12 Of The Most Talented Musicians Who Deserve To Be In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, and Nirvana. These are just a few of the rock and roll legends that have been given the honor of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Whether someone is inducted posthumously or not, the recognition is only given to those who have helped to shape the genre of rock and roll and keep it moving forward. While getting into the Hall of Fame isn't the goal of the majority of musicians, it is clear when certain artists are deserving. 25 years after a group or artists release their first album, they become eligible to be inducted.
These are the artists who meet all of the criteria but aren't in the Hall of Fame for some reason. Keep reading through this list and leave a comment with who you think should make it or if we forgot someone! Let's dive into this list of yet-to-be-recognized rock heroes!
Jethro Tull
Some people may say that this wiery-haired flutist and his band don't deserve to be in the same Hall Of Fame as bands like Led Zeppelin and Chuck Berry. However, the fact that they beat Metallica for the first-ever Grammy for Hard Rock-Metal in 1989 is evidence enough. The group first achieved success in 1969, when they reached No.1 in the UK with the album Stand Up. After that, they transitioned to have a more progressive rock style.
The albums throughout their career were well received, and they ended up selling around 60 million records worldwide. Among those albums, he had eleven gold and five platinum albums. Rolling Stone even described them as being "one of the most commercially successful and eccentric progressive rock bands."
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band that was assembled in 1975 in Leyton, East London. In the 1980s, the group began to achieve commercial success and became known as primary pioneers of new wave British heavy metal. During that time, the band experienced numerous changes in its line-up but went on to release several gold and platinum albums in both the UK and the United States.
In total, the band's discography has reached 38 albums, with sixteen studio albums, twelve live albums, and seven compilations. Unfortunately, the band never had a crossover hit that became popular with groups other than metalheads. This is the only explanation as to why the group is yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Pixies
The Pixies were formed in 1968 in Boston, Massachusetts. They were another band that emerged from alternative rock, which became a massively popular genre. However, their style, song structures, and lyrics by Black Francis differentiated them from the rest. After rising in popularity in the United States, they eventually became a worldwide phenomenon.
Although, at the time, they didn't have very many albums, and the ones they did have sold modestly, they have been credited as being a direct influence on other high-profile bands. Nirvana, Radiohead, Blur, Weezer, and others all reference The Pixies. Even artists like David Bowie, U2, Kings of Leon, and Arcade Fire give them a nod.
Joy Division
Considering that every trendy kid in the world owns a Joy Divison t-shirt, you would think that they are popular enough to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Yet, that's not the case. Formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester, the band is credited as being pioneers of the post-punk scene.
Their debut album Unknown Pleasures became a massive success although their success was short-lived when lead singer-songwriter Ian Curtis took his own life in 1980. Two months later, the band put out Order, with the single, "Love Will Tear Us Apart," which became a worldwide sensation. Today, they are still referenced by many successful musicians of all genres as being one of their primary influences.
Soundgarden
Soundgarden was a grunge band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984. The band was comprised of singer and guitarist Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Hiro Yamamoto, and drummer Matt Cameron. Soundgarden has been credited as being one of the main creators of grunge music and other bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains fell in behind them. Their 1994 album Superunknown debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 and also produced Grammy-winning songs like "Black Hole Sun" and "Spoonman."
As of 2012, the band had sold over 25 million records worldwide and was ranked No.14 in VH!'s special 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. Even after Cornell passed away in May 2017, it doesn't look like they'll be considered for the Hall Of Fame anytime soon.
Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio or simply, "Dio" is remembered for his "raging compassion for the lost rock & roll children in his audience." During his 50-year career, he was a heavy metal singer, songwriter, and musician. He was the frontman and founder for numerous groups including Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Elf, Dio, and Heaven & Hell. Known for his medieval lyricism and imagery, he is also credited with starting the rock "devil horns" hand gesture.
Over the course of his career, he was awarded the "Rock Guru Award," "Rock Honour," "Best Metal Singer," and more. Although he passed away in 2010, Dio himself is yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, he has been inducted into several others.
Pavement
Coming out of Stockton, California, Pavement is an American rock band that formed in 1989. The band originally had no intentions of becoming famous, but after they gained underground attention, they began to focus on their sound and really put added effort into their music. The group had a ten-year career where they released five full-length albums and nine EPs.
Their hit song "Cut Your Hair" caught the attention of the public and established them as a legitimate indie rock group. Although they passed up major record labels to stick with independent ones, they're now considered one of the most influential bands to come out of the underground in the 1990s. Many indie rock groups today can trace their roots back to Pavement who played a huge role in the development of the genre.
Slayer
Hailing from Huntington Park, California in 1981, Slayer is a thrash metal band with a reputation for being involved with more than a few controversies. However, the band has also been considered to be one of the most influential groups in thrash metal with their third album Reign in Blood described as one of the most influential thrash albums of all time.
Over the span of their career, the group has won Grammy Awards, Kerrang! Awards, Metal Storm Awards, and more. They have also been considered the best of the "Big Four" bands which consist of Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and themselves. These guys are about as rock and roll as it gets and deserve to join the other greats in the hall of fame.
Sonic Youth
Regarded by many as this generation's Velvet Underground is Sonic Youth. Based in New York City, Sonic Youth began playing together in 1981. Early on, the band established itself as a noise rock group, using unusual guitar tunings and distortions to give the rock guitar a whole new sound and use. Numerous music critics and fans believe they were one of the major players in the development of the alternative and indie rock movements that we see today.
Their influence is obvious on today's countless indie rock bands who owe their identity to Sonic Youth. Although the band may have never reached the success and heights of others, their contribution to the progression of rock music is undeniable and will continue to have an impact as time goes on.
The Smiths
If you consider yourself a rock connoisseur, you know who The Smiths are and why they deserve a place in the hall of fame. Even though they're viewed to be an underground band by some music snobs, their mark on music is undeniable. Formed in Manchester in 1982, they grew in popularity and were considered the most important group to come from the 1980s British independent music scene.
The band's sound comes from their emphasis on the classic rock instruments of guitar, bass, and drums, but are mixed with rock and post-punk tendencies. Although the band dissolved in 1987, their influence remains. They have been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the past but to no avail. Understanding their impact, it's only a matter of time.
King Crimson
King Crimson is an English rock band that has seen more progression and changes than most bands ever have. Forming in 1968, they were a massive influence on the rock movement of the early 1970s and continued to be so today. They didn't stop there. The times changed, and the band followed suit. Throughout the years, the group has adjusted their musical direction and have also been credited with heavily influencing the New Wave scene, as well as the creation of Math Rock in the early 1980s.
Altogether, 21 different musicians have been members of the band, and they've influenced more genres than one over the course of their existence. Yet, they still haven't made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet.
Motley Crue
Few bands embody the spirit and attitude of rock and roll more than Motley Crue. For instance, bassist Nikki Sixx was pronounced dead from a heroin overdose only to wake up, break out of the hospital, and return to partying. Although we don't encourage such behavior, that's very rock and roll. If their persona wasn't enough, since the band's inception in Los Angeles, California in 1981, they have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, with 25 million being sold in the United States alone.
They also have quite the resume of hit songs such as "Dr. Feelgood," "Kickstart My Heart," and "Girls, Girls, Girls," among others. Event though they've been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the same can't be said for the Rock Hall of Fame.
