A while back I read a story about the inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That was the first time I realized that the band Yes has never been inducted. Some have ascribed their absence to the fact that Yes is considered Progressive or “Prog” Rock, and yeah, they let Pink Floyd in under that category, but let’s not get carried away.
I decided to take a look at what other bands have been given the cold shoulder by the RRHOF. So wrap your head around this-conspicuously absent from the roster, in addition to Yes: Jethro Tull, Moody Blues, Deep Purple, Doobie Brothers, Blue Oyster Cult, Journey, Steppenwolf, Steve Miller Band, Chicago. Just to name a few of the snubbed bands.
Well you might say, maybe it’s just that there’s so many amazing rock legends that they just haven’t gotten around to everyone yet. You might say that, and yet you would be so freakin’ wrong. Let’s see who has been inducted under the guise of rock and roll: Donovan, Donna Summer, Ricky Nelson, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Sex Pistols, Run DMC, Parliament-Funkadelic.
Understand that I enjoy all of these artists and I have caterwauled and “danced” along to their music for years. Some would say for way too many years. Many would say that I should enjoy rock and roll quietly, in a corner. To those people I say; I understand why you feel that way. My singing and dancing leave much to be desired, like holding a tune and moving in time to the music.
But my point is this (didn’t think I had one, did you?), if they’re going to split hairs about types of rock and exclude Prog Rock, how exactly do these other artists fit in? What exactly are the criteria for induction? According to the website (bolding is mine):
“To be eligible for induction as an artist (as a performer, composer, or musician) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the artist must have released a record, in the generally accepted sense of that phrase, at least 25 years prior to the year of induction; and have demonstrated unquestionable musical excellence. We shall consider factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique, but musical excellence shall be the essential qualification of induction.”
In what universe is Yes not eligible based on these criteria? You want to make an argument this doesn’t apply to freakin’ Jethro Tull? Go ahead. Make my day.
You may sense that I have a certain bitterness about this situation. Aren’t you perceptive! I have taken this rather personally and now I’m steamed. I think this is what they call a “First World Problem” meaning I don’t have anything real to bitch about like war and famine and poverty. Fine. But after we solve all that other stuff, it’s time to right this Egregious Musical Wrong. And I know just how to do it.
The new criteria for induction into the RRHOF: all the stuff they already use as criteria, but also whether or not the music gives my mom a splitting headache. Because rock and roll gives my mom a migraine and other vaguely defined ailments. And I guarantee you that Yes and Jethro Tull and Deep Purple would give my mom a whopper of a headache.
I know this because of all the years I got yelled at to turn it down because she was getting a headache. Which frankly, and no offense mom, gave me a headache. Also, the trauma of growing up listening to Muzak in the car or that stuff they call “soft rock” which barely qualifies as actual music. Music to Die By.
So you want to know why I’m bitter about this Hall of Fame situation? It’s because of all that stuff. Blame my mom.
P.S. Love you mom! And when I visit next month I’m going to bring lots of music for you to listen to and tell me if you get a headache. I know you can’t wait!
You’ve just proven that mother knows best. Way to go!
I think my mom wants to adopt you now…
Jim is upset that the Monkees never made it, yet they wrote many songs for people who have been inducted.
Very good point! I’m adding them to the list of absent bands that’s hacking me off. Just for Jim!
Can’t believeYes is not there. Didn’t know that. Is it too late?
Cj agrees with you that Yes should be in RRHOF. He says he doesnt give a “ratsass” about it though because its a tourist attraction in Cleveland. Thought i’d share a little cj wisdom.
Funny, cause you know what I don’t give a rat’s ass about? Oops! I meant thank you for sharing those pearls of wisdom from CJ…
It’s never too late! March on Washington!
Oh, you got me started on the RRHOF ridiculous decision-making. Up here in the land of the north, it was just this past fall that 2 staples of Canadian Rock were inducted after significant pressure: RUSH (3rd best selling rock band of all time), and HEART (okay, not actually a Canadian band, but they cut their teeth in Vancouver while dodging conscription back in the day.
Okay, I feel better now…thanks!
Glad you could vent! I know Rush had a hard time getting in and they are one of my favorites. Love Heart too and have seen them in concert several times. But I guess since they are lead by two girls it took a while longer. 🙁
Hi Jill,
I may or may not have mentioned that I spent the 1990’s writing a progressive rock paper covering bands such as Yes, ELP, King Crimson, etc. etc. etc. so Yes getting ultimately snubbed for RRHOF is near and dear to my heart.
Nirvana was inducted, yet I don’t believe that magic 25 year mark had been hit – or it had JUST hit. Is “Roundabout” not “rock”? And while not a reason to be inducted, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” is very much “rock” (more pop than prog).
Some day they’ll make it.
We are kindred spirits! That paper sounds amazing. I think King Crimson almost made it in? But ELP and Yes don’t seem to have a shot. It’s criminal.
Well, normally I agree with absolutely everything you say but I did walk out on a Jethro Tull concert. But the Doobies and Moody Blues? Just so wrong!
Oh Kate. I hate it when we are not absolutely of a single mind. We’ll have to agree to disagree on Jethro Tull…
OMG! I just realized that you are not perfect. Almost but not quite…
Eerie, because I just had the exact same realization about you! Like Avis, you just need to try harder. 🙂
I love you, Jill (as well as Yes, Jethro Tull, Chicago, the Doobie Brothers, etc). This post did NOT give me a headache.
Aww, I’m feelin’ the love!! And so glad you don’t have a headache. 🙂
The list of those absent is egregious – I think we need to start a campaign. Well, you start the campaign, ’cause I would definitely vote with you.
It’s on my to do list! Angry Rock and Roll Campaign