The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has announced the latest round of inductees to be added to the hallowed list for 2013, with Canadian power trio Rush, who released their 19th(!) studio album Clockwork Angels this year – leading a list of acts that includes rock duo Heart, American singer-songwriter Randy Newman, and the posthumous addition of blues legend Albert King, and the queen of disco, Donna Summer, who passed away in May at the age of 63.
It’s certainly a diverse list, but its the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame’s exclusions that say as much about the Cleveland, Ohio institution than those that have been welcomed in to the historical museum.
While prog-rock luminaries Rush have now made the cut after years of being snubbed, fellow nominees and certified rock legends Deep Purple have once again been denied. Though both were nominated in the initial announcement last October, alongside the likes of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Kraftwerk, only Rush have been included for induction for 2013.
Bassist Geddy Lee said at the time of their nomination that the band were “honoured to be among the nominees for this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” and “especially thrilled for the many, many dedicated fans to whom this nomination is so very important.”
But fellow bandmate and guitarist Alex Lifeson was more direct about the status their induction holds, “I never really cared if it happened or not, to be honest with you.”“It doesn’t change anybody’s life at the end of the day…” – Alex Lifeson, Rush
“It doesn’t change anybody’s life at the end of the day,” Lifeson told press. “Are we going to become more popular? Are we going to sell more records? Are more people going to come to the shows? I don’t know. We’re quite happy where we are and with what we’ve accomplished.”
Adding that: “So we continue to do the kind of work we want to do and we will continue regardless of our induction or not,” he added. “I think at the end of the day, really, what this is about is making our fans feel like their support has been worthy.”
Indeed Rush’s induction is seen as a validation over their significant contribution to music, but Deep Purple fans will be shaking their heads at yet another missed opportunity to recognise the iconic British forefathers of the genre.
A 2013 induction would have been timely, given the death of founder and keyboardist Jon Lord, who passed away in July at the age of 71 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Their induction would have made for a tasteful tribute to their fallen bandmate.
Deep Purple alumni Gleen Hughes recently remarked at the absurdity of their continued exclusion from the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, saying that being ignored by the institution had become a running joke between them, and fellow snubbed rock legends, KISS.
“We know the people in charge and we know how they think,” said Hughes. “It’s become like a joke in a way. Gene Simmons will talk to me about it, and go on a rant and all, and he is exactly right. But I’m not gonna hold my breath. Deep Purple, Kiss, Yes, and especially Rush should obviously all be in.”“It’s become like a joke in a way. Gene Simmons will talk to me about it, and go on a rant and all, and he is exactly right.” – Glenn Hughes, Deep Purple
Though not strictly rock and roll, the posthumous induction of R&B’s former queen Donna Summer is a touching tribute, while sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Seattle rock act heart tweeted their gratitude to fans: “It’s official…we have been inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Thank you to all of our fans for the support.”
The induction of fiery rap legends, the politically potent Public Enemy, also caused a bit of stir, with Hall of Fame chief executive Joel Peresman responding to the raised eyebrows at the time of their nomination. Quick to justify the inclusion of non-rock and roll artsits, saying: “The definition of ‘rock and roll’ means different things to different people. But as broad as the classifications may be, they all share a common love of the music.”
Still, many will take issue with the rap outfit’s inclusion over the likes of KISS and Deep Purple, who are both headed to Australia for national tours in early 2013 with certified rock acts Mötley Crüe and Journey respectively.
The final two inductees in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for 2013 are the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer Awards to famous jazz player/soul producer/and Michael Jackson groomer Quincy Jones; and Lou Adler – famed record producer and owner of LA’s Roxy Theatre.
The official 28th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at LA’s Nokia Theatre on April 18th, 2013, with the list of performers yet to be confirmed.
Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 2013 Inductees
Performer Category:
· Heart
· Albert King
· Randy Newman
· Public Enemy
· Rush
· Donna Summer
Ahmet Ertegun (non performer) Award:
· Lou Adler
· Quincy Jones
