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!- Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins
If you haven’t heard his hits, you heard a band cover them! Screamin Jay is known as the pioneer of Shock Rock. One of his songs is in the Rock Halls top songs that shaped Rock and Roll so get him in the Rock Hall!! - Billy Idol
From the London punk scene in the late 70’s Billy made it HUGE in the 80’s with his snarling punk attitude and rock hooks. He has multiple #1 billboard hits, awards and he still records and tours today.
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: https://www.dohtem.com/al/rockhall/- The Bangles
All Female and one of the most successful rock groups of the 80’s. The Bangles still tour today and have been featured in many movie soundtracks for decades. Their songs remain relevant today as they were when released. - 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.
HOME of Induct INXS | Get INXS Nominated & Inducted @Rock Hall. Sign at Induct INXS.com | Induct INXS - 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. - Supertramp
A British Prog Rock band that dominated the airwaves in the 70’s and 80’s with multiple top 10 singles. Their songs have endured through the decades, often in soundtracks and covered by modern artists to this day. Are we nothing but a dreamer to get them in the Rock Hall? Bloody Well Right we are! - 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. - Gordon Lightfoot
Prolific Songwriter has had many top hits with his songs of tales of love and historic events. Successfully heard the world over his songs have been covered by many of the worlds most renown artists about Lovers, Loneliness, Trains, Shipwrecks, Rivers and Highways.
Mott The Hoople
Some of the biggest rock songs and most covered rock songs in history come out of this band along with Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson among others. A Glam Band from the 70’s their songs have survived through decades and are always heard on soundtracks, streaming, and covers. A huge influence to many artists who came after them they are long overdue for the hall!- 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. - Humble Pie
Humble Pie formed as a supergroup in the end of the 60s and went on to produce music that influenced many artists and top rock hits that are played to this day. Members were entertaining and extremely talented that went on to do so much more in the rock industry. - 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!
The Carpenters
Siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter lit up the charts with number one hits in the 60s and 70s. Stopping in 83 with the sudden death of Karen their songs still endure to this day. Covered by many and influencing many artists The Carpenters are still considered one of the top greatest duos of all time. Rolling Stone has Karen as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. In all the Hall of Fames except this one, and long overdue!- 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. - Matthew Sweet
Matthew has had many popular releases and has been featured on TV and Movie soundtracks. His original and unique style has won him legions of fans and praises from critics since the late 80s. - 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.
I’m glad that Deep Purple finally received their due. What I am not happy about are bands like Bad Company, Ted Nugent, Jethro Tull, etc., not being inducted. Paul Rodgers has the greatest rock voice of all time; he isn’t called The Voice for nothing. He and Bad Co haven’t even been nominated, let alone inducted. Their songs are still in regular rotation 35-40 years after they debuted. Yet, rap crap like NWA, pop crap like Madonna, and other unworthy acts that don’t even sing/play rock music get inducted. The museum ought to be called the CROCK and Roll Hall of Fame. I will never visit it until it inducts Bad Company, Nugent, Tull, Yes, etc. It is a joke.
With all the complaints about the many performers not included, I’m going to complain about the list on this website and every single comment because of one GIANT snub: THREE DOG NIGHT !!! How can they not be discussed here??? Only had THREE #1 hits and were the most popular band from about 1968 to 1972. Tons of great hits, sold lots of albums, sold out a zillion concerts, and always very popular — name me one other snub who has as much across the board like this? I think the Doobie Brothers and The Guess Who are the only ones that even come close.
How about some long overdue but well deserved love for THREE DOG NIGHT !!!
I loved 3 Dog Night at the same time I loved the Guess Who. Yet I felt TGW sort of outgrew TDN. Today when I hear a TDN song, I enjoy it but it does sound somewhat dated. When I hear a Guess Who song, especially one of their less popular song classics, such as “Star Baby”: to me it sounds just as good as it did the day it was made some 40 plus years ago. I could say the same of ex Guess Who’s Randy Bachman’s BTO classics such as “Takin’ Care of Business” or “Let It Ride”
I’ve said much about The Guess Who. For me, they and The Moody Blues were at the top of the rock heap. But there’s no disputing what you’re saying; Three Dog Night made the adrenaline flow – over and over, for years.
Again the Hall is obviously prejudiced against pop rock. AirPlay, sales, and general lasting popularity do not seem to much sway their decision on who and who doesn’t get in
Again the Hall is obviously prejudiced against pop rock. AirPlay, sales, and general lasting popularity do not seem to much sway their decision on who and who doesn’t get in. I guess that is why no Guess Who, Doobie Brothers, TDN, etc.
How could Tommy James and The Shondells not be in? Crimson & Clover, Draggin the Line, Mony Mony, I Think We’re Alone Now, and others, many of which covered other artists.
Little Feat and The Black Crowes….get em’ in!
where are my comments
Hi Alan – first time commentors are moderated (you wouldn’t believe the amount of spam I deal with 😉 )
That said… all of your comments have been approved and you should be good to go from here on out. And for the record, I 100% agree with you on Jethro Tull. They should on based on the strengh of Thick as a Brick alone!
When someone like Bill Withers and the terrorist Cat Stevens are inducted it makes perfect sense why The Moody Blues, Jethrotull and Yes are excluded
There is only one way to clean up the mess. That would be for someone to start a “Real Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” and define rock and roll before they inducted anyone. If R&R were properly defined, as music instead of a commercial enterprise, no way could the likes of Moody Blues and Jethro Tull be excluded. And no way could Madonna and other pop stars be included.
I totally agree that The Moody Blues and Jethro Tull should have been in long ago, and although Bill Withers is fine for what he died, he is not Rock-n-Roll. As to Cat Stevens, I think he belongs and he is not a terrorist. So many more that should be in as well.
I meant did, not died. Lol!
Why doesn’t anyone mention Ted Nugent? Theses are my top 10 snubs. 1. The Scorpions 2. Moody Blues 3. Deep Purple 4. Styx 5. Peter Frampton 6. Bon Jovi 7. Jethro Tull 8. Sammy Hagar 9. Journey 10. The Monkees (don’t laugh). Actually I could list 50 more aka Chicago. I’m embarrassed for the HOF. Run DMC..really?
There are a lot of overlooked bands (although glad to see Deep Purple and Yes nominated for 2016), but no one has been screwed over like the Moody Blues. Days of Future Passed (1967) was game changing – Mike Pinder’s use of the Mellotron, the album artwork, Justin Hayward’s songwriting. Their music is timeless – a song like Question written about the state of the world in 1970 – lyrics still very relevant today. I really hope they get in there in my lifetime – all versions of the group, from Denny Laine’s to the present
SUZI QUATRO!!!!!! First front woman in a rock and roll band, wearing leather and playing a Bass guitar, no less! Big influence and major success! Where is her nomination!
Lol! Joking right????
I would never even consider going to the rock hall of fame. Not after reading all the “BIG” names they have snubbed. I read the list of people that are in and I never even heard of about 30% of them. I think that place in Cleveland is a big joke. They should have built it in Philadelphia like they wanted to. I think they must have all teenagers on the board.People that dont know anything about music at all.
I used to feel really bad that one of my favorites the j.geils band never got in but then I saw some of the other snubs the cars Chicago cheap trick I don’t hate her but joan jett got in give me a break
Deep purple should be the first of all rock bands
WHAT ABOUT THE DOOBIE BROTHERS. STILL TOUR TO THIS DAY LIKE ALOT OF OTHER GREAT BANDS…JUST A FEW THINGS THEY SUPPOSEDLY WANT FROM BANDS. DOOBIES PLAY BLUES,ROCK,COUNTRY,JAZZ,GOSPEL, POP. THEY ALSO HAVE HITS IN ALL GENERES. NOT TO NAME THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN THE BAND ALL THESE YEARS. NOT TO EVEN TO SAY HOW LONG THEY HAVE SURVIVED THROUGH ALL THESE CHANGES…I GUESS IF YA AIN,T KISSIN THE RIGHT ASSES YOUR NOT GUNNA GET IN…NIRVANA, COME ON….LOOK AT ALL THE GREAT BANDS ON THAT LIST ABOVE..PLEASE THEY CAN’T EXPLAIN THOSE BANDS NOT GETTING IN. AND TO EVEN LIST LOS LOBOS GIVE ME A BREAK….
Seriously, why isn’t Carly Simon in the Hall yet? She’s made a significant contribution, musically….
Jimmy Buffett not being in is crazy. 40 year career, millions of records sold, everyone who knows rock and roll knows at least 10 of his songs by heart. No to mention he still sells out concerts and has created his own r&r culture. But like like he said in his song. They won’t play my songs on my hometown radio. He just won’t kiss their asses
Replace KISS with Ronnie James Dio. Definitely deserves to be in.
I don’t disagree on Dio… but KISS definitely should be there as well.
I really enjoyed this website. Just finished watching Justin Hayward on PBS and had to start fishing around for more info. I grew up with all these bands. I’m shocked by the bands left out of the RRHOF! These bands were huge in the 60’s and 70’s!!!
Last season on AGT, Howard Stern called out the HOF for not having the Moody Blues in there. A contestant by the name of Emily West sang “Knights in White Satin” and killed it! It was awesome. Go Howard for calling them out! He’s right! Thanks. Great comments.
My mistake, Bill Withers had 4 hit songs according to wiki. Still his album sales were very average with only 2 reaching gold. How does that compare to Journey, Chicago, the Doobies,and the others that had great album sales as well as many singles? Didn’t Chicago have a top 20 song for almost 20 years in a row? The Hall must be all politics.
For some reason, one of the most popular bands of all time is always overlooked. I’ll list just some their accomplishments but I won’t name the band until AFTER you read through a partial list of what they’ve been able to achieve…
1. 6 RIAA Certified Gold records, 3 RIAA Certified Platinum records and 1 RIAA Certified Double Platinum record
2. 7 Grammy Award nominations
3. A Golden Globe Award for Best Movie Sound Track which they wrote and performed all the songs
4. 3 of their songs are listed in BMI’s Top 100 Songs of the 20th Century (actually the 3 songs are in the Top 61). Only John Lennon and Paul Simon top them with 4 each.
5. Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame
6. I’ll stop here and give it away by saying they were also the Opening Act at the Monterey Pop Festival
With all these accomplishments and morem this band has been continually snubbed by the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. They often get overlooked by people commenting about bands that were snubbed!
The band’s name…THE ASSOCIATION
You are correct sir! And they should be in!!!! Great band!
They were the Sound Track to 5th Grade!!!!! ASSOCIATION FOREVER!!!
I love Bat out of Hell II but Meatloaf not worthy of HOF!
I love Meatloaf’s albums, he’s a great entertainer, but not HOF worthy. He’s a performer, and doesn’t really have that many great songs.
I have a lot to say but I don’t have time now. I don’t know about Meatloaf but the exclusion of the Guess Who/BTO, Chicago, Journey, the Moody Blues, the Dobbies, Styx, with a strong case for Foreigner and Todd Rundgren give the hall zero credibility. The prejudice against basic pop/rock, airplay, and sales is unfathomable.
I don’t get how Bill Withers gets in above the 9 groups mentioned above. He had 1 big hit and 1 mid sized hit. I’m sure the sales, popularity, and the current airplay of most if not all the above mentioned groups blows away Mr. Withers. Furthermore his music definitely was NOT rock & roll. Unfortunately that no longer seems to matter