Hall of Famers or just
a bunch of Pretenders?

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Helen: Undeserving. The O’Jays always seemed like the hired hands of producers/songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Can anyone name even one O’Jay? They sang okay, their songs were okay, but they’re no Hall-of-Famers. Same goes for Buddy Guy. He definitely belongs in the Blues Hall of Fame. But Rock ‘n’ Roll? I’m so not sure.

Ree: Dude. Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix both named him as a major influence. But you’re right. He may be a Chicago electric-blues legend, but he isn’t a rock legend. The same can be said for Etta James and Bob Marley, both inducted years ago. The Rock Hall’s oversights of genuine rock acts are unforgivable. Say what you will about them musically, the Sex Pistols’ influence is massive, and excluding them makes no sense. Or the Stooges. And how is that AC/DC made it in but not Black Sabbath?

Helen: Yeah, and what about Patti Smith, Linda Ronstadt or ELO? Did they forget all about the MC5? And while rock snobs may think Kiss is a joke, they can’t laugh at their contributions to the theatre of rock. Pyrotechnics, anyone?

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Which inductee is most deserving of a place in the Hall?

Ree: All of these acts have been eligible for years. Where’s the Moody Blues. I mean, come on! The Moody Blues!

Helen: Ugh. It’s not the Prog Rock Hall of Fame.

Ree: Oh, but I would totally go to that museum. I imagine the Prog Rock Hall of Fame would be very colorful, and they’d have five tour guides doing the job of one. And just when you think the tour’s over, it goes on for another 10 minutes!

Helen: Maybe some day, Ree. Maybe some day.

The highlights from The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2005 induction ceremony will air on VH1 March 19.

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