dionne Warwick who are still with us. That said, I see Whitney getting in quickly this year, so as to free up space for other divas.

Judas Priest - Managed to get a second nomination, and they're in a worse situation than they had the first time. They get to split the vote with Motorhead, a similar band who's lead singer was a more visible and approachable figure than anyone in Priest; and they'll likely be overshadowed by Soundgarden and maybe Nine Inch Nails in terms of the other heavier acts in the lineup. Either way, it doesn't look like their year.

Kraftwerk - The act I want to see get in more than any of the other nominees. Unfortunately, I doubt they will get their shot in 2020. Synth-based bands seem to have a harder time with the hall in general; and out of the three nominees in that arena this year, I'd wager Nine Inch Nails is the more popular pick (and I'm not sure they'll get in either).

MC5 - Always getting nominated, but not enough a big name that they can expect to get in. Like I said last year, their best hope to get in is for Little Steven to peg "Kick Out the Jams" as a single.

Motörhead - Everything I said for Judas Priest applies to Motörhead, although Lemmy holds a special "elder statesman" place among metalheads. If they were not up against another metal band (especially a NWoBM act like Judas Priest), they might have been a wild card pick; but under the circumstances I don't think they have a shot.

Nine Inch Nails - Probably the best option to get a synth act into the hall in 2020, given some of the variables involved: Trent Reznor showing up to induct the Cure, name recognition, and the fact that NIN is a band from Cleveland nominated in a year where the ceremony will be in Cleveland. As of right now, I think they have a solid 50/50 shot at getting in, but only if the hall inducts more than five nominees.

Notorious B.I.G. - If you had asked me about this last week, I'd would have called Biggie a sure thing. Now that the nominations are out… I'm just not feeling it. An objectively better hip hop nominee in terms of influence and career peaks like LL Cool J is still struggling to get in; and the one thing B.I.G. has going for it (consideration for a career cut short way too soon) is now countered by a nominee list that has more dearly departed artists (Whitney, Chris Cornell, Marc Bolan and/or Phil Lynott) than any other year in recent memory.

Rufus featuring Chaka Khan - For the second year in a role, the Hall wastes their one straightforward R&B pick on an act that will likely be blown out of the water by another diva. The only thing Chaka has going for her is, unlike Whitney, she could show up for the ceremony; and that jus isn't enough.

Todd Rundgren - Has the same name recognition value and drawbacks as last year, plus the distinction of being vocally against the Hall after not making it in last year. But even with all that, I think Todd has the same chance of getting in for 2020: he's not a shoo-in, but could likely get in if the Hall goes past five acts.

Soundgarden - Arguably the biggest contemporary act that is on the ballot this year, and one that has a lot of goodwill since Chris Cornell passed. I think they're most likely getting in this year, continuing the push to get a Seattle grunge act in every couple years or so.

T. Rex - More influential than the MC5, more of a critical darling than Thin Lizzy, and just as iconic in a different vein as Judas Priest or Motorhead. Last year showed the Hall was now open to pushing acts that were more popular in England than America; T.Rex is the act that is best poised to take advantage to that.

Thin Lizzy - Finally nominated. Unfortunately, I'm just not feeling it for them this year. They've got the couple big hits to merit consideration; but so many acts have had that same attributes, and were left on the outside looking in. I see them filling a role more similar to Procol Harum and Steppenwolf than being this years' iteration of the Zombies.

Who I would pick for this year:

Whitney Houston
Kraftwerk
Nine Inch Nails
Soundgarden
Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
T.Rex

Who I think will get in:

Pat Benatar
The Doobie Brothers
Whitney Houston
Soundgarden
T.Rex
And either Nine Inch Nails or Todd Rundgren (if there is a sixth slot)

Posted by Ian on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 10:00am

Ian,

Excellent analysis. I've started working on my own artist evaluation, but I think your take is very sound. Nicely done.

Posted by remy10 on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 10:06am

I'm not going to be making any predictions for the inductees this year, but I will say that Pat Benatar and The Doobie Brothers are both locks for induction this year because Classic Rock has dominated the induction classes the last few years and I think that they will be the top two in the online fan vote this year as well, I also think that Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden and T. Rex are also top contenders for getting inducted this year as well.

As much as I want to see Kraftwerk, MC5 and Rufus With Chaka Khan get in, I just don't think they have much of a chance this year, Judas Priest, Motorhead and Thin Lizzy will all cancel each other out because they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is a tough sell for the voting committee and Priest did horrendously in the voting tally when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class and Dave Matthews Band just won't be able to compete with the two other 90's acts that are nominated this year (that being Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden), so they won't have the votes to ever get inducted IMO.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 10:31am

KING'S 6 2020 Induction Predictions.
1. Pat Benatar-Pat was the total package as the 80's rock singer with plenty of hit songs. Fire and Ice, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Love Is A Battlefield etc. My sister would play her songs on the record player.
2. T. Rex- I think they are inducted. Surprised how fast Roxy Music was inducted. T. Rex has plenty of Influence on British bands. Bolan is a music legend in !ife and death.
3. Depeche Mode-Appears to be Depeche Mode's time. High on most categories: Influence, Innovation, Longevity, Records Sales etc. Enjoy The Silence a KING FAV.
4. The Doobie Brothers-Will collect many of the Classic Rock votes. Michael MacDonald is a legend type that needs to be inducted. Listen To The Music a Classic song.
5. Nine Inch Nails-I remember when NIN was a 1st year eligible. It looked like they would be inducted 1st time around. Didn't happen. Trent was a presenter last year and Cleveland native. Things looking up this year for NIN even on a stacked ballot.
6. Whitney Houston-1 of the greatest singers of all time. Entire package as a beautiful talented singer with several octave range. She's too great to sit out. I guess The Bodyguard she was at her peak. It's a tragedy her last years leading to her death.
KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 12:15pm

Roy, I enjoy reading your breakdowns and scenarios, and Ian did a great rundown on all of the nominees.
I have some questions for either Roy or anyone. Is it true that Trent Reznor is the only person nominated for Nine Inch Nails, and why is that the case? Also, Why are these artists that continue to be re-nominated not more seriously considered for induction? Why would some acts get the nod over some other worthy acts waiting in the wings for a nomination? It seems to me like Rufus/Chaka Khan, MC5, Kraftwerk, Todd Rundgren, and even Judas Priest would Not be nominated, if the intentions were not to have them inducted. Common sense would tell us that this should increase their chances for induction. I think Kraftwerk is finally a lock for this year, and I would prefer Chaka Khan/Rufus over Whitney for this induction. Whitney will get in soon enough, no problem. Same with Todd Rundgren, he could slide in with increased support. I like Judas Priest's chances as the Metal Gods, with a second shot, should do better and not be denied this time.
Roy, I agree with you on the chances of 8 inductees. I can see 7 or 8 because of this large group of talent, the nominated artists who have passed, and to alleviate the logjam of deserving bands and artists.

Posted by Will N. on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 12:30pm

Will N,

Remember when Chic was elected like 11 straight years? Only was stopped when they Music "Excellenced" Niles Rodgers.

They fall into 2 categories: those that get nominated forever, or those picked a half dozen ties and sometimes controversially inducted (see Zombies)

This isn't a full analysis, but the Hall is very inconsistent on its nominees. It follows no other system's logic with its inductions, and that's actually part of the fun, as well as frustration for some.

Posted by K-Dawg on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 13:20pm

Just one request - Can media and bloggers please stop claiming NIN "created a new genre"?

Trent Reznor certainly *popularized* industrial Rock music and opened the door for many of the bands that followed his lead; but you don't get to NIN without first having gone through groups like Ministry and KMFDM in the mid-80s (one of the most intensely visceral concert experiences I ever personally witnessed was a tour with those two bands on it - complete with a chain link fence in front of the stage to protect the musicians from the chaos of the crowd - the chain link fence also made a handy climbing device as well for kids to make the most spectacularly high stage dives I've ever personally seen), or Killing Joke earlier. I mean go listen to the Killing Joke song "Wardance" from 1980, 9 years before NIN's debut album Pretty Hate Machine - the musical ingredients are pretty easy to find there.

Reznor is a gifted musician, and deserves to be in the HOF; but his contributions are similar to a band like Green Day - he didn't invent his genre, he's just the first one who made a head-turning amount of money from it.

Posted by Shrek on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 13:53pm

K-Dawg: Chic's 11 nominations were NOT consecutive!

Posted by That Guy on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 14:03pm

Strangely, I don't see a Jeff Lynne/Mark Knopfner/Brian Eno equivalent on this list. (Meaning: a band that features a member who is well-respected within the industry)

Posted by Follower on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 14:24pm

Is the fan vote going to close before or after the inductees are announced?

Posted by Follower on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 14:31pm

Fan Vote will close before the inductees are announced. In past years, the inductees are announced about a week after the Fan Vote is closed. Though with voting being extended into January, the timelines could change and be different from past years.

But beings the Fan Vote counts as one ballot, it has to be included in the overall voting results.

My question is will the Hall reveal who wins on the Fan Vote, or is this going to be another anonymous vote like the rest of the voters?

Posted by Donnie on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 14:45pm

Ranking the nominees in the order of my favorite: as well as their ranking on my 200 Favorite Artists of All-Time list...

1. The Doobie Brothers (No. 56)
2. Soundgarden (No. 85)
3. Kraftwerk (No. 105)
4. Depeche Mode (No. 111)
5. T. Rex (No. 117)
6. Todd Rundgren (No. 138)
7. Whitney Houston (No. 194)

8. Pat Benatar
9. Motorhead
10. Nine Inch Nails
11. Judas Priest
12. Rufus feat. Chaka Khan
13. The Notorious B.I.G.
14. Thin Lizzy
15. MC5
16. Dave Matthews Band

My Favorite Songs from each Artist

1. The Doobie Brothers- What a Fool Believes (1979)
2. Soundgarden- The Day I Tried to Live (1994)
3. Kraftwerk- Trans-Europe Express (1977)
4. Depeche Mode- Enjoy the Silence (1990)
5. T. Rex- Telegram Sam (1972)
6. Todd Rundgren- Hello, It's Me (1972)
7. Whitney Houston- I'm Every Woman (1992)
8. Pat Benatar- Invincible (1985)
9. Motorhead- Ace of Spades (1980)
10. Nine Inch Nails- The Hand That Feeds (2005)
11. Judas Priest- Living After Midnight (1980)
12. Rufus feat. Chaka Khan- Ain't Nobody (1983)
13. The Notorious B.I.G.- Mo Money, Mo Problems (1997)
14. Thin Lizzy- The Boys are Back in Town (1976)
15. The MC5- Kick Out the Jams (1969)
16. Dave Matthews Band- What Would You Say (1994)

Posted by Donnie on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 15:03pm

As far as this years's nominees are concerned—

Acts definitely deserving induction-Pat Benatar, Judas Priest, Whitney Houston, Dave Matthews Band, Notorious B.I.G., Kraftwerk, Doobie Brothers, and Soundgarden.

Acts who I consider borderline in worthiness—Depeche Mode, Rundgren, Motörhead, and MC5.

Acts who should not be inducted—T-Rex, Nine Inch Nails, and Thin Lizzy. While each of these last three groups made some good music, and while Thin Lizzy was influential among some hard rock bands, I would not vote for them. There have been many good groups over the years. But they all can't be in the Hall.

Posted by Mark Tesla on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 15:48pm

According to a post by someone on Twitter, the current top five in the online fan vote are:

5. Judas Priest
4. Depeche Mode
3. Soundgarden
2. The Doobie Brothers
1. Pat Benatar

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 16:07pm

Are there any FRL regulars around here who streams music by this year's nominees? I am.

I've voted for NIN, T. Rex, Judas Priest, Soundgarden, and Depeche Mode. I'm streaming their music on Spotify to increase the demands for an induction much as I could until the ballot is over. I maybe just one guy and I'm not expecting all of them to make it, but it's a fun little challenge I like to do.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 16:09pm

The Dude,

I have about 100+ playlists on my Spotify profile and I've already made a playlist of the 2020 Rock Hall Nominees. This is a yearly tradition as I always make playlists of the Rock Hall nominees each year.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1bcUGs8o8ww593vYwIev6C?si=2krbMXn2QyS22imsGK17MQ


Give it a listen if you like.

Posted by Donnie on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 16:17pm

@Follower

I'd actually say that there's a couple of "Jeff Lynne/Mark Knopfner/Brian Eno" types this year. Marc Bolan, Chris Cornell, and even Lemmy stand out as respected legendary Rock figureheads, but the only difference is that none of them are alive.

Michael McDonald sort've fits as well, but due to the softer nature of his music, I think he may fall closer in line to a Steve Perry type of deal.

Posted by Steve Z on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 16:44pm

I'd add Chaka Khan to the list of highly respected musicians in the industry as she's highly acclaimed and worked with tons of artists over the years.

I think even Whitney Houston has mass respect in the industry too, even though she wasn't a session musician or major collaborator by any means. But her connections with music industry executives (Clive Davis), her music heritage (Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick), and massive talent makes her a highly respected, if tragic, figure in the music industry.

Posted by Donnie on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 17:01pm

Here are some thoughts on some of the Nominees.

Pat Benatar-Honestly, I think she's a shoo-in to get in this year. She's the one female nominee that touches the rock style. She was certainly an 80s icon with her music videos and fan base. He fan base is still pretty big.


Depeche Mode - Many people think they have a good chance to get in this year after Roxy Music and the Cure made it last year. I see Kraftwerk being inducted first. No Synth music group has ever been inducted. Kraftwerk seem logical before Depeche Mode. I don't think 2020 is the year for Depeche Mode.

he Doobie Brothers - Probably will get in, as they're one of the few straight out Classic Rockers on the ballot this year. And it's a good chance for a reunion of them. I think they are an easy win.

Whitney Houston- There is no question she will eventually get in. I am keeping in mind that it took Janet Jackson 3 nominations to get in. I think the Soft Pop hurts her chance for this year with the stacked list we have.

Judas Priest-They managed to be nominated a second time. This is because they are known as Metal Gods. They should do better this time. There may now be enough votes for them to be inducted. There are quite a bit of Voters who are connected with Hard Rock and even Heavy Metal at this point. So they may be inducted this time.

Posted by Ben Meltzer on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 17:43pm

Thin Lizzy are pretty much a self-tribute band now, so I don't think they should be in.

Posted by Follower on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 18:31pm

My picks to get elected are: Pat Benatar, Doobie Brothers, Notorious B.I.G., Whitney Houston and Soundgarden..

BTW, I have a You Tube channel. Check out my video on the 2020 Nominees.....

https://youtu.be/NhxAwMADBF4

Posted by Paul Battaglia on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 18:47pm

This new fan vote really stinks. We have to find random Twitter posts to see who is leading? Really?

Sometimes I think this entire institution has lost its mind. They want an open, fan-friendly experience. So by all means shroud the fan vote in secrecy.

Maybe The Scorpions are tuning their guitars and The Winds of Change is coming. It's more like Motley Crue: The Same Old Situation. Dumb.

Posted by remy10 on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 19:05pm

You don't really get nominated to the Rock HOF without being "respected by the industry". I mean the nominating committee is made up of industry execs, musicians, and some very well connected musical journalists.

That said, Todd Rundgren certainly falls into the Brian Eno/Jeff Lynn realm of being as well known (or possibly more!)for his production capabilities as he is for his own music. Trent Reznor as well has done very well as a producer.

Musically, Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band may just be the most respected musician in the whole nominee class. I know of many working drummers in multiple genres of music, many of whom don't particularly like the music of Dave Matthews; but all of whom absolutely have nothing but praise for the technique and style of Carter Beauford. He is absolutely a drummer's drummer.

Overall, it seems the preponderance of posters on this site are solidly anti-DMB; which is fine. You all like what you like, and I've known for years that DMB draws very heavy fire from people who are not fans.

One thing you should recognize though - even if you do hate Dave Matthews himself. You can totally dislike his songs and his compositional style, and you don't have to like his voice. But there is still one thing you would have to grant to the man in order to be fair. He knows how to build a band.

I mean in addition to the merits of Carter Beauford, when DMB needed a new sax player after their original one died; they went and raided Bela Fleck's band, the Flecktones (which is probably the most technically accomplished group of musicians to be found on the entire planet), adding in Jeff Coffin to be their sax player, and occasional other wind instruments.

You want to see a couple of remarkable musicians at work, watch this video, but jump forward to about the 8:45 mark and watch for about three minutes - so you don't have to listen to Dave Matthews himself play and sing to start the song. Just watch/listen to Jeff Coffin and Carter Beauford riff off of each other for those three minutes. They start well before that and continue after that, but it's in those three minutes where they really *go*. That's the stuff that keeps me going to DMB shows - especially now that he's not all trendy with the pop music fans; he's got an audience now that will shut the hell up and actually listen to the band jam. That's what I want out of the music I pay to go see.

Posted by Shrek on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 19:56pm

"Thin Lizzy are pretty much a self-tribute band now, so I don't think they should be in."


- Follower

Tell that to half of the remaining members from Queen; they ended up being a complete self-spoof band after John Deacon's departure when they shoulda split up with dignity and decency a long time ago. But they're in the Hall rightfully so. Not expecting Thin Lizzy to get in next year but eventually.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 20:01pm

Hey FRL Regulars,

According to a post by someone on Twitter, the current top five in the online fan vote are:

5. Judas Priest
4. Depeche Mode
3. Soundgarden
2. The Doobie Brothers
1. Pat Benatar

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 20:16pm

For those scoring at home (& this does seem important to people), Martin Gore, Depeche Mode's songwriter and backup singer/guitar/keys, is half-black (& half-American at that).

Posted by Christopher Schiefen on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 20:22pm

I totally expected Pat Benatar to run away with the fan vote this year, with this list of nominees.

Posted by Shrek on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 20:24pm

Seven acts I don't think have a chance of induction this year:

1. MC5: They are the lone 60s act standing on this ballot. I don't think they are well enough known by the voters, let alone the public. They have not advanced before and I don't see a compelling reason why they will this year. I like the MC5, but the committee really couldn't have tried a different 60s act? Procol Harum, Tommy James, The Monkees?

2. Thin Lizzy: It was awesome to see them on the ballot this year. They have a signature hit and a solid fan base. But like others on this list I don't see them making it into the top 5-6. Eliminate a few of the other rock acts and they might have a shot.

3. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan: Chaka deserves better. I never thought she had a chance with Janet on the ballot. I don't think she has a chance with Whitney either. I still think her best shot is solo.

4. Motorhead: Highly respected hard rock act with an iconic frontman. Too obscure for some voters and too much hard rock competition on the ballot. Again, hard to see them making the top 5-6.

5. Dave Matthews Band: This is a polarizing pick and that doesn't help them on this ballot. Maybe they surprise me and cruise in. I think they will need a couple of nominations at least.

6. Judas Priest: I liked Ian's comment earlier that they are back on the ballot but in even worse shape. I really hope they get in. There is a reason heavy metal struggles here and I don't think that changes. Those rumors about vote totals from two years ago don't help.

7. Kraftwerk: Honestly, if we went back to those horrid nine act ballots from the late 2000s, I still think Kraftwerk is on the outside. There is no indication the voters will choose them from a large, modern ballot. This is a major problem only getting worse. Maybe I'm wrong.

Posted by remy10 on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 20:33pm

richie and Shrek,

I figured Pat Benatar and The Doobie Brothers would compete for the top spot. Maybe someday they will let us know.

Posted by remy10 on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 20:37pm

So let's look at the Vote Your Choice acts:

Motley Crue are banned from the Hall.
Blink-182 is not on the halls priority.
Iron Maiden don't really want to be in.
Cher is too old and the hall would rather induct a more recent diva.
Boston and Styx were likely ignored because the elites think Journey is the only rep we need for this kind of music.
Weezer wouldn't sell as many tickets as DMB.

Posted by Follower on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 21:19pm

@ Follower

I'm waiting for someone to make a "If the Hall was honest" as a news satire based on your comment. It's quite true and even sad in a couple of cases.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 21:25pm

@Shrek

Right, maybe I mis-worded that. There's no one nominated thats not respected. The nomination alone is a sign of respect.

I'm not sure how to really put it into words, but how I took the "Jeff Lynne/Mark Knopfler/Brian Eno" type was more so someone who's name almost transcends their band, even if they've never worked outside of that group. It's someone you'd forget isn't already inducted. Someone you forget is not in the hall of fame. I know thats really subjective, but for example, before 2018, Ric Ocasek was a name that would've left a ton of people scratching their head. When Dire Straits were nominated, I was sure they'd get in quickly, mainly due to Knopfler's reputation as a guitar god. Warren Zevon is one of those types.

And I don't dislike the Dave Matthews Band. But it was surprising that they're nominated before the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Weezer, Oasis, Beck, Alice in Chains, etc. that are all frequently cited as among the biggest and most successful rock acts of the 90s. I'm not saying that DMB isn't apart of that group, but I certainly never saw them as leading the pack.

Posted by Steve Z on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 22:12pm

Depeche Mode and NIN have been snubbed for too long, Whitney Houston and Pat Benatar would be awesome female additions, Biggie would be a great rap act, but I'm a bit on the fence about Rundgren and Chaka Khan. Judas Priest and Motörhead have to be in, and please indict Soundgarden to represent grunge. Acts I would've liked seeing this year include Smashing Pumpkins and RATM.

Posted by Liam on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 22:23pm

I will continue my rundown on all the Nominees.

Kraftwerk-I think they have a very good chance this year. They almost have a lock. Synth-based bands seem to have a harder time with the hall in general; and out of the three nominees in that area this year I think they have the most chance. This is based on being nominated so many times and also the Class for 2019 was wider with the Cure and Roxy Music.

Dave Matthews Band-They actually got nominated in their first year of eligibility. Matthews focused primarily on songwriting and performances with the Dave Matthews Band from 1990 to 2003. Dave Matthews Band is an artistic blend of acoustic guitar, bass, sax, drums and fiddle music. In 1994, DMB signed with RCA Records. They popularized the jam band sound. They are still a big draw that I could see them being inducted this year. I like them a lot but I do Not see them being inducted this year. There is other 90s acts that may take priority to go in.

MC5-Always getting nominated, but not enough of a big name that they can ever expect to get in. They are the only 60s act on the ballot. Honest to god they should have someone else like Procol Harum or Blood,Sweat & Tears.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/16/2019 @ 23:17pm

https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_hall-of-fame-nom-2020.html

QUALIFICATIONS (on a scale of 1-10)

10 - The Immortals
9 - Deserves To Be A First Ballot Lock
8 - Should Be Guaranteed An Induction
7 - An Eventual Induction Is Likely
6 - Should Be Nominated At Some Point
5 - Worthy Of At Least A Debate For A Nomination
4 - Not Insignificant, But Shouldn't Be Nominated
3 - No Business Being Debated By Committee
2 - No Business Being Even Mentioned
1 - No Business Visiting The Hall Of Fame Without a Ticket

2020 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees

SAMPSON OF DIGITAL DREAM DOOR

THE CRITIQUE OF THE 2020 NOMINEES

Caring about anything is a voluntarily act. Though it's a universal human emotion to care about all sorts of things in life, there is no decree that people have to care about any one particular thing. What matters greatly to some may not matter at all to somebody else and just because you once cared about something doesn't mean you'll care about it forever.

What you choose to care about and why is up to each person individually. Nobody can force you to care about things you have no interest in just as nobody can convince you not to care about something no matter how futile that emotion seems.

The Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame has spent the last three and half decades putting that theory to the test and they may finally have succeeded in invalidating at least that last part of it.

It turns out that someone CAN indeed convince you to not care about something that once mattered a great deal, at least to some of us. The stewards of this institution have proven beyond a doubt with yet another demographically one-sided ballot that they can convince you not to care at all about The Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame.

OVERVIEW

With thousands of artists eligible for induction fighting for space on a ballot that typically contains just ten to twenty names per year you might think that all of the criticism about their annual roll call of nominees is merely a matter of taste, IE. fans of certain artists, eras and styles feeling their interests are not being represented. If this were true you could say the Hall is justified in passing it off as little more than subjective disagreement. You can't please everybody after all and so the controversy it elicits each year is only proof that it still matters to a lot of people.

But that's not the case when the criticism leveled against the Hall is made by those who not are interested in any specific artist being credited, but rather by those who are using objective measures to see if there is a statistical bias for and against certain segments of rock and finding decades long examples of the same prejudices at work. Then the charges can't be credibly refuted so easily.

When those eras and styles of rock history that are given consistent preference by the nominating committee happen to align perfectly with their own demographic backgrounds then the intent behind it becomes far more evident... to anyone but the Hall itself that is, who refuses to admit to any wrongdoing and tries to disingenuously shift the blame for their own self-made problems onto those doing the accusing.

But in spite of their attempts at distraction the evidence speaks for itself. The only real requirement for eligibility in the Hall is artists need to have made their first commercially available recording twenty-five years earlier, which means for this year's ballot those who first issued a single or album in 1995 are eligible. By comparison those who first released music in the mid-1970's have already been eligible for the last twenty years and yet even though the overwhelming majority of those with the best credentials from that era have long since been enshrined, the ballots still disproportionally favor that era. Ten of the seventeen names up for election this year began their career between 1969 and 1979.

When it comes to race and gender the problem, as always, is just as glaring. This year there are just three women and three black acts up for election and since two of them fall under both of those headings it means the Hall manages to devote just four slots (not even six) to those demographics in order to gallantly provide more room for the always overlooked and underrepresented white male constituency. Obviously the committee has been taking notes from The White House on these matters.

But just as the clouds of impeachment are growing ever darker over that disgraceful dictator there's always hope that The Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame and their decrepit nominating committee could be similarly recalled and banished to a cold dark prison where they could all share a cellblock with the orange tinted man with the bad comb over while arguing over which one had rightful control of the record player so they could listen to the sounds of the seventies until they died, out of sight and blessedly out of mind.

Or at least that's what I might wish for if I actually still cared.

THE NOMINEES

PAT BENATAR

With the induction of Joan Jett in 2015 it was only a matter of time before her closest historical match was nominated despite neither of them being overly qualified. Benatar's advantage over Jett is she had more original material rather than covers but by contrast she's lacking the indelible image of her "rival". Yet the list of females from that era and beyond who have better credentials is a long one, from The Pointer Sisters and Cyndi Lauper to Salt-N-Pepa, TLC and Mary J. Blige, none of whom have been nominated and seem unlikely to ever be. Since Benatar better fits the image the Hall prefers, if a woman has to make it they'd just assume it'd be her.

Qualifications: 4

DEPECHE MODE

After years of ignoring virtually any rock act that used synthesizers even in passing The Hall reversed course after much backlash and have focused on three groups over the past few years, none of whom have made it in despite multiple nominations as the Hall's voters apparently take the same dim view of inorganic music. But among them the best bet to break through is this group who have what Devo and Kraftwerk lack which is a larger body of hits thanks to a more accessible sound. They don't have quite the same influence, but that probably doesn't matter since so few voters bother assessing actual credentials anyway.

Qualifications: 6

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

Of all the seventies acts that haven't yet gotten in, this is probably most surprising considering they fit all of the Hall's long-standing preferences, which probably could be reduced to the fact they were a white band that's still played on Classic Rock radio. Yet at least these guys had reputation that puts them on par with most of their peers who've already been inducted, including two groups that have Doobie Brothers among their own members giving them an added advantage in voting, as if they needed it.

Qualifications: 6

WHITNEY HOUSTON

There will be those who say that Houston's move into more pure pop mid-career makes her a dubious choice and had the Hall been far more rigid over the years in making the divide clearer they might have a point. But after inducting the likes of similar converts to pop in Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt and ABBA over the past decade, plus jazz, blues and folk artists, then it's impossible not to give Houston her due. Not only did she have the greatest voice of her generation she also released some of the best rock songs of the 1980's early in her career and nobody on the ballot comes anywhere close to her dominant commercial success.

Qualifications: 8

JUDAS PRIEST

An artist representing one of the few white styles that the Hall has been neglectful in addressing enough is a welcome sight, as metal has seen just seen two inductees so far and not many more nominees. One who has gotten a few appearances on the ballot though is this group who like almost all metal acts doesn't have a run of hit singles to point to for their credentials but make up for it with lots of influence and for making a huge impact within their remarkably enduring subgenre which itself is now fifty years old. Still a long shot, which might be what the Hall is counting on, stifling critics by nominating them while not risking an induction.

Qualifications: 6

KRAFTWERK

Their fifth time on the ballot which is the most appearances of the eight artists who've been up for consideration before, Kraftwerk's candidacy relies primarily on influence which might be why they're still on the outside looking in. But though they were an intentionally faceless band their overall name recognition is pretty high for an artist with little in the way of singles success and of course they're from the seventies which gives them added appeal for a voting body that continues to reward their peers.

Qualifications: 6

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

Something of a left-field choice considering they're far more recent than most of this year's ballot, they were not at the forefront of any major stylistic subgenre and their popularity was more as touring band rather than churning out hits. In some ways that's refreshing but as they're one of just four 90's acts being considered and only one of them is from the most popular style of rock during the decade, that of hip-hop, then their presence comes at the expense of a litany of far more qualified acts of the same generation who it seems once again are being ignored for more insidious reasons.

Qualifications: 5

MC5

The Hall has almost run out of candidates from the 1960's whom they feel are suitable for the image they want to promote and so this group represents the only leftover from that decade. Since they helped to launch the punk movement that took hold in the seventies that might help their cause, but artists with their best cases being influence and notoriety are not typically recognized by voters, especially if those came too far in the past to be widely remembered.

Qualifications: 6

MOTÖRHEAD

From going years with no thought of any metal acts being inducted to having two appear on the same ballot is quite a turnaround and probably has a lot to do with one of the few more recent and umm "younger" committee members, Tom Morello (who at 55 is hardly young anywhere but in that room). Again, as with most metal acts, their casual mainstream appeal was relatively small but their influence - in their case with the advent of speed metal - was considerable. But will that be enough to overcome a lack of name recognition and wide acclaim?

Qualifications: 5

NINE INCH NAILS

It's pretty telling that this is one of just four 1990's acts on the ballot and while Trent Reznor's industrial rock sound was very distinctive it was also something of a niche style. That's not to say NIN isn't deserving but with so few 90's acts nominated to date the fact the Hall has all but put a limit of one rap candidate per year and has yet to nominate any black vocal acts from the decade when those two fields account for so much of the decade's most dominant sounds, the fact this is NIN's third time on the ballot is indicative of the bigger story laying under the surface of the Hall's selection process.

Qualifications: 7

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.

The unquestioned headliner among the candidates, a larger than life figure cut down in his prime, he should be a unanimous selection but considering the Hall's history of trying to marginalize rock's most popular style of the past four decades his induction is probably no sure thing. The fact that he's the only rap act on this year's ballot might be their attempt to better his odds and keep them from facing uncomfortable questions about the voting body demographics, but he's among the most iconic rappers ever and one of the defining artists of the 90's in any style and so there's no plausible excuse for not casting a vote for him.

Qualifications: 9

RUFUS FT. CHAKA KHAN

Another seventies act, but with the caveat that they're arguably the most deserving group left from the decade and one of the most qualified candidates on this year's ballot regardless of decade. Of course the fact that they're black tells you why their era-advantage hasn't been an advantage for them yet, as this is their fourth time on the ballot along with an additional solo appearance for Khan. She might be the most skilled singer here, certainly not possessing a voice like Whitney Houston but Chaka knew how to use it to perfection and the band was as versatile as any of their time.

Qualifications: 7

TODD RUNDGREN

One of the continuing problems the Hall brought upon themselves was not having consistent categories for different facets of music, something which means Rundgren, whose work spans multiple groups, a solo act and prodigious side-work as a producer, is put in a category that is actually his weakest claim for induction. In a "contributor" category he'd deserve to make it, but for what he's being considered for specifically here he doesn't. That's the Hall's fault for not recognizing this would effect a lot of acts from the very start and taking steps to correct it by inducting one overall contributor in a non-voting category.

Qualifications: 4

SOUNDGARDEN

The fourth and last 1990's era act on the ballot isn't a surprising choice considering the death of lead singer Chris Cornell by suicide in 2017, as the Hall routinely honors the memory of someone they'd ignored during their lifetime by giving them a nomination. This group is certainly deserving of that much even without the associated tragedy but then again the same could be said for A Tribe Called Quest who lost Phife Dog in 2016 or TLC who lost Lisa Lopes in 2002, both groups which have credentials that make them far more qualified for induction than Soundgarden. That's not to discredit their legacy any but rather to show how the Hall is prone to rewarding those who fit their demographic profiles.

Qualifications: 6

T. REX

You'd think the first time nominees would be artists who've only been eligible a short time and thus might've been crowded out of the first few ballots by the biggest stars of their era who had to be addressed first, but no, this is The Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame where the most important qualification is who you appeal to and that means we have another seventies act to deal with. Far more popular in Great Britain where glam rock took hold than they were in America where they had just one enduring hit, T. Rex likely gets a boost from their association with David Bowie which shouldn't mean anything but will probably help them to get in at some point anyway.

Qualifications: 5

THIN LIZZY

Another first time nominee, another seventies act and another with credentials that fall well short of about a hundred other artists over the years who haven't gotten in. The fact they're an Irish band with a lead singer who was half Guyanese makes them unique in the annals of rock, but they're another band with far more success in Britain than America where they had just one huge hit and no real influence. Though certainly not irrelevant there are so many more acts who've defined entire styles or had far more success and influence who've never been considered that the decision to have another band that's a 70's classic rock radio staple on the ballot says far more about the Hall's myopic view of rock than it does about this group's case.

Qualifications: 5

RECAP

If you're one of the few who does still care about things that have been systematically ruined by the self-centered needs of a few who run the game then this year's ballot presents a frustrating dilemma.

On one hand a decent induction class could be gotten from the names being offered, with Biggie, Whitney Houston, Rufus & Chaka Kahn, Nine Inch Nails and either The Doobie Brothers or Depeche Mode if we're just sticking to five names. If they induct six and those are the selections it'd be hard to say that any of them were undeserving. You could even swap either of the last two out with a few names that are slightly less qualified, but not by much.

Yet if you're that optimistic about the chances of any of that happening then you haven't been paying attention for the last thirty-four years. The Hall has learned how to cover their asses by giving people just enough diverse names to ward off the most damning charges while knowing all along that the equally aligned voters will go with the choices that come from the era, styles, gender and race they've historically deemed most deserving and thus far they haven't had any defections from that mindset.

That means that the top three candidates, all of whom are black, won't all make it in. One might be all you can reasonably expect. The 90's also will fall prey to the demographic realities of their aged voting body and because there is such a tilt towards the 1970's in terms of nominees they've all but ensured that three or four acts from that era will make it at the expense of more recent artists. With just three women on the ballot this could be a year where the inductees are again all male which they'd then try and off-set by inducting a female as a non-performer to make their misogyny less obvious and though metal fans will be happy to see two groups representing that field on the ballot it also makes it more likely they'll split the vote and both will fall short.

As conspiracy theories go you might think it's far-fetched that they'd go to such lengths to ensure their narrow tastes get a significant leg up in the process but again if you just study the tactics they've used over the years in the nominating room and see the consistently homogeneous classes of inductees each year as a result of those efforts then it becomes much more credible.

But all of that Sturm und Drang undertaken by the Hall to ensure a favorable outcome is only interesting for people who still care about the institution and the "honor" it claims to confer with an election. Once you realize the conflicts of interests at work and the stonewalling of any attempts at oversight and the self-serving propaganda put out by music media connected at the hip to the Hall which still professes to be fair and balanced, then you start seeing it for the corrupt regime it is and your only care becomes waiting for the whole rotten gang to be tossed out of office.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 00:52am

Has Samson of Digital Dream Door ever given a white artist a score higher than 7? And has he ever given a black artist a score lower than 7?

The Hall definitely has a problem with inducting female musicians, and definitely a problem with inducting black artists post 1975 (excluding rap artists), but Samson is like the opposite. The less white acts, the better. Only black artists are significant to music history in Samson's view.

I mean TLC and A Tribe Called Quest being "far more worthy of induction than Soundgarden?" GTFO with that horse manure.

Sorry, but I can't stand reading that crap. Thanks for ruining the thread Roy, lol.

Posted by Donnie on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 01:39am

There is no ruination of this thread. There are posters far less informed than Roy on his worst day, that spout off. Roy, that is not a slight at you in the least.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It gives logic from a perspective. I actually agree with a lot of those points. The main problem with the Hall isn't that they induct too much of one genre, which does have a little merit, but that they've limited themselves so much over the years that there is a huge logjam of artists well-deserving. It wouldn't be a stretch to say there should be 8-9 inductees per year on a ballot of what should be no fewer than 20. Some will argue it dilutes the Hall, but I counter that, since its inception in 1986 which began recognizing contributors from 1956 or so and on, the genres have grown. There are more worthy candidates by virtue of the fact rock and roll has evolved so much and encompassed essentially every single facet of music and beyond.

The argument about not including people of certain ethnicities is entirely justified. The Hall should redo its committee to include people of all walks of life and fans of music. It does seem the Nom Com is comprised of an old man's club, where there are some younger; also, there are pet projects like letting a J Geils Band who isn't in the same hemisphere as anyone nominated in this year's ballot, already one found with many flaws but palatable. By that same token, the fans voted Motley Crue the most popular on the Hall's kiosk; all signs were pointing to them being on this ballot. The Hall, and correct me if I'm wrong, essentially ignored the people's will.

One of the problems is, there are so many bands deserving to be inducted, really there is no one here who doesn't at least have an outside argument to be on this ballot. There was talk after last year's promising result of 7 inductees on a what, 18 or so name ballot, we might get an increase. With just 16, and kind of a left field group largely considering what was expected, I expect a result closer to 2018, where we get 4-5 acts and a Sister Rosetta Tharpe type for musical excellence. (Maybe Todd Rundgren there, which is a criminal act to not name him as a full performer). That said, I hope I am wrong, but this committee continues to underwhelm its target audience. And, this isn't even starting on the ignorance of certain people who only see like the Doobies, Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar and Soundgarden as the only worthy candidates. I've seen everyone else bashed as not belonging in one way or another.

Sorry for the long post, I just am frustrated with this whole process. It's what we have though

Posted by K-Dawg on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 04:45am

So Now I will continue with rundown of the 2020 nominees.

Motörhead- They had a lot of influence. If they were not up against another metal band like Judas Priest, they might have been a left field pick; but I don't think they have a shot.

Nine Inch Nails-Trent Reznor showing up to induct the Cure helps him along with name recognition, and the fact that NIN is a band As of right now, I think they have some shot at getting in. Not my cup of tea.

Notorious B.I.G.-An objectively better hip hop nominee in terms of influence and career peaks than LL Cool J. He is not my cup of tea but I think he is one of the locks for induction this year.

Rufus featuring Chaka Khan- For a few years the Hall wastes their one straightforward R&B pick on an act that will likely be blown out of the water. The only thing Chaka has going for her is, unlike Whitney, she could show up for the ceremony;Rufus will not be inducted.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 07:49am

Responding to K-Dawg here.

First off, I just want to say that I was not meaning to take a serious shot at Roy at all. It was meant purely as a joke. I thought the "lol." would give that away. Another example here where a live conversation would show I meant no harm, but internet lingo makes that difficult to tell. If I hurt Roy's feelings or upset him in any way then I apologize for sure. I meant no harm.

The joke is that I hate Samson and his general views. To me he is exactly like all the Trump supporting rawkists that hate on black artists and female artists and feel they don't belong in the Hall. He's the opposite though. He hypes up every black artist under the sun and gives little credit to white acts and white genres for that matter. To give Rufus and Chaka Khan a higher grade than Kraftwerk says everything for me.

So I hate it when his views are brought up. To me it's garbage that I don't want to read.

Obviously Roy has the right to post it and my statement of him "ruining the thread" was a joke, an exaggeration of my annoyance with Samson and his general views, and someone his views I prefer to not read just because they always inevitably piss me off.


To K-Dawg, I'm gonna assume that your post turned into a general rant about the HOF, and wasn't a pure attack on me. If that's not the case and you do think I'm another one of the Eddie Trunk rawkists, I suggest you go to my blog page and read up on my blogs I've made over the past few years. Like many of the Rock Hall watcher community, I spend the majority of my Rock Hall season defending largely black and female artists from the white dude-bros that think rock and roll is only white guys with long hair and only those type of artists belong.

I too agree that 3 female artists out 71 musicians nominated this year is about as pathetic as anything there is. It's awful. Not to mention that one of those 3 females is dead (Whitney Houston), so if miraculously all three end up being inductees, that's two females that have been added as voters (Chaka Khan and Pat Benatar). That's not gonna do squat for getting more females on the Voting Committee.

That being said, I'm torn because every year this happens, it inevitably turns into a hate fest on the white male bands that are nominated, whether they're deserving or not. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, like everything else in existence has become all about politics, and as a pure music fan that believes in the mission of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a pure student of music history, I hate seeing it turn into yet another political topic like everything else these days are.

It's a double edged sword. There's a huge problem with lack of female representation, black representation, LGBTQ represenation, Latino representation, Asian representation and it needs to be called out and changed. But I'm tired of seeing deserving white bands be criticized and hated on, when they have nothing to do with it. It's not the fault of the guys in Depeche Mode, Motorhead, or T. Rex that Cyndi Lauper, Carole King, Tina Turner, Courtney Love, Siouxsie Sioux, Mary J. Blige, or Mary Wells weren't nominated. Depeche Mode, Motorhead, and T. Rex are HOF worthy bands, as just about everyone else on the ballot is, and it seems like their accomplishments are being ignored because of the lack of representation of other groups of people.

I know I'm in the minority on this view, but it's frustrating to me to see great bands get nominated and largely hated on and ignored.

I guess I want things to be "about the music" and not the politics. But that's wishful thinking. Everything about pop culture and society these days are about politics (even a freakin' comic book movie like the new Joker has become a political uproar). There's nothing we can do to change that.

Posted by Donnie on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 11:28am

About the 2020 Nominees, Donnie wrote:

Has Sampson of Digital Dream Door ever given a white artist a score higher than 7? And has he ever given a black artist a score lower than 7?

YES - Madonna - White - 9
YES - Nina Simone - Black - 4

Sampson doesn't believe the blacks -- Chubby Checker or Harry Belafonte belong in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, but I do, especially Belafonte. He doesn't have them ranked, rated, or critiqued on Digital Dream Door. If they ever show up on the ballot, he would give them a 0 to 3 rating.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 11:46am

I always laugh at people's reactions to my posts.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 11:48am

Donny,

Absolutely not an attack on you in any way. Sorry for any confusion. It was a rebuke on the Hall and the nom com. Ninety percent of the time, if I dont agree with someone I at least see where they are coming from, and the other 10 percent will always be that 10 percent and there's no point in arguing with them

Posted by K-Dawg on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 12:52pm

A few people have mentioned DMB as being a first year eligible nomination. This is in fact the second year DMB is eligible; they were passed over last year in their first year of eligibility. Notorious BIG is the only first year eligible to be nominated this year.

Posted by Shrek on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 13:08pm

https://chartmasters.org/spotify-streaming-numbers-tool/

List of nominees with the most streams on Spotify.

Notorious BIG- 2.7 Billion
Whitney Houston- 1.9 Billion
Depeche Mode- 1.3 Billion
Soundgarden- 1.3 Billion
Dave Matthews Band- 788 Million
Nine Inch Nails- 622 Million
The Doobie Brothers- 578 Million
Judas Priest- 571 Million
Motorhead- 556 Million
Thin Lizzy- 383 Million
Pat Benatar- 278 Million
T. Rex- 233 Million
Kraftwerk- 124 Million
Todd Rundgren- 73 Million
Rufus featuring Chaka Khan- 46 Million
MC5- 23 Million

Posted by The Dude on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 13:55pm

For pro wrestling fans, Triple H just tweeted about the Rock Hall, with a link to the fan poll expressing his support for Motörhead. For those that don't know, Motörhead provided all the theme songs that Triple H used from 2000 on. Motörhead also provided some theme songs for WWE ppv events over the years. I actually think it'd be cool to have Triple H indict them if Motörhead gets inducted. Triple H is a huge fan and was close friends with the band.

Posted by Donnie on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 14:02pm

The fan poll results are now showing on the Rock Hall website. Top 6 are as follows....

1. Pat Benatar
2. The Doobie Brothers
3. Soundgarden
4. Depeche Mode
5. Judas Priest
6. Whitney Houston

Posted by Donnie on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 14:18pm

https://www.rockhall.com/standings/index.php

Official Fan Vote Leaderboard

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 14:44pm

https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_hall-of-fame-nom-2020.html

SAMPSON'S RATINGS OF THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME NOMINEES

9 - The Notorious B.I.G.
8 - Whitney Houston
7 - Nine Inch Nails
7 - Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
6 - The Doobie Brothers
6 - Depeche Mode
6 - Judas Priest
6 - Kraftwerk
6 - MC5
6 - Soundgarden
5 - Dave Matthews Band
5 - Motorhead
5 - T. Rex
5 - Thin Lizzy
4 - Pat Benatar
4 - Todd Rundgren

THE CURRENT ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME QUALIFICATION SCALE
BY SAMPSON OF DIGITAL DREAM DOOR

10 - The Immortals
9 - Deserves To Be A First Ballot Lock
8 - Should Be Guaranteed An Induction
7 - An Eventual Induction Is Likely
6 - Should Be Nominated At Some Point
5 - Worthy Of At Least A Debate For A Nomination
4 - Not Insignificant, But Shouldn't Be Nominated
3 - No Business Being Debated By Committee
2 - No Business Being Even Mentioned
1 - No Business Visiting The Hall Of Fame Without a Ticket

THE OLD ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME QUALIFICATION SCALE
BY SAMPSON OF DIGITAL DREAM DOOR

1 - Non-existant
2 - Mostly Insignificant
3 - Recognizable, But Minor Credentials
4 - Modest Accomplishments
5 - Worth Examining, But Will Often Fall Short
6 - Strong Case To Be Made
7 - Solid Choice
8 - Unquestioned Credentials
9 - Dominant Artist
10 - The Immortals

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 16:19pm

Is it true that Trent Reznor is the only person nominated for Nine Inch Nails, and why is that the case?

Posted by Will N. on Wednesday, 10.16.19 @ 12:30pm

Yes. Trent Reznor named himself Nine Inch Nails. The band members are sidemen.

I have a feeling Trent Reznor will be telling the Rock Hall which members of his band to induct, if and when he gets enough votes for induction.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 17:19pm

I don't think Roxy Music and Def Leppard voting will be enough additional votes to get T. Rex and Thin Lizzy inducted.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 17:24pm

As far as the whole "vote splitting" thing goes for Motorhead/Judas Priest/Thin Lizzy, I don't quite buy it.

Take Motorhead, for example. You'd have to believe that voters will cast ballots for Motorhead (very few will) AND that said voters would also cast a ballot that did not include Judas Priest on it. I highly doubt that.

Still, there's no arguing that half the nominees can be considered "hard rock" to some extent, and thus, they could stand in the way of getting in precisely because of that. Maybe one voter prefers Pat Benatar to Soundgarden or one voter prefers Priest to MC5.

I dunno, I think we can probably elevate Biggie to a 100% lock given this and Whitney Houston would also be "highly probable"...nobody is really standing in the way of them or Depeche Mode.

I think there's kind of a hierarchy with the hard-rock related acts

Upper Tier: Benatar, MC5, Priest, Soundgarden
Mid Tier: Nine Inch Nails, Lizzy
Lower Tier: Motorhead

It's that Upper Tier that will likely get in each other's way although NIN could also be upper tier at this point.

And it's very, very hard to see how The Doobie Brothers aren't basically in as well. The only true classic rock pick on the list.

So, I'm 100% certain on Depeche Mode, Doobie Brothers and Biggie. I'd give Whitney an 85% chance. The other inductees will come from the hard rock contingent...

...although, I can't help but point out that Kraftwerk and Chaka Khan could both appeal to the types that aren't really going for many hard rock choices (if at all) and thus they could benefit greatly from all that vote splitting. A black R&B (or rap) inductee who already has Chaka and Whitney and Biggie and probably Kraftwerk on their ballot would only have one vote to drop into the already crowded hard rock sphere - at most.

Posted by Casper on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 19:11pm

The problem with the "ratio argument" when it comes to female inductees is that you can't really solve it. It can only get worse.

For one, most of the best female candidates are solo performers. So even if you induct a few of them in a given year, they are still going to be outnumbered heavily by the (mostly) male groups being inducted.

And then if you induct Sonic Youth or Smashing Pumpkins or Pixies, you're just hurting gender parity even further.

I'd say the ballot would have felt more "balanced" gender-wise if one of those men-and-women groups was on it (such as the above names) along with The Go-Gos. That would have meant five out of sixteen names with a female performer. That's plenty.

Going forward, I'd say that women probably outnumber men for the 50-or-so new albums I add to my library every year. And given that fewer women are picking up a guitar and getting into the indie rock sphere (or some other genre) than men, it shows that women are truly killing it when it comes to modern music (especially if you aren't as interested in rap as other listeners).

Posted by Casper on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 19:40pm

Hey FRL Regulars,

I'm not going to be making any predictions for the inductees this year, but I will say that Pat Benatar and The Doobie Brothers are both locks for induction this year because Classic Rock has dominated the induction classes the last few years and they are also the top two in the online fan vote this year as well, I also think that Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden and T. Rex are also top contenders for getting inducted this year as well.

As much as I want to see Kraftwerk, MC5 and Rufus With Chaka Khan get in, I just don't think they have much of a chance this year, Judas Priest, Motorhead and Thin Lizzy will all cancel each other out because they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is a tough sell for the voting committee and Priest did horrendously in the voting tally when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class and Dave Matthews Band just won't be able to compete with the two other 90's acts that are nominated this year (Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden), so they won't have the votes to ever get inducted IMO.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 19:50pm

As far as women in the rock hall, let's get rid of some:
Joan Jett
Laura Nyro
Darlene Love
Patti Smith

If you want to backfill with these, I'm fine with it:
Pat Benatar
Tina Turner
Whitney Houston
Dionne Warwick

Posted by Classic Rock on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 21:20pm

Of these 16, the ones I think that can definitely make the 2020 inductees list are:

Doobies
Pat
Soundgarden
Whitney
Judas Priest
Depeche Mode
Notorious B.I.G.

If the race is as close as it was in 2019, that is. Dave Matthews Band ain't getting in. I'm not shocked they got the nod but I will be shocked if for some reason they're voted in.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 10/17/2019 @ 23:30pm

It's too bad there's only going to be five this time.

But maybe they'll do more in that alternate ceremony another night for inducting older groups that Sykes mentioned.

Posted by Follower on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 04:25am

I'm holding out hope that there will be more than five. It seems likely with the voters' trends, but they've surprised us before...

Posted by K-Dawg on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 05:05am

Here is the rest of my Rundown for the 2020 Rock n Roll of Fame nominees

Todd Rundgren- He has the same name recognition as last year. I strongly believe he just missed last year. He has had a long career as both a performer and a Producer. I think he will be inducted this year. And it will be as a Performer.

Soundgarden- They are possibly the biggest contemporary act that is on the ballot this year and they have a lot of support since Chris Cornell's Death. They continue the push to get a Seattle grunge band inducted every few years. I say they are inducted this year.

T Rex-More influential than MC5 for sure. Last year did show that the Hall is open to acts that were bigger in England than America. I think they are Inducted. They can be inducted in the same way Roxy Music was last year by surprise. T Rex has plenty of influence on British bands.

Thin Lizzy-Finally nominated. I just don't think they will be Inducted this year and for a long time. They have a few hits and a few influential albums but the same can be said about so many nominees of the past and they have not been Inducted.

I will list who I think will be Inducted soon. It is a Diverse Ballot

Posted by Ben on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 07:36am

Follower and K-Dawg,

Because there are 16 nominees this year, I still think that the votes will be close and there will be 6-7 inductees this year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 09:45am

I really hope you guys are right about 6-7 nominees, but I don't have much hope of that. I think 7 last year was an awesome gift, but I doubt it will become a regular occurrence. Remember they basically skipped the other categories last year to just focus on performers.

Maybe the new HBO deal to show the ceremony live will change things up. As Future Rock mentioned earlier if HBO streams the show there would probably be plenty of time for more nominees, but if it is actually shown live on the network time might be even more of an issue than in the past.

It will also be interesting to see how that works with all of the deceased artists on this ballot. If you induct 5 and between 3-4 are either dead or with deceased members it will cast a serious pall on the festivities.

Hope I'm wrong, but I think we get 5 this year, 6 if we're really lucky.

Posted by remy10 on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 10:37am

Remy10,

I just think that they will skip the other categories again this year, I still say that I think that the votes will be close again this year and I think that they will induct 6-7 again this year especially with a lot of deceased nominees this year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 10:58am

I guess we'll have to see richie. I hope you are right and we have 7 or even 8 inductees. But I'm not feeling it, especially with the early talk that they only plan to induct 5 this year.

Posted by remy10 on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 12:00pm

Remy10,

The induction ceremony will be streamed live on HBO Max this year with an edited version of the ceremony to be aired on HBO at a later date, So that should give them plenty of time to induct 6-7 this year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 12:48pm

It's possible. I still think their intent is just to induct five but if votes are close, they'll add two more to be safe. They would also add more to escape the wrath they got in 2014 since most of the class was white (Linda Ronstadt is half Mexican). They're likely to escape any real criticism if they induct Biggie and Whitney along with Pat and at least three of the groups.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 14:38pm

Ben,

You may not be far off from your assessment about Todd and Soundgarden. I also want them in too (I forgot to mention Todd in my list of those I think can get in because he's up there).

Todd may get a backdoor induction though. I don't trust the Hall lol

T. Rex definitely WON'T make it in.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 14:41pm

I actually wouldn't mind Todd getting in as a non-performer.

Posted by Follower on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 14:49pm

Agree with Todd being put in as a non-performer. Would hopefully mean another deserving act gets in this year.

Posted by Paul in KY on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 14:59pm

Agree with Todd being put in as a non-performer. Would hopefully mean another deserving act gets in this year.

Posted by Paul in KY on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 14:59pm

https://www.rockhall.com/standings/index.php

The Official Fan Vote Leaderboard has stopped working for some reason! Is there a new link?

Posted by Roy on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 17:07pm

I really want to see them buck the trend and put ten in with Todd going in as a musical excellence. That would make a statement.

Never happen though. I have no faith in this committee...

Posted by K-Dawg on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 17:11pm

https://www.rockhall.com/standings/index.php

The Official Fan Vote Leaderboard link is without the index.php at the end. I am unable to post it here. It is telling me it's SPAM

Posted by Roy on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 18:54pm

They had 15 nominees last year and inducted 7.

There is no reason not to inducted 7 in 2020 as well, with 16 nominees!

My final prediction!

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

01. Pat Benatar
02. The Doobie Brothers
03. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
04. Soundgarden
05. Nine Inch Nails
06. Whitney Houston
07. The Notorious B.I.G.

Posted by Roy on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 19:24pm

Roy,
We still have quite a long time to be saying final predictions, but I absolutely love your list. It looks to be very right on to suit my tastes, but if we could somehow get T. Rex and Judas Priest on there too, it would be perfect..

Posted by Will N. on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 22:48pm

That list looks solid, Roy!

Looks like Whitney is also doing well on the official "fan vote". She's #7.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wkyc.com/amp/article/entertainment/music/rock-hall/pat-benatar-leads-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-fan-vote-induction-2020/95-4d04570e-651a-45d7-82e1-bb7dbb7985df

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 10/18/2019 @ 23:32pm

IF 8


THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

01. Pat Benatar
02. The Doobie Brothers
03. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
04. Depeche Mode
05. Soundgarden
06. Nine Inch Nails
07. Whitney Houston
08. The Notorious B.I.G.

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 01:44am

That link to the fan vote results is broken now.

Posted by Follower on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 02:42am

They're NOT inducting 8; give it up already...

Posted by KXB on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 06:48am

Current standings in the Fan Vote:

1. Pat Benatar
2. The Doobie Brothers
3. Soundgarden
4. Depeche Mode
5. Judas Priest
6. Dave Matthews Band
7. Whitney Houston
8. Nine Inch Nails
9. Motörhead
10. Thin Lizzy
11. The Notorious B.I.G.
12. Todd Rundgren
13. T. Rex
14. Kraftwerk
15. Rufus ft. Chaka Khan
16. MC5

Posted by The_Claw on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 06:52am

https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/entercom-radio-com-rewind-pause-live-1203369646/

Launches DVR-Style Controls for Live Radio Shows (EXCLUSIVE)

This is proof terrestrial radio is FAR from dead! It continues to innovate, adapt, and impacts the Rock Hall.

Posted by The Dude on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 10:00am

About the 2020 Nominees, Follower wrote:
That link to the fan vote results is broken now.

The link is working. Just take off...

index.php from the end of the link address

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 12:08pm

Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan will be inducted in 2020. They've duetted together a few times. It's a sign!

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 13:39pm

The Top 5 Nominees are the same artists in the exact same position on both, the official 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame fan vote, and the Future Rock Legends fan poll, with Whitney Houston at # 7 in both polls, none of the other 10 positions are matched.

Official 2020 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Fan Vote Leaderboard

TOTAL VOTES: 1,347,758

https://www.rockhall.com/standings/

01. Pat Benatar
02. The Doobie Brothers
03. Soundgarden
04. Depeche Mode
05. Judas Priest
06. Dave Matthews Band
07. Whitney Houston
08. Nine Inch Nails
09. Motorhead
10. Thin Lizzy
11. Todd Rundgren
12. The Notorious B.I.G.
13. T. Rex
14. Kraftwerk
15. Rufus Featuring Chake Khan
16. MC5

FUTURE ROCK LEGENDS FAN POLL

TOTAL VOTES: 617

https://futurerocklegends.com/2020_Nominees.php

01. Pat Benatar
02. The Doobie Brothers
03. Soundgarden
04. Depeche Mode
05. Judas Priest
06. Nine Inch Nails
07. Whitney Houston
08. T. Rex
09. The Notorious B.I.G
10. Kraftwerk
11. Motorhead
12. Thin Lizzy
13. Todd Rundgren
14. Dave Matthews Band
15. MC5
16. Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 14:40pm

"https://futurerocklegends.com/2020_Nominees.php

01. Pat Benatar
02. The Doobie Brothers"

So disappointed in the FRL voters right now. We've always been better than this.

Posted by DarinRG on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 14:45pm

It does say

"Vote for the FIVE nominees you believe will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020"

I guess the question is what percentage are voting based on their predictions and what percentage are voting based on their tastes. I think most people would agree those two are more likely to get in than Kraftwerk, particularly because they're the only classic rock staples on the ballot (Judas Priest, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, and Todd Rundgren get at most 2 or 3 songs played on the radio these days...)

Perhaps there should be separate polls for predictions, personal choices, and who they think is most deserving. I know Alex Voltaire does that on his blog.

Posted by Sean on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 14:59pm

MORE POLLS!!

Who Should Be Inducted Into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2020? Vote!

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8533068/2020-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-who-should-be-inducted-poll

The Doobie Brothers are winning on Billboard

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 15:20pm

My mom isn't going to take the time to go online and vote, but if she was she would vote for the following....

The Doobie Brothers, Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Rufus and Chaka Khan and either Pat Benatar or Judas Priest (she's not a fan but acknowledges their impact). My mom doesn't like Todd Rundgren (though she's cool with him getting in as a Non-Performer). Doesn't like Notorious B.I.G. or rap for that matter, but understands why he's nominated. She along with my sister both defended Dave Matthews Band when I complained about their nomination, though neither are big fans. My mom was "meh" on T. Rex and Thin Lizzy (she doesn't know much about either and thinks of them as one-hit wonders). She didn't have much to say about Motorhead, Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden. And she knows little about the MC5 and Kraftwerk.


My sister is super excited for Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails (two of her favorite bands). She'd also likely vote for Whitney Houston, Notorious B.I.G., Soundgarden, the Doobie Brothers, Judas Priest and Motorhead. My sister knows T. Rex are a big deal (thanks to me), but still doesn't understand why lol. Doesn't feel Pat Benatar is really all that important (and she's a hardcore feminist, not as big on 80's female artists as 90's and beyond). Knows little about Todd Rundgren. She's also meh on Thin Lizzy. She defended Dave Matthews Band, though isn't a giant fan. She's not really ever listened to Kraftwerk but acknowledges how important they are to music.


I haven't talked about the nominees with my dad yet, but knowing his tastes, he'd likely vote for the Doobie Brothers, Pat Benatar, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Todd Rundgren, Thin Lizzy, and T. Rex. He's a 70's rock guy. That being said he'd also be the first to say it's ridiculous that Whitney Houston isn't in and because of how many hits she's had she should be in before anyone. My dad likely doesn't know much about Kraftwerk, the MC5, or the Notorious B.I.G. He's not a rap fan, but understands it's relevance and acknowledges that rap artists belong in the HOF (and he's a Republican and active watcher of Fox News, and even he "gets it" lol). He pretty much lost interest in music after the mid-to late 80's so he doesn't know much about Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, and Dave Matthews Band, but has likely heard of them.


My family members aren't near as music or music history junkies like myself and everyone here, but those are their thoughts.


Curious to what the situation would be for the rest of you. What would your family members think of the nominees? Who would they vote for? Who do they has no business being nominated?

Posted by Donnie on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 16:35pm

KXB, they COULD induct eight given that Whitney Houston and Notorious B.I.G. are both dead. There were no tribute performances for Radiohead and Janet Jackson when they decided not to perform this year. The Hall can easily have a video, induction speech and accepting the award by a family member for both of thus. It would add very little time to a live broadcast and/or edited show since it would take about ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish for each artist if there's no performance.

I've always felt that completely dead acts should just mean an extra inductee. So if Harry Nilsson or Nick Drake or Warren Zevon get in, they can add an extra performer(s) to make up for it.

What certainly MUST stop are the tribute performances done by other artists. They are unnecessary and I don't want to see it.

Posted by Casper on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 22:29pm

So the hall just added some more members of Motorhead. Is this a sign of what's to come?

Posted by Follower on Saturday, 10/19/2019 @ 22:45pm

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME NOMINATED MEMBERS

THE BREAKDOWN - GENDER, RACE, ALIVE, DEAD

73 NOMINEES

55 LIVING
18 DEAD

70 - MEN
3 - WOMEN

1 BLACK AND WHITE MAN

1 JAPANESE MAN
1 INDIAN MAN

1 WHITE WOMAN
2 BLACK WOMEN

57 WHITE MEN
10 BLACK MEN

44 LIVING WHITE MEN

13 DEAD WHITE MEN

7 LIVING BLACK MEN

3 DEAD BLACK MEN

1 LIVING BLACK WOMAN

1 LIVING WHITE WOMAN

1 DEAD BLACK WOMAN

1 DEAD BLACK AND WHITE MAN

1 LIVING INDIAN MAN

1 LIVING JAPANESE MAN


TODD RUNDGREN (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

WHITNEY HOUSTON (FEMALE, BLACK, DEAD)

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. (MALE, BLACK, DEAD)

NINE INCH NAILS

01. Trent Reznor (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

PAT BENATAR

01. Pat Benatar (FEMALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Neil Giraldo (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

MOTORHEAD

01. 'Fast' Eddie Clarke (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
02. Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
03. Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
04. Phil 'Wizzo' Campbell (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Mikkey Dee (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

T. REX

01. Marc Bolan (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
02. Steve Currie (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
03. Mickey Finn (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
04. Bill Legend (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

KRAFTWERK

01. Karl Bartos (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Wolfgang Flur (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Ralf Hutter (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Florian Schneider (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

MC5

01. Michael Davis (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
02. Wayne Kramer (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Fred 'Sonic' Smith (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
04. Dennis Thompson (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Rob Tyner (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)

THIN LIZZY

01. Eric Bell (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Brian Downey (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Scott Gorham (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Phil Lynott (MALE, BLACK, WHITE, DEAD)
05. Brian Robertson (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

SOUNDGARDEN

01. Matt Cameron (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Chris Cornell (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
03. Ben Shepherd (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Kim Thayil (MALE, INDIAN, ALIVE)
05. Hiro Yamamoto (MALE, JAPANESE, ALIVE)

DEPECHE MODE

01. Vince Clarke (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Andy Fletcher (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Dave Gahan (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Martin Gore (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Alan Wilder (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

JUDAS PRIEST

01. Les Binks (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. K.K. Downing (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Rob Halford (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Ian Hill (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Dave Holland (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
06. Glenn Tipton (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
07. Scott Travis (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

01. Carter Beauford (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
02. Jeff Coffin (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Stefan Lessard (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
04. Dave Matthews (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Leroi Moore (MALE, BLACK, DEAD)
06. Tim Reynolds (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
07. Rashawn Ross (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
08. Boyd Tinsley (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

01. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. John Hartman (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Michael Hossack (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
04. Tom Johnston (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
05. Keith Knudson (MALE, WHITE, DEAD)
06. Michael McDonald (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
07. John McFee (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
08. Tiran Porter (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
09. Patrick Simmons (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

RUFUS

01. Dennis Belfield (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
02. Al Ciner (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
03. Andre Fischer (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
04. Chaka Khan (FEMALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
05. Tony Maiden (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
06. Nate Morgan (MALE, BLACK, DEAD)
07. Kevin Murphy (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
08. Ron Stockert (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)
09. Bobby Watson (MALE, BLACK, ALIVE)
10. David Wolinski (MALE, WHITE, ALIVE)

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 00:28am

Phil 'Wizzo' Campbell and Mikkey Dee have been added to the nominated members of Motorhead

https://www.rockhall.com/nominee/motorhead

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 00:58am

NIN really needs more members included. At least the main members present from Pretty Hate Machine and the Downward Spiral. That's like nominating Axl Rose and skipping the rest of GNR, or like they criminally did, electing Steve Miller without the band which I hope is corrected in the near future...

Posted by K-Dawg on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 04:26am

Four acts I think are locks this year:

Pat Benatar: I think Pat Benatar will have no problems getting in on her first nomination. She is a big name with lots of hits. She still tours and would be a big act for the HBO broadcast. I think the addition of Neil Geraldo in the nomination makes it much more likely she would show up, and the hall knows that.

She is currently leading in the fan vote, and my guess is she will be the first female to win. I am comfortable in saying the fan vote winner is a lock for induction, with the previous seven winners all being inducted.

Personally I am fine with this trend. Whoever gets the most votes in the fan poll should be inducted, IMHO. I don't think Benatar needs to finish first, but I think it will make her an even surer bet.

Lastly, can you imagine the **** storm that would erupt if she becomes the first women to win the fan poll and does NOT get inducted? It would almost be funny if it weren't so tragic.

The Doobie Brothers: The act most likely to be inducted in my opinion. Most of their contemporaries are already in and they seem like the logical next step. They are one of the most familiar names on the ballot with several big hits in rotation today.

Also, Michael McDonald is a major name in the industry with many connections. I'm sure many voters would be satisfied with putting him into the hall. Assuming the band is willing to unite for one night it would be a highlight of the ceremony.

At this point I don't think anything would shock me more on this ballot then the Doobies not making it in.

The Notorious B.I.G.: I am going to be arguing this with myself for the next three months. Part of me wants to say his career wasn't long enough, his feud with Tupac was too controversial, rappers rarely get inducted, others should get in first, etc.

But I'm not buying it. He is too big a name to be kept out. From 1995-97 (roughly corresponding to my college years) Biggie was arguably the biggest name in popular music. His influence in undeniable even today. His death adds a tragic dimension that will increase, not decrease his chances.

But then again....

Soundgarden: There are two main categories of 90s groups we've seen nominated by the Hall. The first are the ones who got in immediately (Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Pearl Jam). The second are the nominees who have come and gone on the ballot and are still waiting their turn (Jane's Addiction, RATM, NIN, etc.)

Which group will Soundgarden be in? I think the first. Even on this rock-heavy ballot I think Soundgarden stands out and will get plenty of support from the voters. If Nirvana and Pearl Jam are at the top of the grunge heap Soundgarden is right behind them. You cannot tell the story of music in the 90s without including Soundgarden.

Chris Cornell's death was tragic and I think the voters will want to honor his memory. I know there is a lot of competition on this ballot, but I believe Soundgarden will comfortably make it.

These are the four acts I see as the most likely at this point. Including the seven I don't think have much of a chance, that leaves five more acts for 1-2 spots. That group is where the true action will be prediction-wise.

Posted by remy10 on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 09:27am

Hey FRL Regulars,

I'm not going to be making any predictions for the inductees this year, but I will say that Pat Benatar and The Doobie Brothers are both locks for induction this year because Classic Rock has dominated the induction classes the last few years and they are also the top two in the online fan vote this year as well, I also think that Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden and T. Rex are also top contenders for getting inducted this year as well.

As much as I want to see Kraftwerk, MC5 and Rufus With Chaka Khan get in, I just don't think they have much of a chance this year, Judas Priest, Motorhead and Thin Lizzy will all cancel each other out because they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is a tough sell for the voting committee and Priest did horrendously in the voting tally when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class and Dave Matthews Band just won't be able to compete with the two other 90's acts that are nominated this year (Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden), so they won't have the votes to ever get inducted IMO.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 10:31am

Something tells me The Doobie Brothers are either going in or will be controversially kicked out. But I do think they may be a shoo-in. Maybe.

Pat Benatar is definitely a LOCK. Same with BIG.

That leads two more artists if just five inductees. Additions to Motorhead members may not mean much or it may but it won't be the same without Lemmy...

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 11:16am

I have really enjoyed watching the totals for the fan vote over the past few days. We know from past experience that the fan vote significantly corresponds to who gets in, so it cannot be ignored.

Most of the totals so far are no surprise. I figured Pat Benatar and the Doobies would fight it out for 1-2, and that looks to be the case.

I also figured Depeche Mode, Judas Priest and Soundgarden would do well. Check. Whitney would do well, but not break into the top five. Check.

At the bottom of the heap, can't say I'm surprised to see The MC5, Chaka Khan/Rufus and Kraftwerk. I would love to know the percentage of voters on that poll who have no freaking idea who those three acts even are. I think it would be a pretty high number.

The two surprises? I can't believe Todd Rundgren is as low as he is. I know he started slow last year and slowly crept into the top 3. But a distant 11th after five days? I also figured Nine Inch Nails would do a little bit better. It looks like Thin Lizzy may soon pass them for 9th, which would put them in 10th, barely in the middle tier.

I know the poll has a long way to go (especially this year). But trends over the first week tend to hold. I would guess Dave Matthews still has a shot to move into the top 5. It will probably be between Depeche Mode, Judas Priest and Dave Matthews for 4th and 5th. From past years it seems likely that at least three of the top five will be inducted.

Gotta say I do love this time of year. My wife is already sick of it.

By the way, to answer Donnie's question about family: My wife would pick Pat Benatar, the Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston (what do you mean, she's not in yet?!), Soundgarden and The Dave Matthews Band. She would consider Thin Lizzy and Todd Rundgren. She hates Biggie, NIN and Judas Priest, and has basically never heard of the rest aside from what I have told her.

Posted by remy10 on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 11:21am

The Billboard poll has over 11,000 voters.

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 12:18pm

First of all, I would like to send kudos out to Joe Kwaczala of the "Who Cares About The Rock Hall?" podcast for including: Duran Duran, Carly Simon and Sade on his most recent 2020 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees' list. Thank you, Joe. Maybe it will happen next year?

To be quite honest, I had known almost nothing about the Notorious B.I.G., or T. Rex, therefore I have not included them.

Overall, I had been quite disappointed when I had read the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees list on Tuesday morning. I had been expecting more ladies to make the list. Also, there had not been a single major "prog" band present on this list. From my particular earlier list, I only had 5 nominees correct: Pat Benatar, Doobie Brothers, Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden and Depeche Mode.

From the official 2020 Nominees list, I have voted several times for: Pat Benatar, Doobie Brothers, Dave Matthews Band, Judas Priest and Motörhead.

It seems that I had been slightly overly optimistic that Duran Duran (who have been long overdue for nomination) and who had a presence at this year's ceremony to induct Roxy Music, would have received a nomination. But that was not to be. Nor, had there been a nomination for the Bangles, even though Susanna Hoffs had inducted The Zombies. Instead, Nine Inch Nails had received a nomination for Trent Reznor's induction of The Cure.

Well, what Do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 12:24pm

The Billboard Poll

The only match with the official Rock Hall poll is # 16 - MC5

01. The Doobie Brothers
02. Pat Benatar
03. Dave Matthews Band
04. T. Rex
05. Todd Rundgren
06. Whitney Houston
07. The Notorious B.I.G.
08. Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
09. Soundgarden
10. Judas Priest
11. Thin Lizzy
12. Depeche Mode
13. Kraftwerk
14. Nine Inch Nails
15. Motorhead
16. MC5

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 13:52pm

This is how I view the 2020 Rock Hall Nominees List:

16. MC5- No offense to Wayne Cramer, but does 1 album which helped to influence punk, really impress me? A much better choice would have been Procol Harum.
15. Todd Rundgren- in my honest opinion, he deserves the Musical Excellence award, instead. For his production, etc.
14. Nine Inch Nails- yes, it is industrial music, but didn't Throbbing Gristle really invent it?
13. Rufus w/ Chaka Khan- the 6th time they've been on the ballot. A much better choice, in my honest opinion, would have been Sade.
12. T. Rex- influential perhaps, but they helped to spawn two genres that I really do not like (glam and punk).
11. The Notorious B.I.G.- So much potential lost at such a tender young age; however I really do not like gangsta rap. I would have chosen Outkast, or TLC, or Salt 'n' Pepa, or Queen Latifa, or Snoop Dogg, or Ice-T, instead.
10. Soundgarden- I like 'Black Hole Sun.' I really do not know their catalog that well. They should have been inducted years ago.
09. Depeche Mode- I would have chosen Duran Duran instead. Although, I do like quite a few of their songs.
08. Thin Lizzy- The late Phil Lynott was a great songwriter and we had lost him too soon. They should have been nominated years ago.
07. Whitney Houston- an extraordinary singer who had died far too soon. Unlike her predecessors, she will most probably be inducted very soon.
06. Kraftwerk- Yes, they should be in and have been nominated several times, but I am really slightly indifferent towards their induction at this time.
05. Dave Matthews Band- a jam band, not unlike Phish with a quite a few prog influences. DMB will probably get inducted in 2020.
04. Motörhead- the late Ian "Lemmy" Kilminster had been a member of English progressive rock band- Hawkwind. This is a long overdue nomination.
03. Judas Priest- hugely influential, but Rob Halford is a great co-songwriter and he has chosen to reside in Arizona. Plus, he has said great things about Rush. This is a long overdue 2nd nomination.
02. The Doobie Brothers- A great Rock & Roll Band which has many incarnations. This is a long overdue and well-deserved nomination.
01. Pat Benatar- an extraordinarily great and gifted singer/songwriter, along with husband Neil Giraldo. This is a long overdue and well-deserved nomination. Will most probably headline next year's ceremony.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 16:56pm

This is how I view the 2020 Rock Hall Nominees List and their chances of induction in 2020:

16. MC5- No offense to Wayne Cramer, but does 1 album which helped to influence punk, really impress me? A much better choice would have been Procol Harum. 26%

15. Todd Rundgren- in my honest opinion, he absolutely deserves the Musical Excellence award, instead. For his production work, etc. Why is he even in this category? A number of singer/songwriters, such as: Carly Simon, Carole King, Jim Croce, etc. would have been better choices, instead. 32%

14. Nine Inch Nails- yes, it is industrial music, but didn't Throbbing Gristle really invent it? 38%

13. Rufus w/ Chaka Khan- the 6th time they've been on the ballot. A much better choice, in my honest opinion, would have been Sade who would have been inducted the very first time. 42%

12. T. Rex- influential perhaps, but they helped to spawn two genres that I really do not like (glam and punk). 46%

11. The Notorious B.I.G.- So much potential lost at such a tender young age; however I really do not like gangsta rap. I would have chosen Outkast, or TLC, or Salt 'n' Pepa, or Queen Latifa, or Snoop Dogg, or Ice-T, (notice the intentional irony) instead. 50%

———————————————————————————
10. Soundgarden- I like 'Black Hole Sun.' I really do not know their catalog that well. They should have been inducted years ago. I cannot really disagree with their nomination either. 52%


09. Depeche Mode- I would have chosen Duran Duran (who would have been inducted) instead. Although, I do like quite a few of their songs. 55%

08. Thin Lizzy- The late Phil Lynott was a great songwriter and we had lost him too soon. They should have been nominated and inducted years ago. 60%

07. Whitney Houston- an extraordinary singer who had died far too soon. Unlike her predecessors, she will most probably be inducted very soon, quite possibly in 2020. 62%

06. Kraftwerk- Yes, they should be in and have been nominated several times, but I am really slightly indifferent towards their induction at this time. 66%
———————————————————————————
05. Dave Matthews Band- a jam band, not unlike Phish with a quite a few prog influences. DMB will probably get inducted in 2020. 75%

04. Motörhead- the late Ian "Lemmy" Kilminster had been a member of English progressive rock band- Hawkwind. This is a long overdue nomination. They need and deserve to be inducted. 88%

03. Judas Priest- are hugely influential, but Rob Halford is a great co-songwriter and he has chosen to reside in Arizona. Plus, he has said great things about Rush. This is a long overdue 2nd nomination. They need to be and deserve to be inducted. 90%

02. The Doobie Brothers- A great Rock & Roll Band which has had many incarnations. This is a long overdue and well-deserved nomination. They need and deserve to be inducted. 92%

01. Pat Benatar- an extraordinarily great and gifted singer/songwriter, along with husband Neil Giraldo. This is a long overdue and well-deserved nomination. They will most probably headline next year's ceremony. 95%

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 17:26pm

I have a few theories though it's still mad early:

Here is what I think will happen to the sole '60s act, MC5 - they won't get inducted (OBVIOUSLY) but "Kick Out the Jams" will probably get a song induction if it hasn't and the group itself would get a backdoor induction (as has been talked about) so they won't nominate them again but they'll never be inducted as part of the "performers" class.

Do I think 2020 will close out nominating anymore '60s acts? Not necessarily. They could surprise us and nominate Tommy James and the Shondells or the Shangri-Las for 2021. But I think there will be just one '60s act every year (the '50s however are closed so that means Link Wray will miss out).

Here are acts who I think don't have a chance in hell this year but their choices will look better with each nod that comes in:

Nine Inch Nails - I had them very high at one point but I don't think it's possible. I can't see them inducting Trent and Co. over Depeche Mode. Plus Soundgarden is the '90s Deep Purple - the third nomination (I think) is the charm for them like it was for DP.

T. Rex - but this is NOT because I don't want them in. They deserve an induction. I think the only reason they finally get a shot is because of the induction of Roxy Music so they're hoping they can strike gold. Not quite. BUT that doesn't mean Marc, Mickey and the rest won't be nominated again in the near future.

Kraftwerk - they may get close like last time but maybe not. I think Whitney has a stronger hold on the committee than Janet had and somehow she was able to get in (this is still debatable but I'm guessing either it was a letter issue or the votes were so close, the Hall had to decide whether to include them or an obvious headliner, they went with the headliner). But they'll miss 2020 altogether.

Todd Rundgren - love me some Todd Harry Rundgren, but he's going to get the Nile Rodgers treatment. They won't put him in as a performer but he'll be in for Musical Excellence for sure. So he'll be a 2020 inductee, just not in the performers category.

Rufus ft. Chaka Khan - this band seems to always close in on total votes whenever the Hall counts the final tallies but never getting far. The Doobie Brothers obviously would be the '70s band who has the lock on the induction class of 2020, not Rufus & Chaka. A dream scenario would be to induct both Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan but I don't see it happening. Doobies over Rufus!

Dave Matthews Band - to me, they seemed the oddest choice for induction. Not saying they won't get in but I don't think the Hall will induct two '90s bands. For now, Dave and Co. will have to wait for another year.

Thin Lizzy - I love me some "Whiskey in the Jar" and "The Boys Are Back in Town" and Phil Lynott is a legend. BUT... like I said, can't see two '70s bands getting in. They may get close because they have fans and I'm sure Metallica will vote for them (obviously) but I think they may get a "close but no cigar" award. I do agree with Enigmaticus that an induction for them is long overdue. Count on them to get in 2021 if not 2020!

Motorhead - I would LOVE to say that they'll get in. They have a lot of support. They COULD get in! They've managed to clear the situation with the number of members. But it just won't be the same without Lemmy. Should've been inducted when he was still here but Lemmy probably wouldn't have liked them or maybe he would've. I like their music. "Overkill" is probably my favorite song from them. But I think Judas Priest has this on lock.

This leads to the rest of the nominees:

Pat Benatar - anyone who is #1 on the official fan vote, they usually are the lock for induction. This won't change with Pat. Everyone, including yours truly, has called for her induction FOR YEARS. She was the Queen of Rock & Roll before the reemergence of Tina Turner and the Queen of MTV before Cyndi (who should get a nod next year) and Madonna. So I'm glad they'll induct her. She is definitely a shoo-in.

The Doobie Brothers - I can't deny that their induction would be great for the Hall. They should've been inducted EONS ago. I thought they would get a nod after CHICAGO got in but they still gave the Doobies the run around until now. I don't see them getting snubbed.

Soundgarden - they waited long enough. It's like with Motorhead, it's not the same without Chris Cornell but if they were to induct anyone this year that represents not only '90s rock but also the grunge era, they have to induct Soundgarden. With Nirvana and Pearl Jam in, a Soundgarden induction would lead the way for Alice in Chains to finally be nominated. This is their year to lose.

Depeche Mode - their induction would give a boost to Duran Duran like the Cure's induction is giving them a boost. They've been nominated before, I think. Dave, Martin, Alan and 'em will be enshrined this year. And on time for their 40th anniversary.

Judas Priest - If there was any heavy metal band whose chances getting in were perfect, it's Judas Priest. I mean just with two songs "Breakin' the Law" and "You Got Another Thing Coming", how can you not?! Plus having Rob Halford, the first openly gay heavy metal frontman, in as an inductee would be sweet.

Whitney Houston - I think this year is perfect for her. An induction for Whitney would open the doors for Sade and even a solo Chaka Khan to get in. Much like Pat Benatar, she was one of the stars made almost directly from MTV and she paved a way for more black performers to get heavy rotation plays on the channel. Before Whitney, it was just Michael, Prince and Tina but they were all considered "rock". Whitney wasn't. And yet she broke that mold. Whitney's success led to more pop and R&B-based songs to get more play on the channel. And considering she's considered the best singer of this list, I do think she'll get in. In any case that Chaka MAY get in as a seventh inductee, she can sing her songs. I don't see Chaka doing it but it's possible.

Maybe or maybe not:

The Notorious B.I.G. - I actually have BIG low on my list of inductees. If votes are close, I can see BIG in...2021. Don't get me wrong, as one of the inductees to get nominated on their first eligible year, he has a better chance of getting in this year than the Dave Matthews Band. But if the Hall decides to go with six, instead of seven like they did last time, he may be left out. MAYBE. He's considered one of the greatest lyricists in rap and his two albums ("Ready to Die" and "Life After Death") are two of the greatest hip-hop albums ever released. And also, it's been a while since they've inducted a rap act and he could likely get in there...but as a seventh inductee. IF there is seven. I think there'll be six but no way am I counting the brother from Brooklyn out. But then again, I agree with Enigmaticus that acts like Outkast or TLC should've gotten the nod. So this one is a question mark.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 17:36pm

Gotta give Timothy props for going bold and saying Biggie won't be inducted.

I will play the Devil's Advocate here for a minute. From a personal standpoint, I don't think Biggie has the credentials that 2Pac. I always felt (and I lived through the 90's) 2Pac was a much bigger deal than Biggie was. 2Pac was also far more prolific and produced far more music than Biggie did. 2Pac was the hip-hop equivalent of Prince. Always in the studio, always recording stuff. Maybe many of the voters will feel the same and feel that Biggie isn't the huge priority that 2Pac, Public Enemy, and Run-DMC were. Maybe he will miss out?

Ultimately, I seriously doubt that's the case, as anyone that votes for a rap artist on the ballot is obviously voting for Biggie. I think he's the biggest lock of anyone on the ballot other than maybe Pat Benatar who seems poised to win the Fan Vote.


It continues to amaze me at how much people are underestimating T. Rex and their chance at induction. First, hardly no one was predicting them to be nominated. And here they are. Now there's "no way" they'll be inducted. T. Rex is the Roxy Music of this year who's possibly even more respected among the 60's and 70's artists than Roxy Music. Not to mention a good amount of punk and alternative-minded voters are gonna likely vote for Marc Bolan and Co.

I truly believe they're gonna finish in the top 3 of total votes when it's all said and done. And I think they're the biggest lock of the classic rock inductees, outside of Pat Benatar who looks to be likely to win the Fan Vote.


The locks for me are Biggie, Pat Benatar, Whitney Houston, and T. Rex and likely the Doobie Brothers. After that, it's down to Depeche Mode, Soundgarden, Rufus and Chaka Khan, and probably Nine Inch Nails.

MC5 and Kraftwerk I think will continue to miss out on the votes, though Kraftwerk will probably get more than in past years. Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and Motorhead will likely cancel each other out. Dave Matthews Band I just don't see getting the support from the inductees like Soundgarden likely will.

The question mark is Todd Rundgren. I thought for sure he was a lock last year, but it appears the voters might be confused as to how to properly honor him and whether he's in the right category or not. Or it could be he just missed out and could shoot right in. He's the one I'm not sure of his chances. He could be a shoo-in. He could finish near the bottom. I'm not sure at this point.

Posted by Donnie on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 18:15pm

The nominees this year are some what suprising i really don't mind who gets in this time but ill break down the 6 or 7 artists for induction.

Pat Benatar - Fans have been rallying for her induction but i 100% likely sure she'll be inducted because she's #1 at the fan vote.

Depeche Mode - With the Cure finally got in last time, it pushes the backing door for fellow acts like DM, The Smiths, Joy Division/New Order, Bauhaus and others. Depeche Mode will likely be inducted because theyre on the top 5 in the fan vote

Soundgarden - Alt 90s rock bands Pearl Jam, RHCP, Radiohead, Green Day & Nirvana are in the RRHOF recently in seven years between 2012 - 19, i think they're finally be a lock for induction but if they get in they likely won't perform due to the fact Chris Cornell is not around anymore unlees they get Eddie Vedder to fill in.

Doobie Brothers - they waited over 20 years to be nominated, when it finally happened they were doing awesome in the fan vote, likely get to see them inducted by January.

Judas Priest - the hall undoubtly needs more metal, Judas Priest is an expection. its their second nomination but they are ranked #5 at the fan vote the same number that didn't get their induction in 2018 but i think this will be their year.

Notorious BIG - he deserves to be in the hall like so many artists/bands that are in but hes not doing so great at the fan vote but i predicted hes gonna be one of them.

Nine Inch Nails - Trent Renzor presented the cure & it turned out good, it's their third nomination i highly likely they will be one of the inductees, plus its been a few years since their last nomination.

Posted by Navonte Robertson on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 20:21pm

Regarding the possibility of a second induction ceremony happening in the same calendar year, I've been saying for years how they should have an Industry Honors ceremony and that's where they would recognize Early Influences, Non-Performers, Musical Excellence, etc.

But I also just came up with the solution to the "Kraftwerk and MC5 problem"...inducting them as Early Influences is obviously NOT the answer.

The solution? Pioneers. They'll be inducted as regular Performers but via a separate process that recognizes "artists that brought a truly groundbreaking new sound or other aesthetic to rock music"...so proto-punks MC5, early electronica Kraftwerk (and Silver Apples), early music video/television act The Monkees, etc. would be the onest that get in via this process - a special one just reserved for those that clearly changed the landscape and nobody denies SHOULD be in but aren't necessarily going to be inducted on the main ballot.

Afrika Bambaataa, Black Flag (and Bad Brains), Nick Drake (baroque pop) could all get in via this method. Chic would have fit in nicely for their unique bridging of R&B with Disco and effectively creating the landscape for electronic and dance music going forward.

Posted by Casper on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 21:50pm

Whitney Houston is a shoo-in for 2020.
The list for 2020 is pretty stacked, and a lot of the artists nominated have little chance.

Posted by Mark on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 22:21pm

If that second ceremony in the same calendar year does happen, it should be for Performers that are unlikely to get in. Basically take some of the acts that got in by the singles category like The Kingsmen, Chubby Checker, Barret Strong, The Shangri-La's, The Chantels, Link Wray, Procol Harum, and Stepphenwolf and induct them properly where they belong as performers this way.

The Champs, The Shadows of the Night, and Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats should stay out.

Posted by Follower on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 22:31pm

"I know that Greg Harris, who runs the Museum side of things, always brings in the top [artists], you can vote in the Hall of Fame on a touch screen for who you would want to see in, and he makes a point of presenting all that information into the nominating meeting."

- Alan Light

Since the kiosk pretty much turned out to be rigged, here's my theory on how Dave Matthews Band got nominated: After Greg told his peers about the top ten most voted eligibles from the kiosk, he lets the nom com members vote at least up to one before the nominees were officially finalized.

Although Dave and the company made it this far than I was expecting time wise. But when it comes to the 90's, I think the voters wants Nine Inch Nails and/or Soundgarden the most to get inducted. Even if DMB are gonna beat Motley Crue, Blink-182, and Iron Maiden to reach the top spot, I think they're more likely to get in later than next year. This is pretty similar to how the electoral votes works.

Posted by The Dude on Sunday, 10/20/2019 @ 23:12pm

Tight race for 7th position on the Rock Hall official voting between Whitney and Motorhead. It is close to a tie, with Whitney leading by about 120 votes..

Posted by Will N. on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 10:02am

Motorhead has passed Whitney in the Rock Hall official fan voting at 12 noon Eastern time, to move into 7th position and leads her by 22 votes. Other close races, for 4th position, Depeche Mode leads Judas Priest by 1,570 votes with Priest gaining on them slightly. And Thin Lizzy is up over Nine Inch Nails by 2,300 votes with Thin Lizzy opening more of a lead..

Posted by Will N. on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 11:11am

If all the groups with black members are inducted in 2020

THE 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

01. The Doobie Brothers
02. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
03. Thin Lizzy
04. Whitney Houston
05. Dave Matthews Band
06. The Notorious B.I.G.

Posted by Roy on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 14:13pm

Just wondering, who is the biggest albums act on the ballot?

Posted by Follower on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 14:33pm

Just wondering, who is the biggest albums act on the ballot?

Posted by Follower on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 14:33pm

@ Follower

If you're referring to acts who mostly makes album-oriented music, then NIN is the answer. They maybe heavy-tech musically, but I could see a lot of support from all the inducted prog and new wave bands.

Posted by The Dude on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 14:39pm

I meant chart wise. The biggest albums acts to be nominated in past years:

2013: Rush
2014: KISS
2015: Green Day
2016: Chicago
2017: Joan Baez
2018: The Moody Blues
2019: Def Leppard

Posted by Follower on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 14:45pm

Roy,

Thing is, that's not a bad group to be inducted from this list, even though DMB really isn't yet worthy IMO. It's a good mix from all eras and different genres.

Funny how some rock purists seem to think that only rap and R&B/pop come from the African American contingent of music. I've even heard some mention Lenny Kravitz among others, isn't rock; he's "hard-edged R&B".

You know a good portion of these people probably think Jimi Hendrix is white, right?

Sorry, I got off on a tangent. Good list. Now induct at least 3-4 of them RRHOF!

Posted by K-Dawg on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 15:15pm

The biggest albums act, as far as I know, is Whitney Houston:

*Whitney Houston (1985): 13 million albums - once the biggest-selling debut album by an artist in history.
*Whitney (1987): 9.5 million albums - first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200.
*I'm Your Baby Tonight (1990): 4 million albums+
*The Bodyguard (1992): 17 million albums - biggest-selling soundtrack album of all time
*The Preacher's Wife (1996): 3 million albums - best-selling gospel album in history
*My Love Is Your Love (1998): 4 million albums+
*Whitney: The Greatest Hits (2000): 2.5 million albums (certified 5x platinum since it's a double album)
*Just Whitney (2002): 1 million
*One Wish (2003): 1 million
*I Look to You (2009): 1 million

Every one of Whitney's albums has gone platinum or above. The second best-selling albums act may be the Dave Matthews Band followed by the Notorious B.I.G. and then everyone else comes after them.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 19:20pm

K-Dawg,

Yeah I've heard some dummies claiming they had no idea Jimi Hendrix was black lol

And Lenny Kravitz being R&B? HUH? LOL!!!

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 19:30pm

Judas Priest is now only 500 votes behind Depeche Mode for the 4th position on the Rock Hall Official fan vote. At this rate they should overtake them sometime tomorrow afternoon..

Posted by Will N. on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 21:26pm

Joel Peresman is suggesting a second ceremony for 50s-60s artists. I don't know if he means there will be two separate nomination ballots and two induction ceremonies each year, starting next year.

Posted by Roy on Monday, 10/21/2019 @ 22:13pm

Didn't Skyes suggested that too? Anyway, if it happenes, let's hope they do it better than the singles category and invite surviving members, let them vote on the ballot, have them listed as Performers, and all that other stuff.

Posted by Follower on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 02:15am

Judas Priest has passed Depeche Mode for fourth on the fan vote. Soundgarden still has a pretty comfortable lead for third.

Will be interesting to see if Dave Matthews and/or Motorhead have a shot at the top 5. I would imagine that would be a slight boost to their chances of being inducted.

Posted by remy10 on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 07:21am

WHITTNEY HOUSTON??????? is she rock and roll

why not put in Wayne Newton or Pat Boone

Whittney Houston???

Posted by rick l junga on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 09:04am

Whitney moves up sixth place on FRL's poll though still in a tie with Nine Inch Nails, who seems to be slipping.

@remy10, not necessarily, Todd Rundgren moved up a whole lot in the last poll but he was shut out of the inductions this year.

Doesn't mean Motorhead, DMB, or whoever will get in. It just means more voters have responded to their favorites being in there and are bringing their fans together to constantly vote for their faves.

I BELIEVE Judas Priest is going in the Hall next year. If I'm lying, I'm flying.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 09:10am

I meant to say "it doesn't mean Motorhead, DMB WON'T get in..." not "will" lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 09:19am

After throwing in some updates, edits and more additions, here are the 100 most certified bands in America who are either Rock Hall snubs or not eligible yet with the inclusion of singles and video games. You won't find any solo acts here, and my list is based on a more traditional definition of the word "band" musically. If Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Judas Priest, and Dave Matthews Band finally gets inducted next year, I'll scratch them off and add some updates.

1. Maroon 5- 79.5 Million
2. Linkin Park- 63.6 Million
3. Florida Georgia Line- 55 Million
4. Twenty One Pilots- 47.5 Million
5. Alabama- 46.8 Million
6. Foreigner- 45.5 Million
7. Panic! At the Disco- 37 Million
8. Dave Matthews Band- 34 Million
9. Rascal Flatts- 33.7 Million
10. Zac Brown Band- 33.5 Million
11. Fall Out Boy- 33 Million
12. Dixie Chicks- 32.8 Million
13. Brooks & Dunn- 31 Million
14. Boston- 31 Million
15. Imagine Dragons- 30 Million
16. The Carpenters- 29.6 Million
17. Coldplay- 28.6 Million
18. Nickelback- 27.8 Million
19. Lady Antebellum- 27.05 Million
20. Motley Crue- 26.8 Million
21. REO Speedwagon- 26 Million
22. Creed- 26 Million
23. Hootie & the Blowfish- 25 Million
24. 3 Doors Down- 24.5 Million
25. Sade- 23.5 Million
26. OneRepublic- 23.5 Million
27. Matchbox Twenty- 22.7 Million
28. The Doobie Brothers- 22 Million
29. Paramore- 22 Million
30. Fun- 22 Million
31. Smashing Pumpkins- 20.6 Million
32. Daughtry- 20 Million
33. The Fray- 20 Million
34. Three Days Grace- 20 Million
35. Kansas- 18.5 Million
36. Mumford & Sons- 18 Million
37. The Monkees- 18 Million
38. Stone Temple Pilots- 17.5 Million
39. Styx- 17.5 Million
40. Korn- 17.25 Million
41. Limp Bizkit- 17 Million
42. Bad Company- 16.650 Million
43. Disturbed- 16.5 Million
44. Casting Crowns- 16.5 Million
45. Shinedown - 16.050 Million
46. Sugarland- 16 Million
47. INXS- 16 Million
48. Wings- 16 Million
49. Poison- 15.750 Million
50. No Doubt- 15.6 Million
51. Alice In Chains- 15.150 Million
52. Foo Fighters- 15.1 Million
53. The Offspring- 15 Million
54. The Cranberries- 15 Million
55. The Band Perry- 14.5 Million
56. Evanescence- 14.5 Million
57. Duran Duran- 14 Million
58. My Chemical Romance- 13.750 Million
59. Breaking Benjamin- 13.5 Million
60. Toto - 13.5 Million
61. Huey Lewis & the News- 13.5 Million
62. Counting Crows- 13 Million
63. Skilliet- 13 Million
64. Depeche Mode- 12.9 Million
65. Whitesnake- 12.650 Million
66. The Killers- 12.6 Million
67. MercyMe- 12.6 Million
68. Dan + Shay- 12.5 Million
69. Survivor- 12.5 Million
70. Blink 182- 12.1 Million
71. Live- 12 Million
72. Jonas Bros- 11.56 Million
73. Little Big Town- 11.5 Million
74. Jethro Tull- 11.5 Million
75. Savage Garden- 11.5 Million
76. Judas Preist- 11.1 Million
77. All American Rejects- 11.1 Million
78. Loverboy- 11 Million
79. Nine Inch Nails- 11 Million
80. Grand Funk Railroad- 11 Million
81. Owl City- 11 Million
82. Three Dog Night- 11 Million
83. Godsmack- 10.6 Million
84. Cage The Elephant- 10.5 Million
85. 38 Special- 10.5 Million
86. Florence and the Machine- 10.5 Million
87. Bush- 10.5 Million
88. Muse- 10.5 Million
89. Men at Work- 10.5 Million
90. Loverboy- 10.5 Million
91. Slipknot- 10.2 Million
92. Staind- 10.050 Million
93. Sublime- 10 Million
94. The Black Keys- 10 Million
95. Clean Bandit- 10 Million
96. Scorpions- 9.6 Million
97. Air Supply- 9.5 Million
98. Foster the People- 9.5 Million
99. 5 Seconds of Summer- 9.5 Million
100. Tool- 9.3 Million

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 09:49am

After throwing in some updates, edits and more additions, here are the 100 most certified bands in America who are either Rock Hall snubs or not eligible yet with the inclusion of singles and video albums. You won't find any solo acts here, and my list is based on a more traditional definition of the word "band" musically. If Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Judas Priest, and Dave Matthews Band finally gets inducted next year, I'll scratch them off and add some updates.

1. Maroon 5- 79.5 Million
2. Linkin Park- 63.6 Million
3. Florida Georgia Line- 55 Million
4. Twenty One Pilots- 47.5 Million
5. Alabama- 46.8 Million
6. Foreigner- 45.5 Million
7. Panic! At the Disco- 37 Million
8. Dave Matthews Band- 34 Million
9. Rascal Flatts- 33.7 Million
10. Zac Brown Band- 33.5 Million
11. Fall Out Boy- 33 Million
12. Dixie Chicks- 32.8 Million
13. Brooks & Dunn- 31 Million
14. Boston- 31 Million
15. Imagine Dragons- 30 Million
16. The Carpenters- 29.6 Million
17. Coldplay- 28.6 Million
18. Nickelback- 27.8 Million
19. Lady Antebellum- 27.05 Million
20. Motley Crue- 26.8 Million
21. REO Speedwagon- 26 Million
22. Creed- 26 Million
23. Hootie & the Blowfish- 25 Million
24. 3 Doors Down- 24.5 Million
25. Sade- 23.5 Million
26. OneRepublic- 23.5 Million
27. Matchbox Twenty- 22.7 Million
28. The Doobie Brothers- 22 Million
29. Paramore- 22 Million
30. Fun- 22 Million
31. Smashing Pumpkins- 20.6 Million
32. Daughtry- 20 Million
33. The Fray- 20 Million
34. Three Days Grace- 20 Million
35. Kansas- 18.5 Million
36. Mumford & Sons- 18 Million
37. The Monkees- 18 Million
38. Stone Temple Pilots- 17.5 Million
39. Styx- 17.5 Million
40. Korn- 17.25 Million
41. Limp Bizkit- 17 Million
42. Bad Company- 16.650 Million
43. Disturbed- 16.5 Million
44. Casting Crowns- 16.5 Million
45. Shinedown - 16.050 Million
46. Sugarland- 16 Million
47. INXS- 16 Million
48. Wings- 16 Million
49. Poison- 15.750 Million
50. No Doubt- 15.6 Million
51. Alice In Chains- 15.150 Million
52. Foo Fighters- 15.1 Million
53. The Offspring- 15 Million
54. The Cranberries- 15 Million
55. The Band Perry- 14.5 Million
56. Evanescence- 14.5 Million
57. Duran Duran- 14 Million
58. My Chemical Romance- 13.750 Million
59. Breaking Benjamin- 13.5 Million
60. Toto - 13.5 Million
61. Huey Lewis & the News- 13.5 Million
62. Counting Crows- 13 Million
63. Skilliet- 13 Million
64. Depeche Mode- 12.9 Million
65. Whitesnake- 12.650 Million
66. The Killers- 12.6 Million
67. MercyMe- 12.6 Million
68. Dan + Shay- 12.5 Million
69. Survivor- 12.5 Million
70. Blink 182- 12.1 Million
71. Live- 12 Million
72. Jonas Bros- 11.56 Million
73. Little Big Town- 11.5 Million
74. Jethro Tull- 11.5 Million
75. Savage Garden- 11.5 Million
76. Judas Preist- 11.1 Million
77. All American Rejects- 11.1 Million
78. Loverboy- 11 Million
79. Nine Inch Nails- 11 Million
80. Grand Funk Railroad- 11 Million
81. Owl City- 11 Million
82. Three Dog Night- 11 Million
83. Godsmack- 10.6 Million
84. Cage The Elephant- 10.5 Million
85. 38 Special- 10.5 Million
86. Florence and the Machine- 10.5 Million
87. Bush- 10.5 Million
88. Muse- 10.5 Million
89. Men at Work- 10.5 Million
90. Loverboy- 10.5 Million
91. Slipknot- 10.2 Million
92. Staind- 10.050 Million
93. Sublime- 10 Million
94. The Black Keys- 10 Million
95. Clean Bandit- 10 Million
96. Scorpions- 9.6 Million
97. Air Supply- 9.5 Million
98. Foster the People- 9.5 Million
99. 5 Seconds of Summer- 9.5 Million
100. Tool- 9.3 Million

EDITED

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 09:53am

I'm not going to be making any predictions for the inductees this year, but I will say that Pat Benatar and The Doobie Brothers are both locks for induction this year because Classic Rock has dominated the induction classes the last few years and they are also the top two in the online fan vote this year as well, I also think that Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden and T. Rex are also top contenders for getting inducted this year as well.

As much as I want to see Kraftwerk, MC5 and Rufus With Chaka Khan get in, I just don't think they have much of a chance this year, Judas Priest, Motorhead and Thin Lizzy will all cancel each other out because they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is a tough sell for the voting committee and Priest did horrendously in the voting tally when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class and Dave Matthews Band just won't be able to compete with the two other 90's acts that are nominated this year (Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden), so they won't have the votes to ever get inducted IMO.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 11:09am

My predictions for the 2020 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fane Inductees

Pat Benatar
Doobie Brothers
Kraftwerk
Notorious B.I.G.
Soundgarden
Todd Rundgren
T. Rex

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 12:15pm

The more I play with it, the more that I've decided that there is only person on the list I am 100% convinced is going to be inducted. Pat Benatar will get in easily, just as Stevie Nicks did last year. She's a huge icon (every school in the early 80s had a group of girls that adopted the Pat Benatar look!), she meets the need for the HOF to induct more women while also being popular with the classic guitar rock gang, she has huge respect for her classically trained voice, and she's going to win the fan vote.
However, I have settled on a likely top 5, that maps reasonably closely to the top 5 many others aeem to be thinking:

Pat Benatar
Whitney Houston
Doobie Brothers
Soundgarden
Notorious B.I.G.

If those are the top 5, I think only 5 will be inducted this year, and they will add some non-performers in to the class. With those 5 they have ethnic, sexual, and genre diversity and enough ticket draw to fill the venue. Hopefully they *don't* use the "early influencer" category unless it is to induct actual *early* influencers. Or they could rename it to simply "Influencer" if they are going to start moving the category forward in time.

But, really, I think they already have a method with the Musical excellence category to bypass the voters and get in acts that the voters won't vote in. Musical Excellence would be a perfectly good category for Kraftwerk given the band's revolutionary technological innovations; or gives a way to honor Chaka Khan's entire career including Rufus, solo work, and guest vocalist performances. Trent Reznor certainly has a broad career of success at this point outside of his Nine Inch Nails recordings and could fit in that category.

Posted by shrek on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 12:34pm

About the 2020 Nominees, Follower wrote:
Didn't Skyes suggested that too? Anyway, if it happenes, let's hope they do it better than the singles category and invite surviving members, let them vote on the ballot, have them listed as Performers, and all that other stuff.

Sorry, it was John Sykes.

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 14:34pm

Whitney Houston is a shoo-in for induction.

Benatar and Doobies are likely inductees as they will be fan vote favorites.
The remaining nominees are anybody's guess.
A pretty stacked deck this year

Posted by Mark on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 19:43pm

The more I think about it, the more I think Soundgarden easily gets in.

My hope still is Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston and Kraftwerk in that order, but I can live with 2 of them. I hope Kraftwerk gets a better shot, but there's just too many deserving/popular acts this year if they're going to limit the amount of inductees to 4-5

Posted by K-Dawg on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 19:59pm

Wow,a very impressive ballot. Though they are incalculably influential, Kraftwerk run the risk of becoming the new Chic (the same for Rufus/Chaka Khan). Metalheads should be cheering the inclusion of both Motorhead and Judas Priest on the ballot, as well as Thin Lizzy who border on metal. My (admittedly very early) predictions for the Class of 2020, should there be 7 performer inductees again this year, are Pat Benatar, Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston, The Notorious B.I.G., Soundgarden and T. Rex.

Posted by Darrell S. on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 20:25pm

I feel that it would be a HORRIBLE mistake to change the definition of "Early Influence" to include '60s and '70s artists, so as to include acts that have struggled to get in from the ballot. Early Influence refers to early '50s and before, as per the Hall's own criterion. As it is, the inductions of Wanda Jackson and The "5" Royales under EI are suspect, as both artists were active after that cut-off point. They should have been inducted as Performers but were not.

Posted by Darrell S. on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 20:48pm

@ Darrell

This is why we need two ceremonies for the Hall. One for the 50's and 60's and one for the 70's, 80's and 90's.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 21:04pm

The next close race in the Rock Hall Official fan voting would be for the 8th position, as Thin Lizzy is gaining on Whitney Houston, and has narrowed the gap to about 2,400 votes, which is about a 500 vote gain since this morning. At this rate, Thin Lizzy should move into the 8th position in about 2 days.
What we have is a very dominant Rock Class in the Official fan voting with primarily Hard Rock acts in 9 of the Top 10 positions, which I feel should be the theme or element for this years inductee class, with all of the Rock nominees, I am still leaning towards a Heavy Rock inductee Class.
Now, I do not have a problem with inducting Whitney Houston, as she was one of the greatest singers of all time, and had she not got messed up like she did, Whitney would have probably been the next Aretha Franklin. All of that wasted talent was such a tragedy, but she did shine bright like a supernova, for enough time for the world to appreciate her. And even though I am a Rock guy, I feel she should be inducted..

Posted by Will N. on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 22:00pm

A rock only class will lead to some backlash. They won't induct every rock act on there. They're gonna have at least four solid rockers (Pat and three groups at least), a new wave band, a rapper and possibly one of the two divas...

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 22:23pm

The Dude,

You said Loverboy twice. #78 and #90. Either there are two bands with that name or something is wrong.

Posted by Follower on Tuesday, 10/22/2019 @ 22:44pm

Timothy,
I agree, your outlook makes more sense. What I would hope for, and what will actually happen would be 2 different things. I think my picks will end up really being more in line with the majority, but will lean slightly towards Rock.
If you recall, last year in November we had a few discussions over 2 women will get inducted, and year of the women, and all that. I feel the same for this year, and we are kind of in the same situation, just this year it is Pat B., Whitney, and Chaka Khan. I would not mind seeing all 3 get inducted, but it will probably be 2 again, like last year..

Posted by Will N. on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 01:30am

Howard Stern has voted!

T. Rex
Thin Lizzy
Pat Benatar
Soundgarden
Nine Inch Nails

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 09:48am

I happen to view the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nominating Committee's ballot, much like valuable real estate. Therefore, 3 or 4 spots are taken up by artists who have little chance of induction. Why do they constantly do this? It really has become rather annoying. In my opinion, if you have nominated an artist 5 or 6 times and still no one is voting for them, just give up and try another artist, capisce?

This is how I view the 2020 Rock Hall Nominees List and their chances of induction in 2020:

16. MC5- No offense to Wayne Cramer, but does 1 album which helped to influence punk, really impress me? A much better choice would have been Procol Harum. 26%

15. Todd Rundgren- in my honest opinion, he absolutely deserves the Musical Excellence award, instead. For his production work, etc. Why is he even in this category? A number of singer/songwriters, such as: Carly Simon, Carole King, Jim Croce, etc. would have been better choices, instead. 32%

14. Nine Inch Nails- yes, it is industrial music, but didn't Throbbing Gristle really invent it? 38%

13. Rufus w/ Chaka Khan- the 6th time they've been on the ballot. A much better choice, in my honest opinion, would have been Sade who would have been inducted the very first time. 42%

12. T. Rex- influential perhaps, but they helped to spawn two genres that I really do not like (glam and punk). 46%

11. The Notorious B.I.G.- So much potential lost at such a tender young age; however I really do not like gangsta rap. I would have chosen Outkast, or TLC, or Salt 'n' Pepa, or Queen Latifa, or Snoop Dogg, or Ice-T, (notice the intentional irony) instead. 50%

———————————————————————————
10. Soundgarden- I like 'Black Hole Sun.' I really do not know their catalog that well. They should have been inducted years ago. I cannot really disagree with their nomination either. 52%


09. Depeche Mode- I would have chosen Duran Duran (who would have been inducted) instead. Although, I do like quite a few of their songs. 55%

08. Thin Lizzy- The late Phil Lynott was a great songwriter and we had lost him too soon. They should have been nominated and inducted years ago. 60%

07. Whitney Houston- an extraordinary singer who had died far too soon. Unlike her predecessors, she will most probably be inducted very soon, quite possibly in 2020. 62%

06. Kraftwerk- Yes, they should be in and have been nominated several times, but I am really slightly indifferent towards their induction at this time. 66%
———————————————————————————
05. Dave Matthews Band- a jam band, not unlike Phish with a quite a few prog influences. DMB will probably get inducted in 2020. 75%

04. Motörhead- the late Ian "Lemmy" Kilminster had been a member of English progressive rock band- Hawkwind. This is a long overdue nomination. They need and deserve to be inducted. 88%

03. Judas Priest- are hugely influential, but Rob Halford is a great co-songwriter and he has chosen to reside in Arizona. Plus, he has said great things about Rush. This is a long overdue 2nd nomination. They need to be and deserve to be inducted. 90%

02. The Doobie Brothers- A great Rock & Roll Band which has had many incarnations. This is a long overdue and well-deserved nomination. They need and deserve to be inducted. 92%

01. Pat Benatar- an extraordinarily great and gifted singer/songwriter, along with husband Neil Giraldo. This is a long overdue and well-deserved nomination. They will most probably headline next year's ceremony. 95%

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 10:12am

This is what I'm hoping the next class to look like the most.

Judas Priest: Hard Rock/Metal Band of the Year
Pat Benatar: Fan Ballot Winner
Nine Inch Nails: 90's Band of the Year
Depeche Mode: New Wave/80's Alternative Band of the Year
Notorious BIG: First Year Eligible Winner
Whitney Houston: Female of the Year other than Pat
T. Rex: Voting Body Winner

If room for extras...

Todd Rundgren: Music Excellence
Soundgarden: If the Hall wants more 90's

Though, I wouldn't be surprised if the Doobies make it, but I'm now starting to believe they're not worthy yet at least for now until a certain amount of classic rock bands from the 70's and 80's are inducted a few years from now.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 10:21am

Yeah Will, I see just two women getting in and it won't be Chaka.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 11:51am

Enigmaticus - if it weren;t for the stubborness of the nominating committee, being willing to continually nominate acts they think should be in that the voters don't, the Hall Of Fame would not have Black Sabbath in it - the founders of Metal, or The Stooges - one of the building blocks of punk, or Lynyrd Skynyrd - the second most important Southern Rock band.

We keep talking around here about how obvious it is that Tina Turner should be in the HOF as a solo star; but even with her induction as part of Ike and Tina, it took five tries to get her in.

Sometimes the nominating committee is right and the voters are wrong.

I think they should give the nominating committee the opportunity to select one act off the ballot that they think should just go in no matter what the voters think - then instead of nominating Chic ten times and using the Musical excellence category to backdoor in Nile Rogers alone, they could have just said, "We are putting Chic in". They could possibly do that for Kraftwerk now.

Give one spot to the nominating committee, and also guarantee that the #1 choice of the public gets in no matter what. That way you have a balance of the "insiders" and the "populists" entries. And then fill out the class with the results of the usual ballot.

Posted by Shrek on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 11:53am

Can it be possible for two of the nominees here to get Musical Excellence awards? I kinda see it for Kraftwerk and Todd.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 13:27pm

Here's why I think the Rock Hall will induct two women next year. Has to do with Pat Benatar insisting Neil Girardo be included. No one kinda sees it the way Pat sees it. As far as Pat is concerned, Neil has been her producer and partner since 1979. She sees Neil as an equal (which is why her site has their last names respectively).

So that's pretty much what will probably happen. And Whitney will get a boost as a SOLO female act. This pretty much leaves Chaka out unless they feel she and Rufus are more worthy than the Doobie Brothers (whoever keeps nominating her/Rufus or her solo). So they might heed to Janet's advice but maybe not in the way Ms. Jackson intended.

Just my thoughts on this.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 13:32pm

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4298189-iheartmedia-overlooked-gem

iHeartMedia Is An Overlooked Gem

"With all the recent press about cord-cutting consumers opting for services like Netflix, you might expect radio to be fading as quickly as cable TV is. However, that is not the case. Terrestrial (AM/FM) radio is doing surprisingly well. According to the latest Nielsen data, the percentage of Americans that listen to terrestrial radio in a given week is 89%, down only slightly from 92% a decade ago. Nielsen data also shows that unlike pay-tv usage, radio listenership doesn't drop off significantly when you look at younger generations. This suggests that radio doesn't have to worry about a sudden drop off in listenership as the generations age."

Proof terrestrial radio is far from dead!

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 14:11pm

Will N.,

My list of picks also leans towards Rock. I couldn't find your list of picks. But You May have seen mine. I predict a couple of Old Rock acts like Pat Benatar and the Doobie Brothers. I feel that Whitney Houston is talented even though I am an Immense Rock Guy. I don't feel that she will be Inducted this year. It may take Whitney until 2022 to be Inducted. We got a Stacked list. I see Notorious BIG as a lock. I think the 2 Woman Inducted scenario will be ruined by delay with Whitney. I could be wrong and may change my mind. I may be one of the few people predicting Kraftwerk as a pick. They would be the first All Electronic act to be Inducted.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 21:39pm

There is a chance, however small, that Biggie might end up like Radiohead and the voters will assume that he will win, so they won't vote for him.

Posted by Follower on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 22:13pm

@ Follower

That's just a different situation Biggie won't be getting; the real reason Radiohead didn't made it as an FYE for the class of 2018 is most of the general public only know them for "Creep." It's hard to induct bands who only have one radio staple cause the Hall's management wants to see the nominees that could satisfy them financially as a way to cater crowds into the attraction much as they could.

I know some of the FRL regulars did said that there are plenty of people who know "Fake Plastic Trees" and "Paranoid Android." But I just don't believe it cause every time when I meet someone for a chat and mention Radiohead, I always get the "I only know those guys for "Creep"" response. The band is more of a semi-niche band here in America compared to pure arena-level bands like Bon Jovi and Def Leppard who have six or seven staples respectively.

Biggie is more bigger here, and you're more likely to hear a handful tunes or more by him from your local Rap/Hip-Hop stations. Hell, one of his albums is a diamond, which is a kind of achievement Radiohead never had before in their career.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 22:59pm

Hey when Radiohead came out in the 90s, I was into the grunge sound and Tool more than the softer side of alternative. However, I did know them for "High and Dry" because that became an anthem we'd sing at parties...of course, we wouldn't be caught dead singing it sober. Radiohead was a new band that was beyond the American youth at the time. They are innovative and talented though

Posted by K-Dawg on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 01:15am

Fun fact about this ballot: All but 3 of these acts have at least one hit. The three that don't have any hits are MC5, Judas Priest, and Motorhead.

Posted by Follower on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 02:26am

Follower, what are you basing this on? Motorhead is synonymous especially for "The Ace of Spades", and Judas Priest has an extensive catalogue of hits, most notably "Breaking the Law" and "You've Got Another Thing Coming"?

Posted by K-Dawg on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 04:42am

Follower, I would consider 'Living After Midnight' to be a hit.

Posted by Paul in KY on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 06:22am

'Kick Out The Jams' charted in the US for MC5, so even that part isn't correct.

Posted by dmg on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 08:41am

Will N.,

I don't see my picks of Kraftwerk and Biggie as Rock At all. I am neither a fan of Electronic music or Rap. Even though I am a Rock Guy Too I see those 2 being inducted. Kraftwerk are rather unusual branch of Rock. They represent Electronic music in my picks. Besides Kraftwerk and Biggie the rest of my picks are Rock.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 09:06am

Judas Priest and Motorhead have their share of classics much like Jimi Hendrix (he only had one charted hit here as well). Thin Lizzy would be the one where the classics were less than the others.

T. Rex is in the same category with JP and MH (besides "Get It On", there was also "Ride a White Swan", "Hot Love" - the Top of the Pops performance of that one officially "started" glam rock, "Jeepster", "Telegram Sam", "Metal Guru", "Children of the Revolution" and "20th Century Boy" - which for some odd reason never charted here and should have IMHO!).

Just because they didn't hit the charts often in America doesn't mean they weren't influential here. American music is fickle to accept overseas artists unless they followed a trend.

Glam rock caught on critically here, but not commercially, until the glam metal era of the '80s, most of whom basically were sons of Bolan.

MC5 definitely doesn't have the advantage T. Rex, Judas Priest and Motorhead have.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 10:13am

Checking the official vote standings, WOW at the lower three. That's NOT good.

I guess we can agree on one thing: the bottom three don't have a chance in hell getting in next year.

Let's focus on the thirteen others...

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 10:21am

K-Dawg,

I'm basing it on the Billboard charts. Billboard told us the biggest hits by each artist:

Pat Benatar, "Love Is a Battlefield' and "We Belong," No. 5 in 1983 and 1985, respectively.
Dave Matthews Band, "American Baby," No. 16 in 2005.
Depeche Mode, "Enjoy the Silence, " No. 8 in 1990.
The Doobie Brothers, "Black Water" and "What a Fool Believes," No. 1 in 1975 and 1979, respectively.
Whitney Houston, 11 No. 1 hits, including her longest-leading (for 14 weeks), "I Will Always Love You," No. 1 in 1992.
Judas Priest, "You've Got Another Thing Comin'," No. 67 in 1982.
Kraftwerk, "Autobahn," No. 25 in 1975.
MC5, "Kick Out the Jams," No. 82 in 1969.
Motorhead, no Hot 100 hits.
Nine Inch Nails, "The Day the World Went Away," No. 17 in 1999.
The Notorious B.I.G., "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems" (featuring Puff Daddy & Ma$e), No. 1, both in 1997.
Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, "Tell Me Something Good," No. 3 in 1974. Chaka Khan also reached No. 3 as a solo artist with "I Feel for You" in 1984.
Todd Rundgren, "Hello It's Me," No. 5 in 1973.
Soundgarden, "Black Hole Sun," No. 24 in 1994.
T. Rex, "Bang a Gong (Get It On)," No. 10 in 1972.
Thin Lizzy, "The Boys Are Back in Town," No. 12 in 1976.

As you can see, Motorhead never charted and JP and MC5 charted too low to be considered a hit.

Posted by Follower on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 14:16pm

I've decided to make my predictions for this year's inductees and they are:

Pat Benatar (She's winning the fan vote by a landslide and she's another big populist Classic Rock pick as well, plus she will be the token female pick this year as well, so she's a lock for induction this year)

Depeche Mode (following on the heels of The Cure's induction last year, I think that Depeche Mode will be the next 80's New Wave/Alternative act to get in and I expect that it will happen this year and I think that the third time will be the charm for them this year)

The Doobie Brothers (like Pat Benatar, they're also another big populist Classic Rock pick and they also have the mighty Irving Azoff as their manager and Irving helped Journey, Bon Jovi and Stevie Nicks (solo) to all get nominated and inducted the last three years, so they're also a lock for induction this year)

Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor inducted The Cure at last year's ceremony and he has had a big year this year with the huge success of the monster hit Old Town Road, which he co-wrote and co-produced and also samples NIN's song 34 Ghosts IV and he also scored the new HBO Show Watchmen and this year also marked the 30th anniversary of their debut album Pretty Hate Machine, the 25th anniversary of The Downward Spiral and the 20th anniversary of The Fragile, plus, the ceremony's back in Cleveland (Trent's hometown) this year, so I think that it's finally NIN's year for induction this year and like I said with Depeche Mode, I think that the third time will be the charm for them (or him) this year as well)

Soundgarden (They did a tribute to Chris Cornell at the last Cleveland ceremony two years ago and they are also the next Grunge band to go in following Nirvana and Pearl Jam, plus it would also make Pearl Jam's current drummer Matt Cameron a member of the Clyde McPhatter Club, so I think they will get in this year on their first try as well as they should)

If 6

The Notorious B.I.G. (I'm not too convinced that Biggie's the lock that most people are thinking, His career was very brief and he's not at the level of a Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Tupac, Jay-Z or Eminem that even older out-of-touch voters that hate Hip-Hop can't deny, Still, I think that he will get inducted this year only if the votes are close and they decide to go with more than five inductees this year, but if they only go with five inductees this year, I think that he will miss out)

If 7

T. Rex (They had more success in the UK than in America, but they have had a massive influence on British bands that came after them like last year's inductees Def Leppard, so they have a decent shot for induction this year, but Kate Bush and The Smiths (who also have had more success in the UK than in America), have also both been nominated before and both have failed to get in yet, Yes, Roxy Music got in last year, but IMO, it probably had more to do with Brian Eno being included on the personnel list for Roxy and Eno is very well-respected in the industry, plus Roxy is on the Rolling Stone Immortals list and T. Rex is not, so their chances for induction this year are not as strong as Roxy was last year, Still, like Biggie, I think that they will get inducted this year only if the votes are close and they decide to go with more than five inductees this year, but if they only go with five inductees this year, I think that they will miss out just like Biggie)

Whitney will get in eventually, but I think that it will take her a few nominations before she gets in just like with Janet.

I think that Todd Rundgren's induction chances this year have gone down significantly because of his poor showing in the fan vote and his continued comments towards the Rock Hall, so I just don't see him being inducted this year now unless they give him Musical Excellence (which I think is unlikely) this year and it's a shame because he definitely deserves induction IMO.

As much as I want to see Kraftwerk, MC5 and Rufus With Chaka Khan get in this year, I just don't think they have much of a chance this year, Judas Priest, Motorhead and Thin Lizzy will all cancel each other out because they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is a tough sell for the voting committee and Priest did horrendously in the voting tally when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class and Dave Matthews Band just won't be able to compete with the two other 90's acts that are nominated (Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden), so they won't have the votes to ever get inducted IMO.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 14:34pm

Ah I see. I would venture to say it just wasn't worded the best, because if anyone's heard of Motorhead, they've heard of "Ace of Spades".

And, while they don't chart as metal songs usually are not mainstream enough for such, Judas Priest has between 3 and 10 songs played on most rock or classic rock stations. Understood where you came from, though.

Posted by K-Dawg on Thursday, 10/24/2019 @ 22:29pm

Since Alan Light says that the voters generally do pay attention to the fan vote, I think they should just make it a rule that the winner of the fan vote always gets in while the remaining 5 are voted on.

Posted by Follower on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 03:03am

Follower,

I think they practically do that anyway lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 05:42am

richie,

I will give you some thoughts on your post. I agree with you that Pat Benatar and Doobie Brothers are locks this year. I do However think Notorious BIG is also a lock. I am a Rock Guy. I am one of those out of Touch people somewhat when it comes Rap/Hip Hop. But he was one of the most popular Rap acts in the 90s.

I think Todd Rundgren has a good chance. It is my belief like others that he just missed last year. Therefore this year should work for him. He is an extraordinary performer and Producer.

T Rex will get inducted I think because of their immense influence on British Bands that came later.

I totally agree with you on Whitney Houston. It will take her a few nominations. That's just like Janet

Posted by Ben on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 09:14am

Does anyone around here think Little Richard is gonna vote despite his age and generation difference? He could possibly vote for Whitney Houston and that's it.

Posted by The Dude on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 09:24am

Soundgarden is starting to close the gap on The Doobie Brothers for the second spot on the fan vote. Between this and the huge surge by Dave Matthews Band yesterday, this is shaping up to be quite the exciting race. Usually the top 5 is pretty set after a couple weeks. This is going to be fun to watch.

Posted by Greg P. on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 10:26am

richie,

Kraftwerk has been nominated many times. I am no way an electronic music fan but I see them getting slightly more Votes overall than Depeche Mode. That may sound crazy to some. But you see some Rock veteran inductees may have a slightly kinder view to Kraftwerk because they go further back. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd I recall likes a lot of early electronic music. All the Pink Floyd members could possibly Vote for Kraftwerk. Talking Heads members, Genesis members. Also numerous Critics and music producers that Vote.I don't think MC5 and Rufus with Chaka Khan have much of chance though. I love Dave Matthews Band but to be objective I don't they will be able to compete with the other 2 90s bands,especially Soundgarden

Posted by Ben on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 10:26am

So how to do I like these artists? How, would I rank them from bottom to top?

16. MC5 (no sorry, but they definitely will not get my vote)
15. Notorious B.I.G. (no, definitely not)
14. Todd Rundgren (no, not at this time)
13. Nine Inch Nails (no, not at this time)
12. T. Rex (no, not at this time)
11. Depeche Mode (no, not at this time)
10. Rufus with Chaka Khan (not at this time)
09. Kraftwerk (not at this time)
08. Soundgarden (possibly, maybe)
07. Whitney Houston (possibly, maybe)
06. Thin Lizzy (yes)
05. Judas Priest (yes)
04. Motörhead (yes, absolutely)
03. Dave Matthews Band (yes, absolutely, every single time)
02. Doobie Brothers (yes, absolutely, every single time)
01. Pat Benatar (yes, absolutely, every single time)

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 12:24pm

Here is the clarification of how, I may vote for my top 8:

01. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo (PBNG)
02. Doobie Brothers (DB)
03. Dave Matthew Band (DMB)
04. Motörhead (M)
05. & 06. Judas Priest (JP) /Thin Lizzy (TL)
07. Whitney Houston (WH)
08. Soundgarden (SG)

1. PBNG, DB, DMB, M, TL
2. PBNG, DB, DMB, M, JP
3. PBNG, DB, DMB, M, TL
4. PBNG, DB, DMB, WH, TL
5. PBNG, DB, DMB, M, JP
6. PBNG, DB, DMB, M, JP
7. PBNG, DB, DMB, M, TL
8. PBNG, DB, DMB, SG, JP

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 13:22pm

Ben,

That may be true, but do they even bother voting? I highly doubt most of the people who were inducted even vote at all, especially the few living members of the first two classes, Steve Miller, and anyone from the Dave Clark Five.

Posted by Follower on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 13:41pm

Motorhead votes are slipping a little on the official vote page.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 14:57pm

Some of y'all are really confident about DMB's chances lol

Don't think they'll vote for THREE metal groups. And Motorhead is starting to get my attention. They may pull in the upset on JP.

The top four can go either way. I think it's possible either DMB wins or the Doobie Brothers. That's the real tea.

Otherwise, Pat, SG and Judas may be safe.

That leaves the other eight. I know Questlove will push for Rufus/Chaka, WH and BIG. Two of those three will likely go in even if BIG is low, his induction shoo in won't be a surprise. And they could do to WH what voters did to Janet when Pac was nominated.

If six, I'm looking for a T. Rex upset or Depeche Mode to get it.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 15:05pm

Timothy Pernell,

I think that you are overestimating Judas Priest's chances for induction this year, I think that they, Motorhead and Thin Lizzy will all split votes and therefore, will all cancel each other out because they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is a tough sell for the voting committee and also, Nominating Committee member Alan Light said last year that Priest did horrendously in the voting tally when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class, so you can count them out this year, Also, I'm not too convinced that Biggie's the lock that most people are thinking, His career was very brief and he's not at the level of a Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, N.W.A., Tupac, Jay-Z or Eminem that even older out-of-touch voters that hate Hip-Hop can't deny, on top of that, he's also deceased, so he wouldn't be able to attend or perform at the ceremony, Anyway, I've decided to make my predictions for this year's inductees based on which artists are best for the Rock Hall's bottom line (Getting asses into seats, getting viewership for the HBO special, improving the Rock Hall's public image, encouraging visitors to come to Cleveland, likeliness to draw viewers, sell tickets to the ceremony and make for best show (great moments, great performances, likelihood to show up, less drama, etc). so my predictions for this year's inductees are:

Pat Benatar (Classic Rock)(She's winning the fan vote by a landslide and she's another big populist Classic Rock act as well, plus she will be the token female pick this year as well, so she's a lock for induction this year)

Depeche Mode (80's New Wave/Alternative Rock) (following on the heels of The Cure's induction last year, I think that Depeche Mode will be the next 80's New Wave/Alternative act to get in and I expect that it will happen this year and I think that the third time will be the charm for them this year)

The Doobie Brothers (Classic Rock)(like Pat Benatar, they're also another big populist Classic Rock act and they also have the mighty Irving Azoff as their manager and Irving helped Journey, Bon Jovi and Stevie Nicks (solo) to all get nominated and inducted the last three years, so they're also a lock for induction this year)

Nine Inch Nails (90's Alternative Rock) (I think that people are underestimating NIN's chances for induction this year, Trent Reznor inducted The Cure at last year's ceremony and he has had a big year this year with the huge success of the monster hit Old Town Road, which he co-wrote and co-produced and also samples NIN's song 34 Ghosts IV and he also scored the new HBO Show Watchmen and this year also marked the 30th anniversary of their debut album Pretty Hate Machine, the 25th anniversary of The Downward Spiral and the 20th anniversary of The Fragile, plus, they are one of the few artists in the Rolling Stone's list of Immortals/the 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time that are not in yet (the others being Dr. Dre (solo), Tina Turner (solo), Gram Parsons, Lee "Scratch' Perry and the soon-to be eligible Jay-Z and Eminem) and the ceremony's back in Cleveland (Trent's hometown) this year, so I think that it's finally NIN's year for induction this year and like I said with Depeche Mode, I think that the third time will be the charm for them (or him) this year as well)

Soundgarden (90's Alternative Rock) (They did a tribute to Chris Cornell at the last Cleveland ceremony two years ago and also, they are the next Grunge band to go in following Nirvana and Pearl Jam, plus it would make Pearl Jam's current drummer Matt Cameron a two-time inductee, so he would become a member of the Clyde McPhatter Club and the surviving members would perform at the ceremony with guest vocalists just like the surviving members of Nirvana did back in 2014, so I think that they will get in this year on their first try as well as they should)

As much as I love Whitney Houston, the problem that I have with her is that like Biggie, she's also deceased as well, as are most of the members of T. Rex, so people would have to pay tribute to all of them (Biggie, Whitney and T. Rex), plus, the Rock Hall are all about their induction show, they want to put on a star-studded show of music's biggest names getting inducted into one of the highest honors in the industry and they want people that are alive to show up and perform to attract viewers on HBO, so for that reason, I'm expecting an all-white and all-Rock class this year with Benatar and The Doobies (Classic Rock), Depeche Mode (80's New Wave/Alternative Rock) and NIN and Soundgarden (90's Alternative Rock), so if they only go with five inductees this year, I think that those will be the ones that they will pick.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 17:15pm

Follower,

That's a good point you make. The few living members of the first 2 Classes probably don't Vote at all anymore I recall Steve Miller and the Dave Clark Five Have Possible dislike for the Hall. But I specifically said Pink Floyd members and Talking Heads members. Those are Veterans I can see Voting for Kraftwerk. There may also be MTV VJs that Vote that could Vote for Kraftwerk. I am no Way a fan of Kraftwerk but to be objective I see them as having a Rather good chance. I do NOT identify them as a Lock.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 18:36pm

When are the inductees announced?

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 18:45pm

@ Anonymous

From what I've heard, the ballot will end on January 10th next year, so it's possible they could reveal the winners by the end of the month.

Posted by The Dude on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 18:54pm

Please everyone email Greg Harris! gharris@rockhall.org

The three previous times Rufus/Chaka Khan was nominated for the Rock Hall, David Wolinski was listed as a nominated member. This year he isn't. Is this a copy/paste error? Please correct it. Here is your Rufus/Chaka Khan page:

https://www.rockhall.com/rufus-chaka-khan-2

Thank you

Posted by Roy on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 19:17pm

Richie,

As much as you think Judas Priest doesn't have a chance, I don't think Nine Inch Nails will get in this year. Some acts get voted at the wrong time. NIN is one of those bands.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 19:39pm

Radiohead mostly had a lot votes from music critics, which pretty much explains how they made it. So, I actually do see it happening similarly to Nine Inch Nails, since they have a bigger track record of critical acclaim than Soundgarden and Dave Matthews Band. Trent Reznor is much more of a critic darling than ya think.

Posted by The Dude on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 20:05pm

4 acts that should be in the RNRHOF but never, never-ever will:

Weird Al Yankovic
The Monkees
The Carpenters
John Denver

Each one, qualifies, BUT, since the genres aren't "cool", and would draw fire from the "cool people", they will NEVER be nominated, let alone enshrined. Take my word for it. Not chance, abondon ship...

Posted by Classic Rock on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 21:13pm

Adding to that, The Monkees are manufactured and WAY is a novelty act.


Before you mention Sex Pistols or Bon Jovi, both of those were closer to a legitimate, real band than The Monkees were.

Posted by Follower on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 21:40pm

Ben,
I have not yet posted any inductee prediction list yet, as it is still early, and I'm still mulling over the probabilities, and enjoying all of the speculation and discussions from everybody.
Now, the list I was referring to was my original nomination prediction list, in which 7 of my Top 12 rated predictions were nominated. Of which, we had a few in common, and this was more or less what I was discussing. Those were Nine Inch Nails #1, Kraftwerk #3, T. Rex #4, Pat Benatar #6, Doobie Brothers #7, Depeche Mode #10, and Soundgarden #12. Anyway, I believe you like as some of your predictions, Kraftwerk, T. Rex, Pat Benatar, and also Soundgarden. I also do agree with you on a lot of the reasoning behind your predictions for these bands. Ritchie also has 5 of these 7 bands for his induction picks.
I will get more in depth on the nominees later, but briefly, I have been supporting Pat Benatar for 4 or 5 years now, and she finally is nominated, so I am hoping her and Neil are in. Kraftwerk has been on the brink for some time now, and they will never be popular with the fan vote, but are well respected in the music world. Same goes for T. Rex, well first nomination for them, but long overdue, and I've been promoting them for almost a year. Nine Inch Nails are high on my list for their innovation, creativity, and musical genius. Of course they did not invent the Industrial music genre, but they certainly helped to accelerate it into the Mainstream, and they were popular before the next Rock wave of "grunge" hit, so they were already laying their own blueprint. I also am big on Judas Priest, and have always been a Priest before Maiden Rock fan, but this year I was thrown off a bit. I honestly thought they would give Iron Maiden a shot for this class, and hold off on JP for another year. But I am very happy that Priest could get inducted, and I like their chances.
Of course, we can never have all of the artists we want to get the honor at one time, but I am just not quite sure who is going to get bumped out of this class yet..

Posted by Will N. on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 22:07pm

Since, both Mary and Eric of the "Hall Watchers Podcast" are calling for more women to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame; I could not possibly agree more. Therefore I have reposted the 2020 ballot which I had really wanted to see:

However, If I were to speculate on the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees newly amended list:

01. King Crimson
02. Duran Duran
03. Jethro Tull
04. Procol Harum
05. Doobie Brothers
06. Sade
07. Carly Simon
08. Tina Turner (solo)
09. Carole King (as performer)
10. Pat Benatar
11. Cher
12. Bjork
13. The Bangles
14. Shania Twain
15. Willie Nelson
16. Eurythmics

I have simply removed the other 11 acts which I had on my amended ballot, in order. Would this list of nominees have helped to equalize the gender gap?

Well, what do you think?

Originally posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 09.23.19 @ 10:39am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 22:40pm

Enigmaticus, that is indeed a dream list! :) I love it.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 10/25/2019 @ 23:18pm

If you want Duran Duran on the ballot next year, you need to get Depeche Mode inducted first. However you may even about the latter, the Nominating Committee obviously wants them inducted and they are seen as the New Wave/80's Alternative pick this year. If Depeche Mode is chosen for the Class of 2020 (a very strong possibility and they should be a top contender given The Cure's induction and their performance on the fan vote so far), that would open the door to a Duran Duran nomination next year. Look at it from a strategic POV and you'll get what I mean. It doesn't matter if you like them or not, but that it opens the doors (and clears the lane) to the artists you care about getting into the HOF someday.

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 08:35am

Oh Depeche Mode is definitely going to be inducted this year, no question.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 09:10am

AN ALL SOLO 2020 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

01. Todd Rundgren
02. Pat Benatar
03. Whitney Houston
04. Nine Inch Nails
05. The Notorious B.I.G.

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 12:15pm

Another fun fact, Whitney Houston is one of the few acts to have hits in four different decades. But her 2010's hit wasn't a new song but a boost in downloads/views that came from her death. Still, hits are its. She's also one of two artists with the accomplishments not in the rock hall. (The other one is Weird Al.)

Posted by Follower on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 13:42pm

@ Follower

Proof Whitney is too big to be ignore and will get in next year! Even if any of her stuff had never been charted, some of them had probably been certified gold and/or platinum as "hits."

Posted by The Dude on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 13:50pm

Simple fun?

Messing with the Neanderthals on the RRHOF's Notorious BIG nom notice on Facebook. I quote from one "I'd love to see only rock and metal in my RRHOF, but they've been putting this garbage in since the beginning". Why do these people not understand that it's called rock AND ROLL?

Posted by K-Dawg on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 14:12pm

Timothy,

Thank you for your response.

Nick,

I am going to respectfully disagree with you. An induction for Depeche Mode will not necessarily open the door for Duran Duran. The door has already been opened widely for Duran Duran via the inductions of the "holy trinity" of prog (Rush, Yes and The Moody Blues), The Cars and Roxy Music. In fact, there really is not a single reason for Duran Duran to not be on this nomination ballot, other than the fact that the ceremony will be held next year in Cleveland, not in New York City, or Los Angeles. If any band were to benefit from Depeche Mode's induction, it would be Devo, not Duran Duran.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 14:23pm

Whitney done made a comeback on the official fan vote. Don't ever think Tyler Perry isn't a big voice lol

K-Dawg,
These fools are racist and don't wanna admit it. Hip hop and soul are as much rock and roll as rock is lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 14:28pm

@ K-Dawg

Apparently, they just don't understand stand the Hall's name is based on the historical definition of "Rock & Roll"- NOT what we used now.

The "Roll" part is a reference to other forms. While I get the fact acts do get mislabeled with certain terms, and we all have own opinions when it come Authenticity in music. But since the Hall focused on diversity genre wise, what's the point of using the current definition of Rock over there? No need for a new name.

Posted by The Dude on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 14:31pm

If you look at Allmusic's page on Duran Duran, I don't see a whole lot of Progressive Rock influences on them. Instead, I see a lot of Art Rock, New Wave and Disco acts that were either (a) contemporaries, (b) influences or (c) influenced by (or proceeded) Duran Duran. Not to say you don't make a strong case for them as a Progressive Rock outfit (Art Rock and Progressive Rock are very much in the same spirit IMO), but I don't think most people view them that way.. I still the Nom Com views Duran Duran as a New Wave/Alternative act and not the Progressive Rock pick, but that's just how i see it.

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/duran-duran-mn0000128440/related

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 22:44pm

Some exciting news Rock Hall watchers - I was mentioned and quoted in two articles featured on 'Alternative Nation' earlier today. To make a long story short, I wrote a series of tweets quoting some of Tom Morello's comments on some of the 2020 HOF nominees on his SiriusXM Lithium show "One Man Revolution." I didn't think anything of it (figured it'd be good for the RHW community to get some insight from Morello--not everyone has satellite radio), but later that night Morello himself liked and retweeted one of my Tweets (specifically the Tweet discussing the Playlist of the nominees he chose). It was so unexpected that I didn't believe it at first. Things got even more surreal this morning when I was informed that I was mentioned and quoted in an "Alternative Nation" feature discovering that same episode of Morello's show. The first link was a featured story on Apple News this morning, so was very cool to say the least. The second story I just discovered which discusses Tom Morello's support for Nine Inch Nails.

http://www.alternativenation.net/rage-against-the-machine-unload-rock-hall-fame-snub/#comments

http://www.alternativenation.net/rage-against-the-machine-call-nine-inch-nails-insult/

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 10/26/2019 @ 23:10pm

Way to go, Nick!

Posted by Paul in KY on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 06:57am

Nick,

You are absolutely correct, but AllMusic has the same problem with Rush. According to the members of Rush themselves, The Moody Blues were a huge influence, but do you see The Moody Blues anywhere on that list? Geddy says that he had been influenced by David Casady of Jefferson Airplane. But do you see Jefferson Airplane listed? Instead, you see Mountain and Free listed as influences. So, I would take what AllMusic Guide says with a grain of salt. We also know that Rush had been influenced by Roxy Music, Van der Graaf Generator, Talking Heads, The Police and U2 from various interviews. Yet none of those artists are listed also.

According to the members of Duran Duran, in various interviews, they were influenced by: Roxy Music, David Bowie, Chic, The Doors, Genesis, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin and probably several other bands as well.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 11:48am

Who in the hell is voting for the Dave Matthews Band?

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 11:59am

I guess I underestimated the fans of DMB...lol

https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/rock/8533119/dave-matthews-band-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-essay

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 12:11pm

I called it immediately that DMB would win the fan vote. They have a cult.

Posted by Casper on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 17:38pm

I still think that Pat Benatar is going to win the fan vote and The Doobie Brothers will finish 2nd, Soundgarden will finish 3rd, Dave Matthews Band will finish 4th and Judas Priest will finish 5th.

Posted by richie on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 17:44pm

DMB has more than 30 million gold and platinum awards here; that's why they're reaching to the top. Pat on the other hand has more than eleven or twelve million.

Posted by The Dude on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 17:45pm

Well I can tell off top, this will definitely be the most populist class since 2014.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 20:07pm

Dave Matthews Band reminds me of another person who isn't in the RRHOF...and I don't know if he ever will be...

Jimmy Buffett

Not sure why he comes to mind other than the eccentricity of his fan base, but DMB shouldn't be in before he goes in. That's not to say Jimmy Buffet should get in anytime soon either...

Posted by K-Dawg on Sunday, 10/27/2019 @ 23:32pm

Here's a question for those who are metalheads:

If both Judas Priest and Motorhead could make it through with this year's ballot, what other metal- the real definition, NOT the historical one- bands will the Hall go after next other than Iron Maiden?

Here are the snubs to name many as I could from many different sub-genres and eras including early, thrash, black, prog, doom, power and death.

Saxon
Venom
Hellhammer/Celtic Frost
Bathory
Mercyful Fate
Megadeth
Slayer
Anthrax
Overkill
Testament
Exodus
Pantera
Sepultura
Death
Cannibal Corpse
Morbid Angel
Decide
Mayhem
Immortal
Emperor
Saint Vitus
Dream Theater
Saint Vitus
Tool
Helloween
Manowar
Messhuggah

Not eligible yet but should get in years from now.

Slipknot
Dragonforce
Babymetal
Mastodon
Gojira

Posted by The Dude on Monday, 10/28/2019 @ 10:03am

Jimmy Buffett isn't a bad comparison. Similar demographics to the audiences; predominantly white, college educated, affluent audience that is just looking for a fun night out of cocktails and sing along songs they know by heart. Absolute dedication, willing to go see multiple shows and travel anywhere to get their show fix. In fact Dave Matthews has even covered Buffett's "A Pirate Looks At Forty". DMB jams more and shakes up the setlists, thus making them a jam band, while Buffett is more like a specialty sub genre of country music. But it isn't a bad comparison. And I for one have argued that Buffett himself has earned a shot at the HOF.

Posted by Shrek on Monday, 10/28/2019 @ 10:07am

Not really a 'Metalhead', Dude. More like a 'Metalhead Observer'. From your list of already eligibles, would only think Slayer & Pantera have realistic shots (of going in during their lifetimes). Maybe Anthrax.

On the not eligible yets, Slipknot & Mastadon. Too early to tell with Babymetal, IMO.

Excellent question!

Posted by Paul in KY on Monday, 10/28/2019 @ 11:05am

Shrek, while not a huge fan, I agree that Jimmy Buffet has earned a spot. Longevity, dedicated fan base, carved out a niche and created a whole subculture/lifestyle with his Parrotheads. Had some hits and sold some records too.

Posted by Dezmond on Monday, 10/28/2019 @ 11:38am

richie,

Some more thoughts. I may have mentioned that I am Confident about both Todd Rundgren and T Rex. Contrary to your view I find his Chances have increased due to momentum and I think he just missed last year. He is highly respected in the Music industry.

I do NOT think Judas Priest will actually be Inducted this year . We agree there. Nor do I think J Priest, Motörhead and Thin Lizzy all cancel each other out. I think Judas Priest will lead among the Old Metal choices But will just miss to be Inducted. Other acts will be a priority assuming 7 acts. I already feel strong on Pat Benatar, Doobie Brothers And Notorious BIG as locks. And also that Todd Rundgren and T Rex have a very good chance. That leaves only 2 spots at most with 7 inductees. I like some Judas Priest for sure but I don't think it's their year. See the list of my picks for details

Posted by Ben on Monday, 10/28/2019 @ 12:21pm

Ben,

I would like to get your appraisal on someone like Jimmy Buffet. Do you think he belongs? I maintain he deserves to go before DMB, if he ever does get in...

Posted by K-Dawg on Monday, 10/28/2019 @ 13:41pm

To answer the Dude's question, the Hall is only going to go for mainstream metal acts that had crossover appeal, which eliminates about 90% of your list. From your list of eligible performers, I see only 5 bands getting nominations within the next 10 years....

Anthrax
Megadeth
Pantera
Slayer
Tool

The other bands on the list are too "niche" to get consideration from the Hall at this stage.

There's two other bands that you didn't put on there that I also think will get a nomination somewhere down the road, those two being KoRn and Marilyn Manson. You didn't really list any nu metal bands, but if there's any nu metal band that will get a nomination, it's KoRn, and rightly so. KoRn was featured on a number of the Hall's videos on social media hyping up the newly eligible acts for this year, so they're obviously on the radar. They also had immense mainstream success in the late 90's (there were prominently on MTV's Total Request Live show fighting the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears for the top spots on a weekly basis), and put nu metal in the mainstream. Those are the kinds of bands the Hall goes to when it comes to niche genres.

Marilyn Manson was also one of the most controversial acts in music in the late 90's/early 00's that also made some classic metal albums and songs. Again, an act that broke through to the mainstream who became a very provocative pop culture figure in the late 90's/early 00's. I think KoRn is more likely, but keep an eye on Marilyn Manson too.


There's also White Zombie/Rob Zombie to consider, though I think the Hall would more likely go for Rob Zombie for a solo nomination rather than White Zombie.

As for the future eligibles, I think Slipknot will get a nomination along with System of a Down whom you didn't mention. Those were two of the lead and best metal bands of the early 00's that also had legitimate mainstream success. Linkin Park is kind of nu metal, at least initially and if KoRn gets in at some point, I'm sure the Hall will view Linkin Park in the same vein and go for them too. Although obviously, Linkin Park isn't as "hardcore metal" as the bands you listed. The Hall though will view them as "metal enough" to get representation for the genre though lol.


But yeah, the non-mainstream acts of thrash metal, doom metal, black metal, speed metal, progressive metal, etc stand little chance at this stage in my view. The Hall will go for all the mainstream acts first.

Posted by Donnie on Monday, 10/28/2019 @ 16:43pm

Thanks for reply Donnie!

"Nu-Metal" is virtually a marketing and an umbrella term to refer to certain rock, metal, alternative and hardcore bands who made their debuts when grunge was on a decline in popularity and after. It's largely a meaningless term that was based on the historical definition of metal- NOT the real one.

Korn is actually a funk rock band. Linkin Park, System of a Down, and even Deftones are adjacent-hardcore. Real metal bands uses the reliance of blues, surf rock, and other certain traits in order to meet the basic elements of the genre. musically.

Posted by The Dude on Monday, 10/28/2019 @ 18:08pm

K-Dawg,

As far as Jimmy Buffet,he does belong. I think DMB should go in first. You should know I am something of a fan of DMB. I first got into Dave Matthews in 1994. I did not go on to buy all his albums. I own a few.

Jimmy Buffet does have a long career with a huge fan base. It does seem to me though that since DM Band were just nominated they have the edge over Jimmy Buffet. I don't think Jimmy Buffet will go in that soon. But I don't think DMB will either. DMB has more jams so I give it to DMB but Jimmy Buffet is a good comparison. Jimmy Buffet should go in too.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 10/29/2019 @ 06:03am

Though when it comes to Nu Mental, I'd be surprised if Linkin Park isn't FYE.

Posted by Follower on Tuesday, 10/29/2019 @ 12:09pm

Will N.,

We basically in agreement a lot. For instance Kraftwerk are well respected in the music world. It is highly doubtful that 2 Electronic groups will be inducted at the same time. So instead of Depeche Mode as the majority have picked. Kraftwerk has the benefit of being around longer. Clearly somebody like Pete Townsend will probably not vote for them But I can see Pink Floyd members voting for them and perhaps Genesis members as well as slews of music critics. Their induction makes sense.

I am with you on Pat Benatar. I have wanted Pat Benatar to be inducted for quite some time. In her case I am an original fan from about 1980. She was one of the first big stars of the 1980s. She is an 80s icon. The Hall wanted Stevie Nicks in first. She paves the way for Pat Benatar as the next Female Rock singer. I think Pat Benatar is one of the locks. Those are some thoughts for now.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/30/2019 @ 07:25am

I played around last night with some possibilites of songs and inductors for each nominee, here is what I came up with for a standard three song set for each. Of course, some may well get more than 3 and some may not have any at all. Each year is a bit of a different negotiation and show planning event. But here was my stab at possibilities:

Pat Benatar:
Inductor: Rick Springfield (who also had big hits working with Neil Geraldo)
Songs: Invincible, We Belong, Heartbreaker

Dave Matthews Band:
Inductor: Neil Young (who is on the Farm Aid Board with Dave)
Songs: Satellite, Grey Street, Crash Into Me

Depeche Mode:
Inductor: Moby (big name EDM star who is a vocal fan)
Songs: Personal Jesus, Enjoy The Silence, Just Can't Get Enough

The Doobie Brothers:
Inductor: Don Henley (contemporary from a band that is also known for their pop craft and rich harmonies)
Songs: China Grove, Black Water, Listen To The Music

Judas Priest:
Inductor: Tom Morello (big fan who likely nominated them in the first place)
Songs: Heading Out To The Highway, Breaking The Law, Living After Midnight

Kraftwerk:
Inductor: Debbie Harry (HOF member who has acknowledged their influence)
Songs: Autobahn, Radioactivity, The Robots
That's assuming they show; I have a feeling that they will not show up, and if they don't, then the HOF likely won;t bother with a tribute performance.

MC5:
Inductor: Iggy Pop (contemporary from the same Motor City scene)
I'm assuming that the group touring as MC50 would be invited to play.
Songs: Ramblin' Rose, Kick Out The Jams, Motor City Is Burning

Motorhead:
Inductor: Slash (HOF member, friend of Lemmy's who spoke at his funeral)
Phil Campbell, Mikkey Dee and an assortment of Lemmy's buddies filling in for a tribute performance.
Songs: Bomber, Ace Of Spades, Overkill

Nine Inch Nails:
Inductor: David Fincher (film director who Reznor has done film scores for)
Songs: March Of The Pigs, Head Like A Hole, Hurt

Notorious BIG:
Inductor: Sean Combs
Tribute performance by some current well known Rap star(s)
Songs: Big Poppa, Mo Money Mo Problems, Hypnotize

Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan:
Inductor: Stevie Wonder (contemporary who is a HOF member and can speak well on the diversity of the band's sound and the excellence of Chaka's vocals)
Songs: Do You Love What You Feel, Tell Me Something Good, Ain't Nobody

Soundgarden:
Inductor: Eddie Vedder (contemporary from the same scene)
Songs: Rusty Cage, Spoonman, Black Hole Sun

T Rex:
Inductor: Michael Stipe (HOF member who is an acknowledged fan)
It would have to be a tribute performance, Drummer Bill Legend is the only nominated member of the band that is alive. He does tour with a T Rex tribute band, so perhaps they might get to play
Songs: Hot Love, Telegram Sam, Get It On

Thin Lizzy:
Inductor: James Hetfield (HOF member who is an acknowledged fan)
All of the members except for Phil Lynott are alive and are performing these days, but only Scott Groman plays in the current version of the band that is touring currently. So there is potential for drama here over who gets to play; I have no idea of how the nominated members feel about each other these days. It could well work out to be one of those things where they accept the award but don't actually play together.
Songs: Jailbreak, The Boys Are Back In Town, Whiskey In The Jar

Todd Rundgren:
Inductor: Meatloaf (Rundgren produced Bat Out Of Hell)
If he shows up, he will be able to perform; if he doesn't show then the HOF won't have somebody do a tribute performance.
Songs: Hello It's Me, I Saw The Light, Fair Warning

Whitney Houston:
Inductor: Dionne Warwick if she is healthy enough. Maybe Jennifer Hudson if Dionne Warwick can't.
Tribute performance featuring some big name modern pop stars (Again Jennifer Hudson would seem a likely option here).
Songs: How Will I Know, I Have Nothing, The Greatest Love Of All

Posted by Shrek on Wednesday, 10/30/2019 @ 12:52pm

DMB closing in on Soundgarden in the official fan vote. Could even be a threat to the Doobie Brothers. This is incredible. I think Pat is safe though.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 10/30/2019 @ 13:07pm

Will N.,

I will continue with my thoughts. I recall that you did not actually predict Judas Priest as one of your nominee picks. I did NOT. I was on the Motley Crue bandwagon like so many others. Judas Priest did so badly the last time they were nominated that the Committee is trying again. In the old Heavy Metal area Motörhead and Thin Lizzy are also nominated. Of these 3 I think Priest has the best chance. However I still think they will lose out. But I also think they will just miss and be Inducted on their 3rd nomination. I think the Voting Body is Not quite ready to Vote Priest in. Heavy Metal has always been a tough sell for the Voters.

Dave Matthews Band have a huge fan Base and lots of albums but I think the other 2 90s acts have a much better chance. Those are Nine Inch Nails And Soundgarden.

MC5 have a very little chance this year. They are just NOT known enough. MC5 was no way the best of choices for 60s acts.

Motörhead are a Rather notable Heavy Metal act but are not nearly as known as Judas Priest.They have less chance than Priest.

Todd Rundgren has a good chance I feel. Momentum has built up for him. He can be inducted as either a performer or in Musical Excellence.Now T. Rex serve the same role that Roxy Music did last year. Popular act from Britain back in the 70s.Thats it for Now

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 10/30/2019 @ 13:09pm

@ Shrek

I actually want Jay-Z to be Biggie's inductor. Both of them came from the East Coast scene in Rap/Hip-Hop and they probably knew each once or a few times. It would be a smart move for the Hall, so Jay could get inducted in 2021 and hopefully add him on the Nom Com.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 10/30/2019 @ 13:10pm

Dave Matthews Band has passed Soundgarden for third place in the fan poll. Less than 5,000 away from passing The Doobie Brothers.

Posted by Greg P. on Thursday, 10/31/2019 @ 12:51pm

Dave Matthews Band is doing really well in the fan vote, highly likely if their votes match with other ballots then its finally happening, i think John Popper from Blues Traveler should induct them

Posted by Navonte Robertson on Thursday, 10/31/2019 @ 20:16pm

Extending the vote to January helps the DMB fan base BUT will it get them in? Maybe. And if they manage to top the fan vote, would that not bode well for Pat? Lots of questions. The Doobie fans are almost nonexistent. Lots of things can happen!

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 00:19am

DMB up to #2 today, bypassing Doobie Brothers. Still 25,000 behind Pat Benatar, but in the time since FRL posted their tweet with yesterdays count and when I just looked now, DMB had gained about 5,000 votes and Benatar had gained about 3,000; so, yeah it looks like they will catch Benatar unless she stokes her fan base to pick up their voting. I'm sure the DMB crowd is voting every day.

Posted by Shrek on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 12:15pm

What? I was just talking about how the poll is helping DMB and they're already #2?! LOL

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 14:41pm

T. Rex may pass Biggie at 12th place...

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 14:42pm

Looks like DMB will win the fan vote, so Pat's in trouble.

Posted by Follower on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 18:21pm

If people are switching their populist-leaning votes to match the fan vote, which it appears they are doing, I would say The Doobie Brothers are in more trouble. DMB and the Doobies are more stylistically similar (mellow, chill soft rock that is very popular but not so much critically acclaimed) than either is with Benatar (even her soft rock stuff like Shadows of the Night and Love is a Battlefield rocked harder honestly...)

Posted by Sean on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 19:47pm

Benatar also has a demographic advantage especially after Janet Jackson and Stevie Nicks called out the hall for not inducting more women, while the Doobies doesn't offer much new. It's easy to say Benatar is more deserving than recent female rockers that have already been inducted (Jett and Nicks) but it's hard to say the Doobies are MORE deserving than most of the male classic rock that has been recently inducted, except for Bon Jovi probably.

I think Benatar has more to worry about from Whitney Houston than any male act honestly, since there does seem to be a contingent who will vote for only one woman, but I think she still makes it and this is more likely to hurt Houston because she is considered less "rock & roll."

Posted by Sean on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 19:52pm

I think Pat will be safe. The Doobie Brothers might lose out again.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 21:21pm

Big Deal about Dave Matthews Band. They are highly overrated with average type songs, nothing outstanding. Yes they are a great Jam band, with a loyal cult like fan base, very talented, and yes, deserving of nomination, and have the sales credentials as well. But they do not offer anything special that stands out, with a lot of their music being mundane and forgettable. I suppose for the cult that is really into them, they are great, but probably if Phish was nominated , you might get similar type results.
Point being, Pat Benatar music stands out from the rest. Doobie Brothers were a solid 70's favorite of many genres, with a lot of hits. Judas Priest and Nine Inch Nails would stomp all over Dave Matthews mediocre ramblings in the world of Rock History. And DMB cannot hold a candle to the flamboyance and influential creativity of T. Rex, who sparked a flame in Rock and Roll, similar to a lot of the Greats.
So their cult can accept and recognize their place in the waiting list of Rock greats and get in line. Legends like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Rush, and others waited more than a decade for induction, so butt up and get behind the most deserving..

Posted by Will N. on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 22:12pm

Perhaps it's fitting that the shouldn't-be-inducted DMB get in since Dave gave a speech for the shouldn't-be-inducted Traffic.

Posted by Casper on Friday, 11/1/2019 @ 22:20pm

Will N.,

That's why I hope Pat voters keep pushing for her. I being one of them! Lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 00:01am

Here's my possibilities for 2020 inductions 5 to 7 artists getting inducted

Pat Benatar

Presenter: Joan Jett

Songs: Heartbreaker, Love is a Battlefield, Shadows of the Knight

Doobie Brothers

Presenter: Joe Walsh

Songs: What a Fool Believes, Taking it to the Streets, Listen to the Music, Minute by Minute, China Grove

Dave Matthews Band

Presenter: Ben Folds

Songs: So much to Say, Don't drink the Water, Two Steps, Everyday

Judas Priest

Presenter: Kerry King of Slayer

Songs: Breaking the Law, Beyond the Realms of Death, Rocka Rolla, Diamonds & Rust

Whitney Houston

Presenter: Brandy

Tribute Songs: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, I will always love you, Saving all my love for you, How will I know

Soundgarden

Presenters: Dave Grohl & Eddie Vedder

Songs: Rusty Cage, Black Hole Sun, Flower, Outshined, Been away too long

Notorious BIG

Presenter: Sean Combs

Tribute Songs: Juicy, Big Poppa, Hypnotize, Warning

Posted by Navonte Robertson on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 09:49am

T. Rex is just 731 votes from taking over at 12th place from BIG on the fan vote.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 11:59am

Since it's now November, I can give an update on who I think who is likely to enter the Hall from the top five of the fan vote:

Pat - regardless if she holds first place on fan vote or not, I think she's a definite shoo-in. Her not being inducted would be a surprise at this point but ANYTHING can happen! This is the one snub I'll be shocked about.

Soundgarden - doubt they'll be constantly nominees like Chic and Kraftwerk were (or are in Kraftwerk's sense). If they were gonna induct one '90s band, it would be the band the legendary Chris Cornell was a part of. Also, Alice in Chains will stand to be a 2021 nominee!

Judas Priest - people disagree with me on this because they think it's possible to induct two or three hard rock bands but I think if they were gonna induct anyone of the hard rock bands on the list (besides Soundgarden), it would be Judas Priest.

Yeah I think only three of the five performers at the top 5 will be inducted this year. I don't think the Doobies and DMB will get in unless DMB somehow or another tops Pat (well got two more months of course so anything can happen). But if DMB does win, I can see 4 of the 5. If not, my opinion on DMB missing out still stands.

Of the ones below that list, I think Depeche Mode will be the next ones going in. And that leaves the fifth artist.

I know exactly who it will NOT be:

Motorhead (maybe next year)

Thin Lizzy (can't see it)

Todd Rundgren (he'll probably get in like Nile Rodgers did when CHIC kept getting nominated so I see him getting the Musical Excellence induction)

MC5 (as much as I like political rock music, I don't see how they deserve an induction. You mean to tell me Tommy James or the Shangri-Las shouldn't be in but MC5 does? Like I criticized the Zombies but I kinda get why they went in for "Season of the Loving" ALONE.)

Kraftwerk (they keep getting nominated in close, competitive races and last year was controversial so that's the only reason they're nominated again but they won't get in, no way)

Now here's the possible ones I could see getting enough for the fifth slot:

Whitney Houston (maybe or maybe not. I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't get in but I think her chances this year are stronger than Janet's was the last two times. She's managed to do well on so many fan votes on FRL, Billboard and the official Rock Hall and that leaves an impression on the committee and there may be inductees who think Whitney won't be a bad inclusion in the RRHOF plus early deaths seem to play some big contribution in getting in - except when it's Soundgarden plus WH has been dead for seven years and eligible for induction for ten so that could play a role in her just being left off but I honestly think if she's inducted, it would be because her votes far outstrips the other "urban" acts like BIG and Rufus/Chaka.)

T. Rex (the Roxy Music of 2020? Maybe. They're pretty doggone influential and unlike MC5 and Thin Lizzy, they actually have more than two recognizable hits if you're really into 1970s glam rock, they really have a strong chance of getting in. If the Doobies don't get in as the 1970s inclusion, T. Rex will most likely will.)

Nine Inch Nails (like Todd Rundgren, Trent Reznor didn't think the RRHOF was all of that...until he inducted The Cure. Then he saw how The Cure reacted to their induction. This changed the Nine Inch Nails founder's mind for sure and he now thinks a possible induction for NIN will be "cool".)

Rufus & Chaka Khan (when the nominees were announced, they were real low on the totem pole for me, like I just didn't think they would get in. As it stands now, they're pretty doggone low on the official fan vote and that's usually not a good sign at all. Their direct competitor was obviously the Doobies, both bands infused rock and roll with R&B/soul, jazz and dance music and both were led by soulful as h**l vocalists. It would be great to get them both in but if anyone stands a better chance, it's the Doobies so they'll be left out. The reason I put them as a possible "surprise" inductee may be due to what's going on with the Doobie Brothers. But their chances are still not real high that they may get in but anything wouldn't surprise me and if Pat gets knocked to #2 due to the frantic DMB voting, then that kinda shakes things up a little. It probably wouldn't be enough for them but I'll leave this space.)

The Notorious B.I.G. (mainly because of the 2Pac connection if anything, but he's not doing so hot on the fan vote and T. Rex is this close to beating him on the 12th spot. Of course fan votes only tell one part of the story and B.I.G. will likely have some support from the hip-hop inductees, especially Questlove since he's on the committee but I'm not too confident of his chances but his induction wouldn't be shocking but they have an even bigger black name - Whitney Houston - and that'll likely split the vote. When Janet & Pac were nominated in the same year, Pac just had more support, doubt BIG will pull in enough over Whitney so this one is a question mark at best.)

Now onto the other two remaining:

The Doobie Brothers (probably one of the safest choices for an induction but I won't be surprised if they get snubbed though IMHO they shouldn't. The Doobies seem like one of those "automatic" vote-ins and I seriously thought they would be when they were first nominated. I seriously thought they would be #1 on the fan vote so it was surprising a little when Pat Benatar topped it but DMB were #2 and I was okay with their chances but DMB is threatening that. But that said, I think this year is great for them. There are three 1970s bands on the list (Doobies, T. Rex, Rufus & Chaka), for now I'm gonna say that their chances are definitely be good for induction if the list of inductees this year are either 5, 6 or 7.

And that leaves the most controversial pick this year (to me lol): The frigging Dave Matthews Band.

I am not actually surprised that they have a devoted cult base. Not surprised they bumrushed the top 5 of the fan vote and stand a chance of topping Pat Benatar's voice. They are probably gonna be the Chicago of 2020...that is if Pat Benatar's fans keep them at bay. And this is why I don't think they'll get in this year. I still think that. I don't care if their fans get mad about it but I just don't see them going in. But we'll see!

So right now, if just 5:
Pat Benatar
Soundgarden
Judas Priest
Depeche Mode
Whitney Houston

If 6:
Pat Benatar
Soundgarden
The Doobie Brothers
Judas Priest
Depeche Mode
Whitney Houston

If 7:
Pat Benatar
Soundgarden
Judas Priest
Depeche Mode
Whitney Houston
T. Rex
The Notorious B.I.G.

My last list is basically a repeat of 2019. If DMB does top Pat on the fan vote, it still won't change things for Pat but my picks will be different (again).

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 12:48pm

Timothy Pernell,

I think that you are overestimating Judas Priest's chances for induction this year, I think that they, Motorhead and Thin Lizzy will all split votes and therefore, they will all cancel each other out because they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is always a tough sell for the voting committee (just look at how many times that Black Sabbath were nominated before they got in, they had to wait 8 nominations before they finally got inducted in 2006), plus, they have a dangerous/aggressive/edgy vibe that the Rock Hall tends to find repellent (see Black Sabbath/The Sex Pistols/N.W.A.), and also, Nominating Committee member Alan Light said last year that Priest did horrendously/poorly/horribly in the voting tally and they got a tremendously/pitifully low amount/number of votes when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class, so I think that they will once again miss out on induction this year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 13:41pm

Richie,

Oh no I get it. Metal definitely gets a bad reputation. I guess I'm too optimistic about their chances than I am, say, Biggie...

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 14:11pm

Judas Priest could possibly make it through the ballot, since they're more familiar to the general public than Thin Lizzy and Motorhead. Bon Jovi and Def Leppard are obviously supporting those guys other than members AC/DC, Aerosmith, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Guns N' Roses, Van Halen, Journey, and Rush. It's possible Roxy Music might support them for jumping on the 80's Glam bandwagon with Turbo.

I could also see members from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Green Day voting for Priest too.

Posted by The Dude on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 14:12pm

Forgot to mention Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper and his backing band members, and Metallica. They're obviously voting and rooting for Priest too.

Posted by The Dude on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 14:18pm

You guys are talking about people voting as if they even bother to vote. I bet tons of inductees don't bother.

I doubt Robert Smith, Mark Knopfner, Mike Stroller, Don Everly, Bill Wyman (the Rolling Stone, not the critic), Steve Miller, Smokey Robinson, any of the Sex Pistols, anyone from Radiohead, Axl Rose, John Deacon, and many others bother to vote.

Posted by Follower on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 14:42pm

I wonder if it's left at the option. I've noticed only a few inductees actually do vote. Like for the last few years, I've seen Flea's RRHOF picks and I think only two or three of his picks ever get in.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 14:54pm

Meant to say "left as an option for the inductee", my fingers slipped lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 14:55pm

Timothy Pernell,

I've decided to make my predictions for the 2020 Rock Hall inductees based on which artists are best for the Rock Hall's bottom line (Getting people into seats, getting viewership for the HBO special, improving the Rock Hall's public image, encouraging visitors to come to Cleveland, likeliness to draw viewers, sell tickets to the ceremony and make for best show (great moments, great performances, likelihood to show up, less drama, etc). so my predictions for the 2020 Rock Hall inductees are:

Pat Benatar (70's/80's Classic Rock) (She's winning the fan vote so far by a landslide and she's another big populist Classic Rock act as well, plus she will be the token female pick this year as well, so she's a lock for induction this year)

Depeche Mode (80's New Wave/Alternative Rock) (following on the heels of The Cure's induction, I think that Depeche Mode will be the next 80's New Wave/Alternative act to get in and I expect that it will happen this year and I think that the third time will be the charm for them this year)

The Doobie Brothers (70's/80's Classic Rock) (like Pat Benatar, they're also another big populist Classic Rock act and they also have the mighty Irving Azoff as their manager and Irving helped Journey, Bon Jovi and Stevie Nicks (solo) to all get nominated and inducted the last three years and with so many of their fellow Classic Rock acts going in the last several years, they're also a lock for induction this year as well)

Nine Inch Nails (90's Alternative Rock) (Trent Reznor inducted The Cure at last year's ceremony and he has had a big year this year with the huge success of the monster hit Old Town Road, which he co-wrote and co-produced and also samples NIN's song 34 Ghosts IV and he also scored the new HBO Show Watchmen and this year also marked the 30th anniversary of their debut album Pretty Hate Machine and the 25th anniversary of The Downward Spiral, plus, they are one of the few artists in Rolling Stone's list of Immortals/the 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time that are not in yet (the others being Dr. Dre (solo), Tina Turner (solo), Gram Parsons, Lee "Scratch' Perry and the soon-to-be eligible Jay-Z and Eminem) and the ceremony's back in Cleveland (Trent's hometown) this year, so I really think that it's finally NIN's year for induction this year and like I said earlier with Depeche Mode, I think that the third time will be the charm for them (or him) this year as well)

Soundgarden (90's Alternative Rock) (They did a tribute to Chris Cornell at the last Cleveland ceremony two years ago and also, they are the next Grunge band to go in following Nirvana and Pearl Jam, plus it would make Pearl Jam's current drummer Matt Cameron a two-time inductee, so he would become a member of the Clyde McPhatter Club and the surviving members would perform at the ceremony with guest vocalists just like the surviving members of Nirvana did at the 2014 Rock Hall ceremony, so I really think that they will get in this year on their first try as well as they should)

I'm not too convinced that Biggie's the lock that most people are thinking, His career was very brief and he's not at the level of a Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, N.W.A., Tupac, Jay-Z or Eminem that even older out-of-touch voters that hate Hip-Hop can't deny, All of these acts that I just mentioned (Run-DMC, Beasties, Public Enemy, N.W.A., Tupac, Jay-Z and Eminem) are on Rolling Stone's list of Immortals/the 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time and Biggie is not, on top of that, he's also deceased, so he wouldn't be able to attend or perform at the ceremony, Also, As much as I love Whitney Houston, the problem that I have with her is like Biggie, she's also deceased as well as are most of the members of T. Rex, so people would have to pay tribute to all of them (Biggie, Whitney and T. Rex), plus, the Rock Hall are all about their induction show, they want to put on a star-studded show of music's biggest names getting inducted into one of the highest honors in the industry and they want people that are alive to show up and perform to attract viewers on HBO, so for that reason, I'm expecting an all-white and all-Rock class this year with Benatar and The Doobies (70's/80's Classic Rock), Depeche Mode (80's New Wave/Alternative Rock) and NIN and Soundgarden (90's Alternative Rock), so if they only go with five inductees this year, I think those will be the ones that they will pick.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 15:56pm

Biggie's gettin' in, like it or not (for the record, I DON'T!), and eff Irving Azoff!

Posted by NTYSMTK on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 19:39pm

Richie,

I can't see the Hall not inducting at least one or two posthumous artists. And it could very well be B.I.G. and Whitney or the fallen legends of T. Rex. Chris Cornell has been dead for a while and Soundgarden still has a good chance getting in over Motorhead.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 19:56pm

Let's look at the biggest singles and albums act for each of the last several nominations:


2013: Singles, Donna Summer; Albums: Rush. Both Inducted.

2014: Singles, Hall & Oats; Albums, KISS. Both Inducted

2015: Singles, The Spinners; Albums, Green Day. Green Day got in, The Spinners didn't.

2016: Singles, Janet Jackson; Albums, Chicago. Chicago got in, Janet got in eventually.

2017: Singles, Janet Jackson; Albums, Joan Baez. Joan Baez got in, Janet got in later.

2018: Singles, Bon Jovi; Albums, The Moody Blues. Both Inducted that year.

2019: Singles, Janet Jackson; Albums, Def Leppard. Both Inducted that year.

As you can see, the biggest albums act on the ballot in the past several years has always gotten in, while the singles acts haven't.


So whoever the biggest albums act is will almost certainly be inducted.

Posted by Follower on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 20:07pm

Let's look at the biggest singles and albums act for each of the last several nominations:


2013: Singles, Donna Summer; Albums: Rush. Both Inducted.

2014: Singles, Hall & Oats; Albums, KISS. Both Inducted

2015: Singles, The Spinners; Albums, Green Day. Green Day got in, The Spinners didn't.

2016: Singles, Janet Jackson; Albums, Chicago. Chicago got in, Janet got in eventually.

2017: Singles, Janet Jackson; Albums, Joan Baez. Joan Baez got in, Janet got in later.

2018: Singles, Bon Jovi; Albums, The Moody Blues. Both Inducted that year.

2019: Singles, Janet Jackson; Albums, Def Leppard. Both Inducted that year.

As you can see, the biggest albums act on the ballot in the past several years has always gotten in, while the singles acts haven't.


So whoever the biggest albums act is will almost certainly be inducted.

Posted by Follower on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 20:18pm

Follower,

Going on that theory, Whitney Houston is a shoo in.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 21:01pm

Follower,

Wouldn't Journey be the biggest albums artist of that year (2017) to be inducted???

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 21:06pm

Joan Baez just barely was ahead of Journey at the time.

Posted by Follower on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 21:08pm

Follower,

I see! I did not know that lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 21:19pm

Timothy Pernell,

The reason why that I am predicting Pat Benatar, Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden as this year's inductees is because they are in most cases (except for Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Michael Hossack and Keith Knudsen of The Doobie Brothers) still alive and they would show up and perform at the ceremony and draw viewers on HBO, whereas in the case of acts like Biggie, Whitney, most of T. Rex, most of Motorhead, etc. they are all deceased, so people would have to pay tribute to them at the ceremony, so that's why I really think that those five acts that I just mentioned (Pat, Depeche, The Doobies, NIN and Soundgarden) are best for the Rock Hall's bottom line this year and therefore I am predicting all five of the acts that I just mentioned (Pat, Depeche, The Doobies, NIN and Soundgarden) as this year's inductees.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 21:36pm

Richie,

I've never seen a RRHOF where not a single dead solo act didn't get in, especially in the midst of late members of groups (like the earlier induction years were full of groups whose original members had passed and then featured one or two acts that had died).

It's a little different than say, two black acts get inducted at the same time or two female acts get inducted at the same time.

But if it happened like that, it was due to strong, close votes. Right now, the top 7 of the fan vote is currently Pat Benatar, Dave Matthews Band, The Doobie Brothers, Soundgarden, Judas Priest, Depeche Mode and Whitney Houston. It's possible that of these 7, five of them will more than likely get in (let's say Pat, Soundgarden, Depeche Mode, Whitney and either DMB or Judas Priest), then if they go for 7, they could still include another posthumous act like T. Rex (Motorhead and Thin Lizzy won't get in next year) and finally the Notorious B.I.G.

It could happen. It's not like every inductee on there is an automatic A-list and the ones that are, they're either dead (Whitney) or acts you're surprised got a nod (DMB). Probably the biggest A-lister who's alive on there is Trent Reznor. There's a chance NIN could be the one in and not, say, Judas Priest.

Lots of scenarios to choose from. Nothing is too solid and it's still early. We're not even a full month since the announcement.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 23:36pm

Okay, maybe DMB ain't really what you call an A-list lol

Most of the acts nominated can be called populists but few are actually A-listed, which is what I was trying to say.

I know someone here is gonna argue "Dave Matthews is A-list?" LOL

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Saturday, 11/2/2019 @ 23:39pm

Timothy Pernell,

I'm going to post the history of the top five acts in the fan vote each year since 2013 and they are:

2013:

1. Rush
2. Deep Purple
3. Heart
4. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
5. Albert King

Of those, Rush, Heart and Albert King got inducted that year.

2014:

1. Kiss
2. Nirvana
3. Deep Purple
4. Yes
5. Hall & Oates

Of those, Kiss, Nirvana and Hall & Oates got in that year.

2015:

1. Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
2. Nine Inch Nails
3. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
4. Bill Withers
5. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

All of those acts except for NIN got inducted that year.

2016:

1. Chicago
2. Yes
3. The Cars
4. Deep Purple
5. Steve Miller

Of those, Chicago, Deep Purple and Steve Miller got inducted that year.

2017:

1. Journey
2. Electric Light Orchestra
3. Yes
4. Pearl Jam
5. The Cars

All but The Cars were inducted that year.

2018:

1. Bon Jovi
2. The Moody Blues
3. Dire Straits
4. The Cars
5. Judas Priest

All but Judas Priest were inducted that year.

2019:

1. Def Leppard
2. Stevie Nicks
3. Todd Rundgren
4. The Zombies
5. The Cure

All but Todd Rundgren got in last year.

2020:

1. Pat Benatar
2. Dave Matthews Band
3. The Doobie Brothers
4. Soundgarden
5. Judas Priest

Out of the top five acts in the fan vote this year (Pat, DMB, The Doobies, Soundgarden and Priest), I think that Pat, The Doobies and Soundgarden will all get in this year and I think that DMB and Priest will both miss out on induction this year because of things against the both of them (DMB because there are far more deserving acts that are still waiting to get in that have been snubbed for a long time and are far more deserving of induction at this point than DMB and Priest for the things that I said earlier (them having a dangerous/aggressive/edgy vibe that the Rock Hall tends to find repellent, doing horrendously/poorly/horribly/terribly in the voting tally and getting a tremendously/pitifully low amount/number of votes when they were first nominated two years ago for the 2018 class and them splitting votes with both Motorhead and Thin Lizzy as they're all Hard Rock/Metal acts and we all know that Metal is always a tough sell for the voting committee (just look at how many times that Black Sabbath got nominated before they got in, they had to wait 8 nominations before they finally got inducted in 2006), so I think that out of the top five acts in the fan vote this year (Pat, DMB, The Doobies, Soundgarden and Priest), I think that Pat, The Doobies and Soundgarden will all get in this year and I think that DMB and Priest will both miss out on induction this year for the things that I just said.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 00:20am

Put in Whitney, Depeche, Doobies and NIN. Then the K-Dawg will be somewhat happy. Also, induct 7 or so, RRHOF. You have a ridiculous amount of backlogged acts. It would be nice for Kraftwerk to finally taste the champagne this year...

Populist and niche...what a disaster the committee can be..

Posted by K-Dawg on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 03:21am

T. Rex now above Biggie on the official fan vote. Biggie is now #13.

Anyone know what place on the fan vote Pac was at for the 2017 class?

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 09:07am

Timothy Pernell,

Tupac was #10 in the fan vote the year he got inducted on his first year eligible (2017).

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 09:17am

Okay, last night, Follower asked the question of who was the biggest albums artist on here since those who sold the most albums usually got in.

In this list, these are the biggest albums acts:
1.) Whitney (61 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
2.) Dave Matthews Band (32 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
3.) The Doobie Brothers (23 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
4.) The Notorious B.I.G. (20 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
5.) Depeche Mode (14 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
6.) Pat Benatar (11.5 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
7.) Nine Inch Nails (10 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
8.) Judas Priest (9.5 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
9.) Soundgarden (9 million albums based on RIAA certifications)
10.) Rufus and Chaka Khan (3.5 million albums based on RIAA certifications)

Both Todd Rundgren and Thin Lizzy only have one gold album to their credits.

That leaves Kraftwerk, Motorhead, T. Rex and MC5 as the only ones without a gold album in the United States. Motorhead, Thin Lizzy and Kraftwerk sold more albums overseas. T. Rex was more of a singles act overseas.

As far as biggest singles acts?

Whitney sold 29 million U.S. singles based on RIAA certifications.
Followed by Biggie at 6 million.

Most of the other acts had much less than that or in some cases, no big singles at all.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 09:56am

Richie,

I figured he was pretty high.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 10:02am

Follower,

Journey sold 49 million albums so they were the biggest albums act. Janet sold way more albums too. Joan was only credited with 4 million in album certifications.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 10:10am

Bon Jovi was the big albums act for 2018. But the others, you got about right.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 10:26am

On the FRL page, Whitney and Depeche Mode are in a tie.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 11:13am

So, out of the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees, who would the members of Rush vote for? Although, it calls for some speculation, here is my answer:

01. Motörhead- Geddy, Alex and Neil had known "Lemmy" since his time with Hawkwind.

02. Thin Lizzy- Geddy, Alex and Neil had known the late great Phil Lynott.

03. Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo- Because they are bonafide great performers.

04. Soundgarden- the late Chris Cornell had been an aficionado of Rush's music.


Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 16:07pm

To add to Enig's post some other possibilities of who the members of Rush would vote for with purely speculative reasons....

The Doobie Brothers- peers of Rush during the heyday of 70's rock

Todd Rundgren- another peer of Rush and also a studio wizard and great musician that I'm sure the guys in Rush respect.

T. Rex- I still think T. Rex is going to end up in the top 3 of vote getters when all is said and done because the majority of 60's and 70's rock inductees loved Marc Bolan. This mainly applies to the British rockers of the 60's and 70's of course, so I'm not sure that Rush being 3 Canadian rockers identified with T. Rex like so many others, but it also wouldn't be a surprise.

Judas Priest: Fellow hard rockers that I'm sure the guys in Rush likely respect and probably feel are a major snub.

Whitney Houston: Do Rush and Whitney have anything in common musically? Not in the slightest lol. But Whitney is a global icon, and the guys in Rush have shown that they're not just hard rock or prog guys that only pay attention to those specific genres. They were very open to rap in general and praised Public Enemy to no end when they were all inducted back in 2013, and Whitney is Whitney. I think she's a big enough deal that even artists that aren't really pop or R&B fans per se will still vote for her because she's freakin' Whitney Houston after all.

Depeche Mode: For an electronic/synth-pop group, Depeche Mode has a lot of fans in the hard rock community. I've never seen interviews of the guys in Rush talking about them, but I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of the members throws them a vote.

MC5- Both bands started around the same time and I could've sworn I saw somewhere with Geddy Lee talking about them and how inspiring they were. Though I might mixing MC5 up with a different band. Either way they were peers of Rush during their very early years before they were on a major label, so they could get some votes from the guys in Rush maybe?


Based purely on hunches, I don't see the guys in Rush voting for Biggie, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden (just because Cornell was a fan doesn't mean they are in turn fans of Soundgarden), or Dave Matthews Band. Most HOFer's I imagine vote for their peers rather than artists that came after them unless they're just too big to ignore (Prince, Nirvana, Public Enemy, Madonna, 2Pac, etc.) or have some kind of relationship with them (the Wilson sisters will obviously for sure vote for Soundgarden for example). I don't know of the guys in Rush having any kind of relationships with Biggie, Trent Reznor, the guys in Soundgarden, nor Dave Matthews Band. And with so many peers of Rush's on the ballot to vote for, I imagine they'll likely vote for them instead. And if the members vote for someone that isn't a peer and came a generation later, it would likely be Whitney who is a much bigger deal in the music business then the aforementioned acts.

I also don't see the guys in Rush voting for Kraftwerk. If you want to throw in their roots in Krautrock and their early experimentation with electronic instruments as "proggy" and connect them to prog you could maybe go there, but I see the guys in Rush as being examples of the older "guitar,bass, drums" philosophy that feels groups like Kraftwerk killed music and thus aren't going to vote for them. Then again Rush themselves have experimented with electronics throughout their career and embraced new wave during the 80's, so maybe I'm completely wrong.

Posted by Donnie on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 21:02pm

http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=5427

@ Donnie

Nine Inch Nails is considered as a "Crossover Prog" band other than Industrial and alternative. I could actually picture members from Rush, Yes, Journey (yep, they were a prog band during their early years), ELO, Pink Floyd, Genesis and the Moodies supporting them.

Posted by The Dude on Sunday, 11/3/2019 @ 22:29pm

I really don't think that bands are necessarily all that elitist. There are probably many bands who appreciate different genres of music completely unrelated to their own. There are of course those who vocally oppose the RRHOF for one reason or another (Sex Pistols are the obvious one here), but while it is fun to speculate on who will vote for who if they vote, but really unless they up and tell you, it is a great mystery. Ozzy might be a huge Whitney fan, while maybe Ice Cube loves MC5. It's a crapshoot ;)

Posted by K-Dawg on Monday, 11/4/2019 @ 01:34am

Benatar's lead is down to about 11,000 votes over DMB and still closing up fast. DMB may take over #1 before the end of the week at this rate.

Posted by Shrek on Monday, 11/4/2019 @ 13:08pm

If voters pass on The Notorious B.I.G., and there are 8 inductees

The 2020 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees

Pat Benatar
Whitney Houston
Depeche Mode
The Doobie Brothers
Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
Dave Matthews Band
Nine Inch Nails
Soundgarden

This would make an amazing class!!

Posted by Roy on Monday, 11/4/2019 @ 23:53pm

I was just doing some minor research on Kraftwerk reviews to support Kraftwerk getting more Votes than Depeche Mode. It is very doubtful 2 electronic acts will be inducted at the same time. There are several inductees that could vote for them. I read something about Debbie Harry liking them. But I will focus on some music critics that like them or may be fond of them. Kitty Empire, Robert Christgau and Dave Marsh. I do NOT know all their music tastes. It's music critics that would get Kraftwerk inducted. I will state for the record that I am NOT a fan of Kraftwerk.

I still think Notorious B.I.G. is a lock. It has been awhile since a Rap act has been inducted. I am a very big Rock guy but I do face facts with this one. A class will not be all Rock acts.

As far as 70s Rock. I do indeed think that Todd Rundgren and T. Rex have a very good chance. They both had their innovations. The Doobie Brothers is a lock. They are the populist classic rock act this year. I am something of a fan myself. Can people please give their thoughts on these. Especially Kraftwerk, B.I.G. and T Rex.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 06:55am

Ben,

Kraftwerk is not getting inducted. They're the new CHIC. I'm not convinced they're that popular with the committee. Sure they may have some support from a few members/fellow inductees but it won't be enough. I think Depeche Mode is being underestimated here. Technically Kraftwerk should've been a shoo-in just based on the influence and innovation definitions. But they're not for some reason. Maybe because Kraftwerk don't drive box office tickets and it's unlikely they may perform in the event they do get in. If Depeche Mode beats them this year and they get a nod again, who is to say that Devo won't try again and get to be the artsy act voted in?

I think T. Rex's chances of getting in have risen a bit. I would've said B.I.G. was a definite shoo-in had it not been for the rise of the Dave Matthews Band. And even Pat Benatar's chances may have dropped some (but not entirely where I think she'll be canceled by DMB topping the poll since Def Leppard topped the last one and the #2 artist - Stevie Nicks - got in).

I can see rap being snubbed again after what they did to LL this year. It'll be a boycott due to them not nominating, say, Outkast. Guess we shall see.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 07:50am

Roy,

That WOULD be great if eight people got inducted next year but we know that's probably an impossibility because the Rock Hall's politics are very skewed and rather make some folks wait.

Ben,

Just noticed you said Todd Rundgren has a good chance. Yes he does... as a Musical Excellence backdoor inductee. Bolan over Rundgren this year as far as performers go. I do agree that the Doobies likely have this on lock.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 07:53am

Just noticed Thin Lizzy is closing the gap with Motorhead and will likely pass them by tomorrow. Thin Lizzy, like Motorhead, doesn't stand a chance in hell of getting in 2020 (Motorhead may have to sit it out for next year). But this is an interesting trend. Whitney is steady at #7 as is Depeche Mode (who I pick as the next lock) at #6.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 07:56am

I have this on the Kraftwerk page, but (to me) it summs up their problem:

To me, the main problem Kraftwerk or another EDM band has is that the genre they created or worked in allows one to create music & replay music without the use of musicians.

98% of the members of the Hall are 'musicians'. Using a quote out of Southpark, they "don't take kindly" to people who create a genre that excludes musicians from making a paycheck.

They may get in this year of in the next few years, but (to me) it's a hurdle they have to overcome.

Posted by Paul in KY on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 10:00am

Timothy,

I read your posts. Those are good. Responses. Of the things you said I can agree with Notorious B.I.G. not being a shoo-in and the Dave Matthews Band Getting Inducted instead due to their Rise. It is very doubtful that 3 90s acts will be Inducted at the same time. B.I.G. is a 90s act. There is no way i think that Soundgarden is left out. I realize that Soundgarden is a lock. DMB would be the other 90s act inducted based on their rise.

T. Rex we seem to agree on. Their chances have risen as you say. Todd Rundgren could easily be Inducted as the Musical Excellence. Pat Benatar's Chances remain high.
Doobie Brothers have this on lock. We agree on that.
I do still hold out for Kraftwerk. And again I am NOT a fan. I will Re assess and issue a New updated list of my predicted Inductees.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 10:05am

Timothy Pernell,

My predictions for the 2020 Rock Hall inductees are:

Pat Benatar
Depeche Mode
The Doobie Brothers
Nine Inch Nails
Soundgarden

If 6

Whitney Houston

If 7

T. Rex


I think that Dave Matthews Band will break tradition and become the first fan vote winner to not be inducted simply because there are far more deserving artists that have been waiting for a long time to get in and that are more deserving of an induction at this point than DMB, Yes, DMB are deserving of an induction eventually, but I just think that it's way too soon for them to get in, I just think that their nomination this year was a huge mistake and I really think that their spot should have gone to either Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, Alice In Chains or either Jane's Addiction or Rage Against The Machine again because they're far more deserving of an induction as far as 90's acts go at this point than DMB, If there was ever a time that a fan vote winner didn't get in that year, it would be this year with DMB, I really think that DMB will become the first act to win the fan vote and not get inducted that year, Eventually we're going to see somebody win the fan vote and not get inducted that year and I really think that it's going to happen this year with DMB because of the things that I just said.

I'm not too convinced that Biggie's the lock that most people are thinking, His career was very brief and he's not at the level of a Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, N.W.A., Tupac, Jay-Z or Eminem that even older out-of-touch voters that hate Hip-Hop can't deny, All of these acts that I just mentioned (Run-DMC, Beasties, Public Enemy, N.W.A., Tupac, Jay-Z and Eminem) are on Rolling Stone's list of Immortals/the 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time and Biggie is not, so I think that the next Hip-Hop acts that will be inducted into the Rock Hall will be Jay-Z next year and Eminem the year after and they're both first-ballot locks for induction, so I think that Jay-Z and Eminem will be the next Hip-Hop acts inducted into the Rock Hall following Run-DMC, The Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, N.W.A. and Tupac.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 11:20am

@ Richie

Since they're number one on the fan ballot, that could cause a lot of backlashes from fans, and it'a bad enough the kiosk is rigged. DMB maybe one of my least favorite 90's bands, but they're more closer to be on a Nirvana, Green Day and Pearl Jam level of popularity. If their fans continues to keep the momentum to stay on the top spot until the ballot ends, then the Nom Com and the Hall's management needs to include them for the next class.

You're looking at an act that is very easy to capitalize.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 12:23pm

Richie,

Just because Trent Reznor is warming up to a possible induction doesn't mean Nine Inch Nails will go in. Had the Dave Matthews Band acolytes not charged in, I would say they had a slight chance at a sixth or seventh spot.

But much like Paul just pointed out about Kraftwerk, they look at industrial acts with the same discern they give techno, metal and disco acts.

As far as 90s acts go, outside of DMB, this is (finally) Soundgarden's time and in the event DMB gets in, that's a wrap for BIG.

As Ben just said, there won't be three 90s acts. I count two 90s acts, one 70s act and one 80s act as shoo-in but if we add sales, you'll get two 80s acts easily and I kinda see a repeat of 2019. Maybe not in the number of inductees but definitely in what we saw with Janet and Stevie. Not suggesting Pat and Whitney get in at the same time but if Judas misses out again, which actually seems possible now, they would have two of each in one decade. Plus the Pat thing is treated as a duo with her and Neil Girardo so that opens up a lot of possibilities of where the induction scenario can go.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 12:30pm

The Dude,

Exactly. I'm starting to accept that DMB would be among the inductees of the class of 2020 if they indeed top the list (which seems possible by tonight). If not, then the fan vote would be seen as a joke and eliminated.

That changes the entire dynamic of who may or may not go in.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 12:36pm

The Dude and Timothy Pernell,

I have to respectfully disagree with you guys, I think that this is the year that the Rock Hall does the fan vote dirty and hell hath no fury, I see the Rock Hall screwing over the fan vote winner (DMB) this year and those fans going into an uproar because of it, so I really think that NIN and Soundgarden have a much better chance of getting in this year and I see the both of them more likely to get in this year than DMB, As I've said it already, I just think that their nomination this year was a huge mistake on the Rock Hall's part and I really think that their spot should have gone to either Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, Alice In Chains, or either Jane's Addiction or Rage Against The Machine again because they're far more deserving of an induction as far as 90's acts go at this point than DMB, I think that DMB will break tradition and become the first fan vote winner to not be inducted simply because there are far more deserving artists that have been waiting for a long time to get in and that are far more deserving of an induction at this point than DMB, Yes, DMB are deserving of an induction eventually, but I just think that it's way too soon for them to get in, If there was ever a time that the fan vote winner didn't get in that year, it would be this year with DMB, Eventually we're going to see somebody win the fan vote and not get inducted that year and I really think that it's going to happen this year with DMB because of the things that I just said, I really think that DMB will become the first act to win the fan vote and not get inducted that year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 15:41pm

Richie,

I don't expect them to screw the fans over. Imagine if the Hall had decided not to induct Kiss?

I don't see them doing this. All I'm saying is, don't get too upset if DMB joins the 2020 class.

Plus this change predictions a little for me. I'll make my update tomorrow.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 17:32pm

Timothy Pernell,

I have to respectfully disagree, I do think that they will screw the fans over and do the fan vote dirty this year, I think that they are the least deserving act on the ballot this year by far and I think that their spot on the ballot this year should have gone to either Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, Alice In Chains, Jane's Addiction or Rage Against The Machine because they're much more deserving of an induction as far as 90's acts go at this point than DMB, so I will be very upset if they get inducted this year as I think that there are far more deserving acts that have waited a long time to get in and that are far more deserving of an induction at this point than DMB, Yes, DMB are deserving of an induction eventually, but I just think that it's way too soon for them to get in, I just think that their nomination this year was a huge mistake on the Rock Hall's part, I think that the other two 90's acts that are nominated this year (Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden) are much more deserving of induction and have a far better chance of getting in this year over DMB, I see both NIN and Soundgarden more likely to get in this year than DMB, As I've said it before and I'll say it again, If there was ever a time that the fan vote winner didn't get in that year, it would be this year with DMB, Eventually we're going to see somebody win the fan vote and not get inducted that year and I really think that it's going to happen this year with DMB, I really think that DMB will become the first act to win the fan vote and not get inducted that year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 17:50pm

Richie,

Okay when the Dave Matthews Band are announced as inductees, don't say I didn't warn you lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 19:44pm

Interesting thing to note: the latest article on the fan vote suggests six inductees will be announced. Hmm...

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 19:45pm

Timothy Pernell,

My predictions for the 2020 Rock Hall inductees are still the same as before and they are:

Pat Benatar
Depeche Mode
The Doobie Brothers
Nine Inch Nails
Soundgarden

If 6

Whitney Houston

If 7

T. Rex

I just don't think that Dave Matthews Band will get in this year, I think that they will become the first act that wins the fan vote but does not get inducted that year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Tuesday, 11/5/2019 @ 19:50pm

THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2020 SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

https://www.songhall.org/news/view/songwriters_hall_of_fame_2020_nominees_for_induction_announced

01. Sonny Curtis
02. Jerry Fuller
03. Tony Macaulay
04. Bob McDill
05. Roger Nichols
06. Rick Nowels
07. William "Mickey" Stevenson

08. Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
09. Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
10. L. Russell Brown and Irwin Levine
11. Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan

12. Mariah Carey
13. Gloria Estefan
14. David Gates
15. Vince Gill
16. Mike Love
17. Steve Miller
18. Patti Smith

19. The Isley Brothers
20. Journey
21. Eurythmics
22. R.E.M.
23. Outkast
24. The Neptunes

VOTERS MUST CHOOSE 3 NON-PERFORMERS AND 2 PERFORMERS ON THE BALLOT

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 01:42am

Here's what I think about this whole process.

If the Hall wants to be taken seriously, they have to induct the 5-7 (or more) acts that receive the most votes as chosen by the voting body, not the fan vote winner. They always said, the fan vote is just one vote out of 800 or so. If that's not the case, it would be a lie.

And that's the problem with the whole thing - the lack of transparency. It would be important for the credibility of the hall to make the results of the voting public, either total numbers or just the percentage.

I'm pretty sure the active voting body consists mainly of industry people and critics. I believe most of the inducted musicians are not interested in this quite elitist process, with some exceptions of course, or simply too old for this. I know, this is just speculation - due to the lack of transparency.

I believe that even if DMB wins this fan vote, the active voting body can easily go over them and elect different acts. There are absolutely no locks at this year's ballot. All is possible.

The one act, that I'm seeing as a possible lock is T. Rex. Marc Bolan is such an iconic figure in Rock history the voting body won't refuse. They are in the same category as previous inductees Dire Straits with Knopfler or Roxy Music with Ferry/Eno. Speaking of iconic figures, I wouldn't write Motorhead and Lemmy off.

My personal preferences of the nominees and who I'd induct:

Kraftwerk
T. Rex
MC5
Depeche Mode
Nine Inch Nails
Rufus with Chaka Khan
Pat Benatar
-----------
Motorhead
Thin Lizzy
Whitney Houston
Soundgarden
Judas Priest
Doobie Brothers
Notorious B.I.G
Todd Rundgren
-----------
DMB - dead last. Personally I don't know why they are even nominated.

Kraftwerk and T. Rex invented whole new genres, they should definitely go in, I hope the industry people know this. Depeche Mode and NIN are the next in line in the recent Alternative wave. I see Pat Benatar as this year's Stevie Nicks. Chaka Khan was rejected several times, she deserves better. Nothing against Whitney Houston, but Chaka was first in line, so she should go in. I can see a Janet-Jackson-fate for Whitney, she will need a few more nominations. I'd induct MC5 simply for their influence. The Stooges needed some nominations too to get in. I don't see why MC5 is any less important than the Stooges.

Like richie said before, Motorhead, Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy will knock each other out (sadly, if the active voting body doesn't primarily consist of such omniscient scholars like Eddie Trunk). All of them should be inducted anytime soon. Todd Rundgren should be given the Award for Musical Excellence. It's a category that could be invented for him. Soundgarden is a 50/50 chance, maybe the Pearl Jam style, maybe the RATM style. The Doobie Brothers are this year's classic rock nominees. I'd skip them in preference of T. Rex, who are definitely more important for the evolution of modern music. The Notorious B.I.G is a blind spot to me. I've recently listen to some of his music, I can't say much about the need to get him in. Enough said about DMB. The hall created this massive backlog and there are so many other 90's acts that should go in, but they came up with DMB, I still can't believe this. It would be kind of cool if the Hall ignores the armada of voters and leave them out.

I know the chance this will happen isn't high, but this is what I would choose if I was the only voter. Generally speaking a ballot of many worthy acts that sooner or later will go in (with one big exception IMO).

Hopefully there will be more transparency in future. Wishful thinking, I know.

Posted by MichaelEU on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 02:08am

Wow DMB is number 1 what a big jump from 7th place to the top spot, for the past couple of years bands like Rush, Kiss, SRV & Double Trouble, Chicago, Journey, Bon Jovi & Def Leppard whom were top voters of fan voting got an induction. So do the same for DMB

Posted by Navonte Robertson on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 04:46am

Dave Matthews Band will be the first band with black members to win the Rock Hall's fan poll.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 05:01am

MichaelEU,

Every act that has won the fan vote usually gets voted in. I get why people would think they were a very peculiar nominee BUT obviously their fans are pushing for them like fans of KISS and The Moody Blues pushed for their groups so it's not THAT surprising.

T. Rex's choices have risen a little and they can pull off the upset over, say, the Doobie Brothers. I personally don't see it now but I definitely think they have a chance this year despite what Richie says about a dead inductee minimum.

If influence was the only rule in induction picks, Kraftwerk would've gotten in around 2003. Obviously the committee are still not keen on a German techno act despite influencing the music industry. So I just don't see it in the cards. Not now. They probably did get close votes last time that almost gave them the induction over Janet Jackson but I don't see them getting enough votes to win this time or even a close call.

Also: the Hall is NOT gonna induct TWO alternative bands. Depeche Mode and NIN will split the vote and DM seems to have an easier way in. So it'll be DM's nomination to lose, same with Soundgarden.

MC5 has a better chance of their one surviving member winning a seat in Detroit's city council than the band ever has in winning an induction.

I'm gonna do my updated inductee picks (or who I think they will pick) now.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 06:19am

That's the problem. They should induct those acts that get the most votes from the voting body. I really wish they would show the results of the voting. If the voting body decides to induct 3 Heavy Metal or Hard Rock acts then they should do it. I hope they do so and not act arbitrarily and induct the fan vote winner at all costs.

By the way, last year they inducted 2 Alternative acts with Radiohead and The Cure.

Posted by MichaelEU on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 06:48am

Possible inductees for the 2020 class:
Dave Matthews Band
Pat Benatar and Neil Girardo
Depeche Mode
Soundgarden
Whitney Houston
T. Rex

Doobies if seven

One recent article said that the Hall may induct six artists and if so, these will be the acts. Why? Okay lemme explain.

DMB - Like many here, I initially think they had a chance in hell but clearly the band's legion of fans thought different. Usually whoever wins the fan vote influences my picks and this is no different. DMB apparently is a band you hate, love or go "huh?" But I think they're gonna be the SOLE lock as far as first year eligible acts (1994).

Pat and Neil - you're probably wondering why I added Neil's name because Pat's insisted on it. Neil will get inducted with her. Pat still has an 85% chance of becoming a shoo-in. One thing that bugs me is that she seems to be the only nominee who hasn't responded to her nomination. And that probably could dampen things a little but then again, the Sex Pistols weren't too keen on their nod and subsequent win so this would be no different.

DM - I really think it's their time this year. Obviously Trent Reznor's successful industrial project are the only act they're really competing with. People may think Reznor warming up to the Hall is a sign he'll get in over the pretty boys of 80s and 90s alternative rock and post new wave music but I think his chances are smaller over Dave, Martin and Co.

SG - this year, there are a bunch of 90s acts nominated. Besides them are Dave Matthews Band, Nine Inch Nails and the Notorious B.I.G. I'm personally hoping that SG finally joins Nirvana and Pearl Jam as the third grunge era act to get in. I have no doubt they won't lose. But this won't bode well for fans of NIN and BIG. There's always a minimum of acts in different decades that get in. SG will be the second and final 90s act to be picked this year.

Whitney Houston - besides being a personal pick, I think her numbers on the fan vote could definitely influence her induction chances. There's no way they'll split the vote between her and Chaka. Plus technically she'll be the only solo female act to be inducted due to Pat's induction with Neil G. I think her induction chances are stronger than Biggie Smalls'. Plus, I think her recent vote surge could continue (if I was DM fans, I'd watch out for her ;) )

T. Rex - yeah you may be shocked but I think they have a strong chance of getting in as a lock. I agree with Michael. I think they will be a shoo-in mainly cause it took this long to nominate them. If I had to choose between them and Kraftwerk, it'll be them. That said, anything can happen which leads me to..

Doobies - if there comes a chance for seven, the band from San Jose would be act #7. There's also a stronger chance they will definitely be inductees if the committee don't feel as strongly as I do. They're definitely not eliminated but I think of the acts I picked above them, they will still have a harder time so I hope that there will be a 2019 repeat and these seven will be the picks.

Now as far as the big acts who will miss their chances this year:

Biggie - he might be the most controversial pick to be honest and not because he's a rap act but because he was only around for two and a half years and died suddenly. He was a great lyricist and his rapping skills were indisputable but he didn't have what Pac had. And I know what you're probably saying: "The Pistols had just one album and they got in." True. You also might be saying "Tim, they haven't been inducting rappers in a while, Biggie seems like a shoo-in." I get all of that BUT I think there's not much for him to get in plus his standing in the fan vote is pretty low. I imagine the committee feels the same way. I still stand in my opinion that he won't have enough votes to be a pick, least this year.

I agree finally that Judas Priest's chances are lower than I thought. They're still a personal pick but I think Motorhead and Thin Lizzy getting nominated at the same time won't help them. The metal/hard rock vote will be split.

Kraftwerk - better luck next time...if there is a next time.

Todd - he'll get in under Musical Excellence but he doesn't seem too keen on getting inducted anyway.

Chaka will get in. Just not now.

MC5? Read my last post.

But these are my updated thoughts.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 07:10am

Here is my updated list of predictions for 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

Pat Benatar
Doobie Brothers
Whitney Houston
Kraftwerk
Dave Matthews Band
Soundgarden
T. Rex

Timothy, You convinced me on the Dave Matthews Band. I am in fact a fan. I think you made a mistake in your last post. You said it will DM's nomination to lose. I think you meant win. Can you correct or re Phrase that? B.I.G. gets knocked off by Dave Matthews Band. But I have now included Whitney Houston. A talented singer who passed away several years ago. She would be the act to represent African Americans. This should be my final list.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 07:15am

Here's a new update on what I'm hoping for the next class to look like.

Dave Matthews Band
Notorious BIG
Whitney Houston
T. Rex
Judas Priest
Pat Benatar
Depeche Mode

If rooms for extras

Todd Rundgren
Nine Inch Nails

It's possible they could squeeze into eight or nine names. With Biggie, Whitney, and almost all the members from T. Rex gone, what's the point of bringing in acts doing live tributes, when they could add some more room for a bigger class?

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 08:19am

Timothy Pernell,

My predictions for the 2020 Rock Hall inductees are still the same as before and they are:

Pat Benatar
Depeche Mode
The Doobie Brothers
Nine Inch Nails
Soundgarden

If 6

Whitney Houston

If 7

T. Rex

I think that Dave Matthews Band will break tradition and become the first fan vote winner to not be inducted simply because there are far more deserving artists that have been waiting for a long time to get in and that are far more deserving of an induction at this point than DMB, Yes, DMB are deserving of an induction down the line, but I just think that it's way too soon for them to go in, I just think that their nomination this year was such a huge mistake on the Rock Hall's part and I really think that their spot on the ballot this year should have gone to either Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, Alice In Chains, Jane's Addiction or Rage Against The Machine because they're far more deserving of an induction as far as 90's acts go at this point than DMB, I think that the other two 90's acts that are nominated this year (Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden) are much more deserving of an induction and have a far better chance of getting in this year over DMB, I think that NIN and Soundgarden are far more likely to get in this year than DMB, I think that they are the least deserving act on the ballot this year by far and I do think that they will screw the fans over and do the fan vote dirty this year, If there was ever a time that the fan vote winner didn't get in that year, it would be this year with DMB, Eventually we're going to see somebody win the fan vote and not get inducted that year and I really think that it's going to happen this year with DMB, I really think that DMB will become the first act to win the fan vote and not get inducted that year, I just don't think that DMB will get in this year, I really think that they will become the first act that wins the fan vote but does not get inducted that year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 09:18am

Here is my theory:

You have forgotten about the "prog" aficionados.

With no major "progressive rock" artists on this particular ballot, apparently some, or most of the "prog" aficionados are voting for the Dave Matthews Band. Why? Because, if Dave Matthews Band does well, then Phish may receive a nomination/ possible induction next year. Apparently, they do not like the idea of the "prog" train being derailed. How could they have avoided this? If the Nominating Committee had given us Jethro Tull and Duran Duran, instead of Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode, the Top Vote Getters would have been entirely different. Now, it looks like the chances for the inductions of many of those other artists who should be inducted, will de diminished.

I have stopped voting for Dave Matthews Band at this particular point. They really do not need my vote any longer, therefore I am now voting for the following:

01. Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo
02. Doobie Brothers
03. Motörhead
04. Thin Lizzy
05. Whitney Houston

Those are the artists, who I think should be inducted and deserve to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2020.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 09:19am

Here is my theory:

You have forgotten about the "prog" aficionados.

With no major "progressive rock" artists on this particular ballot, apparently some, or most of the "prog" aficionados are voting for the Dave Matthews Band. Why? Because, if Dave Matthews Band does well, then Phish may receive a nomination/ possible induction next year. By the way, Phish is a prog band. Apparently, they do not like the idea of the "prog" train being derailed. How could they have avoided this?

If the Nominating Committee had given us Jethro Tull and Duran Duran, like they should have, instead of Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode, the Top Vote Getters would have been entirely different. Now, it looks like the chances for the inductions of many of those other artists who should be inducted, will be diminished.

I have stopped voting for Dave Matthews Band at this particular point. They really do not require my vote any longer, therefore I am now voting for the following:

01. Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo
02. Doobie Brothers
03. Motörhead
04. Thin Lizzy
05. Whitney Houston

Those are the artists, who I think should be inducted and deserve to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2020.

If I were to guess at this point, who the inductees for 2020 may be:

01. Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo
02. Whitney Houston
03. Dave Matthews Band
04. Doobie Brothers
05. Judas Priest
06. Soundgarden

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 10:26am

Enig,

Your picks are definitely what I think will happen and people do forget about Phish. Inducting DMB would definitely open the door wide open for Phish.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 10:29am

Ben,

Yeah I meant to say their nomination to win lol :)

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 10:32am

The Big Four of Jam Band Music

The Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews Band
The Allman Brothers
Phish

Half of them are in the Hall. Once DMB gets in, Phish will be next for next year's nominees. I know Traffic - who is in - is a jam band other than prog, but they were a niche act.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 10:44am

Timothy,

You will notice I removed Todd Rundgren. I was intending to keep him as Regular performer Inductee. But I wanted to add Whitney H. due to removing B.I.G. Whitney as an inductee will provide this Class with 2 Female acts.

Our Predictions are almost the same except I still pick Kraftwerk. Sorry But I think that since they go back to the 70s they can get extra Votes from Music critics like Robert Christgeau and others. I read various reviews of Kraftwerk from critics that Vote perhaps. I strongly dislike EDM but that won't stop them.

We agree on the other predictions. I see those to be Very likely

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 11:49am

Timothy Pernell,

The 2020 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees have been announced and they are:

In the Performing Songwriters category: Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, David Gates (Bread), Vince Gill, The Isley Brothers, Journey, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Mike Love, Steve Miller, OutKast, R.E.M and Patti Smith.

In the Non-Performing Songwriters category: The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo), William "Mickey' Stevenson, Rick Nowels, Sonny Curtis, Jerry Fuller, Tony Macaulay, Bob McDill, Roger Nichols, Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart, Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, L. Russell Brown & Irwing Levine and Kye Fleming & Dennis Morgan.

Six songwriters or songwriting groups (Three Performing and Three Non-Performing) will be inducted on Thursday, June 11, 2020 in New York City.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 12:06pm

Before you continuously dismiss DMB as just some 90s Dad band with not much talent, do yourself a favor and do some research. I think you may find they are a lot more than "Crash into Me."

Look into their record of their album debuting at number one 7 consecutive times including their lastest in 2018, their 32 million albums sold, their yearly tours that are continually in the top 10 of sales, their incredibly huge fan base that will push the fan vote to 1.5 million (at least), the highly respected members of the band, the fact that they have never repeated a set list in the history of their tours, the incredible things they have done for Charlottesville, the large range of music styles they have produced (other than their (and I will admit) overplayed singles), and just the fact that they are still touring and producing music after nearly 30 years as a band.

I'm not an expert, just a fan who stumbled upon this site (and made the mistake of reading the comments). I do want them to be recognized for what they have done, not just for me (they actually have changed my life) but for everyone that enjoys what they put out there. Maybe they will get in this year, maybe they won't. But, believe it when I say if they don't get in, the next time they are nominated the fan vote will double.

And before you start tearing this apart (I'm fully expecting it), I respect the other performers on the list as well as the performers that were mentioned as being more worthy of DMB to get enshrined. I do hope they all get the recognition they deserve.

Posted by Tripping Billy on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 13:35pm

When Bon Jovi was nominated for the second time, they had more than a million votes from the online fan ballot. I'm not really sure how possible would that be for DMB since they're mostly big in North America compared to elsewhere on this planet, but it's best to see how it rolls out. They're pretty much breaking the 70's and 80's classic rock streak.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 14:02pm

I think you'll find they have a large following around the world. They toured Europe this year and had several sold out shows. They also had highly successful shows in Brazil this year. And since Dave was born in South Africa of course they love him there. Like I said, look into it before you judge. They have nearly 400,000 votes after, what, 3 weeks? There's 2 more months of voting and there are huge pushes on all social media outlets to maintain the vote to the end to send a message. We are a strong, loyal and dedicated fan base the likes of nothing you have seen except maybe The Dead. So, yes, I do believe they will reach 1.5 mil.

Posted by Tripping Billy on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 14:31pm

Will there be any addendums for 2020? The Belmonts?

Any Sidemen/Musical Excellence inductees?

Wings * The Wailers * The Silver Bullet Band * The Revolution

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 15:03pm

I have to strongly and respectfully disagree with you guys on Dave Matthews Band, I think that they will break tradition and become the first fan vote winner to not be inducted simply because there are far more deserving artists that have been waiting for a long time to get in and that are far more deserving of an induction at this point than DMB, so I will be very upset if they got inducted this year, Yes, DMB are deserving of an induction down the line, but I just think that it's way too soon for them to go in, I just think that their nomination this year was such a huge mistake on the Rock Hall's part and I really think that their spot on the ballot this year should have gone to either Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, Alice In Chains, Jane's Addiction or Rage Against The Machine because they're far more deserving of an induction as far as 90's acts go at this point than DMB, I think that the other two 90's acts that are nominated this year (Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden) are both much more deserving of an induction and have a far better chance of getting in this year than DMB, I think that NIN and Soundgarden are both far more likely to get in this year than DMB, I think that they are the least deserving act on the ballot this year by far and I do think that they will screw the fans over and do the fan vote dirty this year, If there was ever a time that the fan vote winner didn't get in that year, it would be this year with DMB, Eventually we're going to see somebody win the fan vote and not get inducted that year and I really think that it's going to happen this year with DMB, I really think that DMB will become the first act to win the fan vote and not get inducted that year, I just don't think that DMB will get in this year, I really think that they will become the first act that wins the fan vote but does not get inducted that year.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 15:07pm

Look, Dave Matthews is going in there. That's the bottom line. They won't break tradition. Far from it.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 15:23pm

Roy,

Let's hope. The Wailers (Peter and Bunny) should've been there already.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 15:24pm

Timothy Pernell,

I do think that DMB will break tradition and I think that they will become the first fan vote winner to not be inducted.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 15:45pm

Richie
Dave Matthews will be inducted. He's 1 of those respected musicians like Jeff Lynne, Joan Baez, Mark Knopfler, and Steve Miller who sailed through to induction once placed on the ballot. Casper and I stated early on there was a good chance DMB with their cult-like fan base could win the FAN VOTE. I'm really not surprised. You said similar things last year that Stevie Nicks would not be inducted despite all my reasons why she would be inducted. Her longevity, touring with many musicians who vote on the artists, collaborations with Don Henley, Tom Petty and others, the desire for a 2x women inductee, cause she's Stevie Nicks etc. It's interesting Dave Matthews and his band will be inducted but with Bob Seger, Steve Miller, Dion and others...Their bands not inducted with them. I think Soundgarden and Notorious BIG will be on the outside looking in. Here's my 6 Inductees as of NOV 6, 2019.
1. DMB. They should win the FAN VOTE and pick up votes over the spectrum of voters. Dave Matthews is a legend.
2. Pat Benatar. Respected singer female rock and roll artist. Favor her harder stuff like Fire And Ice and Hit Me With Your Best Shot. Always liked Shadows Of The Night song and video.
3. NIN. I think Trent Reznor smart to say good things about the Hall and his positive experience inducting The Cure. He's a Cleveland native 2020 ceremony in Cleveland and should pick up votes from a variety of artists. Stars falling into place.
4. Depeche Mode. All those The Cure Votes should help their cause. They deserve induction and have the longevity, innovation, and influence. Should be their time.
5. T. Rex. Will receive just about 100% of the 1960's and 1970's British band votes and those later bands they influenced. Marc Bolan is a legend. Similar to Roxy Music.
6. Doobie Brothers. Michael McDonald a respected musician similar to the Jeff Lynne and Mark Knopfler thing. They should receive plenty of votes from 70's rock voters.
I would place Kraftwerk and MC5 in under the Innovators or Influencers Banner. This would give them the credit and respect they deserve. Maybe, a 10-15 video how each group influenced music and changed music. I'm still thinking about Judas Priest and Whitney Houston as inductees. Should induct Woodstock as Special Concert or Event 50th year anniversary. KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 16:01pm

Hey FRL Regulars,

Do you guys have Comedy Central?. Well, Guess What?. On Friday night, there is a half-hour Stand-up Comedy Special called Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents and guess who's being featured on Friday night at 11pm ET?. None other than one of the hosts of the Who Cares About The Rock Hall podcast, Joe Kwaczala, So you guys should check it out on Friday Night at 11pm ET on Comedy Central, it's called Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents Joe Kwaczala, Please check it out if you guys have time or if you guys have Comedy Central.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 16:43pm

Richie,

No they won't lol

King,

That's a nice list of inductee picks. If they go with this, they would have to add Whitney as #7. We don't want another year like 2014. Yeah, there are black members in the DMB but...yeah LOL

I still think Trent will have to wait. Soundgarden > Nine Inch Nails. For now.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 16:58pm

Timothy Pernell,

But they will, End of story.

Also, I think that you're underestimating NIN's chances for induction this year, this year's ceremony is in Cleveland (Trent Reznor's hometown) so I just can't see the Rock Hall passing up a hometown hero given that this year's ceremony is in Cleveland, I think that they (along with Soundgarden) are far more likely to get in this year than DMB, I think that NIN and Soundgarden will both get in this year and DMB will become the first fan vote winner to not be inducted.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 17:05pm

I think it's funny that everyone here pigeon holes DMB as strictly a 90s band. Yes, their biggest singles came in the 90s but they have had 6 number 1 albums after 2000 including last year.
The bands that Richie lists as more deserving to be on the ballad have 2 number 1 albums between the lot and the most recent being 1995. And as far as Soundgarden and NIN go(both of which I listen to and love) they too haven't been at the top spot in 14 years.

Love them or hate them but facts are facts.

Posted by Tripping Billy on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 17:20pm

Superunknown was Soundgarden's only number one album on the Billboard 200. NIN had two with the Fragile and With Teeth. The reason DMB was able to be more closer on a Nirvana, Green Day, and Pearl Jam level of commercial success is they simply kept continuing for almost thirty years nor do they take long gaps when they put out new music.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 17:39pm

Richie,

Didn't you say Stevie Nick's wouldn't get in because she was already in with Fleetwood Mac? Lol

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 19:51pm

Timothy Pernell,

Yep, I sure did, I didn't predict Stevie last year, I predicted The Cure, Def Leppard, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Todd Rundgren and The Zombies to get in last year, so I'm doing the same thing again this year with DMB, My predictions for the 2020 Rock Hall inductees are still the same as before and they are:

Pat Benatar
Depeche Mode
The Doobie Brothers
Nine Inch Nails
Soundgarden

If 6

Whitney Houston

If 7

T. Rex

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 20:07pm

I want to say a couple things about Dave Matthews Band. I was a huge fan during the 90s. I was a rather early fan. I purchased Remember Two Things in early 1994. I followed through the 90s and then up to Busted Stuff. The last album I recall hearing is Live in Chicago. I became a moderate fan because I don't know the later albums.

I also want to say that although I am quite a fan the reason I thought they didnt have a good chance originally is that there was the big competition of other 90s acts with NIN, Soundgarden and B.I.G. I didn't want to just rush to predict an act just because I like them. But heyy if they are ahead in the fan poll then that is good reason to predict them.

Dave Matthews is a very respected musician. Also DMB have certainly been able to be on a Nirvana,Green Day and Pearl Jam level of commercial success. They popularized the Jam band movement. This movement came soon after the Grunge movement. It was kind of a reaction to that. I am Not a 90s expert. Someone else can elaborate. I do now see DMB being inducted. Its as simple as that.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 11/6/2019 @ 21:55pm

Let us consider the "prog" train, shall we?

This is how I see it:

In 1993, Cream and The Doors had received inductions.

In 1995, the late great Frank Zappa had been inducted.
In 1996, Pink Floyd and Jefferson Airplane had been inducted.
Also, the late great David Bowie and the Velvet Underground had been inducted.



In 2002, Talking Heads had been inducted.

In 2004, Traffic had been inducted.





In 2010, Genesis had been inducted.


In 2013, Rush (the first member of the "holy trinity" of prog) had been inducted.
In 2014, former Genesis member Peter Gabriel had been inducted as a solo artist.
In 2015, no "prog" artists had been inducted, although Kraftwerk had received a nomination. Still, It was an absolutely horrible year for prog. This was the first attempt at a "prog" train derailment. :-(
In 2016, Deep Purple and Chicago had been inducted.
In 2017, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey and Yes (the second member of the "holy trinity" of prog) had been inducted.
In 2018, The Moody Blues (the third member of the "holy trinity" of prog) had been inducted.
In 2019, Roxy Music, The Zombies and Radiohead had been inducted.
In 2020, the "prog" train had been derailed. :-( The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nominating Committee had made a gigantic error! With no major "prog" acts to choose from, artists such as : Motörhead, Thin Lizzy, Dave Matthews Band, Pat Benatar and Doobie Brothers may receive votes from the "prog" contingent, instead.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 08:30am

This is how I now view the 2020 Rock Hall Nominees List and their chances of induction in 2020:

16. MC5- No offense to Wayne Cramer, but does 1 album which helped to influence punk, really impress me? A much better choice would have been Procol Harum. 26% (Not this year)

15. Todd Rundgren- in my honest opinion, he absolutely, positively deserves the Musical Excellence award, instead. For his production work, etc. Why is he even in this category? A number of singer/songwriters, such as: Carly Simon, Carole King, Jim Croce, etc. would have been better choices, instead. 32%. Chances of induction for Musical Excellence: 95%

14. Nine Inch Nails- yes, it is industrial music, but didn't Throbbing Gristle really invent it? 38% (Not this year)

13. Rufus w/ Chaka Khan- the 6th time they've been on the ballot. A much better choice, in my honest opinion, would have been Sade who would have been inducted the very first time. 42% (Not this year)

12. T. Rex- influential perhaps, but they helped to spawn two genres that I really do not like (glam and punk). 46%

11. The Notorious B.I.G.- So much potential lost at such a tender young age; however I really do not like gangsta rap. I would have chosen Outkast, or TLC, or Salt 'n' Pepa, or Queen Latifa, or Snoop Dogg, or Ice-T, (notice the intentional irony) instead. 48%

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10. Kraftwerk- Yes, they should be in and have been nominated several times, but I am really slightly indifferent towards their induction at this time. 52%

09. Depeche Mode- I would have chosen Duran Duran (who would have been inducted) instead. Although, I do like quite a few of their songs. 55%
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08. Soundgarden- I like 'Black Hole Sun.' I really do not know their catalog that well. They should have been inducted years ago. I cannot really disagree with their nomination either. 66%

07. Whitney Houston- an extraordinary singer who had died far too soon. Unlike her predecessors, she will most probably be inducted very soon, quite possibly in 2020. 72%

06.Thin Lizzy- The late Phil Lynott was a great songwriter and we had lost him too soon. They should have been nominated and inducted years ago. 75% ——————————————————————————

05. Motörhead- the late Ian "Lemmy" Kilminster had been a member of English progressive rock band- Hawkwind. This is a long overdue nomination. They need and deserve to be inducted. 86%

04. Judas Priest- are hugely influential, but Rob Halford is a great co-songwriter and he has chosen to reside in Arizona. Plus, he has said great things about Rush. This is a long overdue 2nd nomination. They need to be and deserve to be inducted. 90%

03. Dave Matthews Band- a jam band, not unlike Phish with a quite a few prog influences. DMB will probably get inducted in 2020. 92%

02. The Doobie Brothers- A great Rock & Roll Band which has had many incarnations. This is a long overdue and well-deserved nomination. They need and deserve to be inducted. 94%

01. Pat Benatar- an extraordinarily great and gifted singer/songwriter, along with husband Neil Giraldo. This is a long overdue and well-deserved nomination. They will most probably headline next year's ceremony. 96%

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 08:56am

Enig, Talking Heads are not Prog (IMO) and I would also quibble about Chicago being labeled 'Prog' & also Traffic too.

Posted by Paul in KY on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 09:46am

Ben,
What am I missing on Dave Matthews Band? I listened to hundreds of bands in the 90's, heard DMB on the radio, own a couple of their CD's, but compared to the amount of great music of the 90's, I considered them to be basically an average, run of the mill type band back then. Despite their popularity, I did not catch on, nor did I have a desire to attempt to. I recognize their talents and great musicianship, awesome live shows, so I suppose they would have to be experienced live, to get the full connection. One weird thing about their fans is that they live and breathe Dave Matthews, and don't seem to appreciate a wide variety of other bands. It could be they only cast one vote for DMB, and no votes for any other artist. Anyway, some of the previous comments on the band, going back, tend to convey that if you do not like DMB, you have terrible tastes in music, something is wrong with you, etc.. Hence, the Cult status, I would presume. I kind of lean towards Richie's views, where winning the fan vote does not necessarily ensure your induction. It is only worth one vote, Correct? However, they could win by such an overwhelming margin, that it would be difficult to deny that accomplishment.
For me, I see most of the nominees being more worthy of induction, at this time, than DMB. It is just going to have to depend on the voters. Not that Dave Matthews is not worthy, they will get in, but I am not sure it will be this year. A lot of the Greats waited a few years. Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley all waited 3 years for induction. Queen, Aerosmith, and AC/DC waited 2 years, and Eric Clapton, David Bowie, and Fleetwood Mac had to wait 4 years. Not to mention some of the great bands that waited 10+ years..
I think a lot of the voting support for Dave Matthews is because the demographic for their fan base is just more involved, still attending their shows, a huge loyalty factor is at play here. I will have to revisit more of their material, probably check out some live stuff.

Posted by Will N. on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 10:00am

I see that this situation won't be settled. If it does turn out that DMB doesn't get inducted, the Rock Hall would have to do a serious overhaul of the fan vote. Having us vote two ways every day may have been the wrong move.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 11:19am

In FRL related news, "The Voice" is now in the top 5! :)

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 11:20am

In fact if I recall, didn't the Rock Hall undo the fan vote one year cause of fraudulent counts?

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 11:25am

Timothy Pernell - "Yeah, there are black members in the DMB but...yeah LOL"

I think that's a pretty weird dismissal really. DMB has heavily emphasized the integrated diversity of the band from its very beginning. It was an important aspect to the band for Dave, who was born in South Africa and grew up in the South in America - so he was always very aware of the racial divide and wanted his band to be heavily integrated.

In fact, if DMB were to be inducted into the HOF, it would single handedly wind up adding more black musicians to the HOF than have been in any class since 2015, when The Five Royales went in as "early influence" inductees.

If the current top 5 in the fan vote were all added, it would wind up being the most racially diverse class since 2013, with Tiran Porter from The Doobie Brothers, and Kim Thayil (Indian-American) and Hiro Yamamoto (Japanese-American) from Soundgarden. That would make for 7 non-white inductees, which matches 2013 that had four members of Public Enemy plus Quincy Jones, Albert King, and Donna Summer.

Posted by Shrek on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 11:27am

Timothy Pernell,

The 2020 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees have been announced and they are:

In the Performing Songwriters category:

Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, David Gates (Bread), Vince Gill, The Isley Brothers, Jonathan Cain/Steve Perry/Neal Schon (Journey), Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Mike Love (The Beach Boys), Steve Miller, OutKast, R.E.M. and Patti Smith.

and In the Non-Performing Songwriters category:

Lynn Ahrens amd Stephen Flaherty, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, L. Russell Brown and Irwin Levine, Sonny Curtis, Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan, Jerry Fuller, Tony Macaulay, Bob McDill, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (The Neptunes), Roger Nichols, Rick Nowels and William "Mickey' Stevenson.

Six songwriters or songwriting groups (Three Performing and Three Non-Performing) will be inducted on Thursday, June 11, 2020 in New York City.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 11:35am

Shrek,

Wasn't trying to dismiss them. But I do agree the list of inductees next year will be one of the most diverse.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 15:10pm

Timothy Pernell,

Steve Z said this on the 2017 Nominees page:

I can foresee one day the Rock Hall screwing over a fan vote winner somewhere down the line and those fans going into an uproar.

Then Billy R said this on that same page:

The Rock Hall will probably do the fan vote eventually, and hell hath no fury...

and lastly, DarinRG said this on Charles Crossley Jr's forum about the 2017 Nominees:


Eventually we're going to see somebody win the fan vote and not get inducted that year.

So yeah, I really think that Dave Matthews Band will break tradition and they will become the first fan vote winner to not be inducted.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 17:01pm

Hey gang,

I just wanted to clear something up. When I listed the biggest singles and albums acts, I used Philip's blog, where he commented which acts were the biggest in that metric. I think Philip was referring to the album charts and not album sales, because he said Joan Baez was the biggest albums act and she's sold less records than Journey.

So, by album charts metric, is the biggest albums act DMB or Whitney?

Posted by Follower on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 17:32pm

Will N.,

It's always good seeing you on here. I consider you a Rocker of around the same age. I don't consider myself an All out fan. I don't live and breathe Dave Matthews. I do appreciate a wide variety of bands. If anything I am more of a Dead Head. I love the Grateful Dead. I did experience DMB live once in 1995. Under the Table and Dreaming was one of my favorite albums of the 90s. But I also liked a bunch of Pearl Jam albums around the same time as well as checking out some Soundgarden at that time. Hey I liked bands like the Cranberries in the 90s too and various others.

It is going to have to depend on the voters. But there are a lot of Veteran Inductees that could easily vote for them. Case in point Dave Matthews inducted Traffic in 2004. It is true a lot of greats waited a few years like Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, David Bowie. Not to mention bands like the great Moody Blues that waited 10+ years.

However I lean towards Timothy's view. I think besides me Dave Matthews Band are viewed on a commercial level like Nirvana,Green Day and Pearl Jam. DMB started and popularized a movement with the Modern jam bands. So I am convinced DMB will be inducted for 2020.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 17:46pm

Ben,

I have to strongly and respectfully disagree with you on DMB, They're not at the same level as Nirvana, Green Day, Pearl Jam or even Radiohead, I just think that their nomination this year was such a huge mistake on the Rock Hall's part and I really think that their spot on the ballot this year should have gone to either Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, Alice In Chains, Jane's Addiction or Rage Against The Machine because they're far more deserving of an induction as far as 90's acts go at this point than DMB, I really think that the other two 90's acts that are nominated this year (Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden) are both far more deserving of an induction and have a far better chance of getting in this year than DMB, I really think that NIN and Soundgarden are both far more likely to get in this year than DMB.

What do you think?.

Posted by richie on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 18:02pm

According to Troy L. Smith, all five of the top 5 could get in this year, with either Biggie or Whitney as a sixth.

That sounds like a nice class.

Posted by Follower on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 18:25pm

Follower,

Not getting it. Do they mean chart positions or number of albums???

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 18:34pm

I'd guess the former.

Posted by Follower on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 18:49pm

I'd guess the former.

Posted by Follower on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 18:49pm

Just checked Joan Baez's discography and I get it now. It's album volume. So it would probably be Motorhead or something this year.

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Thursday, 11/7/2019 @ 18:59pm