This Year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Have Been Announced And Include Rage Against The Machine, Willie Nelson, And George Michael. And A Big Congrats To Kate Bush Who Is Getting In Thanks To Netflix And Stranger Things
Pitchfork - Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, and Rage Against the Machine are all getting inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023. The other performer inductees are Willie Nelson, George Michael, and the Spinners.
Hip-hop legend DJ Kool Herc and guitarist Link Wray will receive the Musical Influence Award, and Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Elton John’s songwriter Bernie Taupin are receiving the Musical Excellence Award. In addition, Don Cornelius, the late creator of Soul Train, will get the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony happens on Friday, November 3, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Sheryl Crow, George Michael, Missy Elliott, and Willie Nelson are making the Rock Hall after their first nominations. Kate Bush is being inducted on her fourth nomination, Rage Against the Machine get the nod on their fifth try, and the Spinners were also inducted after four nominations.
Ok a few things here as I have a bone to pick with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
1st off, how the fuck was Willie Nelson not already in?
Are you kidding me?
The man's only written some of the most beautiful love songs imaginable.
As well as one of the saddest songs ever
and one of the most popular songs of the last century
If he can't get in until he's knocking on heavens door, what does it say for the rest of the candidates still awaiting their time?
All things considered, congratulations to Willy. I'm sure whoever gives his introduction speech will be electric, and Willie will give one of the most tearful, heartfelt acceptance speeches we've ever heard. I'm really looking forward to this.
Next up we have Rage Against the Machine.
This speech I'm really looking forward to because there's no way we get anything even close to normal, or behaved. I'd be shocked if the entire group even shows up. And even though Zach De La Rocha doesn't have anybody in office right now he can blast to smithereens, you know he's obsessed with staying on brand so he'll find something to go off the rails about.
Advertisement
I like Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, and Missy Elliot getting in. I LOVE George Michael getting in.
Say what you want about the guy's personal preferences, he was an incredible musician.
(He was also hot as fuck.)
It's really cool they're honoring Kool Herc too. For those that don't know, DJ Kool Herc, co-hosted the 1973 party identified as the place of hip-hop’s public liftoff, aka one of the "founders" of hip-hop.
Advertisement
Before I get to Kate Bush, let's get back to the Rock Hall dropping the ball. How the fuck do A Tribe Called Quest, Cyndi Lauper, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes not make the cut this year?
Talk about a list of monster names to snub.
(sidebar - Who is on this voting board? Honest question. Would love to know how one goes about getting that distinguished responsibility.)
Kate Bush has had an incredible resurgence over the past 2 years. Thanks, in a VERY large part to Netflix’ “Stranger Things”.
I blogged about it when it happened, but the shows creators did an unbelievable job digging up pretty obscure 80s song, (by todays standards), and showcasing it perfectly as a soundtrack to one of the biggest scenes of the season.
When you have that perfect harmony between visuals and music they compliment each other like none other. And that was the case in this instance.
The scene and song did so well in fact, it catapulted Kate Bush into the iTunes #1 spot for several weeks, and landed her regular spins on current and pop radio. Something I can’t remember a 30 year old song ever having done before.
Now, she’s going into the Rock Hall.
Congratulations K-Bush.
Advertisement
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 Induction Ceremony will take place this fall with date, venue, and on-sale information to be announced.