OT: Why are the B52's not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

[WhichReligionIsRight]

Oh, and how about The Scorpions.

eligible since 1997 but have yet to be nominated in spite of the fact it is the most successful rock act to call Germany home, in addition to having several FM radio anthems to its credit, notably "Rock You Like A Hurricane", "No One Like You" and "Big City Nights".
5 platinum, 3 gold albums.

MATTHIAS JABS Is 'A Bit Surprised' SCORPIONS Haven't Been Nominated For ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Induction

As the hard rock and metal community continues to debate the validity of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame after JUDAS PRIEST and MOTÖRHEAD was denied induction in 2020, legendary German rockers SCORP...

archive.blabbermouth.net

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Could the CIA Have Planted Hair-Metal Propaganda During the Cold War?

In new podcast 'Winds of Change,' host Patrick Radden Keefe explores how the CIA used music to change hearts and minds during the Cold War.

www.rollingstone.com

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

I loved the B-52s. They were a cultural phenomenon and easily deserve HOF status. Think of the song titles that are in America's lexicon (at least for anyone coming of age in 70s and 80s).

Love Shack
Private Idaho
Planet Claire
Rock Lobster

They also did the Flintsones song for the movie.

The B-52s discography - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Scorpions should be in, too.

 

[sunsetregret]

They cannot be seriously considered until Minnie Riperton is in there!

View embedded media

Fun Fact: Minnie Ripperton is Maya Rudolph's mother ...

EDIT: I should have read to the end of the thread; someone beat me to it.

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[ashokan]

This is a disgrace

Was watching an early performance on the Tube the other day and it revived my interest in them. Their energy and creativity is without question but their breadth of their catalog and the fact that they produced 2 of the most iconic songs both very difrerent from each other one decade a part. One a new wave/ surf punk opus and then a 80s pop classic. In between all kinds of great songs. Throw in the longevity of 40 years plus on the touring scene

I see they have been eligible since 2004..wtf is going on here

They were a good band, but the 80s had a lot of good bands that often sound kinda samey. Their members were probably interchangeable with each other

 

[TM94goRU]

Maya Rudolph's mom.

I was surprised also, when I heard it.

 

[AZBlues]

They were a good band, but the 80s had a lot of good bands that often sound kinda samey. Their members were probably interchangeable with each other

I wouldn't include the B52's in the bands "that often sound kinda samey"... The B52's sound was original and unique. One of the reasons for that (but not the only reason) was that Ricky Wilson's guitar playing style, and his unusual tuning (often using only 4 strings on his guitar, skipping the middle 2 strings), didn't sound the same as anyone else. Sadly, he died of AIDS complications in 1985.

 

[RUGuitarMan]

As a B-52s fan I find this thread to be interesting. Dance This Mess Around is one of my favorites. Kate Pierson wore a beehive well.

The problem is that superlatives in art make little sense.
I enjoy asking the following two questions at parties:
1. What is the best rock band of all time?
2. What is the best American rock band of all time?

That of course is very subjective and for me probably depends on mood. I could only name a few in each category. Personally, when discussions about “best rock band” are made, I think American bands seem to get overlooked. American bands tended to be less pretentious and less.flamboyant than the rock bands out of the UK. I prefer musicianship, singing , etc over shtick and theater. Best Rock Bands - The Beatles, The Who, The Doors, The Allman Bros Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones among others. One of the most overlooked American bands that I think should be in the R&R HOF is Little Feat , a fantastic band from the 70s.

 

[wicker]

Chubby Checker is not in

 

[RUShea]

Wow the smashing pumpkins and phish didn’t get in. One the biggest shoe gaze rock band and the other the biggest jam band. Who votes in this thing. Both massive and influential bands.

I think the Hall is a joke but you got me to bite. Phish should absolutely be recognized as one of the most influential bands of all time. How many artists could get 80,000 people to spend 3 days in the middle of the Everglades, with no opening bands, and play a 7 hour set on the millennium New Year? Or play 13 straight sold out nights at MSG and not repeat a single song in any show? They're an acquired taste for sure, but there's no denying their impact.

 

[famousbill19]

I hold no illusions. I'm waiting for a nu-metal band to get in before Faith No More. Who were the first to do that type of music. This Hall is aptly placed in Cleveland.

Excellent call out. A hundred years from now music students will be studying the impact of FNM/Mike Patton, like a classical composer whose music gets discovered by the masses decades/centuries after they are gone.

 

[zebnatto]

Real, real oldie: The Duprees
Oldie: Jethro Tull
Newer (in terms of eligibility): Weezer

 

[Knight Shift]

Excellent call out. A hundred years from now music students will be studying the impact of FNM/Mike Patton, like a classical composer whose music gets discovered by the masses decades/centuries after they are gone.

FNM is very underrated, and Mike Patton is a genius. I remember when they first broke out with the release of The Real Thing, and some guy named "Jock" asking why I liked that rap, rock stuff. Never thought of it that way, but their influence on a number of nu metal (whatever that label even means) bands and musicians is recognized.

 

[Bagarocks]

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a Joke!!!!!!!

 

[MadRU]

Maybe the Air Force Hall of Fame

 

[TM94goRU]

Excellent call out. A hundred years from now music students will be studying the impact of FNM/Mike Patton, like a classical composer whose music gets discovered by the masses decades/centuries after they are gone.

Thank you. I always thought most of these idiots, I'm a fan of Eddie Trunk so not him, would put Marilyn Manson in before Alice Cooper. Always remember, the same group that runs Rolling Stone Magazine runs the Rock Hall of Fame. They never warmed up to metal and hard rock. It shows by who gets in, and who does not. Many great one's have never been nominated.

 

[RUTGERS95]

This is a disgrace

Was watching an early performance on the Tube the other day and it revived my interest in them. Their energy and creativity is without question but their breadth of their catalog and the fact that they produced 2 of the most iconic songs both very difrerent from each other one decade a part. One a new wave/ surf punk opus and then a 80s pop classic. In between all kinds of great songs. Throw in the longevity of 40 years plus on the touring scene

I see they have been eligible since 2004..wtf is going on here

you should be banned for this post and the utter suggestion that a band like the b52s are deserving in the hall

 

[mdk01]

1. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
2. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

This is based on live performance, which is the true measure of a rock band. I cannot think of another band that presents and weaves all of the key elements of a rock band, singer, guitars, bass, drums, piano, organ and sax (and sometimes horns) better than Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band. 3 to 4 hour (some longer) epic live performances.

If the question was best rock and roll recording artist of all time, the answer would be different.
1. The Beatles or Led Zeppelin
2. The Eagles or Metallica

Of those 4, not a huge fan of either The Beatles or The Eagles, a fan of Led Zeppelin, and big fan of Metallica. Eagles would beat out Metallica, but the excellence of Master of Puppets, And Justice for All and the Black Album cannot be denied.

Recording? Don't forget about the Stones. Hits from 1965 (Satisfaction) to 2020 (Ghost Living in a Ghost Town). A number of classics to would make the Top 100 of all time. Not a bad live band either, but Springsteen is obviously legendary.

 

[RUTGERS95]

Bruce 1 and 2 over so many others with far greater success and longevity? wtf

 

[Knight Shift]

Recording? Don't forget about the Stones. Hits from 1965 (Satisfaction) to 2020 (Ghost Living in a Ghost Town). A number of classics to would make the Top 100 of all time. Not a bad live band either, but Springsteen is obviously legendary.

After I posted, I wondered for a while about the Rolling Stones, and I agree. It is difficult to name a definitive, single best artist.

 

[okieKnight908]

I think the Hall is a joke but you got me to bite. Phish should absolutely be recognized as one of the most influential bands of all time. How many artists could get 80,000 people to spend 3 days in the middle of the Everglades, with no opening bands, and play a 7 hour set on the millennium New Year? Or play 13 straight sold out nights at MSG and not repeat a single song in any show? They're an acquired taste for sure, but there's no denying their impact.

Plus, their flying hotdog is already in the hall of fame building.

 

[RUShea]

Plus, their flying hotdog is already in the hall of fame building.

Ha! Did not know that. They've made it now.

 

[G- RUnit]

Get on line behind Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Devo, Bad Brains, Black Flag and countless other more deserving artists.

Add Jimmy Buffett who is out lasting them all.

 

[bac2therac]

you should be banned for this post and the utter suggestion that a band like the b52s are deserving in the hall

Lol you sound triggered

 

[G- RUnit]

As a B-52s fan I find this thread to be interesting. Dance This Mess Around is one of my favorites. Kate Pierson wore a beehive well.

The problem is that superlatives in art make little sense.
I enjoy asking the following two questions at parties:
1. What is the best rock band of all time?
2. What is the best American rock band of all time?

1. The Beatles followed by the Stones followed by the Who. 4th is the more interesting question.
2. This will drive rock critics crazy but it's The Eagles or The Beach Boys.

 

[wolve1972]

Get on line behind Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Devo, Bad Brains, Black Flag and countless other more deserving artists.

REO Spedwagon ?

 

[G- RUnit]

Recording? Don't forget about the Stones. Hits from 1965 (Satisfaction) to 2020 (Ghost Living in a Ghost Town). A number of classics to would make the Top 100 of all time. Not a bad live band either, but Springsteen is obviously legendary.

I have trouble with Bruce in this category as it is Bruce Springsteen and the EStreet Band, Buddy Holly and The Crickets, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, etc. I think he's in a different category when you present yourself as the artist and a supporting band.

 

[mdk01]

1. The Beatles followed by the Stones followed by the Who. 4th is the more interesting question.
2. This will drive rock critics crazy but it's The Eagles or The Beach Boys.

I'd put Springsteen and the E Street Band well ahead of the Eagles. Beach Boys are tougher, but longevity puts the Jersey boys ahead.

 

[RUTGERS95]

Lol you sound triggered

no but have to laugh at B-52s :)

 

[611george]

1. The Beatles followed by the Stones followed by the Who. 4th is the more interesting question.
2. This will drive rock critics crazy but it's The Eagles or The Beach Boys.

Funny. When I even mention the Beach Boys, people usually go nuts. Also Chuck Berry, Elvis, Little Richard. There are so many great bands it is hard to narrow. I have heard people say Aerosmith as well. It's a fun conversation that gets people fired up, especially after a few drinks. The Beatles/Stones/Zeppelin/Who conversation can go sideways really fast.

And don't mention The Pixies. That also brings out the worst in the classic rock crowd. :)

 

[BROTHERSKINNY]

This is a disgrace

Was watching an early performance on the Tube the other day and it revived my interest in them. Their energy and creativity is without question but their breadth of their catalog and the fact that they produced 2 of the most iconic songs both very difrerent from each other one decade a part. One a new wave/ surf punk opus and then a 80s pop classic. In between all kinds of great songs. Throw in the longevity of 40 years plus on the touring scene

I see they have been eligible since 2004..wtf is going on here

Because the RRHOF is living in Its Own Private Idaho!

 

[RUTGERS95]

both baseball and football already watered down, this one is too

 

[Knight Shift]

Funny. When I even mention the Beach Boys, people usually go nuts. Also Chuck Berry, Elvis, Little Richard. There are so many great bands it is hard to narrow. I have heard people say Aerosmith as well. It's a fun conversation that gets people fired up, especially after a few drinks. The Beatles/Stones/Zeppelin/Who conversation can go sideways really fast.

And don't mention The Pixies. That also brings out the worst in the classic rock crowd. :)

While I never really like the Beach Boys and REO Speedwagon (mentioned by someone else), I never hated them, and respect what they have done. Same for Little Feat. And the same could be said for putting a metal band like Metallica in the conversation or a progressive rock band like Rush. For longevity and excellence in musicianship, who can rival what Rush did as a three piece band? Tool is now carrying the banner for progressive rock, but their output is sporadic.

 

[AZBlues]

no but have to laugh at B-52s :

To appreciate the B52's, it might have helped some to have been around when they first hit the music scene.. But I realize that not everyone will appreciate the B52's music regardless. ​

The paragraph below sums it up pretty well as far as I'm concerned. The band, and their music, were fun and kinda crazy, and different from other bands at the time. I especially enjoyed their debut album, which is the one below from Paste magazine's list of best albums of 1979.​

​

4. The B52’s, The B52’s​

"In a 1980 Rolling Stone interview, conducted mere months before his tragic assassination, John Lennon credited The B-52’s cooky surf-rock classic “Rock Lobster” with sparking his final musical comeback. High praise, but not unwarranted: With their 1979 debut, the Athens, Georgia quintet seemingly arrived on Earth as rock stars from Planet Camp—combining chugging punk guitars, Farfisa organs, Swinging Sixties sci-fi lyrics and the enthralling vocal silliness of singers Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson. The B-52’s remains a lost classic of post-punk/New-Wave, delivering more fun-per-minute than almost any other LP of the past four decades." —Ryan Reed

https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-albums/the-best-albums-of-1979-1

​

 

[bac2therac]

I would put the Beach Boys as the #1 American group

 

[CranfordKnight]

All this discussion of the B-52s with no mention of their best song, by far:

 

[mildone]

The fact that Abba made it into the RRHOF in 2010 while Yes, who formed way back in 1968, didn't get inducted until 2017, and Peter Gabriel wasn't inducted until 2014, tells me all I need to know about the RRHOF.

I guess the hint is in the word "fame" and popularity is the primary criteria. Maybe there should be a Hall of Musical Greatness that inducts musical groups or persons who stood out not for their popularity, but for their virtuosity or musical brilliance or truly unique style. Outliers in musical terms, not in records sold (although there are many examples of bands that were both things).

TOOL would be a shoe-in for that theoretical Hall of Musical Greatness. And are hopefully popular enough that they'll one day be inducted into the RRHOF. Sure it's not a style everyone will enjoy, but their virtuoso musicianship, rhythmically complex compositions, unique style, and thoughtful and often deep lyrics separate them, and elevate them, far above any of their genre peers that I've ever heard.

As for the B52's, they have a few fun songs and all, but I'm not personally a fan. Nothing about them that says "outlier" to me. But if Abba can make it into the RRHOF, why not the B52s?

 

[RUTBAY1]

The Go-Gos getting in while Pat Benetar is still on the outside looking in is a complete joke. Benetar and Chrissy Hynde were both iconic front women for the early MTV era bands and both deserved to get in rather than just the Prentenders. Most people assume PB is already there.