20 Classic Rockers that I still can’t believe are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

By popular demand, I’m back again with another instalment of classic rock bands that should be in the Rock Hall, but aren’t for some reason or another. The last time I wrote a blog post about this was back in 2020 and in the classic rock world, a lot can change in three years. As you can expect, some bands on the list have since been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So why not return with another blog post/update of sorts sharing bands? That last blog post, 20 More Classic Rockers who aren’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but should be, has blown up recently and I might as well give the people what they want, another blog post about Rock and Roll Hall of Fame snubs. It’s also a great opportunity to write some short, but sweet tributes to classic rock bands that deserve much more appreciation.

To reiterate from my first blog post in that series, published back in 2019, there are a few reasons that your favourite musicians haven’t been inducted, or even nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Americanocentrism, the quota, rock and roll no longer being dominant, and certain subgenres like prog and heavy metal being historically snubbed.

I’d also add that at the end of the day, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a tourist attraction and of course, the induction process is going to be a popularity contest. It’s absolutely not about merit or quality of music, but about who’s popular and what musicians will bring in tourists. Every awards show is a popularity contest and that’s why I couldn’t give a crap about Grammys or Oscars.

That said, there is something I read in Def Leppard’s book Definitely, which I reviewed on my blog. When they got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 they felt like it opened a lot of doors for them and increased their profile and made industry people take them more seriously. That shouldn’t be necessary, but it’s true. If a band’s in the Rock Hall, they’re going to be more remembered than one that isn’t. While I don’t think the Rock Hall is the be-all end-all, I still think it’s important to talk about and that’s why I wrote this series of blog posts. Without further ado, here’s a list of 20 more classic rock bands and musicians who are still not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as of 2023. Note: It goes without saying that time moves forward. Because of the evergreen approach I take to my writing, you might be reading this in the future and things may have changed for the better. If so, awesome!

Big Star

Why? What Badfinger were to power pop in the UK, Big Star were to the US. Both groups deserve a lot more credit and pioneered the genre in the early 70s. While they didn’t have a lot of success when they were together in the 70s, they got recognition and appreciation after the fact over time with groups like R.E.M. and KISS citing them as influential to their sound. Critics also have praised their albums #1 Record, Radio City, and Third. Cheap Trick’s cover of their song “In The Street” was used as the theme song for That 70s Show. Chilton/Bell – great songwriting team. Plus we sneed more LGBT representation in the Rock Hall and Chris Bell was gay.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Not enough success. Sadly as good as #1 Record was, it was not a chart topper and they didn’t have any hit singles.

What you should listen to: While I love all their albums, I would say #1 Record is my favourite. My favourite tracks on that album are “Feel”, “In The Street”, “Thirteen”, “Don’t Lie To Me”, “When My Baby’s Beside Me”, and “In The Street”. However, they’re not an intimidating band to get into because of the fun sound and short but sweet format of power pop and the band’s short discography, so give their other two albums a shot. Radio City is a great album too and I think the highlights are “O My Soul”, “You Get What You Deserve”, “Back of a Car”, and “September Gurls”. I love their covers of The Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale” and The Kinks’ “Till The End of the Day” from Third. “Blue Moon” and “Take Care” are beautiful songs from that album too.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Blur

Why? They’re one of the biggest and first Britpop groups and an important part of 1990s rock history. You know how in the 60s the question was Beatles or Stones? Well, the question in the 90s was Oasis or Blur. They’re inspired by all the greats and classic rockers have definitely praised Blur. Big influence on indie rock. If The Kinks as a band had a baby, that baby would be Blur – The Kinks got in as soon as they were eligible and I think Blur getting into the Rock Hall is overdue. Even if you don’t know the name, you’ve probably heard “Song 2” or the bisexual anthem “Girls & Boys”. Parklife is considered one of the best albums of the 90s.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Not American and didn’t have enough success in the United States. Oasis were way bigger Stateside and still aren’t in the Rock Hall, nor have they been nominated. On the other hand, I think Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz would have a better chance getting in because of their popularity – maybe they’d get in before Blur. Gorillaz may not have been the first virtual band, because Alvin and the Chipmunks and The Archies pre-dated them by a few decades, but Gorillaz are much more of a serious, respected band. Prove me wrong though Rock Hall!

What you should listen to: Easily Parklife. Great album. Favourite songs are “Girls & Boys”, “Tracy Jacks”, “End of a Century”, “Parklife”, “To The End”, and “This is a Low”. Great album from start to finish. You can really see how much of an influence Ray Davies is on them, unapologetically British. This is an album for Anglophiles. Some other songs you should listen to are “Country House”, “Song 2”, and “Beetlebum”.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Buzzcocks

Why? Great punk rock band. Also if you want some LGBT representation, their lead singer Pete Shelley was bisexual and the band’s best known song is gay themed, “Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t Have?)”. Not only was Pete Shelley good at punk rock, he also experimented with electronic music in the 70s before it was cool and made some great synthpop with songs like “Homosapien” and “Telephone Operator”. An important band in Manchester music history. Singles Going Steady is considered a punk rock masterpiece. Great punk rock with intelligent lyrics.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Bias against punk rock. Not as big in America.

What you should listen to: Singles Going Steady is a good collection of songs. I love “Ever Fallen In Love”, “What Do I Get?”, “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays”, and “Why Can’t I Touch It?”.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Chic

Why? I don’t think an explanation is needed. Easily one of the best known disco acts. You’ll recognise songs like “Everybody Dance”, “Le Freak”, “Good Times”, and “I Want Your Love”. Bernard Edwards’ bass playing and Nile Rodgers’ guitar playing, ’nuff said. Not a surprise to anyone but the bassline from “Good Times” inspired the bassline from “Another One Bites The Dust”. You can’t deny that there’s great musicianship in disco. Their influence lives on. I remember back in 2013 when Nile Rodgers collaborated with Daft Punk on “Get Lucky” – I’ll say it, modern Soul Train kinda stuff and one of my favourite songs of the 2010s.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: The quota? Bias against disco? Disco and rock and roll had a beef back in the day, but it should be squashed by now, right?

What you should listen to: Gonna sound clichéd, but I love “Everybody Dance”, “Le Freak”, and “Good Times”.

# Of Times Nominated: I think they have the record! They’ve been nominated 11 times between 2003 and 2017.

Free

Why? Great British blues rock band. Paul Rodgers is considered a great frontman and from 2004-2009, he toured with Brian May and Roger Taylor as Queen + Paul Rodgers. The late Paul Kossoff was ranked #51 in Rolling Stone’s list of 100 greatest guitarists. Bassist Andy Fraser was mentored by Alexis Korner, Founding Father of the British Blues, and started playing music professionally at the age of 15. As well, people complain about the lack of black representation in the Rock Hall – Andy Fraser was half Caribbean – We’d also get some more gay representation because he was gay too. They played the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival after their breakthrough with “All Right Now” and from there, they became one of Britain’s top-selling blues rock bands. Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke went on to be in Bad Company, while Andy Fraser formed Sharks and Paul Kossoff formed Back Street Crawler. Random fact, but Lorde’s album cover for Solar Power is clearly influenced by Free’s 1969 self-titled sophomore album.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Seen as a one-hit wonder because people only know “All Right Now”, even though they have a lot of talent and they have a lot of great songs. I also believe Americanocentrism is a factor. Sad part is half the original lineup are dead.

What you should listen to: “All Right Now” and “Wishing Well” are great songs, but I also like their 1969 self-titled album and their 1970 breakthrough Fire and Water.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Girlschool

Why? They’re one of the best known all-girl heavy metal bands. They were part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and were good friends with Motorhead. Huge inspiration to female hard rockers. If you love Heart, but want something that’s a few steps heavier, you’ll adore Girlschool.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Not American and didn’t have success in the United States. Bias against heavy metal and hard rock. Motorhead haven’t gotten in yet, so I doubt Girlschool would get in.

What you should listen to: My favourite song of theirs is their cover of The Gun’s “Race With The Devil” – easily an example of a cover being superior to the original, and in this case the original is excellent, one of those ahead of its time songs. Can you beleive it came out in 1969? IMO it’s one of the heaviest pre-Black Sabbath songs.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Herman’s Hermits

Why? Along with Manfred Mann, they are one of the biggest British Invasion groups missing from the Rock Hall. They had multiple hits in the 60s on both sides of the Atlantic. Hit after hit from 1964-1967. You’ll almost definitely recognise a few of their songs. Important band in Manchester rock music history. Complete the British Invasion section of the museum with Herman’s Hermits and Manfred Mann!

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: They were big back in the 60s, but I wonder if they’re as remembered as their other British Invasion contemporaries. It’s a shame that they got forgotten. I still hold out hope because The Small Faces, who had even less success in the US got inducted. Also The Zombies were inducted in 2019. It’s not too late, right?

What you should listen to: It’s hard to pick a favourite, so I’ll pick three. “I’m Into Something Good” – always puts a smile on my face, “No Milk Today” – love their version of this Graham Gouldman composition, and “Dandy” – their version had more success than The Kinks’ original. There’s so many good songs.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Iron Maiden

Why? They’re one of the biggest rock bands of the 80s and the ultimate NWOBHM band. They’ve won multiple awards including Grammys, Brit Awards, and Ivor Novello Awards. They famously played Rock in Rio on the same bill as Queen in 1985. We wouldn’t have heavy metal as we know it without them. They’re still very much loved and they are still touring even to this day. They influenced the genres of thrash metal, speed metal, and progressive metal.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Bias against heavy metal, however maybe they’ll get in soon because they’ve been nominated quite recently. As well, they were more of an albums band than a band with singles that got radio airplay in the US.

What you should listen to: I like their first four albums, but if you want to hear their most famous songs, listen to The Number of the Beast, their first album with Bruce Dickinson, which has three of their most famous songs: the title track, “Run to the Hills”, and “Hallowed Be Thy Name”. Their most popular song, “The Trooper” is on their album Piece of Mind.

# Of Times Nominated: Twice, in 2021 and 2023

Joe Satriani

Why? He’s a guitar virtuoso. If you want incredibly skilled guitar playing and to hear really good technical stuff, Joe Satriani’s music is for you. Some of the best guitar instrumentals can be found in his discography. If you haven’t listened to his music, what are you doing? He’s worked with legends like Mick Jagger and Deep Purple. With those guitar skills, it’s no surprise that he worked as a guitar teacher. Some of his most famous students include Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, David Bryson, Kevin Cadogan, and Larry LaLonde. He also organised the G3 concert tour which consists of him playing with two other guitarists. Some guitarists that toured with G3 include Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, Robert Fripp, Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker, and Phil Collen.

Why he’s not in the Rock Hall: Hard rock and heavy metal are historically ignored genres in the Rock Hall.

What you should listen to: Surfing With The Alien – legendary instrumental rock album

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Malo

Why? A great Latin rock band formed by Jorge Santana, Carlos Santana’s younger brother. If you want a truly underrated band, listen to Malo. If Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago were Hispanic, this is what they’d sound like, so if you like those bands, you’ll like Malo. “Suavecito” was a hit in 1972 and is considered the Chicano National Anthem. The song was also sampled in Sugar Ray’s 1999 hit “Every Morning”. If you need more Latino representation, here you go!

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Not as successful as other Latin rock bands like Santana or War. Regarded as a one hit wonder.

What you should listen to: Clichéd, but “Suavecito” is a classic. Still, I’d say give the rest of their 1972 self-titled debut a listen. I love the opening track “Pana”, the funky jazzy “Just Say Goodbye”, and “Nena”. If you want something more rock and roll, listen to “Peace”.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Mike Oldfield

Why? The talent! The genius! He played almost every instrument on his debut album, Tubular Bells, and recorded that album when he was only 19 years old. Tubular Bells is a famous example of a sleeper hit because at first it didn’t sell well, but when the opening of the song was used in The Exorcist, it became a success and iconic. Don’t just listen to that bit of Tubular Bells, all the motions are so interesting. His music is magical and beautiful. That’s just the beginning of his masterpieces. He’s a new-age music pioneer too.

Why he’s not in the Rock Hall: Bias against prog rock and anything that is too “out there”. However, if you know your music, you know how good Mike Oldfield is.

What you should listen to: My two favourite albums are Tubular Bells and Ommadawn

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Mott The Hoople

Why? Great glam rock band with quite a story. They formed in 1969 and their first few albums were total flops and they were so close to breaking up, but one iconic musician believed in them so much that he wrote a song for them and that famous musician was David Bowie, who wrote their hit “All The Young Dudes” quickly after they rejected his song “Suffragette City”. When Ian Hunter first heard the song he knew it was gold. They have other good songs too.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Americanocentrism – not as big in America, seen as one-hit wonder because of “All The Young Dudes” (only barely reached top 40 in America), glam rock taken less seriously. Not seen as important as David Bowie and Marc Bolan. It took a while for Bolan and Roxy Music to be inducted, but I hope that Mott The Hoople get a chance. Side note, here’s a Roxy Music connection, Kari-Ann Muller was the cover model for both 1972’s Roxy Music and 1974’s The Hoople.

What you should listen to: My personal favourite song is “All The Way From Memphis”. “Roll Away The Stone” is also really good. I also love “Ready For Love”, which went on to be a hit for Bad Company.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Peter Frampton

Why? This guitarist started his career early on, while still in his teen years, with The Herd. Before the fame, he was friends with David Bowie, who went to the same school as him. Peter Frampton’s father, Owen, was David Bowie’s art teacher. At just 18 years old, he joined forces with Steve Marriott, who left The Small Faces, to form Humble Pie. He left Humble Pie after two years to pursue a solo career and found success with his live album Frampton Comes Alive, one of the most famous live albums – essential listening. While he wasn’t the first to use a talk box, he’s probably the first guitarist you think of when you hear talk box.

Why he’s not in the Rock Hall: Quota? Americanocentrism? People just thinking of him as the talk box guy?

What you should listen to: From his Humble Pie years, my favourite song of his is “I’ll Go Alone” – the full version with the sitar intro is amazing. Of course, you gotta hear his almost 14 minute long live classic, “Do You Feel Like We Do?” – no one listens to the studio version. The ultimate toilet break song for DJs and a great song to listen to while high (the first time I got high, I listened to this song and was rocking out).

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

The Pretty Things

Why? Groundbreaking British R&B band turned psychedelic rock band that didn’t get the fame or big break they deserved. One of the best kept secrets in British rock and roll. Their early stuff is comparable to The Rolling Stones and Yardbirds. If you’re a fan of those two bands, you’ll love The Pretty Things. Some even say they made the Stones look tame, I guess you be the judge. David Bowie described their long-haired bisexual frontman Phil May as “God” in his address book. Bowie later covered “Rosalyn” and “Don’t Bring Me Down” on his covers album Pin Ups. They’re also considered heavy metal and rock opera/concept album pioneers with their 1968 album SF Sorrow sounding way ahead of its time. If you haven’t listened to them yet, listen to them now, you’ll fall in love.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Not American and didn’t have much, if any, success in the United States. More of a cult classic. Overshadowed by other British R&B acts in the 60s like The Stones and The Yardbirds.

What you should listen to: If you’re more into R&B, I’d say “Rosalyn”, “Don’t Bring Me Down”. If you want something more psychedelic I love the songs “She’s A Lover”, “Walking Through My Dreams”, and “Defecting Grey”.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Why? One of the pioneers of gothic rock. Who would goths be without Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, The Cure, and Bauhaus? The Velvet Underground walked so Siouxsie and the Banshees could run. A great female fronted rock band who influenced Joy Division, Killing Joke, Morrissey, and The Cure. They shaped the genres of alternative rock, post-punk, synthpop, new wave, and shoegaze. Any band that influences that many genres deserves a place in the Rock Hall.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Their only US hit was the poppier “Kiss Them For Me”. They were not as big in America as back home in the UK. Goth isn’t really mainstream enough. Then again, The Cure and Joy Division/New Order got in, so that could open the door for other goth rock bands.

What you should listen to: I love “Spellbound” and their covers of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence” and Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger”.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

The Sonics

Why? One of America’s most influential garage rock bands, their fuzzy rock songs were influential in future subgenres of rock and roll like punk and grunge. They’re an important part of Pacific Northwest rock and roll history. Kurt Cobain was a big fan. The White Stripes and The Hives were very inspired by them. Basically America’s answer to the early Kinks.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Too obscure and they were short-lived in the 60s. I don’t believe they had any top 40 hits.

What you should listen to: “Have Love Will Travel” and “Strychnine” are my favourites, but their debut Here Are The Sonics is excellent.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Sparks

Why? This duo made up of brothers Ron and Russell Mael started in the early 70s and have been active since then, never staying still – continuing to release albums and tour even in their 70s. They’re probably the most British American band. If you want a band that have a diverse discography, then Sparks are a great example of that. There’s something for everyone in their discography. If you want glam, art rock, synthpop, disco, electronica, you can find it somewhere across their 25 albums. They’re incredibly creative, that’s for sure. Some bands they influenced include Joy Division, The Sex Pistols, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ween, Sonic Youth, and Franz Ferdinand. Paul McCartney even dressed up like Ron Mael in his music video for “Coming Up”.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Despite being American, they were more famous in Europe. See what I said above about them being the most British American band. Too obscure from an American perspective to be in the Rock Hall.

What you should listen to: I love their early more glam rock songs like “This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both of Us” and their more disco sounding songs with Giorgio Moroder as producer: “Tryouts For The Human Race”, “Beat The Clock” and “Number One Song In Heaven”.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

Steppenwolf

Why? Great psychedelic and hard rock band from Canada. They’ve sold over 25 million albums and had seven gold albums and one platinum. Two of their songs were in the soundtrack of the classic road trip film, Easy Rider: “Born To Be Wild” and their version of “The Pusher”. That motorcycle scene with “Born To Be Wild” is iconic.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Seen as a two-hit wonder since people just know “Born To Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride”. “Born To Be Wild’ was inducted as an influential single. However, Link Wray eventually got inducted after “Rumble” was inducted as a single, so there’s a possibility Steppenwolf could finally get the recognition, but who knows? They were also short-lived, breaking up due to personal differences.

What you should listen to: Besides their two signature songs, I really like the medley from The Second which is right after “Magic Carpet Ride” from “Disappointment Number (Unknown)” to “Reflections” – I love the titles “Lost and Found (By Trial and Error)” and “Hodge, Podge, Strained Through a Leslie”.

# Of Times Nominated: Once, in 2017.

Tommy James and the Shondells

Why? Successful pop rock group from the 60s who got multiple hits in the 60s: “Hanky Panky”, “I Think We’re Alone Now”, “Mony Mony”, “Crimson And Clover” and “Crystal Blue Persuasion”. While I prefer Johnny Thunder’s cover of “I’m Alive”, it was originally a Tommy James and the Shondells song. Also gotta add Tommy James’ solo hit “Draggin’ The Line” from 1971, that’s a catchy one too. No doubt you’ll recognise these songs when you hear them.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: Forgotten? Time is a filter. However, I’ve heard “Crystal Blue Persuasion” being used in Breaking Bad – how fitting. Another possibility is that they’re too poppy.

What you should listen to: My personal favourite songs are “Crimson and Clover” and “Crystal Blue Persuasion”.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated

The Turtles

Why? They’re one of the best American bands of the 60s. Along with The Byrds and Bob Dylan, they pioneered the folk rock genre. Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan went on to be in Frank Zappa’s The Mothers of Invention before forming Flo & Eddie. They had multiple hits: “Happy Together”, “Elenore”, and “It Ain’t Me Babe”. Overall, a great band. Go beyond the hits to truly appreciate them.

Why they’re not in the Rock Hall: I wonder if people only think of them as one hit wonders because of “Happy Together”. I’m thinking the quota is a factor and then over time they got forgotten. It’s sad. They were not together long and the band broke up after Turtle Soup and they had arguments with their record label, White Whale Records.

What you should listen to: Besides the hits, I personally love their debut It Ain’t Me Babe.

# Of Times Nominated: Never nominated