Many
music experts have chimed in with their predictions and hopes for the 2023 nominations to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, I thought I’d join the party.
I’ll make one prediction, followed by a list of artists I’d like to see get recognized this year.
First, a prediction.
Destiny’s Child is ‘a lock’ for nomination and induction
The only prediction I would call a lock is first-year eligible Destiny’s Child.
The Rock Hall isn’t going to pass up on the chance to have Beyonce grace its stage for the induction ceremony and reunite with group members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. The only holdup might be whether to include previous members of the vocal group, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, and whether Williams is eligible yet.
But Destiny Child is going to be in the Rock Hall eventually, so why not now? The act will add more badly needed diversity to the hall. And trust me, if Destiny’s Child is on the ballot, they’re getting inducted.
Certainly, there will be a chorus of “what about so-and-so”? For instance, a name likely to come up is The Pointer Sisters. They certainly deserve to be inducted, but the hall dragged its feet for so long none of the original members are still alive. However, Ruth Pointer who joined the group for its prime years is still with us.
TLC is another top girl group worthy of induction into the hall and has been eligible since 2018.
More rock, no country
I’ve said previously that the
Rock Hall nominating committee needs to course correct this year. Last year’s inductee class was too heavy with country and easy listening acts.
With the massive backlog of worthy acts, the Rock Hall shouldn’t be inducting country acts, especially since they have their own music hall of fame in Nashville. I’ve seen pundits suggest Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell for the rock hall this year. Nothing against those talented artists, but there are just too many rock and pop music acts to recognize.
Rock acts I’d like to see inducted include Thin Lizzy, Scorpions, INXS and Smashing Pumpkins. Others have suggested Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe and Rage Against the Machine.
My top pick: Joy Division/New Order
With Pat Benatar finally inducted into the Rock Hall after years of being snubbed, I need a new top pick for induction. That’s easy -- I want to see Joy Division/New Order finally get a nomination and take their place in the hall.
New Order’s mix of post-punk, electronic and dance music made it one of the most acclaimed and influential bands of the 1980s. The group sprung directly out of Joy Division, which disbanded after the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis.
Next, how about some love for solo artist Phil Collins? He’s already in the Rock Hall with rock band Genesis, but he had a standout solo career. I know some critics dislike his work, but the public disagrees.
Case in point, Collins topped a recent
Gold Derby poll for overlooked male artists who should be inducted into the Rock Hall. Again, if he’s on the ballot, he’s getting in.
I’ve also advocated for Australian rock band INXS and English rock band Siouxsie & the Banshees. Both deserve enshrinement in the hall.
Back-door inductees
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t have a veterans committee like the Baseball Hall of Fame. But it does have special categories that allow the hall to bypass the voting body and induct lesser known acts that are highly respected by critics and industry professionals.
Those categories include “early influences” and “musical excellence.” I hope the nominating committee doesn’t renominate acts that previously didn’t get much public support but should be in the hall. I’m talking about Kate Bush, Chaka Khan, Fela Kuti and MC5. They should get in through those back-door categories.
Make a second ceremony for Ahmet Ertegun Award winners
On another note, no one outside of the hall gives a rat’s ass about non-performers being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The agents, lawyers, producers, and industry executives should get their own separate ceremony for the Ahmet Ertegun Award like the Oscars does with its Scientific and Technical Awards.
Photo: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. (Mitchell Shapiro Photography via Creative Commons)
