Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nina Simone and more are up for a chance to be inducted into rock ‘n’ roll’s most prestigious club.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the contenders for its Class of 2018, and it’s extremely star-studded. The list of 19 acts were announced Thursday morning during a SiriusXM broadcast at the Rock Hall, according to cleveland.com.
The 33rd induction ceremony will take place on April 14th at Cleveland’s Public Hall, and the class announcement will be made in December. Usually, about five to seven acts get inducted each year. Last year’s inductees included Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, Journey and more. To be eligible, an artist had to release its first record no less than 25 years prior to the induction year.
The list is pretty diverse this year, so here are some predictions for who will make the cut.
19. The Meters
The Meters cannot be forgotten when it comes to the foundation of funk as a genre. The New Orleans band has performed with stars like the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney, but that might not be enough to get them included in next year's Rock Hall class.
18. Kate Bush
Kate Bush’s influence on modern pop music is as clear as day. Her signature sound can be heard in pop artists like Lorde, Sia, Lady Gaga, Grimes and more. With such a packed ballot this year, she might not make the cut, but deserves the nomination none the less.
17. Rufus with Chaka Khan
This funk band literally launched Chaka Khan’s career. Khan has had a huge influence on rhythm and blues acts throughout history, so this induction just needs to happen. Pretty much everyone has gotten down to “Tell Me Something Good” at one point or another. However, with the lineup this year, it isn’t looking too likely that 2018 will be the year.
16. Eurythmics
Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart’s synth-pop sound was revolutionary for the ‘80s. Even though the group probably won’t be picked this year, they are definitely a solid group to have on the ballot.
15. The J. Geils Band
The J. Geils Band has been nominated before, and is arguably one of the most overlooked classic rock artists. Their more popular songs include “Centerfold” and “Love Stinks,” but rock‘ n’ roll fans can’t deny the genius behind albums like Ladies Invited and their self-titled EP.
14. Dire Straits
The bluesy folk-rock sound of the Dire Straits is non-traditional, but the band has garnered a huge following that cannot be denied. “Sultans of Swing” and “Walk of Life” are some of the most recognizable songs that show off the distinct sound of the group. This year might not be their year, but it will happen eventually.
13. LL Cool J
LL Cool J is a founding member of pop-rap, which is enough alone for him to be inducted. Songs like “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Doin’ It” show an influence that is uncanny.
12. Bon Jovi
It isn’t the first time Bon Jovi has been nominated for the Rock Hall, and it’s not hard to see why. He has had four songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 list, including popular tunes like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Even though the band didn’t make any major innovations in rock, it is an icon that will probably be inducted sooner or later.
11. The Zombies
The Zombies often get overlooked due to the timing of their career. They often are pitted against acts like The Beatles and The Kinks. However, Odessey and Oracle album is highly regarded as one of the most underrated albums of the ‘60s.
10. Depeche Mode
This techno-rock band made their most popular hits in the ‘80s and '90s, such as “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence.” Its influence can be heard in fellow nominee Radiohead, as well as bands like Nine Inch Nails and Muse. The band also has more than 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, so there’s no denying its huge fan-base.
9. The Cars
The influence of The Cars sometimes gets downplayed, but this year may finally be the year the band gets the recognition it deserves. Yes, songs like “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Good Times Roll” aren’t the most innovative rock songs in history, but the band’s more underrated synth tracks can be seen in popular artists like the Smashing Pumpkins and Collective Soul.
8. Link Wray
Link Wray’s early guitar playing transcends genres and decades. The opening of “Rumble” features some of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history. This induction is long overdue.
7. Moody Blues
The Moody Blues is definitely a popular pick by many to be included in the Rock Hall, and for good reason. “Nights in White Satin” has been played on Spotify more than 34 million times, which just shows the popularity of the slow jam tune. The band finally earned its first nomination this year, and deserves to get in for their tremendous influence on progressive rock and concert albums.
6. MC5
Kick Out the Jams is enough to get MC5 into the Rock Hall alone. Plus, the more punk in the Rock Hall, the better. That’s all that needs to be said.
5. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s early influence cannot go unrecognized. She has influenced acts like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Chuck Berry who literally created the rock genre as a whole, which means she basically has to be inducted.
4. Judas Priest
Another first-time fan favorite, heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest will probably get in this year. One of their most recognizable songs “Breaking the Law” is a clear example of how the band completely changed what rock music could be.
3. Rage Against the Machine
It’s the first year this rap-rock group is eligible for nomination. The band’s political undertones and distinct style show the innovation of the group . Plus, popular songs like “Killing the Name” and “Renegades of Funk” are widely known.
2. Radiohead
It’s also the first year Radiohead is eligible to be on the Rock Hall ballot. The group’s popularity has stayed constant for the past 25 years, so it will be a complete shock if they don’t get inducted. Popular songs like “15 Step,” “Karma Police” and “Subterranean Homesick Alien” show why the band deserves to be in the Rock Hall, even if they don’t care whether or not they are inducted.
1. Nina Simone
Nina Simone is one of the most influential musicians of all time and it’s about time she gets in the Rock Hall. The number of people she’s influenced is endless, but includes big names like Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Elton John, Madonna, Bono, Kanye West, Beyonce, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, etc. etc. etc. If she somehow gets overlooked for this year’s ceremony, it would be a complete travesty.
