2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominee Predictions
I was supposed to go to the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony this past May with a friend and also meet up with several other friends I made in the Rock Hall Watching universe over the few years. It would’ve been a blast going to Cleveland and seeing one of my all-time favorite Depeche Mode finally earning their rightful place in the Rock Hall. But with a global pandemic essentially shutting everything down, the 2020 ceremony was postponed and ultimately cancelled earlier this summer. Of course this is disappointing but public safety should be everyone’s number one priority. Well, at least I can enjoy Depeche’s induction on my sofa when the televised special (whatever that comprises of) airs on HBO in a few weeks.
Usually I write my predictions blog sometime in late August, but plans and schedules have changed obviously due to the ongoing pandemic. Now that the Rock Hall’s ceremonies will take place in the Fall going forward (not the spring as in almost every year of its existence), who knows if live events will happen even a year from now. Usually the nominating committee meets sometime after Labor Day and the ballot is officially revealed sometime in early-to-mid October. Several people have written blogs and posted their 2021 predictions on social media. I was on the fence to publish my predictions this soon. On the one hand, we still haven’t officially inducted the 2020 class and it feels kinda wrong. There also seems to be a rush to publish prediction blogs when the nominating committee will apparently meet after the new year. Maybe the actual nominating committee will take a cue from our Mock Nom Com Project and telecommunicate via Zoom as opposed to flying to New York City (as per usual every September). See Mark, if this does happen, we were trendsetters and we’re taking full credit for it! But on the other hand, there’s no point to wait another month or two if my picks are essentially finalized. Given there were 16 nominees last year, I’m sticking with that number for my 2021 predictions, even thou there could 15, 17 or 19 names. Who knows, consistency is not exactly the Rock Hall’s strongest suit. I feel I’m either on the mark or way off in my predictions this year. This might be the year we all get a pass if most of our predictions don’t pan out. Anyway, here’s my predictions:
The B-52’s (Eligible since 2003; Never Nominated): This spot is designated for an important and influential 80s alternative band. Initially I thought the return of either The Replacements, Jane’s Addiction or Devo. Potential first-time nominations for Sonic Youth and the Pixies also came to mind, but then I realized commercial success largely eluted these artists and figured it would have to be someone who is more of a household name. Which led me to choose a personal favorite who I consider one of the biggest snubs of them all: The B-52’s. They created a distinct musical style all their own and became one of the first new wave artists to gain mainstream exposure. Their quirky lyrics and utterly ridiculous fashion choices made them a definitive and beloved new wave act. It also helps The B-52’s have several popular songs that everyone knows and loves. Queer artists, in particular, are severely underrepresented as inductees and if diversity and inclusivity is really John Sykes’ mission for a better Rock Hall, look no further than the legendary B-52’s.
Bad Company (Eligible since 1999; Never Nominated): I predicted Bad Company two years ago, but for some reason I’m thinking this will be their year. Not much to add that I haven’t said previously, but I think there’s a few things going in their favor. First, Steven Van Zandt is a noted fan of the band and often plays them on his Underground Garage station on SiriusXM. Besides maybe Jethro Tull and Foreigner, Bad Company is probably the most widely-played band on Classic Rock Radio currently not inducted into the Hall. Too many hits and AOR staples to ignore. But lastly, Paul Rodgers should be enshrined as one of Rock’s greatest vocalists. He is ranked #55 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers and one of the highest-ranked non-Rock Hall inductees. After the Doobie Brothers’ induction next month, Bad Company is one of the next classic rock bands that should be up for consideration.
Pat Benatar (Eligible since 1999; Nominated in 2020): When Pat Benatar wasn’t selected as a 2020 inductee, most RHWs (including myself) were stunned. But in hindsight, critics rarely lauded her work and those are the ones who consistently turn in their ballots every year. Even Heart and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts had to receive multiple nominations before getting inducted, so perhaps female-centered rock acts have a tougher road for induction. But given Benatar’s strong performance on the fan vote (finished in second place), I’m willing to bet the nominating committee gives her another chance despite Benatar’s delayed reaction to her nomination last year.
Big Star (Eligible since 1997; Never Nominated): This spot is reserved for a beloved cult band with a small but highly influential discography. MC5 have occupied this spot for several years and they aren’t panning out. Some predict the New York Dolls might return after a two-decade absence, but I think their time will come after that Martin Scorsese documentary on David Johansen is released. So the next band that might occupy that spot are power pop pioneers Big Star. Nominating committee member Holly George-Warren wrote a biography on Alex Chilton back in 2014 and Big Star just seems like one of those names that could pop up in any given year. They are one of the main influences on alternative and college rock radio, especially on the likes of 2007 inductees R.E.M. and 2014 nominees The Replacements (who even penned a song in his honor). All 3 of their albums appeared on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums list at some point and 2 of their songs (“September Gurls” and “Thirteen”) are ranked on their 500 Greatest Songs list. Given their critical acclaim and high regard by their peers, it’s shocking Big Star hasn’t already gotten a nomination.
Dave Matthews Band (Eligible since 2018; Nominated in 2020): Nominated in their second year of eligibility, the Dave Matthews Band surprisingly received a Rock Hall nomination last year. Given their rabid fan base, they would finish first but ultimately did not receive induction—the first time this has happened since the inception of the fan vote. Most people who follow the Rock Hall would think topping the fan vote would automatically lead to induction, but that wasn’t the case last year. A lot of people complained about their nomination and I get it. Yes, there’s at least a dozen 90’s-era artists that are more artistically and historically important than the Dave Matthews Band. But perhaps no currently-eligible artist would sell out a ceremony as quickly as them. Beyond their staggering commercial success (7 consecutive #1 albums and selling over 30 million records), the Dave Matthews Band has one of the most distinctive sounds of any rock in the last three decades. Their multiracial lineup would also allow several black musicians (most of whom are alive by the way) to become inductees and that alone should be a reason for anyone to support their nomination.
Eurythmics (Eligible since 2006; Nominated in 2018): Given their sole nomination occurred on a classic rock-heavy ballot, the Eurythmics probably didn’t stand much of a chance despite finishing seventh on that year’s fan vote. On the heels of The Cure and Depeche Mode’s inductions, new wave artists such as the Eurythmics have never had a better chance. Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox released videos and social media posts supporting their nomination, which is a good sign if the Rock Hall is looking for artists to show up and perform at the annual ceremony. They are also among the most respected, acclaimed, and well-liked people in the music industry. Late last year, they performed together for the first time in nearly 5 years at a benefit concert held by Sting. With former MTV co-founder John Sykes as the new chairman of the Rock Hall, the Eurythmics are one of many artists who will likely benefit from his recent appointment. Both Stewart and Lennox appear as interviewees in the recent documentary I Want My MTV featuring several members of the nominating committee including Sykes.
Foo Fighters (Eligible since 2020; Newly Eligible): I will admit, I’ve had a hard time justifying why the Foo Fighters should be nominated in their first year of eligibility (FYE). Sure, they are a consistently good rock band with several hit records and played to millions of fans, but journeymen bands rarely get inducted FYE (an exception is Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers). But there’s no denying their status as one of the most popular rock bands of the last quarter-century. In the aftermath of Kurt Cobain’s death, Dave Grohl stepped away from his drum set and fronted the newly-formed Foo Fighters in the fall of 1994. Perhaps more than any band of that era, the Foo Fighters transitioned grunge to more of a traditional and minimalistic alternative and hard rock sound. They are one of the longest-tenured rock bands still around and even had plans to release their tenth studio album to celebrate their 25th anniversary (the release is postponed due to the pandemic). Foo Fighters’ chances for an FYE induction largely depends on the likability of Grohl, often called one of the nicest people in the industry, and if inducted Grohl would be only the second person inducted twice as an FYE inductee (John Lennon is the only one to accomplish this feat). Something also worth mentioning is they won 12 Grammys, the most of any rock band currently eligible for induction. And Grohl is apparently gonna give the opening remarks on the HBO telecast next month, so yeah they will likely be on the ballot.
Jay-Z (Eligible since 2020; Newly Eligible): After 2pac and Biggie’s inductions, Jay-Z will likely be the next hip-hop artist considered—and likely inducted—into the Rock Hall in his first year of eligibility. He is probably the most successful and critically-acclaimed rapper eligible for induction and he is simply too big of a name to ignore. He is ranked on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists list, which definitely matters given the Hall’s connection to the legendary publication. He’s also won 22 Grammys, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (the first rapper to do so) and The Blueprint was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Registry last year. I’m 99% sure he will get inducted next year, even if it’s a little disappointing it won’t happen at the Barclays Center where he was once an investor.
Kool & The Gang (Eligible since 1994; Never Nominated): Even before the recent passing of founding member Ronald Bell, Kool & The Gang remains one of the strangest omissions from the Rock Hall. Initially starting in jazz, they excelled in every genre and style they played: R&B, Funk, Pop, Disco, Rock and Adult Contemporary. They could do it well and so successfully. Some of their songs are iconic (“Celebration,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Ladies’ Night” to name a few) that they are embedded in our popular culture consciousness that we don’t even realize it. Questlove will likely be their advocate and he has discussed their importance in various social media posts and tribute playlists/videos on YouTube. Maybe he’ll even bring that chart he made at the 2014 Soul Train Awards to prove how important Kool & The Gang’s contributions to hip-hop sampling truly are. This could finally be their year.
Kraftwerk (Eligible since 1995; Nominated in 2003, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020): Here’s the thing…Kraftwerk should’ve been inducted decades ago and their snub is getting worse with each passing year. Despite six prior nominations, their chances for induction are stronger than ever. Co-founder Florian Schneider’s death last spring definitely serves as a reminder for the voting body to honor these artists while they are still alive and able to attend the ceremony. But more importantly the recent inductions of Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails work well in Kraftwerk’s favor. These two bands wouldn’t exist without Kraftwerk’s contributions and innovations. The announcement of six additional members of Nine Inch Nails could be seen as a tactic to give bands like Kraftwerk an extra push towards induction.
Motörhead (Eligible since 2002; Nominated in 2020): Of the hard rock and metal choices from last year’s ballot, Motörhead stands the best chance to reappear. After Alan Light mentioned Judas Priest’s apparently weak performance years ago, I doubt they did much better last year. I could be wrong but it’s just a hunch. This spot could also go to Thin Lizzy whose late frontman Phil Lynott is widely respected by many high-profile rockers. They are a wild card choice that could easily make another appearance. But Motörhead’s combination of punk and metal led to the beginnings of the new wave of British heavy metal. Plus it helps Lemmy is a rock icon whose stature continues to grow each year. Unlike Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy, Motörhead are more well-liked by critics and possess the industry respect needed for induction into the Rock Hall. If not Motörhead, we could finally see Iron Maiden as a nominee. It’s worth mentioning that Iron Maiden finished in the top 5 of the Museum’s fan kiosks of the last two years.
Harry Nilsson (Eligible since 1992; Never Nominated): Todd Rundgren was the lone singer-songwriter type nominated last year and he struck out twice with the voting body. Given his lackluster performance on the most recent fan vote, I doubt he returns next year and instead they nominate another long overdue rock chameleon from that same era. And for whatever reason, my gut instinct is telling me it’s Harry Nilsson. The sheer fact Nilsson has yet to receive a Rock Hall nomination is astounding. If there’s one thing the Rock Hall loves, it’s anything related to the Beatles. They famously said in an interview that Nilsson was their favorite American artist and he even befriended John and Ringo in later years. With the release of the posthumous album Losst and Founnd last November (25 years after his death), now seems like the time to honor one of rock’s most talented, rebellious and creative talents.
Rage Against the Machine (Eligible since 2017; Nominated in 2018, 2019): Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a trend from the nominating committee: nominating an artist two years in a row, leaving them off a year and bringing them back the following year which leads to their induction. It worked for Janet Jackson and Depeche Mode, so why not Rage Against the Machine? They have respect from both critics and industry peers which always helps. Plus, Tom Morello is on the nominating committee and that matters. Rage Against the Machine’s fiery brand of radical politics is just as relevant as it was in their heyday. Although I also considered Smashing Pumpkins and a returning Soundgarden for this spot, I think Rage is the next 90s band that needs to be reconsidered.
Rufus featuring Chaka Khan (Eligible since 1998; Nominated in 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020): Chaka Khan is the bridesmaid of Rock Hall nominees. Despite six nominations (4 with Rufus and 2 solo), she isn’t getting enough votes for induction and it’s bizarre considering the widespread support from the nominating committee. But despite everything going on in the world, Khan has managed to stay in the limelight. She collaborated with Ariana Grande on the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack, appeared as a contestant on The Masked Singer and voiced a character in the live-action Disney film The One and Only Ivan. Let’s just hope none of the committee’s members watched her widely-panned rendition of the National Anthem at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game from this past February. It’s also worth noting their album Ask Rufus (1977) was ranked at #499 on Rolling Stone’s 2020 updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums. Maybe Whitney Houston’s induction and a sly reference to Houston’s cover of Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” could lead a pathway for the latter’s rightful place in the Hall.
Gil Scott-Heron (Eligible since 1995; Never Nominated): This might be the most surprising name on my list but in the wake of recent political and social upheavals, Gil Scott-Heron might be the timeliest prospect imaginable. The Rock Hall’s most recent exhibit “It’s Been Said All Along” focuses on black performers and themes of social injustice. Notice that there are several items from the late Scott-Heron on display and he’s been name-dropped multiple times by the newly-appointed chief curator Nwaka Onwusa. If the MC5 and New York Dolls are considered proto-punk, then Scott-Heron must be seen as proto-rap. But that also discounts Scott-Heron’s ability to work in different genres and styles while maintaining a distinct vocal delivery. If you haven’t done so, please read Michelle Bough’s recent piece on him and you will learn a ton about his life and career.
Tina Turner (Eligible since 1998; Never Nominated): You must understand….how utterly ridiculous it is that Tina Turner is not inducted as a solo artist. After she escaped her abusive ex-husband Ike and sought to revitalize her career on her terms, she unquestionably made the greatest comeback in rock history and became an MTV star in her mid-40s. The recent success of her Broadway jukebox musical, the upcoming release of her third book Happiness Becomes You (due for release this December) and the usage of “The Best” on Schitt’s Creek has surely kept her name relevant in modern pop culture. Something also worth mentioning is the Kygo remix of her iconic smash “What’s Love to Do with It?” Why? Because he remixed 2020 inductee Whitney Houston’s version of “Higher Love” and that song propelled the late singer back to the charts. Tina’s long overdue for consideration and should be the next two-time inductee.
Artists I considered (in no particular order) included The Go-Go’s, Jethro Tull, Soundgarden, Mariah Carey, Sonic Youth, The Smiths, Thin Lizzy, The Carpenters, Warren Zevon, Devo, MC5, Duran Duran, George Michael, Jane’s Addiction, Kate Bush, LL Cool J, New York Dolls, Pixies, John Prine, Smashing Pumpkins and X.
Thoughts? Comments? Feel free to discuss my predictions below or on Twitter (@NDBambach).
