The Rock Hall’s 60 Biggest Snubs – As of the Class of 2025

This is a list of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s sixty biggest snubs to date. Most of these artists should have been inducted long ago.

Check out our larger series on the Rock Hall’s backlog of artists deserving of induction. This list contains the most egregious of the snubs. They are listed in alphabetical order (by last name for solo artists who use their real name). Only four artists to begin their careers after 1984 made this list, as a large factor in determining the biggest snubs is length of wait (Surefire hall-of-famers like Lauryn Hill and Coldplay simply have not had to wait very long, while many others who should have been locks to get in are still waiting). All but those three have been eligible for at least 15 years. This, combined with top-notch credentials based on the Rock Hall’s requirements of induction, led to the following artists.

For reference, artists are eligible after their first commercial release turns 25 years old, so an artist who released music in 2001 becomes eligible in 2026.

The only other criterion for induction “include the influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll.”

Factors that voters might consider when evaluating “influence and significance” might include
a) influence (by clear mimicry, adaption, and/or use of style and sound; or by Artist B or those close to them stating Artist A as an influence),
b) career longevity and consistent output,
c) popularity (as measured by charting singles, record sales, awards, etc.),
d) critical praise and awards,
e) invention or ingenuity (of rock music styles [which I call musicality], instrumentation, performing, fashion, etc.), and
d) a voter’s own subjective aural attraction to an artist’s work.

Without further ado, here are the 60 biggest snubs, in alphabetical order:

Bryan Adams Genre(s): Rock, Pop Rock, Arena Rock
Bryan Adams released his first single in 1978. Known for international hits “Run to You,” “Heaven,” “Summer of 69,” “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,” and more, Adams is one of the highest-selling artists of all time. He has released an incredible number of gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in a variety of countries.  With timeless music, an extensive discography, longevity, and massive success, Adams should be a lock for the Hall.

America   Genre(s): Rock, Pop Rock, Soft Rock
America released their first album in 1971. Scoring a number-one hit with their first single, “A Horse with No Name,” America is also known for number-one hit “Sister Golden Hair.” Originally a trio, the band was one of the most popular artists in the 1970s and helped define the soft rock subgenre. With an extensive discography, longevity, and success, America are likely to be enshrined in the Rock Hall.

Bad Religion Genre(s): Punk
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.

Bauhaus Genre(s): Post-punk, Gothic Rock
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.

Big Star   Genre(s): Rock, Power Pop
Big Star released their first album in 1972. Regarded as one of the most important cult artists in rock history, Big Star initially released three albums their record labels poorly marketed but that eventually found their way to influence many other artists. With catchy hooks and later development of darker lyrics to their power pop sound, Big Star influenced many alternative rock groups including R.E.M., The Replacements, as well as KISS and others. Their power pop/alternative influence also later extended to pop punk. Critical acclaim and extensive influence should land Big Star in the Rock Hall.

Black Flag Genre(s): Punk
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.

blink-182   Genre(s): Punk Pop, Alternative Rock
One of only two artists on this list to start their careers post-1990, blink-182 released their first music in 1994, though their first studio album came in 1995. Credited with popularizing punk pop music, the band has released six albums certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries, among their international success. Influencing practically every punk pop or indie rock artist to come after them, including Avril Lavigne, Owl City, Best Coast, Good Charlotte, Panic! At the Disco, and more, the band is known for their catchy melodies and lead singer Mark Hoppus’ vocal intonations. Their musicality, success, solid discography, and influence should have made them first-ballot hall-of-famers, but they have yet to be nominated in four years of eligibility.

Blue Öyster Cult   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Psychedelic Rock
Blue Öyster Cult released their first music in 1972. Known for their hit song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” the band is one of the most influential artists on the heavy metal subgenre. With a near thirty-year original run, Blue Öyster Cult has influenced countless other artists, including 2021 Rock Hall nominee Iron Maiden, Metallica, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Alice in Chains, Minutemen, Queens of the Stone Age, and more. Longevity and influence should make the case for Blue Öyster Cult’s induction to the Rock Hall.

Bob Marley and the Wailers   Genre(s): Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady
Bob Marley and the Wailers released their first single in 1962. They are one of the pioneering groups of reggae music – they helped popularize reggae music around the world and influenced their contemporaries, plus reggae, ska, and reggae-adjacent groups to come after them. Bob Marley was inducted to the Rock Hall as a solo artist in 1994 and it’s unclear why the whole band was not nominated and inducted along with him.

Boston   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Arena Rock
Boston released their first music in 1976. Their debut, self-titled album is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time and is one of the highest-selling albums in music history. In addition to four other platinum or multi-platinum albums and number-one hit “Amanda,” Boston is noted for their guitar harmonies and layering, as well as original lead singer Brad Delp’s vocal ability. Their debut album also changed the course of rock history, leading labels to seek more bands with a similar sound as Boston. With musicality, influence, and incredible popularity and success, Boston is missing from the Rock Hall.

Bread   Genre(s): Soft Rock
Bread released their first music in 1969. Masters of songwriting, all but their first of six albums are certified gold. Despite only being active between 1969 and 1977, with a break in the middle, the group charted ten top-15 singles, including number-one hit “Make It with You.” Friction between bandmates ultimately shortened the lifespan of Bread. The standard for soft rock, Bread should be in the Rock Hall.

Roy Brown   Genre(s): Blues, R&B, Rock n’ Roll
Roy Brown appears to have had his first commercial releases in 1947, making him technically eligible for the Hall in 1973 (the first inductions were in 1986). Best known for his songs “Butcher Pete, part 1” and “Good Rockin Tonight” (Wynonie Harris’ version is one of the Songs That Shaped Rock n’ Roll), Brown’s singing style influenced B.B. King, Elvis Presley, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and Little Richard – among others. Brown also had career longevity in addition to popular songs and influence, releasing music consistently until 1972. Already in the Blues Hall of Fame, Brown deserves induction in the Rock Hall.

B’z   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Rock, Pop Rock, Pop, New Wave
B’z released their first music in 1988. One of the highest-selling artists of all time and the highest-selling artist from Japan, the duo have released certified albums almost exclusively. Known for their blending of styles, B’z have influenced the development of rock music in Southeast Asia, and especially in their native Japan. If the Rock Hall wishes to be inclusive of rock from around the world, they need to induct B’z ASAP.

Captain Beefheart (real name Don Van Vliet) Genre(s): Rock, Avant-Rock
Captain Beefheart, who performed with a rotating ensemble called the Magic Band, released his first single in 1966. Not a success in charting music, Captain Beefheart is nevertheless one of the most influential artists to ever make rock music through his creativity, imagination, and unconventionality. Though he was known to be volatile and sometimes insufferable, with both critical acclaim for his music and a near-endless list of artists he has influenced, it’s a wonder he is not already in the Rock Hall.

Mariah Carey  Genre(s): Pop, R&B
Mariah Carey released her first music in 1991. Eight of her first twelve albums have been certified multi-platinum in multiple countries, with the other four being certified platinum in multiple countries. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time, is considered an icon, and is recognized for her incredible voice and vocal range. A fun fact, she was the first artist to have a number-one single in the physical, digital, and streaming ages of music. Vocally and musically, she has influenced a great number of artists. Like Mary J. Blige above her, her musicality, success, longevity, influence, and legacy make her a lock for induction (she’s also already had most of the other highest honors achievable for American artists).

The Carpenters   Genre(s): Pop, Soft Rock
The Carpenters released their first music in 1969. The brother-sister duo is one of the highest-selling artists of all time, and while their music is more pop than rock, their music has influenced rock music as much as any. Artist they influenced include Michael Jackson, Sonic Youth, and The Cranberries. Karen Carpenter’s story is also important in bringing awareness to eating disorders. With an extensive and popular discography, and substantial influence, The Carpenters are overdue for Rock Hall induction.

Chic Genre(s): Disco, Funk
Chic released their first music in 1977. The most popular disco group in music history, Chic has been nominated for the Rock Hall a record eleven times. Co-founder Niles Rodgers was inducted in the Award for Musical Excellence category in 2017. The group has influenced artists like Duran Duran, The Smiths, and more. Already in the Dance Music Hall of Fame, and with popularity, success, influence, and support for nomination, Chic should be in the Rock Hall. As mentioned in a previous article, there is an argument for whether disco should be part of the Rock Hall, as the genre was created partially as a subversion of rock’s popularity. However, the genres’ influence on one another is clear and their histories are intertwined.

Phil Collins   Genre(s): Pop Rock, Pop
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.

Jim Croce   Genre(s): Folk, Soft Rock
Jim Croce released his first album in 1966. He does not have the longevity typically seen in Rock Hall inductees due to a plane crash that ended his life at 30 years old. Best known for his number-one hits “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and “Time In A Bottle,” the latter a song about mortality released posthumously, Croce was only just coming into the prime of his career and was already a popular figure. Already inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Croce deserves enshrinement in the Rock Hall, which would help fill a gap of soft rock and folk rock artists in the Hall.

Dick Dale   Genre(s): Surf Rock
Dick Dale released his first single in 1958, making him eligible for the Hall in 1984. Dale is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, influencing the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend, Eddie Van Halen and Brian May, along with contemporaries the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean through his use of reverberation, amplification, and tremolo picking technique. Though “Let’s Go Trippin’” is already one of the Songs That Shaped Rock n’ Roll, Dale’s recording of “Miserlou” should be on that list as well. It’s shocking Dale is not already in the Rock Hall.

Devo Genre(s): New Wave, Synth-Pop, Electronic
Devo released their first music in 1977. An influential band on new wave, alternative rock, and industrial music artists, Devo have one gold and one platinum record in the U.S. They were also early adopters of utilizing music videos – their video for their hit song “Whip It” was in MTV’s early regular rotation. Nominated twice already, Devo’s musicality, investment in music videos, and influence give them a good shot at induction.

Discharge Genre(s): Punk, Hardcore Punk
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.

Nick Drake   Genre(s): Folk, Folk Rock
Nick Drake released his first of three albums in 1969. Drake died at just 26, and though his music was hardly successful in his lifetime, it has achieved widespread posthumous acclaim. With a unique guitar technique and vocal style, and regarded as an excellent lyricist, Drake has influenced many artists, including The Cure, R.E.M., Aimee Mann, Beck, The Black Crowes, and Kate Bush. Despite a limited discography, his progression of folk rock, popularity, critical acclaim, and influence should lead him to the Rock Hall.

Connie Francis   Genre(s): Rock n’ Roll, Country, Pop, many more
Connie Francis released her first single in 1955, making her eligible for the Hall in 1981. Connie Francis became one of the world’s biggest pop stars, recording many musical styles in several languages. Gloria Estefan has advocated for her induction, calling her “the first female pop star worldwide.” With many recognizable songs, an extensive discography, and influence on many artists, Francis should be in the Rock Hall.

Guitar Slim (real name Eddie Jones)   Genre(s): Blues, Rock n’ Roll
Guitar Slim appears to have his first commercial release circa 1951 or 1952, making him eligible for the Hall well before it was formed. Jones’ career lacks longevity, as he died at just 32, but his influence is undeniable – a list that includes Ray Charles, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Most notably, these artists were influenced by Jones’ experimentation with guitar distortion, which has shaped Rock music beyond measure. Guitar Slim’s song “The Things That I Used to Do” is one of the Hall’s Songs That Shaped Rock n’ Roll.

Wynonie Harris  Genre(s): R&B, Rock n’ Roll
Wynonie Harris had his first commercial release with Lucky Millinder and His Orchestra in 1944 and his first solo release in 1948. Best known for “Who Threw the Whiskey in the Well” with the aforementioned orchestra, his cover of “Good Rockin’ Tonight” (the first solo release), and “All She Wants to Do Is Rock,” Harris is considered a Founding-Father-type figure in Rock n’ Roll music. He influenced many artists with his voice and stage gyrations, but none more so than Elvis Presley, whom Harris’ manager called “a mild version of Wynonie.” There is no reason, outside of extraordinary controversy (of which none exist), that one of the founders of the genre should not be in the Hall.

Donny Hathaway   Genre(s): R&B, Soul, Gospel, Jazz
Donny Hathaway released his first solo single and first album in 1970. Renowned as one of the greatest soul singers of all time, Hathaway was the standard for R&B and soul in the 1970s. His success would likely have continued if not for not for his death. Despite a shortened career, Hathaway has influenced an array of artists including Alicia Keys, Aaliyah, Common, and Amy Winehouse. With success and influence, Donny Hathaway is likely for induction to the Rock Hall.

INXS   Genre(s): New Wave
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.

Iron Maiden   Genre(s): Heavy Metal
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.

Jan & Dean   Genre(s): Surf Rock, Punk Rock
Jan & Dean had their first commercial release in 1958, making them eligible for the Hall in 1984. The duo consistently charted for a decade, were part of what many critics and historians consider the first rock music video, and are often credited with laying the groundwork for punk music. The Rock Hall has a history of excluding punk music, which might explain Jan & Dean’s current absence from enshrinement.

King Crimson   Genre(s): Progressive Rock, Avant-Rock
King Crimson released their first music in 1969. One of the earliest and most influential progressive rock artists, King Crimson have an extensive discography known for incorporating a variety of styles and genres into rock music and constantly experimenting with the genre. King Crimson have influenced many artists including Rush, Genesis, Yes, Tool, and more. They have also influenced other artists to push the boundaries of rock music and form other subgenres, like progressive metal.

Fela Kuti (real name Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti)   Genre(s): Afrobeat
Fela Kuti released his first album in 1969. Kuti, along with drummer Tony Allen and others, invented the genre of Afrobeat, which combines or fuses a variety of genres including rock, jazz, salsa, funk, highlife, and others. His music was also fused with political activism against the oppressive, corrupt, and violent Nigerian government, for which he was often jailed. He also advocated for human rights and criticized other groups and countries, including the U.S., for corruption, oppression, and other human rights violations. An incredible influence on the progression and expansion of rock music in both sound and message, Kuti is long overdue for induction into the Rock Hall.

Patti LaBelle Genre(s): R&B, Pop, Disco
Patti LaBelle released her first solo music in 1977, though consideration for induction should also include her work as the lead singer of the group Labelle. One of the greatest vocalists in music history, LaBelle was a driving force in pop, R&B, and disco music for two decades. A disco and gay icon, LaBelle’s influence and impact in music is immeasurable.

Love   Genre(s): Psychedelic Rock, Folk
Love had their first releases in 1966. With an album consistently ranked one of the greatest of all time (Forever Changes), and an influence on many artists, ranging from Led Zeppelin, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, and Siouxsie and the Banshees, it’s surprising Love is not already in the Rock Hall. One of the first multiracial rock groups, and a group that promoted peace and love in true counterculture fashion, Love provided an example of harmony in a strenuous period in America. Love’s music and cultural importance should make them a lock for the Hall.

Meat Loaf (real name Michael Lee Aday) Genre(s): Rock
Meat Loaf released his first solo music in 1977. One of the highest-selling artists of all time, he has found international success with his music. He has numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in multiple countries in addition to his international number-one hit “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).” His album Bat Out of Hell is one of the highest-selling albums of all time. Known for his concert performances and vocal range, Aday has also acted in several music and rock-centered films and plays, most notably The Rocky Horror Picture Show (both stage and film).

The Meters   Genre(s): Funk
The Meters released their first album in 1969. The group is considered one of the founders of the funk genre and have been nominated for the Rock Hall four times already. Best known for their hit song “Cissy Strut,” The Meters deserve induction to the Rock Hall for their development of funk music and influence on a wide variety of artists.

The Monkees   Genre(s): Rock, Pop, Power Pop
The Monkees started their careers with two number-one hits in 1966. One of the most-mentioned bands for snubs from Rock Hall induction, The Monkees formed as part of a television show to capitalize on Beatlemania. They influenced many early punk groups (including the Sex Pistols), set the stage for the music-video industry, and gave an example for most every boy-band type of group to have come since. So far blocked from the Rock Hall likely due to their origins as a ready-made product (Glenn A. Baker, author of Monkeemania: The True Story of the Monkees, wrote that many musicians and rock critics were jealous or annoyed that The Monkees “had success handed to them on a silver plate”) or because many viewed them as just a Beatles knock-off, the Monkees’ popularity and influence cannot be ignored forever.

Morrissey (full name Steven Patrick Morrissey) Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Indie Rock
Morrissey released his first solo music in 1988. Known for his vocal style and lyrical themes, Morrissey is regarded as one of the most influential British musicians of all time, with popularity and influence extending around the globe. He has influenced artists like Oasis, Blur, Suede, Jeff Buckley, The Killers, and more. Morissey is also an LGBTQ icon and has near-universal critical acclaim. His success, influence, and longevity (with The Smiths and solo) make him a perfect match for the Rock Hall, sometimes controversial comments aside.

Mötley Crüe Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Glam Rock
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 York Dolls Genre(s): Hard Rock, Punk
New York Dolls released their first music in 1973. While not commercially successful in their original run, the band is regarded as one of the most influential cult artists in rock history, especially on the development of punk music. Their first three albums are highly-regarded by critics and influenced artists like Sex Pistols, KISS, The Ramones, Guns N’ Roses, and The Smiths, among others. The band has influenced rock culture as much as rock music, as their style heavily influenced punk and glam-rock artists. On the 2021 ballot, New York Dolls should be inducted to the Rock Hall.

Harry Nilsson   Genre(s): Rock, Pop
Harry Nilsson released his first singles in 1964. Regarded highly by his contemporaries, especially The Beatles, Nilsson is credited as one of the artists to bridge the psychedelic rock sound to the more singer-songwriter style of rock in the 1970s. One of the first artists to overdub vocals, and someone who experimented with sounds and melodies from other styles of music, Nilsson is considered an elite songwriter. Nilsson was also popular to listeners, despite rarely touring or having large performances.

REO Speedwagon   Genre(s): Rock
REO Speedwagon released their first music in 1971. One of the most successful artists of the 1970s and 1980s, the band has five albums certified platinum at least once and had 13 top-40 hits, including number-one hits “Keep on Loving You” and Can’t Fight This Feeling.” With incredible combined success and longevity, it’s surprising REO Speedwagon is not already in the Rock Hall.

Sade  Genre(s): Soul, Jazz, Pop      
Sade released their first music in 1984. All six of their studio albums and a compilation album have been certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum in multiple countries. They have influenced an array of artists including Eric B. & Rakim, Aaliyah, Brandy, Beyoncé, and Greg Puciato. Known for lead singer Sade Adu’s smooth vocals, their music has helped shape pop music since their debut. The group’s musicality, success, and influence give them a solid case for Rock Hall induction.

Scorpions   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Scorpions released their first album in 1972. One of the most popular heavy metal groups of all time, Scorpions have found critical and commercial international success and longevity, including their number-one hit “Wind of Change” among many platinum and gold albums. Along with an embrace of music videos as a means of marketing their music and style, the band has influenced many artists including Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Metallica, Megadeth, and others. Their immense success, longevity and extensive discography, and influence should make Scorpions a lock for the Rock Hall.

The Shangri-Las   Genre(s): Pop, Punk
The Shangri-Las released their first single in 1963. A cross between bubblegum pop and an early melodramatic punk sound (with use of non-musical sound mixed in), the all-girl group was one of the most popular artists in the U.S. in the 1960s, especially for teens. The group had incredible influence on future artists, a list that includes The New York Dolls, Blondie, The Go-Gos, Pink Floyd, Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, and others. With chart success and influence, and the ability to help alleviate the Hall’s current lack of women and women-led groups, The Shangri-Las should be a lock for the Hall.

Siouxsie and the Banshees Genre(s): Alternative Rock, New Wave, Post-punk
Siouxsie and the Banshees released their first music in 1978. Regarded as probably the first alternative rock band, the group has influenced the development of multiple subgenres and has influenced artists like Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, and LCD Soundsystem. A solid discography, musicality, and influence should carry them to the Rock Hall.

The Smiths Genre(s): Power Pop, Post, Punk, Alternative Rock
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.

Sonic Youth Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Experimental Rock, Noise Rock
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.

The Sonics   Genre(s): Garage Rock, Rock, Punk
The Sonics released their first single in 1964. Best known for their song “Have Love Will Travel,” many consider The Sonics to be one of the originators of punk music with their raw sound, simple chord progressions, tonal aggression, and distortion. Influencing early punk groups and later artists like The White Stripes, The Sonics deserve enshrinement in the Rock Hall.

Sparks   Genre(s): Pop, Avant-Rock, Synth-Pop, more
Sparks released their first album in 1971. Known for their international hit “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us,” two-brother band Sparks have an immense discography and incredible longevity. Noted for their experimentation with timing, interesting lyrics, lead singer Russel Mael’s rangy vocals, and progression of what is considered pop music, the duo have influenced the creation of many subgenres. Artists they have influenced also include Joy Division, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Sonic Youth, Def Leppard, Nirvana, Björk, and more. With extensive longevity, influence, and musical progression and style, Sparks are a lock for the Rock Hall.

Styx   Genre(s): Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Pop Rock
Styx released their first music in 1972. One of the most popular rock groups of the 1970s and early 1980s, Styx released five straight platinum (or better) albums, among several other gold albums, as well as eight top-ten hits and sixteen top-40 hits. Great critical and commercial popularity and a solid discography should lead Styx to Rock Hall induction.

Sweet   Genre(s): Bubblegum Pop, Glam Rock, Hard Rock
Sweet released their first single in 1968. One of the most successful groups of the 1970s, stringing together 13 top-20 hits, Sweet evolved from Bubblegum pop to hard rock. The group is best known for their international hits “Little Willy,” “Ballroom Blitz,” and “Fox on the Run.” With great success and a unique sound, Sweet are likely for induction to the Rock Hall.

Thin Lizzy   Genre(s): Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Metal
Thin Lizzy released their first single in 1970. Known for their hit “The Boys Are Back in Town,” Thin Lizzy are one of the earliest and most influential heavy metal groups. The list of bands they have influenced includes Judas Priest, Def Leppard, 2021 Rock Hall nominee Iron Maiden, Metallica, Alice In Chains, and others. With international success, renowned guitar work, and heavy influence, Thin Lizzy deserve to be in the Rock Hall.

Three Dog Night   Genre(s): Rock
Three Dog night released their first music in 1968. The band is one of the most successful rock artists in music history: They had twenty-one straight top-40 hits from 1969 to 1975, and all but one of their thirteen albums in that time frame is certified gold (including one platinum). Their 20^th Century Masters collection also went platinum in 1999. One knock on the group is that they did not write most of their songs, though that’s true of many artists. Already in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Three Dog Night deserve a spot in the Rock Hall.

Tommy James and the Shondells   Genre(s): Psychedelic Rock, Rock, Power Pop
Tommy James and the Shondells released their first single in 1964. Known for their hit songs “Hanky Panky,” “Crimson and Clover,” and “I Think We’re Alone Now,” the group had fourteen top-40 singles in their career. A popular group for other musicians to cover as well, many artists have turned their songs into their own massive hits, including “I Think We’re Alone Now” for Tiffany and “Mony Mony” for Billy Idol.

Toto Genre(s): Arena Rock, Pop Rock, Hard Rock
Toto released their first music in 1978. Known for worldwide hits “Hold the Line,” “Rosanna,” and “Africa,” Toto has many gold and platinum albums in multiple countries. Noted for their infusion of other genres into rock music, the band is already in the Musicians Hall of Fame. Their massive success and popularity, musicality, and longevity should lead them to Rock Hall induction.

War   Genre(s): Funk, Soul, Rock, Jazz
War released their first music in 1970. A preeminent funk-soul group known for moving through and mixing multiple genres, and their multi-ethnic makeup, War had a long and successful run in the 1970s and 1980s. Perhaps best known to millennials for their hit “Low Rider,” which was used as the theme song for the TV show George Lopez, War’s musicality, longevity, and discography make them a good candidate for Rock Hall induction.

Mary Wells   Genre(s): R&B, Pop, Soul
Mary Wells released her first single in 1960. Wells was an immensely influential figure in popularizing R&B and Motown, and blurring the color lines on popular radio in the 1960s. Wells scored a number-one hit with “My Guy” and consistently charted through 1970, including a string of top-40 hits. Wells was nominated for the Hall on its inaugural ballot in 1986 and again in 1987, testifying to her influence. Wells should be in the Hall already.

XTC Genre(s): Punk, New Wave, Post-punk, Pop
XTC released their first single in 1977. Never very commercially successful, the group found a cult following over time and is regarded as an influence on the development of New Wave and alternative rock music. With a musical style ever-evolving to avoid over-used rock style, timing, and structure, XTC influenced other artists like Peter Gabriel and R.E.M. With a solid discography and plenty of influence, XTC are likely to be inducted to the Hall.

“Weird Al” Yankovich (real name Alfred Matthew Yankovic)   Genre(s): Parody, Comedy
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.

Honorable Mentions

Joy Division and New Order have recently been nominated as one combined artist, despite being two separate projects with different sounds. I support their separate nominations over a joint nomination. Recently inducted artists for awards or influence categories like Salt-N-Pepa, Judas Priest, LL Cool J, Kraftwerk, MC5, and Link Wray also deserve to be inducted as performers. It is unclear if the awards categories are more prestigious than being inducted as a performer, or if they can be inducted again in the performer category.

Just missing the list (with bolded artist with priority over the others) were Faith No More, Megadeth, Sting, The Offspring, Goo Goo Dolls, Indigo Girls, Jane’s Addiction, Pixies, Fugazi, Lenny Kravitz, Alice In Chains, The Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins, Alanis Morissette, Sublime, Tool, Beck, Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, Aaliyah, Korn, Nas, Brandy, Oasis, Usher, Weezer, Garbage, Incubus, Erykah Badu, Matchbox Twenty, New Found Glory, Death Cab for Cutie, DMX, Lauryn Hill, Muse, Snow Patrol, System of A Down, Train, Coldplay, Chris Cornell, Lil Wayne, John Mayer, Disturbed, Gorillaz, and Linkin Park.