Rock and heavy metal fans have long had a contentious relationship with the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The institution has often ignored fan-favorite bands of the genres, and in many cases, it takes serious campaigning for deserving bands to get recognition from the Hall.
So it should come as little surprise that when the Rock Hall announced its Class of 2023 that rock and metal fans were again upset with the institution and its lack of inclusion concerning the bands that represent the genre the Hall is named after.
Rage Against The Machine was the only act among those inducted with any real ties to heavy metal or hard rock. Along with Rage, Willie Nelson, Missy Elliott, Kate Bush, George Michael, Sheryl Crow and The Spinners will be inducted during a ceremony in Brooklyn on November 3. Other artists to be honored with the Musical Excellence Award include Chaka Khan, Al Cooper and Bernie Taupin. The Musical Influence Award will honor DJ Kool Herc and legendary rockabilly guitarist Link Wray. The late creator and host of “Soul Train” Don Cornelius is this year’s recipient of the Ahmet Ertegun Award, which honors non-performing industry professionals.
Iron Maiden and Soundgarden were both nominated, but neither will be inducted this year.
One of the more vocal critics of Wednesday’s announcement was Chris Jericho, who simply tweeted: “Dear @rockhall, F*CK OFF. That is all. @RollingStone.”
Jericho previously said that rock acts shouldn’t be too concerned with what institutions like the Rock Hall and Grammys think, but like any other passionate rock fan, the exclusion of certain bands simply makes no sense to the FOZZY frontman.
Numerous hard rock and heavy metal artists didn’t even make the nominations list earlier this year. Notable snubs include: Foreigner, Motörhead, Styx, Boston, Thin Lizzy, REO Speedwagon, Pantera, Ronnie James Dio, Motley Crue, Jethro Tull, Sammy Hagar, MC5, J. Geils Band, Eddie Money, Danzig (and/or Misfits), Alice In Chains and Smashing Pumpkins, among others.
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