FOO FIGHTERS, THE GO-GO’S, Jay-Z, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Tina Turner will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year.
Additionally, LL Cool J, Billy Preston, and Randy Rhoads will receive the Musical Excellence Award.
Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame president and CEO Greg Harris was he would respond to those who suggested it should be more accurately called the Music Hall of Fame, the Rock Hall president stated:
“I think to get to the core of it, people like the stuff that’s closest to them, and I think they need to expand their thinking of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a big tent.”
He further added:
“Rock ‘n’ roll was never just four skinny guys with long hair and guitars; it’s always been diverse… We take that interpretation that these are all variants of rock ‘n’ roll. And I think, underneath it, it frequently gets to the hip-hop question because some people are not fans. Well, the fact of the matter is that ship has sailed. We’ve inducted quite a few artists in that canon. It’s a big tent and everybody fits under it. It’s an attitude, it’s a spirit, and that’s rock ‘n’ roll.”
Earlier Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame president and CEO Greg Harris joined Audacy host Ryan Castle to talk about the announcement of the 2021 inductees and get his take on what to expect during this year’s ceremony.
When asked about Dee Snider‘s recent comment that the heavy metal genre isn’t respected enough by the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Harris responded:
“It’s an interesting one because we do. We celebrate all forms of rock and roll. They were nominated, and we’ve nominated [IRON] MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST have been nominated, we put DEF LEPPARD in…
“Those that are nominated, over 80 percent of them eventually do get inducted,” he continued.
“So it’s really a question of, let’s keep nominating them, let’s get ’em on the ballot, and let’s get it out to the voting body. Incredible bands, no doubt — truly worthy of nomination, truly worthy of consideration. This ballot had sixteen artists on it… and five would have been terrific. They just can’t all go in. So this year these are the six. And we’re excited to see what next year brings.”
Last month, Paul Stanley tweeted:
“Regardless of whether it matters to them, MAIDEN not being in the @rockhall of Fame is INSANITY. Regardless of who is writing in or not, the Committee must induct them. They have helped spawn an entire genre of music. What else do you need to do?? @IronMaiden”
Here’s the statement from the chairman John Sykes:
“This is our most diverse class in the history of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.”
“It really represents Hall‘s ongoing commitment to honor the artists that have created not only rock and roll, but the sound of youth culture.”
Fans are disappointed once again to see Iron Maiden getting snubbed by Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Here are some of the responses from Maiden fans:
“F&$k the RNR HOF. They’re a joke. Iron Maiden has been on the frontline of rock for over 40yrs. I know cuz I was 10 when I first heard them and still listen to and see whenever I can. Iron Maiden will be relevant for yrs to come still. Up the Irons to the HoF”
“Further proving the RnR hall of fame is a joke. Maiden along side sabbath and priest are one of the most influential metal bands to walk the earth.”
“The R&R HOF is so weak, being included would be a stain for great bands like Maiden or Priest”
“HOF is a great thing if you take crazy pills to stay out of prison.”
“Absolutely disgraceful. Maiden is THE premier metal band. They defined a generation of metal. Complete garbage.”
“How in the absolute F–K does Iron Maiden get snubbed for the R&R hall of fame, but LL Drool J and Jay- Z get in? Sorry folks hip hop isnt and will never be rock and roll. Friggin’ wake up!”