Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

Today this years inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced. Those making the cut were pioneers of art rock R.E.M., Patti Smith (took them long enough pick her), Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, 1960s girl group the Ronettes and dysfunctional Van Halen. I am really happy to see R.E.M. get in this year, they are undoubtedly one of the best live acts I have ever seen. Unfortunately their new material is less than up-to-par, however in the early 80's they created a sound so orginal it would influence an influx of bands to come. You can hear the genius of R.E.M. is some of today's acts like The Shins, Pavement, Arcade Fire and Coldplay. With the other inductees to each their own, finally Patti Smith is making her way into the Hall of Fame. However, the only disappointment I have with the inductees is Van Halen, who I have no idea how they can revive an award without a singer, remember at the ceremony, the bands have to perform, who will fill in Diamond Dave, Van Hagger or the young and terrible Gary Sharon's shoes? To see Van Halen take the prestigious award over a certain punk band that got overlooked and has been overlooked Iggy Pop and the Stooges. Iggy and the Stooges were overlooked again this year and I cant seem to justify it. What Iggy and the Stooges and done for the punk movement in the early 1970's is unmatched. They were one of the first U.S. punk bands to produce a sound so unmatched and unrendered, especially from where they come from, the Midwest is a true statement all in its own. I feel for you Iggy, but then again as an ageing punk, maybe joining the establishment is the best thing for you and what you set out on your course in music.