An eclectic group of musicians will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and I have mixed feelings about this television event/marketing tool. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is a cool place to visit but do we really need to induct a half a dozen acts every year regardless of their historical significance to “rock and roll”. Well if you are Jann Webber and HBO the answer is an unequivocal YES. Janet Jackson? Rock and Roll? Really? Yes she had some catchy tunes and a wardrobe malfunction some years back but do we need to see her next to The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin at the HOF? Def Leppard? Yes they have some pop metal hits and a one armed drummer but Hall of Fame worthy? I think not. Where is Peter Wolf and the J. Geils Band? Now those guys are rock and roll!

In my opinion the HOF pool has become so diluted as to make the inductions a joke at this point. The Cure? Maybe, I’m not sure. Radiohead? Perhaps? Stevie Nicks? Certainly.

I suppose if the inductions are being discussed at all the HOF is somewhat relevant but I’m starting to believe that when the great rock acts disappear from the face of the earth like the dinosaurs, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will resemble a jazz or blues museum and the visitors will be left scratching their heads at the Madonna pointy bra exhibit. Frank Sinatra rocks more than Janet Jackson so let’s put Ol’ Blue Eyes in. He would certainly make for a heck of an exhibit. Hell, let’s put William Shatner and Tan Mom in too! No? Maybe someday when attendance is down. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the HBO special and praise them for cutting down the acceptance speeches for television (did the E Street Band finish yet?)

Pour Some Sugar on Me

Rock On!

GQ