Disappointed by horror getting overlooked at the Oscars once again? If you're hoping for a different story when it comes to heavy metal and its place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I don't have much better news to break. If you're here for more alternative music, though, not all hope is lost.
Two of the most influential groups in alternative music are to be immortalized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. The short list of 16 nominees included major metal acts like Judas Priest and Motörhead, as well as the pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk. But as the votes were tallied, heavy metal has unfortunately been snubbed again, though alternative music has plenty of representation.
The short list of inductees see NIN and Depeche Mode joining The Doobie Brothers, The Notorious B. I. G, T-Rex, and Whitney Houston as this year's inductees. The ceremony will be aired on HBO in its entirety on May 2nd, beginning at 8pm. Announcements for guests and performances are anticipated soon.
"A sincere THANK YOU goes out to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voting body - it always feels great to be recognized for your artistic efforts and I am honored," said Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. "Many congratulations to this year’s fellow inductees (Depeche Mode finally!) - see you back in Cleveland where it all began for me!"
What is infinitely frustrating is the apparent meaninglessness of the fan ballot. Of the top five vote getters on said ballot, only The Doobie Brothers got the nod. That top five includes Dave Matthews Band, Pat Benatar, Soundgarden, and Judas Priest. Extend that scope to the top ten, which included Motörhead and Thin Lizzy, and only three of those ten were chosen for this year's induction.
In any case, synthpop and industrial music have their day come May 2nd's ceremony, thanks to the nods given to Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails. So there's that, at least.