Music

Ego Battles for Rock Hall of Fame

Alan Cross 2 Comments

I’m mostly ambivelent about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  I enjoyed my visits–it was cool seeing a blood-and-vomit-stained Sid Vicious t-shirt–but I’m still not sure that rock should be institutionalized this way.

Then again, I can see the value in preserving history this way.

With a new set of inductees to be announced on Wednesday (including the Cure and Guns ‘N Roses), there’s a lot of electioneering going on in the background.  That’s because a lift into the RnRHoF can pay off in increased record sales–perhaps as much as 60%.  

Getting in the Hall is even better than winning a Grammy.  An award like that is good for boosting whatever album wins.  A Hall induction suddenly gooses your entire catalogue.

So how does an nominated artist get voted in?  The New York Times has pulled back the curtain somewhat.

 

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38061 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

2 thoughts on “Ego Battles for Rock Hall of Fame”

  • Which begs the question…why isn't Rush in there?

    Reply

  • Johnny Rotten (Lydon…) had a great take onthe RnRHoF. When the Pistols were nominated, I saw an interview with him where he bitched about to being asked to pay something like $15k for the gala dinner so he could receive his award. His comment was, if he is being honored, why does he have to pay? Kind of sums up a lot of things.

    Reply

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