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 that 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 that meet all of the criteria, but for some reasons still aren't in the hall of fame. Read on for more...
Without Iron Maiden, Some Of Our Favorite Metal Bands Wouldn't Exist
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.
Rage Against The Machine Made Audiences Think About Society Differently
Formed in Los Angeles in 1991, Rage Against the Machine is a rap metal band that is known for their politically-charged songs. The group exploded in popularity in 1992 after they released their self-titled album, Rage Against the Machine. In 2003, the album was ranked 368 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time with their 2003 record The Battle of Los Angeles ranked as 426 on the same list.
During the band's nine years together, they were deemed as innovators of the nu-metal scene and one of the most popular and influential bands of all time by music journalist Collin Devenish. As of 2010, the band has sold over 16 million records as their fans patiently wait for them to be inducted.
Ozzy Osbourne Still Hasn't Been Inducted Alone, Not That He Cares
With the title of "The Godfather of Heavy Metal," it would only make sense that Ozzy Osbourne would be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although he was inducted as a member of Black Sabbath, he's more than deserving to be inducted simply as himself. Also known as "The Prince of Darkness," Osbourne had a successful career as a member of Black Sabbath, one of the first-ever heavy metal bands, he also had a flourishing solo career.
He has a star on the Birmingham Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has been awarded the Global Icon Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for his success in music. Doctors are also convinced his DNA has been altered from all of the controlled substances he has consumed in his life. If all of that isn't enough for even a nomination, we don't know what is.
Judas Priest Helped Metal Progress
Forming in West Bromwich in 1969, Judas Priest is a heavy metal band that has frequently been ranked as one of the greatest bands of all time. Surprisingly, at the beginning of their music career, they had issues keeping bandmates, problems with record production, and troubles with overall public recognition. However, after they simplified their sound in 1980 on the album British Steel, everything changed. They finally achieved the success that they were looking for.
Judas Priest became the epitome of heavy metal music. Even their style of studded clothing and flamboyant costumes influenced glam rock in the 1980s. As of now, they've sold over 50 million copies worldwide. The band has been nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but with no success. They aren't exactly thrilled waiting on that recognition.
Joy Division Helped Start Indie Rock
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.
Ronnie James Dio Was A Jack-Of-All-Trades
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.
Slayer Is The King Of Thrash Metal
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.
The Smiths Are Considered One Of The Most Influential British Groups Of The '80s
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.
Motley Crue Is The Essense Of Rock And Roll
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.
The Doobie Brothers Are 50 Years Young
The Doobie Brothers began playing music together back in 1970 in San Jose, California. At the time, the lead singer was Tom Johnston. However, in 1975 Johnston left the group and was replaced by Michael McDonald who was frontman up until 1982, when Johnston returned to the band.
Over the course of their almost 50-year music career, the group has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and are guaranteed to be in any rock lover's musical arsenal. Although they saw the most success during the 1970s, they are still active today and deserve some recognition for their extensive and notable success throughout the decades.
King Crimson Changed With The Times
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.
Def Leppard Has Gone Where Few Bands Have Before
Def Leppard has been around since 1977, and have had the same musician lineup since 1992. The band gained real popularity in the 1980s during the glam rock craze, with one of their tracks "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" becoming one of the first rock music videos ever shown on MTV. By 1983, songs like "Rock of Ages and "Photograph" were some of the biggest singles in the United States.
During that time, their album Pythons was certified (10x) platinum, making them the most successful band at the moment. Today, Def Leppard has sold over 100 million albums worldwide with Python and Hysteria both receiving RIAA diamond certification. They are one of only five bands with two albums both selling over 210 million copies each, and the other bands are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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The Cure Are Gothic Rock Masters
The English rock ensemble The Cure had its beginnings in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1976. Though the band has seen members come and go throughout the years, the main singer and songwriter Robert Smith has remained. Their debut album Three Imaginary Boys labeled them along with the post-punk and New Wave movements although by the '80s they were considered to be gothic rock.
Their progression towards more pop music with tracks like "Friday I'm In Love" and "Just Like Heaven" brought their music to the general public where they became commercially successful. Currently, they have sold around 13 million albums and have won numerous awards for their work, yet there's still no sign of their induction in sight.
Radiohead Set The Bar For Music In The 1990s
Not that Radiohead cares about being inducted into the Hall Of Fame, their accomplishments make them more than qualified. Although the band was formed in 1985, they began to receive attention when they released their debut single "Creep" in 1992. The track rocketed the group into global stardom and put them in a good position to release their future music.
Their third album, OK Computer has been described as the staple album of the 1990s and even as one of the greatest albums in popular music. By 2011, the band had sold over 30 million records worldwide and appeared on lists for best music of the 1990s and 2000s, Rolling Stone's Greatest Artists of All Time, and more. Luckily, there's still time for them to receive a spot in the Hall Of Fame.
Sonic Youth Changed Music More Than Most People Know
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.
Pavement Didn't Need Fame To Influence Others
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.
Pat Benatar Has Accomplished More Than Most Musicians
Artist Pat Benatar has accomplished more than many of her male counterparts in the rock and roll community. She quickly rose to prominence in 1979 with her debut album In the Heat of the Night and exploded in popularity when she released Crimes of Passion, which had her hit track "Hit Me With Your Best Shot." Her popularity continued to soar throughout her career, and she became one of the biggest female singers of her time.
In total, she is a four-time Grammy winner, has two RIAA-certified multi-platinum albums, five platinum albums, three gold albums, and 15 Billboard Top 40 singles. Nevertheless, she still hasn't been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We wonder why?
Soundgarden Is A Godfather Of Grunge
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.
The Pixies Took Alternative Rock To The Next Level
The Pixies were formed in 1968 in Boston, Massachusettes. They were another band that had spawned out of alternative rock, becoming 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 to 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.
Jethro Tull Beat Metallica At The Grammys
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."
