Well, let's start with a positive.
Judas Priest is FINALLY going into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!! To say it's long overdue is an understatement! They came in 6th in the fan voting but apparently someone in the induction committee came to their senses. 50 years of heavy metal, 18 albums released, millions of copies sold... it's great to see them being recognized!
Also included in the Class of 22, Pat Benatar, who also deserves to be included. As does legendary record executive and producer Jimmy Iovine. He has produced some legendary artists like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and fellow inductees The Eurythmics, before starting Interscope Records where he signed Nine Inch Nails, Elton John and Smash Mouth (hey, they sold a lot of records).
Now, I don't want to take away from any of the accomplishments the rest of the class has achieved in their storied careers, but this is the "Rock and Roll" Hall of Fame. Dolly Parton is going in. She even came out and said a couple of months ago, thanks, but it's not where I belong (she said this week that she would indeed accept if nominated). Does this mean that The Rolling Stones should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame?
Lionel Richie, Harry Belafonte? We haven't run out of rock artists, Iron Maiden still isn't in the Hall. All of these artists have made huge contributions to music in their careers, pop music even, but not all are Rock.
Maybe I'm getting hung up on the name. But also look at the bands who were first inducted and where the Hall began. Maybe a name change is in order here.
Congrats to the winners, but I'm losing interest.
-Walt
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Class of 2022-