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One band that needs to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ASAP

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Today, we’re revisiting the topic of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I want to make this clear at the outset because whenever articles about it are published, approximately 41% of the comments are likely to be “Who needs to know?” This statistic is based on my own research.

It’s plausible that the majority of people share concern about the issue. Whether it’s the massive audience expressing their opinions through annual online voting or the artists themselves, I can’t say for sure. However, many criticisms are directed at the inclusion of non-conventional rock bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I believe this criticism overlooks the real issue. The truth is, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has numerous problems, but welcoming a hip-hop act isn’t one of them.

One issue that’s troubling is the vague and inconsistent criteria for nomination and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. A quick search on their website doesn’t provide a clear definition of what it takes to get in. The only requirement seems to be that you must have released your first major label music at least 25 years ago. After this, if both fans and experts collectively decide you’re worthy, you are inducted.

This band should already be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Notable artists, often referred to as Performers – the most recognized and significant category among inductees – ought to have, according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF), generated music that exhibits unprecedented creativity, impact, and influence, thus altering the trajectory of rock & roll.

As a gamer, I understand that fame, sales, and iconic accomplishments might play a role in who gets selected. Yet, in theory, these commercial aspects are supposed to be secondary to the core values of creativity and impact.

The significance lies in the fact that arguments about who deserves recognition frequently devolve into discussions centered around Top 20 hits and overall album sales. However, if these were the only factors to consider, we wouldn’t need a team of professionals (and I understand some of you might question their expertise) to make judgments. In truth, an Excel spreadsheet could handle all the necessary tasks.

Here’s an example of how we could rephrase that sentence for easier understanding: To help clarify this concept, let’s use a brief scenario. Suppose there are two music groups from the same time period, say the ’70s or ’80s, which were popular for classic rock. Although they share a similar genre, there are notable differences between them.

Over approximately ten years, Band One put out five chart-topping studio albums. Similarly, Band Two achieved the same feat. If we consider other types of albums such as live performances and greatest hits collections, then Band Two boasts an extra four albums in the top ten, whereas Band One has only one additional album.

When considering individual hits, Band One has a clear advantage with nine top ten singles versus only four from Band Two. This suggests that if we’re quickly assessing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF) worthiness of each band based on either albums or singles, it might depend on whether you prioritize albums or singles more strongly.

But wait, there’s more. A lot more.

Band One has been around for over half a century, but it’s been a while since one of their releases made it into the top twenty charts – this happened back in 1982. On the other hand, Band Two reemerged after a long hiatus, but effectively stopped producing studio music forty years ago following the demise of their main composer and vocalist. Interestingly, they have put out four compilation albums that reached the top twenty since 1991, with the latest one released in 2020.

It appears that despite not releasing new music for quite some time, Band Two seems to exert more influence now compared to Band One.

Band One boasts an impressive advantage in terms of album sales. On a global scale, they have sold approximately 25 times more records than their competitors. To put it simply, they have sold a vast number of records compared to other bands. (This is the industry-standard jargon for such sales figures.)

It’s interesting to consider how they both have comparable single and album rankings, but here’s a bit of information I didn’t share earlier: their numbers are actually pulled from different charts. Specifically, Band One’s figures hail from the Billboard USA chart, whereas Band Two’s data is sourced from the UK’s Official Charts Company (OCC). This suggests that Band One has a stronger following in the USA, while Band Two enjoys greater popularity in the UK.

When evaluating artistry and influence, it’s important to note that the role each country played in the development of rock & roll should be given equal weight, as both the USA and the UK were key players in its evolution. However, the significant size advantage and more effective marketing strategies of the USA largely account for the substantial gap in record sales between the two countries.

Previously, it was mentioned that while record sales play a role, they aren’t the main factor when determining a band’s eligibility for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. What truly matters are their artistry and influence, which can be quite subjective. In other words, could Band Two’s artistic and influential impact have been substantial enough to overshadow Band One’s clear advantage in sales?

Alright, I’ll be honest now. I won’t keep up the act that the bands we’ve been discussing are purely theoretical. I suspect you might have already doubted my claims, and as I delved further into intricate details, your suspicions likely grew stronger.

band One, known as Foreigner, had an impressive run with massive record sales, yet surprisingly, they weren’t nominated for induction until over two decades after they initially became eligible. To the joy of their numerous supporters, they were finally inducted last year, marking the very first time they received a nomination.

Band Two, known as Thin Lizzy, is an Irish group that had to wait a considerable amount of time before they were even considered for induction. However, their first and sole nomination didn’t come until the year 2020. Regrettably, they were not chosen for induction in that year.

It’s highly likely that if I asked a hundred rock music enthusiasts to choose between two bands based on artistry and influence, the responses would largely be influenced by geographical factors. If you were raised in the United States, Thin Lizzy may not have been as well-known, with “The Boys Are Back In Town” being their most recognized song. This tune, while catchy, is considered a decent piece of rock pop, but it doesn’t stand out as anything exceptional.

Perhaps you’ve listened to the gritty, crushing rhythm of “Jailbreak” a few times, but maybe you haven’t encountered the soulful, elevated blues of “Whiskey in the Jar,” the funky, blues-infused pop of “Waiting for an Alibi,” or the pulsating metal soundscape of “Killer on the Loose.

In contrast, if you hail from the UK, Foreigner might have been merely recognized as a power ballad band famous for “Waiting for a Girl Like You” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Their early hard rock tunes that were popular in the USA, such as “Feels Like the First Time” and “Hot Blooded,” barely made an impact, at best, in the UK charts.

I’ve expressed my viewpoint about Foreigner, stating they were an excellent rock band. Their frontman, Lou Gramm, had an outstanding voice. They produced numerous hits during the late ’70s. However, my one criticism is that in their heyday, it was challenging to differentiate them from several other high-quality rock bands that also released great music around the same time. We often joked about not being able to tell Foreigner apart from Foghat, though I never said it was a funny joke.

Essentially, let me clarify: I find it difficult to assert that Foreigner was an extremely impactful band. Despite the promotional video by Mark Ronson last year advocating for their induction, which featured several key rock musicians expressing their admiration for the group, I trust their enthusiasm. Many people appreciated the band deeply. However, popularity doesn’t equate to influence. It’s worth noting that Ronson is Mick Jones’s son-in-law, and this connection might have influenced the campaign somewhat.

Sure, I understand your perspective. To me, they seem to belong in the category often referred to as “Hall of Very Good” musicians, but if you believe they reach the level for the Hall of Fame, then that’s valid too. However, I personally feel Thin Lizzy showed greater artistic talent and exerted a more profound influence. Of course, this is a matter of personal opinion, but I am quite certain about it.

Here are my arguments:

ARTISTRY

Musicianship

1. Both bands boasted top-tier rock vocalists, with Lou Gramm and Phil Lynott standing out as artistic powerhouses in their respective roles. I personally find Brian Downey’s drumming more impressive than Dennis Elliott’s, given the range of styles Downey has mastered. However, if you favor Foreigner’s drummer, that’s perfectly okay too.

2. Both bands showcased exceptional rock vocalists, with Lou Gramm and Phil Lynott being artistic heavyweights in their positions. I lean slightly towards Brian Downey over Dennis Elliott on the drums due to his versatility in various styles of drumming, but it’s all a matter of preference when it comes to the Foreigner drummer.

3. The vocalists of both bands were elite rock performers, and Lou Gramm and Phil Lynott were real artistic forces to be reckoned with. I find Brian Downey to have more impressive drumming skills than Dennis Elliott due to his ability to handle diverse styles, but it’s up to personal taste when it comes to the Foreigner drummer.

4. The vocalists in both bands were top-notch rock artists, with Gramm and Lynott being real artistic powerhouses. I slightly prefer Brian Downey over Dennis Elliott on drums because of his versatility across different styles, but it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference regarding the Foreigner drummer.

5. Both bands had outstanding rock vocalists, with Gramm and Lynott demonstrating significant artistic prowess. I slightly favor Brian Downey over Dennis Elliott on drums due to his adaptability across various styles, but it’s all about individual taste when discussing the Foreigner drummer.

When it comes to the guitar, none can truly compete. Mick Jones and Ian McDonald were formidable rock guitarists, but Thin Lizzy boasted Eric Bell, Scott Gorham, Brian Robertson, and Gary Moore at different times. These musicians stood out among their contemporaries in rock & roll, with Gary Moore often appearing on lists of all-time greats. Artistically, they surpassed the Foreigner guitarists, but let’s delve deeper into their impact momentarily.

Evolution

Thin Lizzy underwent development over time, contrasting Foreigner who seemed to decline. Initially, the Irish band’s early records didn’t stand out much, showcasing talent but lacking direction. However, from their third album, “Vagabonds of the Western World,” released in 1973, they started producing high-quality albums. They reached commercial success with “Jailbreak” in the middle of their career, but continued to grow and evolve. Two of their finest albums, “Black Rose: A Rock Legend” and “Renegade,” were produced towards the end of their career.

The initial four albums by this non-native group are outstanding rock and roll tunes. The period between their fourth album in 1981, titled “4”, and “Agent Provocateur” in 1984 gave birth to the hit single “I Want to Know What Love Is.” This song became their most significant commercial triumph but is also considered one of their weaker tracks, drowning in a sea of similar-sounding stadium ballads by faceless power bands. As predicted in our earlier jest, Foreigner and Foghat had become almost indistinguishable by the mid-80s.

Songwriting

In simpler terms, Phil Lynott stands out as a more exceptional songwriter compared to Mick Jones and Lou Gramm. While I appreciate some of the early songs by Gramm-Jones, such as “Blue Morning, Blue Day” which is truly remarkable, their songwriting often boils down to revisiting the same theme as “Hot Blooded.” For a certain period, this approach proved successful for them.

Phil Lynott covered a diverse array of topics, often switching between various character voices in his songwriting. He dabbled in various music genres and Brian Robertson provided assistance during their collaboration. Thin Lizzy wasn’t shy about penning songs about sex, alcohol, but they also delved into the lives of the working class and the inner struggles of their subjects, as demonstrated in the hard-rocking “Toughest Street in Town,” which features an exceptional Gary Moore solo. In their songs about women, they moved beyond portraying them as mere objects of desire, like in “Little Girl in Bloom.

INFLUENCE

Live Albums

Speaking of live albums, Thin Lizzy put out one of the best ever made, and it’s worth mentioning that it was released around the same time as Peter Frampton’s “Frampton Comes Alive”. While some might argue that Thin Lizzy’s “Live and Dangerous” is superior to Frampton’s album, there’s no denying that they are both exceptional. To me, “Live and Dangerous” takes the crown, but even if you prefer Frampton’s work, it’s hard to deny the close competition between these two great albums.

Frampton’s career was lengthy and fruitful, but it’s fair to say he wouldn’t be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame without his iconic album “Frampton Comes Alive”. Furthermore, Thin Lizzy put out a live double album in 1983 during their split, showcasing all four of their legendary guitarists.

Twin Guitars

Let’s discuss those guitars, shall we? It’s hard to overlook Thin Lizzy’s impact on rock music, given that they were among the pioneers who mastered the dual guitar approach. In their prime during the mid-70s, Gorham and Robertson exchanged groundbreaking riffs, rivaling any other duo of guitarists globally.

Although they didn’t originate the approach, their work significantly contributed to refining a unique guitar playing style that later influenced Metallica. Similarly, although not the pioneers, Foreigner’s sound in the 1980s paved the way for the emergence of Michael Bolton’s musical style.

Phil Lynott

Ultimately, it’s Phil Lynott we’re talking about. Just by being the bi-racial lead vocalist of a prominent rock band in the 1970s, Lynott was significantly shaping the future of rock & roll. His remarkable talent as a songwriter and singer only intensified this influential role.

While “Solo in Soho,” Lynott’s 1980 solo album that was essentially a collaborative effort with Thin Lizzy members, may not directly bolster their argument, it remains an exceptional piece of music. Tracks like the title song and “Ode to a Black Man” still hold significant musical and lyrical relevance today.

I wasn’t particularly advocating for Foreigner in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but I’m totally cool with it now. They’ve certainly brought joy to many music lovers over the years, and their induction was definitely something those fans could be proud of last year. However, from my perspective, Thin Lizzy seems like a more fitting candidate in all aspects other than album sales.

If the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame aims to genuinely acknowledge artistry and impact, as demonstrated by their selection of acts such as the Velvet Underground and Frank Zappa, it’s high time they induct Thin Lizzy without further ado. This would pave the way for other deserving bands like Motorhead, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Iron Maiden, and so on.

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2025-03-08 14:01

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