[baystateoftheart]

So here's the list of nominees, with those being inducted as performers in bold.

Cyndi Lauper
George Michael
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Kate Bush
Missy Elliott
Rage Against the Machine
Sheryl Crow
Soundgarden
The Spinners
A Tribe Called Quest
Warren Zevon
The White Stripes
Willie Nelson

Plus DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray being inducted as "musical influences", and Al Kooper, Bernie Taupin and Chaka Khan for "musical excellence."

Thoughts?

For one, very strange to me that Chaka Khan is coming in through the side door. She's a star foremost, not a session musician or songwriter. Judas Priest and LL Cool J have been inducted that way as well, so it's not the first time this type of miscategorization has happened.
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[MadhattanJack]

Still, this seems fair. Joy Division/New Order really need another year or two of "seasoning" before they get the nod.

As for Chaka Khan, I think the situation is even worse than it looks — it should really be called the "Chaka Khan Hall of Chaka Khan," and the acts being nominated and voted on should be judged less on how much their "originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll," and more on how much they've contributed to the musical phenomenon that is Chaka Khan.

Or, maybe I'm getting her mixed up with Chuck Norris again — that can happen, once you reach a certain age.

[imacgill]

I was really surprised that The White Stripes didn't get in on their first try, but I suppose the move to make the Hall more diverse left them out in the cold. They should be a shoo-in next year.

Really nice to see Kate Bush get in. She is obviously huge in the UK, but in North America she flew under the radar during her heyday. She is getting a lot more attention now thanks to Big Boi's super fandom and The Stranger Things push. It will be funny if Big Boi inducts her into the hall.

It's also surprising that RATM is so open to going into the hall. I thought they would give a big FU when they were nominated, but then I read that Tom Morello has been working with the Rock and Roll Hall over the last few years to try a get more hard rocks nominated....so maybe not so surprising.

Got to get Willie in before the inevitable. He just celebrated his 90th.

[Romanelli]

This Hall Of Fame is a sham without both Warren Zevon and Link Wray. That they are still on the outside is sad.
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[911Turbo]

it seems to me like there is a lot of talent to choose from.
i have listened to many of the inductees, but not all of there productions.
so i have somewhat of a bias opinion because of my limited exposure.

Iron Maiden- when lead singer Bruce Dickinson ( pilot with the English airlines-not sure which one) packs his bags with the band and the associated tour staff, and flies around the world (flight 666), which is unbelievable , you really get to see what a juggernaut this band has become. its amazing how the crowds reacted in cities : Mumbai, Melbourne,
Tokyo, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Sao Paulo, Santiago, Curitiba, Buenos Aires, Bogota...... everywhere these guys played, the crowd was singing with every song. quite a thing to see. i couldn't believe when they were in Puerto Rico... a young man spent his 6 month wages to watch these guys live. Every show was sold out and a rock festival. Personally, i love these guys and it was nice to see that the world appreciates what these boys delivered. by the way, where did the tour end? Toronto, Canada one of the bests spots to watch and listen to any type of music.

George Michael - i remember dating a woman who wouldn't stop playing FAITH. This album was huge. "I want your sex"-- it was all over the club scene. this guy was so talented. love him. sad to hear he died. he has some songs with elton john, and which sound amazing.

Cyndi Lauper - anyone from New York City is OK with me. She had a dynamite voice.

who doesn't love Kate bush, or rage against the machine, soundgarden, sheryl crow, white stripes, willie nelson. all brilliant musicians.
as was stated earlier, Warren Zevon is so incredible but is less well known.

i have 2 personal statements: now that Gordon Lightfoot passed away, it would be incredible to have the rock and roll hall do a monologue on him. he influenced many artists.
Also, i don't watch these award shows any more. when christoper cross (sailing) beat pink floyd (the wall) for best album you know either the show is rigged or the members just don't get it. it happens alot with acadamey awards (movies, tv shows). so its not just music.
But all of the artists are talented and deserve to be there. good luck to each and every one.