JOHN 5, guitarist for MÖTLEY CRÜE, has shared his thoughts on a question that continues to frustrate fans of hard rock and heavy metal: why the band has yet to be inducted into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. The topic came up during a recent interview with American Musical Supply, where John 5 addressed the issue with honesty and admiration for the band’s legacy.
Although MÖTLEY CRÜE has been eligible for induction for years, the band remains noticeably absent from the Hall’s roster. As discussions around genre bias and influence continue, John 5’s comments add fresh perspective from within the band itself.
John 5 says the omission is “a head scratcher”
When asked directly why MÖTLEY CRÜE has not yet received the honor, JOHN 5 made it clear that he finds the situation puzzling. While he admitted he does not have insider knowledge of the Hall’s decision-making process, his support for the band’s induction was unmistakable.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
“Oh, I have no idea. I’d vote for ’em. I have no idea. But if it was up to me, I’d have ’em in one day after the 25 years,” he said, referencing the fact that artists are eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single. “Is that what it is? 25 years? I think they should be in it, and I think it’d be wonderful. They deserve it, because I think it’s all about influence. And so many bands, so many countless musicians and bands have been influenced by MÖTLEY CRÜE. And I think it’s what’s important. So, yeah, it’s a head scratcher. But I think they deserve it by far. Yeah.”
Through this response, John 5 emphasized a key point that often fuels Hall of Fame debates: influence. According to him, MÖTLEY CRÜE’s impact on rock and metal culture is undeniable and far-reaching.
The case for Mötley Crüe’s influence
Since emerging in the early 1980s, MÖTLEY CRÜE has remained one of the most recognizable and controversial bands in hard rock history. Their blend of glam metal, shock value, and arena-sized hooks helped define an entire era of music.
Moreover, countless artists across hard rock, metal, and even punk have cited MÖTLEY CRÜE as a major influence. From their visual style to their unapologetic attitude, the band helped shape the sound and image of mainstream rock during a crucial period.
John 5’s argument aligns with what many fans believe: that influence, rather than critical approval or genre politics, should be the primary factor in Hall of Fame recognition.
Not the only major band left out
While MÖTLEY CRÜE’s absence often sparks debate, they are far from alone. Several iconic hard rock and metal acts remain outside the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME, despite decades of commercial success and cultural impact.
Bands such as IRON MAIDEN, SCORPIONS, and STYX have also yet to be inducted. This ongoing pattern has fueled criticism that heavier genres are routinely overlooked in favor of more radio-friendly or critically favored acts.
By contrast, GUNS N’ ROSES was inducted during its first year of eligibility, a move that many fans saw as deserved—but also inconsistent when compared to the continued exclusion of other influential bands.
The 2019 fan vote victory
Adding to the frustration surrounding MÖTLEY CRÜE’s exclusion is the fact that the band won the 2019 “Voice Your Choice” in-museum Rock Hall fan vote. This achievement demonstrated strong public support and renewed interest in the band’s legacy.
However, despite winning the fan vote, MÖTLEY CRÜE failed to make the official list of nominees for the Class of 2020. The disconnect between fan enthusiasm and official recognition raised further questions about how much weight public opinion truly carries in the selection process.
The impact of “The Dirt” resurgence
The band’s popularity experienced a significant resurgence in 2019 following the release of its biopic, The Dirt. The film, which premiered on Netflix in March 2019, introduced MÖTLEY CRÜE to a new generation of listeners while reigniting nostalgia among longtime fans.
As a result, the band’s fan vote numbers surged, reinforcing the idea that their story and music still resonate decades after their debut. Despite this renewed relevance, Hall of Fame recognition remained elusive.
For many supporters, this moment represented a missed opportunity for the institution to acknowledge the band’s enduring cultural presence.
Genre bias and Hall of Fame debates
The ongoing exclusion of MÖTLEY CRÜE has become part of a broader conversation about genre bias within the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. Critics argue that metal and hard rock bands are often judged by different standards than artists from other genres.
While influence, longevity, and cultural impact are frequently cited criteria, their application appears inconsistent. John 5’s comments echo a sentiment shared by many musicians: that the Hall sometimes struggles to fully embrace heavier music, despite its massive global audience.
Why John 5’s opinion carries weight
Although JOHN 5 joined MÖTLEY CRÜE later in the band’s career, his perspective holds credibility. As a respected guitarist with deep roots in rock and metal, he understands the importance of legacy, influence, and recognition.
By speaking openly about the issue, John 5 avoided controversy while still voicing strong support for the band. His remarks were measured, respectful, and rooted in admiration rather than frustration.
A legacy that continues regardless
Whether or not MÖTLEY CRÜE is inducted into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME, their impact on music history remains secure. Album sales, sold-out tours, and lasting influence tell a story that no institution can erase.
Still, for fans and band members alike, Hall of Fame recognition would represent validation of what they already know: that MÖTLEY CRÜE helped shape modern rock culture in a way few bands ever have.
As John 5 put it, the omission remains “a head scratcher.” Until that changes, the debate is likely to continue.
