Rock and Roll Hall of Fame CEO on Iron Maiden’s Snub: “We Love That People Care”
Earlier today, the world learned that Rage Against the Machine will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after multiple years on the ballot. That should be a point to celebrate, but of course the powers that be had to create some controversy and fuck everything up by not inducting Soundgarden and Iron Maiden, despite the fact that they both placed in the top five in this year’s fan vote.
Snubbing such massive bands despite the will of the people has created a whirlwind of criticism and backlash, as people openly wonder why they even voted in the first place. Sounds familiar. While speaking with Audacy’s Taryn Daly, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame CEO Greg Harris said it was very likely those other bands could make it into the hall… eventually.
“We love that people care. That they care if they’re in or out, and that their fans care. The truth is anybody that’s nominated, the odds are good that they’ll eventually gonna get in. In fact, I think it may be as high as 90% eventually go in. Rage, this was their sixth time, I believe, fifth time on the ballot, or sixth time. And so sometimes it takes a while. But let’s see where it lands. Right now, let’s celebrate this year’s class, and we can start to debate about next year’s class once the spotlight is off of this year’s class.”
So basically, if you’re the surviving members of Soundgarden or you’re a member of Iron Maiden, just hold on. You’ll get your shot after they lionize rock artists like Willie Nelson, George Michael, and Missy Elliot.
Speaking of this year’s nominees, Harris said the selection was an “amazing group” that deserved their spot in the hall, with Rage Against the Machine being a key example of the diversity of rock.
“It underscores all the different scores and things that make up Rock’ N’ Roll. Rage Against the Machine (is) the perfect mix of alternative, hard rock, and of hip-hop, all together synthesizing their influences. And then, think of all the bands that Rage has influenced, and roll in some really good political consciousness. They’ve never compromised. Rock’ N’ Roll is always the voice of change, and Tom Morello and Zack (de la Rocha) have a loud voice.”
The full list of entrants in this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class includes:
- Kate Bush
- Sheryl Crow
- Missy Elliott
- George Michael
- Willie Nelson
- Rage Against The Machine
- The Spinners
- DJ Kool Herc (Musical Influence Award)
- Link Wray (Musical Influence Award)
- Chaka Khan (Musical Excellence Award)
- Al Kooper (Musical Excellence Award)
- Bernie Taupin (Musical Excellence Award)
- Don Cornelius (Ahmet Ertegun Award)
You can check out the full conversation with Harris over at Audacy.
