With the announcement of the nominees for the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame we can, as fans, vote as many times as we want. Among the 14 nominees, eight are on the ballot for the first time. Votes can be for Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, George Michael, Willie Nelson, The White Stripes, Soundgarden, Warren Zevon, Rage Against the Machine, Iron Maiden, The Spinners and The Tribe Called Quest. Another mix of rock, pop, country, and blues.
Remembering that to make artists eligible, the account is “25 years after the release of the first recording”. It’s a confusing system for coming up with “eligibles”: a committee makes the first cut of nominees, which is validated by 1000 “rock experts” around the world, including artists, historians, and industry insiders. Whoever receives the highest number of votes enters the final version. Non-rock categories have their own special committees that also confirm nominations. With the 15 final names confirmed, they are released for the popular election. Fans can vote more than once for who they want to see in the Hall. The most voted are sworn in at a party where they play live. According to the organization, in addition to the minimum time required, consideration is given to “an artist’s musical impact and influence on other artists, length, and depth of career and body of work, as well as innovation and superiority in style and technique”.
Obviously everyone has their wronged, for example, the name of Ronnie James Dio not being there is almost a crime in the History of Rock. I hope it gets repaired soon. And yes, if you think the list is eclectic, the organization claims that Rock is the mix of R&B, Country, and Gospel, being an inclusive movement and change. “The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors artists whose music connects us all,” reads the site’s opening text.
Well, resolving the excluded is another story, of the 15 nominees in 2023 we have until April 28 to vote – more than once, if you want – every day. Only 5 will be announced in May. I already sent my votes. Which one is yours?
miscelana.com 