What difference does the fan vote make for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Not much. The class of 2025 will not feature two of the top three vote-getters from this year. Phish and Billy Idol? Sorry, but maybe next year. Moreover, two of the last four in the fan balloting are going to be enshrined.
Arguably, all the musical artists chosen for induction are worthy. Possibly the only one with a fundamental question is Outkast. Not that the duo is not good because they are, but they are an example of the argument Noel Gallagher made recently about the Rock Hall not always serving rock and roll first.
Gallagher argues that he should not expect to be enshrined in a hip-hop hall of fame, so why would a rap artist feel as if they should be included in a rock hall? The same could be said of country artists, such as Dolly Parton, who decided she wasn't worthy of her induction in 2022 and made a rock album in response.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces 2025 class
The positive part is that three of this year's inductees will be musical acts that play a slightly harder brand of the genre. No pure metal performers are getting in, and it's still criminal that bands like Motörhead are not enshrined, but at least the 2025 list is not all about pop artists.
The 2025 inductees in the performer category include:
- Bad Company
- Chubby Checker
- Joe Cocker
- Cyndi Lauper
- Outkast
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
2025 Musical Influence Award:
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Warren Zevon
2025 Musical Excellence Award:
- Thom Bell
- Nicky Hopkins
- Carol Kaye
Ahmet Ertegun Award (Non-Performer lifetime achievement award):
- Lenny Waronker
The ceremony to honor the class will take place on November 8 at the Peacock Theter in Los Angeles, California. Fans can view the event live on Disney+, and can watch on Hulu on November 9. At an unnamed later date, ABC will air the ceremony.
Phish and Billy Idol fans need not fret too much. Both could easily be on the ballot next year. Idol, at least, deserves induction.