Rock Hall Snubs: Eligible 2005 through 2009

Congratulations! You are halfway through! Welcome to New Wave, heavy metal, and a punk rock revival with artists eligible from 2005 through 2009. I added 37 more artists in this list, 26 of which I gave medium odds or high for induction, bringing that list to 130. Six of the artists I believe Should Be In Already, including 2021 nominee Iron Maiden, bringing that total to 20. There are a host of great artists in this batch and I recommend you check out INXS, Minutemen, Duran Duran, Hüsker Dü, and Meat Puppets.

Eligible 2005

Bauhaus Genre(s): Post-punk, Gothic Rock Odds of Induction: High
Bauhaus released their first single in 1979. Credited as one of the originators of goth rock, the band is one of the most influential acts in rock history, and even beyond rock. They have influenced an extensive number of alternative, gothic rock, and industrial artists including Rock Hall inductee Nine Inch Nails, Hole, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, and many more. Their influence should carry them to Rock Hall enshrinement.

Pat Benatar (real name Patricia Mae Giraldo) Genre(s): Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Pat Benatar released her first music in 1974, but her first true album came in 1979. Defining rock music in the 1980s, Benatar released nine straight albums certified gold or higher in at least one country, eight of them platinum or multi-platinum. Known for international hits “Love Is a Battlefield” and “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” she helped set the stage for women at the pinnacle of rock music. Her absence from the Rock Hall is holding the institution back.

Black Flag Genre(s): Punk Odds of Induction: High
Black Flag released their first EP in 1979. Regarded as one of the first hardcore punk bands, the group influenced many alternative, grunge, and pop punk bands including Slayer, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more. Known for differentiating themselves from other punk bands by incorporating metal, blues, jazz, and other styles of music into their sound, the group is also one of the artists to help establish a movement for independent record labels. With musicality, influence, and a solid discography, Black Flag has a good shot at induction.

Descendents Genre(s): Punk Odds of Induction: Medium
Descendents released their first single in 1979. Known for their energetic style, the band is credited as one of the bands responsible for punk’s resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s. They have influenced other punk and pop punk artists, including Green Day, The Offspring, Blink-182, All American Rejects, and Rise Against, among others. Their musicality, solid discography, longevity, and influence make them solid candidates for the Rock Hall.

Iron Maiden Genre(s): Heavy Metal Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Iron Maiden released their first EP in 1979. Known for their dual guitar work, rangy vocals, and live concerts, the band is one of the highest-selling artists of all time. All but two of their sixteen studio albums have been certified gold or higher in multiple countries, among incredible international success. The group has also influenced many artists, including Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, and Slipknot, and they are oft-referenced in other bands’ songs. Nominated for the Hall this year, Iron Maiden should be in already.

The Psychedelic Furs Genre(s): New Wave, Post-punk Odds of Induction: Slim
The Psychedelic Furs released their first single in 1979. Known for inspiring the film Pretty in Pink with their song of the same name, the band had moderate success in the English-speaking world in the 1980s, including three straight gold albums. An underrated group, they should be considered for nomination.

Survivor Genre(s): Arena Rock, Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Survivor released their first album in 1979. Known for their international number-one hit “Eye of the Tiger,” the band found success in the 1980s, including two gold and one platinum album. With the group’s success limited to one decade and small influence, their odds of induction to the Rock Hall are low. “Eye of the Tiger” is a solid candidate for one of the Songs That Shaped Rock n’ Roll.

Twisted Sister Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Glam Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Twisted Sister released their first single in 1979. The band released one platinum album and two gold albums among mild international success. A popular hair band, with highly-recognizable hit “I Wanna Rock,” the group’s success could lead to Rock Hall nomination.

“Weird Al” Yankovich (real name Alfred Matthew Yankovic) Genre(s): Parody, Comedy Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Weird Al released his first single in 1979. In reinventing other artist’s songs, Yankovich has influenced a wide variety of artists, both in music and in other pop culture, including The Lonely Island, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and many of the artists he has parodied. Known for working directly with artists for permission to parody their songs, he has released numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in his 40-plus-year career. He is also credited with continuing to popularize music videos – on MTV and later for their transition to social media sites, especially YouTube. Yankovich’s musicality, incredible success, influence, extensive discography, and longevity should guarantee him a spot in the Rock Hall.

Eligible 2006

Afrika Bambaataa Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Electronic Odds of Induction: Slim
Afrika Bambaataa released his first single in 1980. Another case of personal issues overshadowing musical achievement, he has a large amount of child molestation allegations made against him. He has not been charged due to statute of limitations. A hip-hop innovator, Bambaataa’s pedophilia will (and should) keep him out of the Rock Hall.

Discharge Genre(s): Punk, Hardcore Punk Odds of Induction: High
Discharge released their first music in 1980. One of the most influential punk acts to come out of the UK, the band influenced several sub-genres of punk and metal music. They should find their way to the Hall despite hesitation based on their anarchistic views.

The Exploited Genre(s): Hardcore Punk, Oi!, Thrash Metal Odds of Induction: Low
The Exploited released their first music in 1980. Another influential UK punk group, the exploited are held back by their association in the Oi! genre, which was tainted by some of its bands endorsing white nationalism and neo-Nazism (though not The Exploited). Their influence and longevity should ultimately help their case for the Hall, though more extreme bands have so far been mostly excluded.

INXS Genre(s): New Wave Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
INXS released their first music in 1980. One of the highest-selling artists of all time, the band has released many gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in multiple countries, including Kick, which is considered a top-tier rock album. As the face of New Wave, they have also influenced artists like Maroon 5 and The 1975, among others. With incredible success, longevity, an extensive discography, musicality, and influence, INXS is missing from the Rock Hall.

Minutemen Genre(s): Post-punk Odds of Induction: Low
Minutemen released their first music in 1980. Known for their interesting, political, and humorous lyrics, the group were an influence on West Coast post-punk and alternative artists. Also known for economical tenacity in producing their music, the group was one of the leading underground bands of the early alternative music scene.

Ozzy Osbourne (real name John Michael Osbourne) Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Hard Rock Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Ozzy Osbourne released his first solo music in 1980. After being fired from Black Sabbath (with whom he was inducted to the Rock Hall), Osbourne has gone on to be one of the most successful heavy metal artists of all time as a solo artist. Having released an incredible number of gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums, along with his work with Black Sabbath, he is said to be the “Godfather of Heavy Metal.” An iconic figure in rock music, Osbourne should already be in the Rock Hall as a solo artist.

Eligible 2007

Bad Religion Genre(s): Punk Odds of Induction: High
Bad Religion released their first EP in 1981. Known for their political lyrics, the band helped to revitalize and re-popularize punk music in the 1980s and 1990s, first as an underground act, then in the mainstream. They have influenced many punk artists, including The Offspring and Rise Against. Their longevity, extensive discography, success, and influence should help them achieve Rock Hall induction.

The Bangles Genre(s): Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
The Bangles released their first single in 1981. Known for international hits “Manic Monday,” “Walk Like an Egyptian,” and “Eternal Flame,” the all-woman group released two platinum albums and one multi-platinum album (including their greatest hits) in several countries. The Bangles carved out a place for pop rock among the peak of New Wave and Heavy Metal before alternative rock took over. Their musicality and success should help them earn support for the Rock Hall, along with the institution’s neglect of women and woman-fronted artists thus far beginning to change.

Phil Collins Genre(s): Pop Rock, Pop Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Phil Collins released his first solo music in 1981. Already in the hall as a member of Genesis, Collins has also had an immensely successful solo career. Known for international hit “In the Air Tonight” and the greatest Disney soundtrack of all time (Tarzan, for those of you under a rock), all eight of his studio albums have been certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum in multiple countries, along with that Tarzan soundtrack, a live album, and two of his compilation albums. One of the most influential drummers of all time, Collins is also one of the most divisive pop artists of all time. His incredible popularity has earned him many haters, similar to how many sports fans root against Tom Brady because he wins a lot. However, he has also influenced many artists outside of drummers, including Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Lorde, and The 1975, among others. Already in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, his massive success and influence should have him in the Rock Hall.

Duran Duran Genre(s): New Wave Odds of Induction: Should Be In Already
Duran Duran released their first music in 1981. One of the highest-selling artists of all time, the band counts eleven gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in multiple countries among their incredible international success. A standard of New Wave bands, the group helped to popularize music videos and drive the success of MTV. They have influenced a variety of artists, including Barenaked Ladies, Beck, Korn, Gwen Stefani, Panic! at the Disco, The Killers, and P!nk. Their longevity, extensive discography, success, and influence should make their induction to the Rock Hall inevitable.

Eurythmics Genre(s): New Wave, Synth-Pop Odds of Induction: High
Eurythmics released their first music in 1981. All but the duo’s debut album is certified gold or higher in multiple countries, among other international success, including worldwide hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Lead by Annie Lennox’s distinctive vocals, the duo helped popularize the New Wave subgenre. They have been nominated for the Rock Hall twice in recent years. That, plus their musicality and success, gives them a solid chance at induction.

The Go Go’s Genre(s): New Wave Odds of Induction: Medium
The Go-Go’s released their first music in 1981. While they have a limited discography, their debut album is considered a seminal album for New Wave music; an album which helped popularize New Wave and continued to solidify the viability of all-woman groups. Nominated for the Rock Hall this year, their success, musicality, and support for nomination give them a chance for Rock Hall enshrinement. Update: they were inducted as part of the 2021 class!

Hüsker Dü Genre(s): Punk, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Hüsker Dü released their first single in 1981. Known for their pace and melodies, the band is considered a ground-layer in alternative rock music. They were one of the first alternative bands to sign with a major label and prove the subgenre’s worth in the mainstream. They have influenced groups like Nirvana, Pixies, 2021 Rock Hall nominee Foo Fighters, and others. Their musicality and influence give them a good shot at Rock Hall induction.

Billy Idol (real name William Michael Albert Broad) Genre(s): Punk, Hard Rock, New Wave Odds of Induction: Medium
Billy Idol released his first solo music in 1981. Known for his vocal style, Idol released seven straight albums certified gold or higher in several countries, including compilations. Also known for his style, Idol’s success and solid discography will likely earn him nomination to the Rock Hall ballot.

Meat Puppets Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Punk Odds of Induction: Medium
Meat Puppets released their first EP in 1981. Known for incorporating many musical styles into their music, Meat Puppets have had a lot of underground success and retain a cult following. Their melodic, guitar-centric music has influenced other alternative rock and grunge artists, including Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pavement. The band’s musicality, longevity, extensive discography, and influence make them solid candidates for the Rock Hall.

Mötley Crüe Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Glam Rock Odds of Induction: High
Mötley Crüe released their first music in 1981. One of the highest-selling artists of all time, the band’s first five albums are all certified platinum or multi-platinum, among three other gold studio albums and four other gold or higher compilation albums. One of the most successful hair bands of all time, the group helped to popularize glam rock. The band has also significantly contributed to rock culture, with their theatrical live shows and hedonistic lifestyles. Their success and contributions to rock culture should put them in the Rock Hall.

New Order Genre(s): Post-punk, New Wave Odds of Induction: Medium
New Order released their first music in 1981. Comprised of the remaining members of Joy Division, the band is known for combining post-punk with synth-pop and electronic dance music, a unique combination that has influenced the development of techno and other subgenres of electronic music, as well as pop music. Their hit “Blue Monday” is also the best-selling 12” single of all time. The band’s musicality should give them a good chance at Rock Hall induction.

The Replacements Genre(s): Punk, Post-punk, Alternative Rock, Power-Pop Odds of Induction: Medium
The Replacements released their first music in 1981. Known for lead singer Paul Westerberg’s vocal style, the band is considered one of the first alternative rock bands. They have also influenced the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, Whiskeytown, and The Gaslight Anthem. Their musicality and influence have already led to their nomination to the Rock hall ballot once before – and should again.

Tears for Fears Genre(s): New Wave, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Medium  
Tears for Fears released their first single in 1981. Known for international hits “Shout” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” the band’s first five albums (including their first greatest hits album) from the original lineup were certified gold or higher. Their success will earn them a nod for Rock Hall nomination.

Eligible 2008

10,000 Maniacs Genre(s): Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Low
10,000 Maniacs released their first EP in 1982. Providing a softer alternative rock sound in the 1980s and 1990s, the band released three straight platinum or double-platinum albums. Losing Natalie Merchant as the lead singer hurt the group’s success, ultimately hurting their chances at Rock Hall induction as well.

Sonic Youth Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Experimental Rock, Noise Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Sonic Youth released their first EP in 1982. Known for their alternative tunings for their guitars, the band are considered a pioneering alternative rock artist. Their musicality, influence, extensive discography, and longevity should earn them a nod for Rock Hall induction.

Eligible 2009

Anita Baker Genre(s): R&B, Jazz, Soul Odds of Induction: Low
Anita Baker released her first music in 1983. A legendary vocalist, Baker released five straight gold, platinum, or multi-platinum albums among international success. One of the most popular R&B singers of the 1980s, she could see her name appear on a Rock Hall ballot.

Butthole Surfers Genre(s): Punk, Alternative Rock, Experimental Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
Butthole Surfers released their first EP in 1983. Known for their name and shenanigans, the group tinkered with their sound frequently and some of their hallmarks have been seen in later popular alternative artists like Soundgarden, CAKE, and Sugar Ray. With a solid discography and peripheral influence, the band could be mentioned for Rock Hall nomination.

Cyndi Lauper Genre(s): Pop, New Wave Odds of Induction: High
Cyndi Lauper released her first music in 1983. Jumping out of the gate with international hits “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time,” Lauper also released five straight albums certified gold or higher in several countries. Lauper helped to popularize punk style in popular music and furthered the popularity of New Wave. Already in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and witer of the hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots, Lauper has been an icon for other female vocalists and woman in rock. After Pat Benatar, Big Mama Thornton, and Mary Wells, Lauper is next on the list of solo women missing from the Rock Hall.

Pantera Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, Groove Metal, Glam Metal Odds of Induction: Medium
Pantera released their first album in 1983. Experiencing solid success in the 1990s, the group released five straight albums certified gold or higher in several countries. They are credited with helping to re-popularize metal in America and influencing subgenres that developed in the 1990s and 2000s. Their musicality, influence, solid discography, and success should earn them a trip to the Rock Hall.

Slayer Genre(s): Thrash Metal Odds of Induction: Low
Slayer released their first music in 1983. Regarded as one of the most influential metal bands of all time, for both their music and themes, they are credited with inspiring many metal subgenres. Artists they have influenced include Pantera, Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, and System of A Down. Known for their tempo and precision, the group has had its share of controversy for their intentionally provocative artwork, lyrics, and themes – most notably ties to white supremacy. While they have had solid international success and influence, the group will likely be held back from induction because of the themes they choose to explore. 

The Smiths Genre(s): Power Pop, Post, Punk, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: High
The Smiths released their first singles in 1983. Known for their guitar and bass driven sound, plus lead singer Morrissey’s vocal style, the band only released four albums before breaking up. Combining power pop with post-punk and alternative rock, The Smiths defined British indie rock and have influenced many artists, including Oasis, Suede, and Blur. They have been nominated for the Hall twice already and should get in at some point with their musicality, success, and influence.

Violent Femmes Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Folk Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
Violent Femmes released their first music in 1983. Known for their stripped-down style, the band released one platinum album. Their musicality and success could see support for nomination to the Rock Hall ballot.

Check out the next article in the series: artists eligible 2010 through 2014!