Reader here, the votes have been cast… and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 has been revealed.
The big reveal happened over the weekend on Sunday night’s episode of “American Idol.”
As I expected, my personal favourite, Oasis, was not among this year’s inductees, nor was Mariah Carey, New Order/Joy Division, Billy Idol, the Black Crowes and jam band Phish, who won this year’s fan vote (which has very little actual say in terms of induction).
I’m sure those artists will have many more chances to get in, but let’s take a look at those who will be going in to the Hall this year, starting with my favourite of the bunch, perhaps the greatest Hip-Hop duo of all time, OutKast.
Now every year, we always hear the same people moaning when a rap artist, or country musicians, or other artists that aren’t traditional rock artists are inducted.
“They aren’t Rock! Why are they going in? This is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!”
To that, I say this… stop whining. You know why it’s called the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Because the “Popular Music Hall of Fame” would sound incredibly lame.
For the love of all that is sacred… Rock is an offshoot of Jazz, Blues, Country and Folk, and other forms of music sprung forth from Rock, like Hip-Hop. The world we live in nowadays needs far fewer gatekeepers, and more people welcoming and receptive to art forms that are the slightest bit different than the things that are traditionally mainstream. Old people hated Rock ‘n’ Roll once, too. Get over it.
Anyhoo… Rant over. I got a bit worked up there!
Let’s take a look at this year’s inductees.
First off, the iconic Chubby Checker, the man behind “The Twist.” Frankly, I can’t believe he wasn’t already in the Hall! He’s a pioneer of early Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s high time he got the nod!
Next up, Bad Company, fronted by lead singer Paul Rodgers. They’re the band behind the hit “Can’t Get Enough,” as well as this gem…
Joe Cocker is part of the Class of ’25. The voice behind tracks like “You Are So Beautiful,” the iconic cover of the Beatles’ :With a Little Help From My Friends” (that served as the theme for the classic sitcom “The Wonder Years,” and the inspiration behind John Belushi’s impersonation on SNL, Cocker also gave us this classic…
We continue on with my personal highlights of this year’s class.
First off, following Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Soundgarden goes into the Hall this year. Man, I miss Chris Cornell and that voice!
As well, the White Stripes will be going into the Hall. A big question: will Meg White join Jack White for the induction? She’s stayed out of the limelight since the band called it a day, but she and Jack made magic together. It’s one of the great regrets of my musical fandom, that I didn’t see the White Stripes play in Saskatoon in 2007. Talk about a missed opportunity!
I love the video for “The Hardest Button to Button!”
It’s very cool to see Cyndi Lauper take her place in the Hall. She was massive in the 1980s, from her look, to her voice, to her music.
I will always love “Time After Time.”
From “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Money Changes Everything,” She Bop” and “True Colors,” to “Goonies R Good Enough,” Cyndi has more than made her mark on the world of music.
And finally, my favourite of this year’s inductees, Atlanta’s own OutKast. Andre 3000 and Big Boi have always been non-traditional, taking their music in strange new direction, following the beat of their own drum. Hip-Hop used to be very New York and L.A.-based, until OutKast came along. As Dre said at the 1995 Source Awards, “The South got something to say.” OutKast kicked down the door, broke barriers, and made music that was catchy as hell, with a great amount of storytelling within.
Case in point…
Awesome.
There are some inductees going in in special categories as well. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will be recognized with the Musical Influence Award. Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye will be honored for Musical Excellence. and Lenny Waronker, noted producer and DreamWorks/Warner Bros. Records executive, will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Congrats to all of this year’s honourees, who will be inducted November 8th in Los Angeles.
Let the speculation begin on who’ll be part of the Class of ’26!
Comments