That, which you see above, is a building where lies go to live. It is The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It resides in that hot bed of Rock and Roll wealth called Cleveland, Ohio. Because let's face it when you think of Rock and Roll you automatically think of Cleveland. At lease Huey Lewis did, he said so in that song of his called The Heart of Rock and Roll. He's from San Francisco but he called Cleveland The Heart of Rock and Roll. I guess that would make San Fran, what, the anus of Rock and Roll? Do I seem bitter? Maybe a little, but I can tell you one thing; the RARHOF is a sham. Why? Well, aside from it NOT being in Philadelphia, where it rightfully belongs, it is missing a few very worth inhabitants. For one reason or another the following acts are not in the RARHOF. Why not? Who the frig knows but until they are I deem the RARHOF fraudulent! Here is my list of the top 12 oversights at the *ahem* Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
Kiss
Eligible for induction since 1999
Years Nominated: 2010
Eligible for induction since 1999
Years Nominated: 2010
The most polarizing band on the list, Kiss is either a prime example of classic theatrical metal and glam rock defined as much by their off-field excesses and make-up as their music or everything that was bloated and over-the-top about rock and roll both aesthetically and musically. Still, even detractors can't deny the power and devotion of the Kiss Army and at their apex, no band was doing it bigger or gaudier. The band's stage show complete with fire-breathing, blood-spitting and ridiculous pyrotechnics was considered extravagant even for the 1970s and it's time to stop ignoring the group's massive influence on a generation of kids. The group received its first nomination last year, but with Alice Cooper getting inducted last year, look for the yells of the Kiss Army to grow even louder.
Rush
Eligible for induction since 1998
Years Nominated: None
Arguably the most egregious omission from the Rock Hall, this powerhouse prog-rock trio is adored by wannabe shredders around the globe (including the bass-slapping Paul Rudd in “I Love You, Man”). Rush has sold an estimated 40 million albums worldwide, can still fill arenas, and remains one of the most influential and beloved rock acts in history, Geddy Lee’s voice notwithstanding.
Journey
Eligible for induction since 2000
Years Nominated: None
If candidates were judged on commercial success alone, Journey would be a shoe-in for the Rock Hall. They’ve sold 80 million albums worldwide, on the strength of two dozen radio hits, including the mega-balled “Open Arms” and the “Glee”-approved anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’.” (Which I feel I owe them an apology for those few days back 2000 when I did actually think about not believing anymore. Sorry Steve.) Unfortunately for them, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame judges on artistic merit, something that hasn’t always been synonymous with the name Journey. With all that being said I still think they belong there.
Hall & Oates
Eligible for induction since 1997
Years Nominated: None
By many accounts the most successful duo in the history of recorded music, Hall & Oates made countless contributions to pop culture, including 34 hit singles (six of them reaching No. 1), seven platinum albums, six gold albums and John Oates’ iconic mustache. Many critics hated them, dismissing the Philly group as bland, blue-eyed soul. They were never the cool band to impress your friends with, but no other vocal duo dominated the 1980s so consistently. Even after their heyday, the group unwittingly found a second career as sampling material for everyone from Kanye West to De La Soul. Drop the veneer of coolness so we can hear a super-group cover of "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" at the ceremony.
Eligible for induction since 1997
Years Nominated: None
By many accounts the most successful duo in the history of recorded music, Hall & Oates made countless contributions to pop culture, including 34 hit singles (six of them reaching No. 1), seven platinum albums, six gold albums and John Oates’ iconic mustache. Many critics hated them, dismissing the Philly group as bland, blue-eyed soul. They were never the cool band to impress your friends with, but no other vocal duo dominated the 1980s so consistently. Even after their heyday, the group unwittingly found a second career as sampling material for everyone from Kanye West to De La Soul. Drop the veneer of coolness so we can hear a super-group cover of "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" at the ceremony.
Kraftwerk Eligible for induction since 1995
Years Nominated: None
This may fall into the category of "guilty pleasures" for me but few bands can lay claim to pioneering a single musical genre. Only a handful can say they influenced virtually EVERY genre of music that succeeded them. Listening to German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, you can hear the roots of electro, synth-pop, techno, Krautrock, house, New Wave and hip-hop (the group's "Trans-Europe Express" and "Numbers" were famously sampled by Afrika Bambaataa for "Planet Rock," one of hip-hop's earliest and most successful singles.) The Hall has long been biased against electronic music, but inducting these guys would be akin to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five getting in for hip-hop. It's time to expand. (On a side note, maybe instead of bemoaning pioneering groups as "not rock," it's time to drop the "Rock and Roll" from the name and think of something more inclusive of all contemporary music.)
Joe Cocker
Eligible for induction since 1994
Years Nominated: None
Armed with a singularly gravelly voice and a penchant for wild arm-flapping, Cocker has enjoyed a diverse career that has included hit covers of Beatles songs, the slow-dance staple “You Are So Beautiful,” a seminal set at Woodstock, a really good impersonation by John Belushi, and the Grammy-winning No. 1 ‘80s ballad “Up Where We Belong.”
Chicago
Eligible for induction since 1994
Years Nominated: None
This funk powerhouse dominated the 1970s with classics like “Saturday in the Park” before parlaying that success into a string of chart-topping ‘80s ballads like “You’re the Inspiration” and "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love.”
Eligible for induction since 1994
Years Nominated: None
This funk powerhouse dominated the 1970s with classics like “Saturday in the Park” before parlaying that success into a string of chart-topping ‘80s ballads like “You’re the Inspiration” and "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love.”
Barry White
Eligible for induction since 1998
Years Nominated: None
This smooth-talking bass man melted the hearts of millions of women in the 1970s with a string of steamy disco hits, including “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" and "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me.” Barry White making panties moist since the mid 70's. What? Ain't that enough?
Eligible for induction since 1998
Years Nominated: None
This smooth-talking bass man melted the hearts of millions of women in the 1970s with a string of steamy disco hits, including “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" and "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me.” Barry White making panties moist since the mid 70's. What? Ain't that enough?
The Monkees
Eligible for induction since 1991
Years Nominated: None
While the artistic merit of the “Pre-Fab Four” remains questionable, one could make a strong case for the band based on their commercial impact (65 million albums sold worldwide) and their contribution of several genuinely great pop songs to the pantheon, among them the No. 1 hits “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer” and “Daydream Believer.” Add in the fact that Peter's mother invented White Out and it sounds like a sure thing they would be in there.
Eligible for induction since 1991
Years Nominated: None
While the artistic merit of the “Pre-Fab Four” remains questionable, one could make a strong case for the band based on their commercial impact (65 million albums sold worldwide) and their contribution of several genuinely great pop songs to the pantheon, among them the No. 1 hits “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer” and “Daydream Believer.” Add in the fact that Peter's mother invented White Out and it sounds like a sure thing they would be in there.
Sonny & Cher
Eligible for induction since 1990
Years Nominated: None
This duo was a pop culture powerhouse in the 1960s, with a monster hit “I Got You Babe”, a variety show and some 80 million in album sales to their name. Add in the fact they are responsible for giving us Chaz Bono and, well, c'mon, do I gotta spell it out for ya?
Eligible for induction since 1990
Years Nominated: None
This duo was a pop culture powerhouse in the 1960s, with a monster hit “I Got You Babe”, a variety show and some 80 million in album sales to their name. Add in the fact they are responsible for giving us Chaz Bono and, well, c'mon, do I gotta spell it out for ya?
The Moody Blues
Eligible for induction since 1989
Years Nominated: None
The Moody Blues’ mixture of symphonic and progressive rock was massively successful in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The band sold more than 70 million albums worldwide on the strength of singles ranging from 1967’s “Nights in White Satin” to 1986’s “Your Wildest Dreams.” Add in the fact that my Honey Buns likes them and you now know all that you need to.
Eligible for induction since 1989
Years Nominated: None
The Moody Blues’ mixture of symphonic and progressive rock was massively successful in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The band sold more than 70 million albums worldwide on the strength of singles ranging from 1967’s “Nights in White Satin” to 1986’s “Your Wildest Dreams.” Add in the fact that my Honey Buns likes them and you now know all that you need to.
Deep Purple
Eligible for induction since 1993
Years Nominated: None
Aside from helping to pioneer heavy metal, selling more than 100 million albums, and bearing the distinction of being in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “loudest pop group,” Deep Purple also gave the world one of the most-sung guitar riffs of all time from “Smoke on the Water".
Eligible for induction since 1993
Years Nominated: None
Aside from helping to pioneer heavy metal, selling more than 100 million albums, and bearing the distinction of being in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “loudest pop group,” Deep Purple also gave the world one of the most-sung guitar riffs of all time from “Smoke on the Water".
