Cheap Trick, Chicago, and Steve Miller were nominated for the first time, whereas N.W.A. and Deep Purple had previously been up for the nod, but didn’t receive enough votes. Nominees that didn’t make the cut who are most likely to upset critics include disco band Chic — who have now been nominated and failed a record 10 times — and progressive-rock legends Yes.
N.W.A. are only the fifth hip-hop group to make it to the Rock Hall, following like-minded pioneers in Public Enemy as well as The Beastie Boys, Grandmaster Flash, and the forefathers of the gernre, Run DMC. The larger-than-life West Coast hip-hop group was likely boosted in their bid by this year’s blockbuster Straight Outta Compton, the hit biopic which told the story of the group and its music.
Performers become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first album, and get voted on by over 800 industry members, critics, and past winners. Members of the general public are allowed to combine for one vote each year — a process that takes place online beginning a few years ago.
The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame is not without its critics, and came under scrutiny earlier this year, after it got rid of 16 of the 42 nominating committee members, many of whom were part of the early rock and R&B subcommittee. But regardless of that controversy, all of the bands and people to be added next year pass the smell test, having contributed significant music to the history of their particular niches.
The induction ceremony will take place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in the late spring, and will be taped by HBO for wider release.
