Groups or individuals are qualified for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. Nominees should have demonstrable influence and significance within the history of rock and roll.
Four categories are recognized (as of 2000):
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- Performers
- Musical Excellence (Influencers)
- Early Influences
- The Ahmet Ertegun Award (formerly Non-Performers)
- Former Categories include Sidemen and Singles, Most Sidemen and Backing Members have been left out of inductions since the beginning and Singles category was only in 2018. A good link to snubbed members of inducted bands is here: Snubbed Members of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Artists Read the comments too for a complete list.
With that we propose the following list that absolutely, positively should be a part of the Rock Hall.
- Iron Maiden
Just replace 40+ years in the description (instead of For 35 years, put For 40+ years) (also add) They even have their own font (metal lord) and screams Rock louder than an Eddie T-Shirt! - Chubby Checker
The “Godfather of the Twist”, Chubby Checker’s The Twist is the biggest chart hit of all time! He is still touring and recording. In June of 2014 Chubby said he would like to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame while he is still smiling. - Foreigner
Formed in 1976 in New York Foreigner was comprised as a British super-group with American counterparts. Their first album, released the next year, hit the top twenty and the hits didn’t stop for over a decade. Through a few line up changes they are still recording and touring today. Never yet considered for induction and way overdue Foreigner is one of the most requested snubs to be on this list. - Weird Al Yankovic
The leader of rock parody and always on the cutting edge of pop music this icon cannot be overlooked. Since 1979, “Weird Al” Yankovic has carved a unique career as rock and roll’s premier satirist. Weird Al has created and solidified his own essential niche in rock music, and it’s high time he be honored. He also has his own induction site here: http://www.allthingsyank.com/rockhall/ - Cyndi Lauper
The first female artist to score 4 top ten hits in her debut album and she hasn’t stopped in over 40 years. Winning Grammys, Emmys and Tony Award for her music, she is in the songwriters hall of fame and has a Hollywood Star on the Walk of Fame. We thought a shoe in for the Rock Hall and after the fans voted her #2 she still got snubbed. Come on and get her in already. What – does her hair piss you off?? - Connie Francis
CONNIE FRANCIS was the ME TOO of the late 50’s till 70’s before it was cool. She paved the way for many female artists with her chart topping hits both on Billboard and internationally. Her song “Where the Boys Are” was a hit that became a movie and introduced the concept of Spring Break! Her songs lead her to star in movies and television. She has recorded songs in 9 languages. - Devo
Are we not men worthy of Rock Hall fame? These guys were one-of-a-kind, and amongst the great innovators in rock history. They continue to this day in TV shows, animated and commercials we see everyday. -
INXSHailing from Australia INXS has numerous hits, platinum albums and every award on the planet, except and induction to the rock hall! Never considered and totally snubbed this band is a major influence to many bands that came after them. Still touring and recording with singers after the unexpected death of their original lead singer in 1997 Michael Hutchence .
- The Runaways
The Runaways are one of the first all female bands and has had a HUGE influence on most modern female (and male) bands to come along since. The members such as Joan Jett and Lita Ford have gone on to have long successful careers, along with the other members. Major motion pictures and documentaries have been made about them. They are still currently being played on radio. - Bad Company
This 70s English supergroup has sold over 40 million albums from the 70s-90s and had countless radio hits. Recognized worldwide as a staple of classic rock and a major influence of todays musicians who continue to cover their classics.. - The Smiths
Morrissey and Johnny Maher were smart, enigmatic and fun and the music they created helped lay the groundwork for independent music and alternative rock in the 1980s and ’90s. - Jimmy Buffett
No matter what the critics say, Buffett’s creative output over the past 40 years dwarfs many current Rock Hall inductees. He’s the real thing, but I suspect the Rock Hall induction panel just can’t get past the Parrothead thing. - Warren Zevon
Dark, demented and entertaining as hell. One of rock’s great musical storytellers. - SugarHill Gang
Founders of Hip Hop and Rap. This pioneering group inaugurated the recorded history of rap music with their single “Rapper’s Delight”, a multi-platinum seller in 1979. First Rap to appear on America Bandstand. - Tom Jones
British Pop Star that sang hits for James Bond and many other movies. He has 36 top 40 hits, 19 in the top 10. Still a sex symbol and recording artist, he has sold more than 100 million records over the last 6 decades and was so popular he had his own TV show. Recognised by many Rock Stars and the influence of generations of Rock Stars he was knighted in 2006 for his contribution to music and now is Sir Tom Jones. - Tommy James and the Shondells
Eligible since 1991 and their hits including 2 #1 hits and 12 others in the top ten are covered again and again its a surprise that these guys have never been considered to the Rock Hall. They did it all from Bubble Gum to Psychedelic and are a straight forward rocking band. Still pops up from time to time on tours today. This is a cornerstone band that has been overlooked way too long. - ACCEPT
German Heavy Metal Band that played an important role in the development of Speed Metal, directly influencing bands like Metallica. They have sold millions of albums worldwide and are still recording and touring to this day. A favorite of Guitar Hero and many of their songs are featured in movies and TV shows. - Saxon
Part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal they are one of Europes biggest acts, also having singles in the US, Japan and other countries in the world. - Scorpions
German Heavy Metal Rockers have sold over 100 million albums worldwide. They have performed all over the world including Soviet Russia. The songs are always well written and they have received many awards worldwide. A major player in Guitar hero their songs will live on well into the future. Lets Rock them like a Hurricane into the Rock Hall. - SWEET
British Glam Rockers had over a decade of hits all over the world and continually are played on radio today. Many hits are still being covered and used in many hit movies. The influence of this band is immeasurable and their induction is long overdue. - Slade
English Hard Rock / Glam band whose hits are still being copied and songs still played on the radio. - Thin Lizzy
Major international Rock Band whose hits still played regularly on hard rock and Classic Rock radio stations. - Peter Frampton
In Movies and on radio, Frampton came alive and never stopped. One of Rocks greatest writers/guitarists and producers. Shoulda been in long ago. - Slayer
Who hasn’t gone to a concert in the last 30 years and heard someone in the crowd yell “Slayer” for a request. Godfathers of thrash metal are two time Grammy winners and the winners of multiple music awards has made them the must have in every music fans collection. - The Replacements
Post-punk poets from Minneapolis blazed the trail for every alternative-rock band to come along since. Gets my vote on the strength of “Here Comes a Regular” alone. - Toto
Awarded several Grammy awards and in the Musicians hall of fame this band has always been around selling millions of albums. - The B-52s
New Wave innovators from Athens, Ga. “Love Shack” baby! - Cher
The Goddess Of Pop started as the duo Sonny and Cher and has sold over 100 million records having hits in all six decades she has been working. An Icon of Radio, TV, Movies and Broadway she continues to sell out shows, be a philanthropist and a fashion icon. She is one of the to downloaded artists of all time. Pop Divas from the 1960s on wouldn’t be in the Rock Hall without Cher paving the way. She shoulda been in decades ago! Link to facebook page to get Cher in: https://www.facebook.com/getcherintotherockandrollhallo ffame/ - Jethro Tull
Formed in 1967 with their flute playing front man Ian Anderson Jethro Tull has been overlooked for too long by the Rock Hall. Songs like Aqualung, Teacher, Bungle in the Jungle and others are true classic rock and are known worldwide. These grammy winners are still touring to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary and have a new studio album coming out. - Joe Cocker
Dude was at Woodstock. One of rock’s great interpreters. His gritty rendition of “With a Little Help From My Friends” is more memorable than the Beatles’ original. And his cover of Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On” is a bona fide classic. - Motley Crue
Hard living band since 1981 that continues to influence Rock and Roll today with radio and reality shows. Everyone from babies to Grannies know this band. - The Raspberries
Eric Carmen and the boys burned hot and bright in their short time together and left us some of the best pop-rock music ever. Besides, Bruce Springsteen thinks they should be inducted into the Rock Hall, and who are we to argue with The Boss? Wally Bryson is an influence to Slash from Nominated Guns and Roses . - The Guess Who
“American Woman,” “These Eyes,” “No Sugar Tonight.” One of the great ’60s pop-rock outfits. - J. Geils Band
Who doesn’t know their song centerfold? Nominated once for the 2010 inductions, they were snubbed. The wooba gooba with the green teeth, needs to be let in. - Los Lobos
Their cover of Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” put them on the commercial map. But these L.A. rockers are a creative force in their own right and one of the best live bands in rock. - Motörhead
Motörhead’s overwhelmingly loud and fast style of heavy metal was one of the most groundbreaking styles the genre had to offer in the late ’70s. Though the group’s leader, Lemmy Kilminster, had his roots in the hard-rocking space rock band Hawkwind, He left taking the Progressive Space rock and melting it in with Biker Punk rock to be the first metal band to harness that energy and, in the process, they created speed metal and thrash metal. Formed in June 1975 they have sold over 16 million albums worldwide. - Jan and Dean
We all know the songs Dead Mans Curve and Little Old Lady From Pasadena, besides the other iconic songs the duo of W. Jan Berry and Dean Torrence sang with the iconic sixties west coast sound. Active from 1958 till Jans death in 2004 they toured and recorded, and went on to produce rock music through the decades. Known for an anti-establishment attitude toward the music industry they still recorded their music with a high level of craftsmanship. - Twisted Sister
I don’t know anyone who has not heard of their well-known hits Were Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock.
Dee Snider should be in the Rock Hall because he testified against the PMRC alone! (Along with John Denver and Frank Zappa) - THE TUBES
Majorly Influential since 1975 this band is considered to be one Rocks most creative masters of lyrics for the Rock/New Wave and hard rock genre. Still touring the band has survived to this day. - Uriah Heap
One the most influential bands of the 4 cornerstones of Heavy Metal and an AOR radio favorite. They have been an influence to many progressive rock bands and vocalists. Their induction cannot be overlooked.
Bonus Tracks!!!
- UFO
Heavy British Rock Band with many influential members, this band cannot be overlooked or its “lights out”. The Band continues to this day to release critically acclaimed albums. - Leslie Gore
At just 17 she had iconic hits like It’s My Party and You Don’t Own Me. Her songs have been trailblazing for women in Rock. She’s way overdue for induction. - Mariah Carey
The Songbird Supreme with a 5 octave voice has been on the charts for over 3 decades. Too many awards to list here she has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the biggest selling artists in music history. Carey has spent 82 weeks at the number-one position on Billboard Hot 100, the greatest number for any artist in US chart history and accumulated 19 number-one singles. Versatile singer and actress we will hear from her for decades to come. - Dave Matthews Band
Two time Grammy winner who won the 2020 Rock Hall Fan Vote yet DMB was snubbed for induction. Dave Matthews is both a musician and occasionally acts and produces. Many followers worldwide is both an influence and active performer. To date the only group to have six consecutive studio albums debut at number one on the Billboard charts. Has his own line of wine called “Dreaming Tree Wines.” - The Monkees
Who can’t resist loving the TV band that made many top 40 songs from the late 60’s? These guys still influence lives to this day. The Mikes are still touring, and still major producers in the business. If you google “Monkees Influence” you will see pages about their influence in Rock and Roll, videos and Hollywood. Sadly they have been on our list for so long we have lost 2 members since we started this list: Davy Jones and Peter Tork. Lets get them in before they are all dead! - Johnny Rivers
In the 60s and 70s radio hits always had Johnny Rivers songs on the charts, many to hit #1. His songs have been performed and covered by many bands and are featured in TV and movies till this day. - Blue Oyster Cult
This Rock band sold out stadiums, and still sells shows out to this day. BOC started in 1967 and had chart toppers throughout the 70s and into the 80’s. Induct them before Godzilla comes out of Lake Erie for you. - The Cult
The Cult has had many hits from the Goth/Punk/Rock British band. The Cult have had various line-ups; the longest-serving members are vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy the band’s two songwriters. Their popularity is worldwide and still requested on radio and many online streaming services. - Sir Douglas Quintet
The Sir Douglas Quintet was an American rock band, formed in San Antonio in 1964. Formed by Doug Sahm, They had their first hit in 1965 mixing R&B with Tex Mex and psychedelic rock. The Sir Douglas Quintet is considered a pioneering influence in the history of rock and roll for incorporating Tex-Mex and Cajun styles into rock music. Many of their hits are featured in movie soundtracks from 1967 easy rider to today. - Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night scored a succession of 21 hit singles, including eleven Top Tens, and twelve consecutive gold albums from 1969 to 1975, thanks to the slick, sometimes soulful vocal harmonies of singers Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells and an excellent ear for quality material. Their vocal harmonies and pop licks have influenced many vocal bands in rock and pop till today.
Johnny Rivers…..
I agree with some of the comments,but some of you must not have much depth to who you mention should be inducted. I always question how much music knowledge some of you have and how old you are. Of course musical good taste is also needed which some of you lack. It’s like some of you nominated some of the jokers that have gotten in over Jethro Tull and other super classic bands you may have no idea of because you have limited minds on classic music.
you forgot INXS
On our list to a as soon as some move off. We do 50 on this list. The idea is to induct 50 a year, a good start. But the hall over the years are inducting less instead of more.
its on our new list. Waiting for webmaster to change it
#8. Pass it on. Follow us on twitter an FB for updates
#8, was on
The most criminally underrated band of last 30 years that deserves to be in the HoF is Living Colour.
“The Spiders from Mars,” who were Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder & Woody Woodmansey. As “The Spiders From Mars,” these three ultra talented men brought David Bowie to fame as Ziggy Stardust(Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars.) If not for them we may not have ever heard of David Bowie, not in that way or at that time anyway. Plus Mick Ronson can even be in a category of his own, check him out! Why do these fine artists keep being snubbed? Watch some videos from 1972/1973. Do your research guys!!!!!
I agree with all of these and wonder why so many are inducted one year and then not so many like this year. I would like to add one that is incredibly talented, complex, rhythmic, and has a sound like no other.
The Fixx! They know that one thing leads to another and while touring around the world to different red skies every night, they will always be saved by zero.
Kansas, ELP, Supertramp – nary a mention.
You cannot listen to the first 5 Kansas albums and not come away with how talented they are. ELP was the top band in the world part of their career. Scorpions are incredible. Steppenwolf great rock band. Uriah Heep one of a kind,Marshall Tucker Band first 5 albums. That’s my opinion of great bands not in the RRHF. You cannot base a bands career only on a song or two, listen to all the songs on most of the albums produced in the 1970’s. Then your opinion has some merit.
Sorry, I forgot Jethro Tull.
Grand Funk Railroad is one of the best three piece bands ever. None better in the 60s and 70s. they sounded as good in person as they did in the studio. I can’t understand why they are not in the hall. 4 Gold 5 Platinum albums, outsold Shae Stadium in 45 min. the Beatles took 6 weeks. COME ON!I couldn’t believe when I saw the list of inductees. So many can’t hold a candle to GFR. WOW!
I say George m Cohan as an early inspiration to rock and roll hall and cher, celen Dion I know I spelled it wrong Barbra strisand, Mariah Carey, the carpenters, Olivia newton John just to name a few and huey Lewis and the news
Where is Fanny? The first successful all female bands. Listen to June Millington on Fanny’s recording of Badge and tell me that’s not talent
Strong initial list. A lot of attention on Weird Al and bands outside of U.S or UK area that had no real impact on us on the East or West Coast of the US.
But:
The Cult
J. Giles Band
King Crimson
Meat Puppets
Iron Maiden
Foo Fighters
Boston
These bands ALL had an influence on other bands and their following genre or dominated.
I’m not a Duran Duran fan, but they can put them in as the dominated the 80’s.
These bands should have been in yesterday. I am probably forgetting a few.
Strong initial list. A lot of attention on Weird Al and bands outside of U.S or UK area that had no real impact on us on the East or West Coast of the US.
But:
The Cult
J. Giles Band
King Crimson
Meat Puppets
Iron Maiden
Foo Fighters
These bands ALL had an influence on other bands and their following genre or dominated.
I’m not a Duran Duran fan, but they can put them in as the dominated the 80’s.
These bands should have been in yesterday. I am probably forgetting a few.
Why has Styx been snubbed? They were one of the top acts of the late 70’s and 80’s.
Styx was also the first band to accomplish 4 triple platinum albums in a row.
Carole King is already in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame along with her long time songwriting partner Gerry Goffin. They were inducted in the non performer category for their songwriting achievements. Though i believe she should be inducted also as a performer. Which would of made HER the first female to be inducted twice, not Stevie Nicks. Her”Tapestry” album alone is deserving enough to get her in as a performer. Meanwhile Jethro Tull, Grand Funk Railroad, Joe Cocker, Harry Nilsson, Pat Benatar, Link Wray, Warren Zevon, Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, are just a few just as deserving to be inducted.
I agree with Foeeigner, Pat Benatar, Motley Crue,The Monkees, Blue Oyster Cult, and Three Dog Night; you could add a few more like Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Phil Collins, Poison, Soundgarden, REO Speedwagon, Linkin Park (yeah I know they aren’t ready to be inducted until 2025), Beck, Boston, Kansas, Bush, and Weezer (when ready)!! Can ya’ tell I like music?
Raspberries, Carole King, Toto, Frampton and The Guess Who.
Larry Williams the person who influence the Beatles in the 50s deserve to be nominated!!!!!
CHER and Sonny & Cher. Their careers kicked off in 1962 when they met and they recorded as Caesar & Cleo in 1963/1964 then went to #1 in 1965. They were folk rock then evolved. CHER is still so active and now has a Broadway show: The Cher Show and is going on a world tour in 2019. Talk about Longevity. She is the only FEMALE from the 1960’s still so active today in music.
I spent many nights at the Fillmore West and the “Best” live band in the Bay area was, Quicksilver Messenger Service! Better than the Dead, Jefferson Airplane, etc John Mayall, with all R&R Hall Famers, who got their start with him. You know who they are. If you don’t, you shouldn’t be on this site. The Electric Flag, with Michael Bloomfield! Jerthro Tull open up for CCR, they blew the roof off that night. Last, 13th Floor Elevators, was the best garage band ever. One category which needs to be mention, is surf music, for us from southern California. Enough said there. One more thought, someone in this web site, mention, David Cassidy??? When they have Hall Of Fame, for bubble music, then you can vote for him or Bobbie Sherman….yea right
The RASPBERRIES are WAY OVERDUE !
Shoulda been in long ago but the RRHOF has their heads up their *ss!
I’ll sign but I’d like to also include Cher, Tina Turner (aas a solo artist), and Captain Beefheart
There is Mick Ronson, who was David Bowie’s lead guitarist, who not only composed & arranged a lot of the early music for David Bowie, but also for Lou Reed, John Mellancamp & many more. He played with many bands including Ian Hunter. Not only was he a stellar guitarist, he was also a classily trained pianist & violinist & played recorder. He was one of the Spiders from Mars when David Bowie called himself Ziggy Stardust. In fact, the whole three Spider from Mars should be in , because they are the ones who brought David Bowie his fame. If not for them, Bowie may not ever been known.
So many one hit wonders and no David Cassidy? How is that right. The man is so deserving of this. Decades of entertaining!
Many of the Fillmore/Woodstock era bands of the late 60’s and 70’s are routinely snubbed,Quicksilver Messenger Service ,Canned Heat,Mountain,The Chambers Brothers,it’s a Beautiful Day,The Electric Flag,13 Floor Elevators,Country Joe and the Fish,John Mayall etc. Also many popular bands of the 70’s have never been nominated..Blue Oyster Cult,Foghat ,Bad Company,The Doobie Brothers,Eddie Money,UFO,Nazareth,The Guess Who,Pablo Cruise,Emerson,Lake.and Palmer,etc. Many Soul and Funk groups get no respect at all in the nomination process..Rick James,The Bar-Kays,The Commodores,Bootsy Collins (as a solo act),Kool and the Gang,Cameo,BT Express,The Ohio Players,WAR,Labelle,The Spinners,The Manhattan’s,Chaka Khan and Rufus,Mandrill etc. The Blues which if course gave birth to Rock music is limited in its induction as well,T Bone Walker,Big Mama Thornton,Sunnyland Slim,Memphis Slim etc.. the Rock Hall seems to be heard d towards a popularity contest,why else would Bon Jovi I get in before the Doobie Brothers who were a Gold/Platinum group long before Bon Jovi even had a record deal?. I don’t know how some of this could be fixed,but they need more Rock historians in the induction consideration process…..ABBA is in,but not Blue Oyster Cult or Foghat…..really???.
well said – especially Foghat, Bad Co, BOC, UFO, and the Guess Who.. Can’t really claim to be a hall of fame for ROCK without them
David Cassidy should be in he deserves to be nominated
No…just no…he was a TV contrivance as much as the Monkees. Minor, MINOR artist in the grand scheme of things.
David Cassidy has certainly been snubbed. His talent in instruments, vocals and being able to produce decades of Rock and Roll, including doing songs from the 1950s.
David jammed with the best of them, John Lennon, Sir Elton John, Elvis, George Michaels, Sir Paul McCartney… The list goes on. His fan base is still huge, with fans from all over the Globe. He loved to listen to the Rock and Roll greats and, he loved to perform various decades of Rock and Roll as well as his own Rock and Roll. His life was dedicated to the Arts. His induction to the Rock and Roll HOF is truly long over due. Like many of the greats, there will never be another that can do for Rock and Rock and Music in general like David Cassidy has done through the decades of his career and the real love he showed for his fans. Please, recognize David Cassidy by inducting him into the HOF.
Thank you.
Expect Duran Duran, Def Leppard, and Jethro Tull to get in next year.
The Raspberries!
Definitely Raspberries and Pat Benatar
Not only that Fillmore/Woodstock era bands like Quicksilver Messenger Service,Canned Heat,The Chambers Brothers,The Electric Flag,13 Floor Elevators,John Mayall,Mountain,Ten Years After,Spirit,Hot Tuna,Country Joe and the Fish,etc… Also many of Tue power bands and artist of the 70’s have been in some cases never nominated..The Doobie Brothers,Foghat,Bad Company,Blue Oyster Cult,The Guess Who Eddie Money,etc.. the Funk Soul bands are routinely snubbed ,The Bar-Kays,The Commodores,Rick James,Bootsy Collins (as a solo.act),Kool and the Gang,The Ohio Players,The Manhattan’s,WAR,Labelle,Landfill,The Spinners,Billy Preston,Grace Jones etc..the Blues artist who are the architects of Rock are seldom even nominated..T Bone Walker,Big Mama Thornton,Sunnyland Slim,Memphis Slim,Lightnin’ Hopkins etc.. The Rock Hall seems like a popularity ,how else could Bon Jovi get in and the Doobie Brothers who were a Gold/Platinum long before Bon Jovi had a record contract can’t even get nominated ?.
Raspberries deserve to be in
Looks like a great site that we needed.
Please consider the above mentioned for induction into the hall of fame – I know Eric Carmen & the Raspberries are long overdue this recognition.
Grand Funk RailRoad should be on top of this list.In they day they would blow away most of the bands on this list.
there are so many great bands that are not in the hall. and other artists that are in although they might be good they don’t say rock and roll to me.one of my all time favorites is the J.GEILS BAND having seen them four times in concert I cant imagine any band putting more energy and effort into their shows. I think they meet all the criteria for artists to be in the hall.
Here is who needs to get in: Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush, Bill Nelson, UFO, Scorpions, Bad Company, Foreigner, Pat Travers Band, Todd Rundgren, Utopia, The Cult and The Raspberries…just for starters!
One of the top rock banks from Australia: The Seekers!