Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Urged to Induct Aging Artists While They’re Still Alive
Legendary guitarist Joe Bonamassa has called out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for waiting until iconic artists have passed away before inducting them. Bonamassa made his comments during a recent episode of the "Artists on Record" podcast, while reflecting on the death of pioneering British blues guitarist John Mayall, who will posthumously enter the Hall of Fame this year.
The Frustration and Sadness of Missed Opportunities
Mayall’s death at the age of 90 served as a poignant reminder of the many missed opportunities for the Hall of Fame to recognize and honor aging rock icons. Bonamassa, who has had a long and successful career, is particularly upset about the lack of recognition given to Mayall, who will be inducted as a recipient of the Musical Excellence Award. "I’m glad he was aware that he was going into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame," Bonamassa said. "I am sad and slightly pissed off that he didn’t live to see it because he deserved to go in decades ago."
Bonamassa also brought up the case of Alexis Korner, another legendary artist who will be inducted this year, along with Mayall. "These are first, second-ballot people," Bonamassa emphasized. "There’s a lot of omissions that I think they need to start reconciling quickly, because you cannot wait for them all to die to then go, ‘Well, we’re gonna put you in posthumously.’"
A Plea for Reconciliation
Bonamassa is urging the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to take action to correct this perceived injustice. "I think they need to reconcile their list, and they need to get some of these people in while they’re still alive," he said. "It means something to John to get that statue. It would have meant something to people like my friend Chris Squire from Yes."
Bonamassa is not the only one who feels this way. The death of Dennis Thompson, the drummer and last remaining member of MC5, in May, shortly after the band’s induction, is another example of the urgency of the issue. Thompson reportedly said, "It’s about fucking time!" upon learning of the induction, a sentiment that echoes Bonamassa’s frustration.
Other Key Rock Hall Snubs
Bonamassa’s list of snubbed artists is long and includes some of the most iconic names in rock history. He specifically mentioned Paul Rodgers, the legendary lead singer of Free and Bad Company, who is long overdue for induction. "You mean to tell me Free is not a Hall of Famer? Come on," Bonamassa exclaimed.
A Suggested Solution
Bonamassa proposes that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame consider a new approach to its inductions. "They have to reconcile the TV broadcast as well, because the arguments of, ‘Well, this is a TV broadcast, so we need to stay relevant,’ that’s great," he said. "You do the TV broadcast. But how about the day before, you have a ceremony, a dinner, and you induct 10 people that maybe are not hip or not active playing-wise so they can’t do the playing?"
Bonamassa suggested a number of artists who would be deserving of induction, including Mayall, Korner, and others. "Let’s start there," he said. "Anything with Paul Rogers. Pick one: The Firm, Free, Bad Company."
Conclusion
The debate about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s selection process has been ongoing for years, and Joe Bonamassa’s comments add fuel to the fire. While the Hall of Fame has taken steps to address the issue of senior artists being inducted posthumously, Bonamassa believes that more needs to be done. As an advocate for rock music and its legacy, he is urging the Hall of Fame to take a more proactive approach to recognizing the contributions of aging rock icons.
FAQs
Q: Who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year?
A: John Mayall, Alexis Korner, and others will be inducted as part of the Class of 2024.
Q: Why is Joe Bonamassa advocating for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to induct aging artists?
A: Bonamassa believes that many iconic rock artists are being unfairly overlooked by the Hall of Fame, and that inducting them while they’re still alive would be a more meaningful recognition of their contributions.
Q: Who are some of the artists that Bonamassa feels are long overdue for induction?
A: Bonamassa mentioned Paul Rodgers, Chris Squire, and others as examples of artists who are deserving of recognition by the Hall of Fame.
Q: What is Bonamassa’s proposed solution to the issue of senior artists being inducted posthumously?
A: Bonamassa suggests that the Hall of Fame consider inducting artists who are not as active or popular as others, but are still deserving of recognition, during a separate ceremony or dinner the day before the main induction ceremony.
