There's good news for fans of Genesis and KISS. Having been eligible for several years, the two bands have been nominated for the first time for possible induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Red Hot Chili Peppers get their first nomination, and The Stooges are repeat nominees. As for the remaining eight, the long standing tradition of nominating and inducting non-rockers into the Rock Hall continues.
First Time Nominees:
Genesis
Photo by Armando Gallo
Fans of progressive rock are cheering the nomination of Genesis, given the Rock Hall's history of snubbing prog rock. Perhaps the band's 2007 reunion tour made the nominators wake up and take notice 15 years after the band first became eligible for consideration. Since they are (a) prog rockers and (b) first time nominees, I wouldn't be willing to bet that Genesis will be in the class of 2010, but their nomination is a hopeful sign.
KISS
Photo by George Desota / Getty Images
Fans of KISS have long been among the most vocal about the absence of their favorite band from even being considered for induction into the Rock Hall. In 2006, about 200 KISS Army soldiers went so far as to stage a peaceful protest at the Rock Hall Museum in Cleveland. Most likely, the band's first nomination after ten years of eligibility came in spite of, rather than because of, their trademark face paint and over-the-top stage antics.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Photo by Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images
Although they haven't been around long enough to qualify as classic rockers, RHCP have left their imprint on the past 20 years of rock. Winning the Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2006 (Stadium Arcadium) probably didn't hurt when it came to getting the attention of the folks who select the nominees. It's possible that they could be one of the few exceptions who are actually inducted the first time they're nominated.
Back Again: The Stooges
Elektra Records
Like KISS, The Stooges are better known for their bombastic stage performances than for their music. After a hiatus of nearly 30 years, the band reunited in 2003, and in 2007 released their first new album (The Weirdness) since 1973. By virtue of being repeat nominees, their chances for induction are better than the first-timers. It's hard to tell whether the death earlier this year of original Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton will result in a sympathy vote.
Honorable Mention: Laura Nyro
Sony
Laura Nyro was a talented performer, but is best known for her prolific songwriting. You know her work through Blood Sweat and Tears ("And When I Die") and Three Dog Night ("Eli's Coming") to name a couple. Her songs were also recorded by a diverse crowd ranging from The 5th Dimension to Frank Sinatra. Her songwriting ability has been praised by the likes of Bob Dylan, Elton John, Alice Cooper and Elvis Costello. Nyro was 49 when she died of ovarian cancer in 1997. If there's such a thing as a "sentimental favorite" Laura Nyro would be it.
