The metal community has always been very vocal about the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’s flaws, namely about who has been excluded from the “elite” club for too long. However, there’s a chance that at least two deserving bands might finally get a shot, as Rush and Deep Purple are among the 15 finalists for induction into the Hall Of Fame’s Class Of 2013.
Rush and Deep Purple are joined on the ballot by groups like N.W.A, Heart, Kraftwerk, Randy Newman, Public Enemy, Donna Summer, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and six others. Now as history has shown, getting nominated for eligibility doesn’t ensure that a group will get inducted. However, here’s where both bands’ chances get a little better. For the first time ever, the public will actually get to vote alongside the artists, historians and music industry insiders of the Rock Hall voting body. Fans have until December 5 to vote on Rolling Stone’s website for their picks.
The top five vote-getters will comprise a “fan’s ballot” that will count as one of the more than 600 ballots that determine the Class of 2013. Granted, it doesn’t seem like this “fan’s ballot” will really count for much. But considering how loyal and massive Rush’s fan base is, we have to believe they’ll receive plenty of votes. Plus, for one reason or another, Rush have been shown a considerable amount of love by Rolling Stone as of late (did we mention that publisher Jann Wenner and writer Dave Marsh are highly influential members of the voting committee?). “We are honored to be among the nominees for this year’s Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame,” Rush said in a statement on their Facebook page. “We are especially thrilled for the many, many dedicated RUSH fans to whom this nomination is so very important.” In other words, it seems like they even know it’s bullshit, but are psyched their fans get to vote.
The results won’t be announced until mid-December, though we think it’s safe to say who most of the metal community will be voting for. In fact, with the polls having been open since midnight, Rush and Deep Purple are already topping the polls. Knowing the way that the Hall members have voted in the past, we’re thinking that Heart, Public Enemy, and Donna Summer are locks, especially since Summer died. Then again, with the recent passing of Jon Lord, that might help Deep Purple out as well.
