The Rock Hall announced its Class of 2024 on Sunday night April 21, during a live broadcast of ABC TV’s American Idol. The inductees, revealed by series host Ryan Seacrest and judge Lionel Richie, were led by Peter Frampton and Foreigner, who have been overlooked for years. They’re joined by Ozzy Osbourne, the Dave Matthews Band, Cher, Kool & the Gang, A Tribe Called Quest, and Mary J. Blige. Jimmy Buffett, who was not on the ballot, was selected for Musical Excellence, along with Dionne Warwick, MC5, and Norman Whitfield. The Musical Influence honorees are 90 year-old British blues rock legend John Mayall, as well as Alexis Korner, another British blues musician, and blues singer Big Mama Thornton—the first to record “Hound Dog”—both of whom died 40 years ago. The Ahmet Ertegun Award went to industry executive Suzanne de Passe. Of the 15 nominees that were announced on February 10, Mariah Carey, Eric B. & Rakim, Jane’s Addiction, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinéad O’Connor, and Sade were not selected for induction
While Osbourne was previously inducted in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath, he’s been overlooked as a solo artist. Same for Frampton, whose career with Humble Pie and as a significant solo performer—Frampton Comes Alive! says “hi”—has consistently been ignored by the Rock Hall. The signs of a thaw were evident when he was chosen to perform at the Class of 2023 induction last Nov. 3, alongside Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks. (Even Frampton was in on the joke: in acknowledging the nomination, he wrote, “That’s really great! Wait, you mean I’m not already in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?”) As for Foreigner, while they haven’t earned any more hits in decades, the nominating committee finally wised up and recognized, for the first time, the band that achieved similar success as other recent inductees like Journey, Cheap Trick and Bon Jovi. Still, Foreigner’s acknowledgment of the nomination was a bit awkward. A lengthy statement included this head-to-head comparison: “With more Top 10 hits than Journey, as many as Fleetwood Mac, and ten multi-Platinum albums, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million.”
The fan vote was won by the Dave Matthews Band, followed by Frampton, Foreigner, Osbourne and Cher, all of whom were selected for induction.
Nominee ballots were sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians, and members of the music industry. An artist’s musical impact and influence on other artists, length and depth of career and body of work as well as innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration. The Rock Hall’s lack of transparency has been one of the easiest things to criticize about the institution. The National Baseball Hall of Fame, for instance, requires a minimum of 75% of the votes from its eligible panel for its candidates, and reveals the tally for each nominee when the results are announced. Yet the Rock Hall neither shares its voting numbers nor what percentage is even required for induction.
When informed of his selection, Frampton wrote, “This is something I never expected. I am overwhelmed that I will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, especially alongside so many incredible artists who have gone before me. I can’t thank everyone enough for voting for me. You are the best.
Somebody pinch me please!!”
In a statement, Foreigner’s Mick Jones wrote, “I was thrilled to learn of Foreigner’s nomination, and this confirmation of our coming membership in the home of my peers is a priceless highlight of my career. October 19th will be an emotional day for me, Lou, Al, Dennis, and Rick, and a very special moment for the families of Ian and Ed. The leadership of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Chairman, John Sykes, and Nominating Committee Chairman, Rick Krim, has brought a new era of inclusivity and relevance that reflects all that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should be, and we are proud to become a part of it. Long may it continue.”
Osbourne told Billboard, “I’m more than honored.” The publication asked him whether he will be up to performing at his own induction, given his health issues. “You never know,” was the reply, adding that his attire “will most certainly be black.”
Buffett will be inducted posthumously. On April 22, one day after the Class of 2024 was announced, his Facebook page thanked the Hall. “Being inducted with these outstanding artists is wonderful recognition of the impact Jimmy has had on so many of us and his contributions to his field. Jimmy often made it look easy but he gave everything he had to the music and the fans. A hall of famer if there ever was one.”
The original nomination announcement, on a Saturday, came as a bit of a surprise with the timing a bit bizarre as the entire media universe was focused on Super Bowl LVII, which took place in Las Vegas the next day.
Last Dec. 15, Cher told talk show host Kelly Clarkson, “I’m not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.” When the TV audience reacted in shock, she added, “You know what? I wouldn’t be in it now if they gave me a million dollars.” Clarkson asked her if she’d ever reconsider. “I’m never gonna change my mind,” she said. “I mean, they can just you-know-what themselves.” She’s neither in as a solo artist or as a member of the popular duo Sonny & Cher.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2024 Induction Ceremony will take place in Cleveland at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 19. On-sale information is still to be announced. The ceremony will once again stream live on Disney+ with a special airing on ABC at a later date and available on Hulu the next day.
To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Ten out of 15 of the nominees were on the ballot for the first time, including Mariah Carey, Cher, Foreigner, Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Kravitz, Oasis, O’Connor, Osbourne and Sade.
Related: 100 crucial Rock Hall omissions
26 Comments
Once again The Monkees and Raspberries are ignored. Those two bands are more rock n’ roll than many who are nominated.
The Monkees??? Not for nothing but that group sucked. The reason for their high ratings was due to extreme exposure and promotion not talent.
With so many better artists and groups that have been shunned over the years I don’t give a shit about the RNRHOF. I’ve been to the Hall and it’s just a corporate ripoff. Why only 10 people a year when there are hundreds of artists out there. I truly believe the artists and groups don’t care if they get in or not. They got smart and fired Wenner and they should get rid of this new group of voters. RNR is another about some establishments voting people in or not. F*ck the HOF!
Well the Monkees just sang on the first several albums, while studio musicians played all the music. Plus nearly all those early songs were written by established writers. The Monkees were actors, not a band until later on. So doubt they will ever get into HOF.
Don’t comment on things you know nothing about. Mike Nesmith wrote a song Linda Ronstadt had a huge hut with and Peter Tork was such a good player he hung around with the Beatles. They all sang and played the instruments on most of their big albums. Their songs knocked major artists off the top of the charts. They belong in the RRHF
Jethro Tull, Jethro Tull, Jethro Tull, Jethro Tull…
So, Foreigner’s tactic of begging really does work? And who the Bleep is Eric B. & Rakim?
No J. Geils Band, a band that blew away EVERYONE mentioned live, the Hall is STILL a farce!
No Jethro Tull. Procul Harum or Joe Cocker. Same sad story.
Hey, maybe they’re not American ;-)…
Congrats to Frampton & Foreigner for their long-overdue nominations. With Wenner gone, let’s hope the nomination process continues to PROGress, because it certainly needs some hELP….
My post is above from February and nothing will change with the RNRHOF coz it’s run by corporate suits that don’t know jackshit about music. So many good bands overlooked for so many years. The decision process and the people behind it must change. Until that happens no one will really care about who gets in or not. There are thousands of artists/groups out there but only 10 get in each year. I really don’t think the performers even care anymore coz of the reputation they have.
Still no Jethro Tull.
What Is their problem with Jethro Tull?
Jethro Tull, Jethro Tull, Jethro Tull.
Definitely, Jethro Tull was one of the biggest bands in the land back in the day. I saw them a number of times. I also think Emerson Lake and Palmer should be in there but I’m also shocked that Three Dog Night with all their hits isn’t in there that’s criminal.
Cher? Sade? Mary J Blige? These aren’t rockers and definitely don’t deserve in when so many more deserving are left out
Who nominates all these non rock and roll people? Mary J Blige, Kool and the Gang? Where are the riffs in their music? Makes the whole thing seem a bit of a joke, and a bit of a boys club. No credibility in this at all
Warren Zevon?
Los Lobos?
Little Feat?
Jethro Tull?
J. Geils Band?
Jethro Tull was one of the top bands of the 70’s. Especially live.
Every year I wonder if Grand Funk Railroad will be inducted. The RRHOF is a SHAM! They induct artists that aren’t truly R&R! ie: Rap, R&B, etc.
So, something called A Tribe Called Quest is in and Bad Company is not? Makes sense.
When will Paul Revere & the Raiders be inducted? They practically owned the sixties, along with the Beach Boys and the British Invasion bands. They sold millions and millions of records, had a daily television show, and were incredibly popular. Plus, they freakin’ rocked. I guess the HOF just didn’t like the Revolutionary War outfits or something. How sad. I guess Mary J. Blige is much more of a rocker, huh?
No Paul Rodgers (or Bad Co.), no Tull, No Guess Who, No Johnny Rivers, No Zevon, No Bryan Adams, no Grand Funk, no Trower, no ELP, no nothing. The Hall is a joke. Paul Rodgers is one of the three greatest front men that ever lived, what a disgrace to make him wait for over 55 years!
The Rock Hall really does nothing to consistently inspire enthusiasts of legacy performers or promote current rock. Where it its weekly newsletter? Hell, I would argue that this site has done more for the rock genre; you have some of the best purveyors with a true passion for rock; you’ve built a wonderful community of enthusiasts; and rekindled our passion for rock n roll. As a devoted reader, I’ve learned more about these performers on your site than anywhere else. As a trusted source of information and inspiration, perhaps Best Classic Bands should extend its mission to honor the best of rock. You have my vote!
Thanks!
So what now will Cher do? Will she walk her talk or fold like Dolly Parton did? Ladies and Gentleman — place your bets.
Steppenwolf!!! Can you say “Heavy Metal” Thunder?