Okay, okay, okay. We all know for some time now that Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has as much to do with the art form itself as, say, I.M. Pei has with Brazilian Capoeira or Donald Trump has to do with democracy, but really? I’m reading the Freep’s coverage (alt link via archive.is) on the 2024 inductees and once again, right off the bat, they’re off on the wrong foot…

• Announcing the 2024 inductees live on American Idol?!
• Cher? Dave Matthews Band?! Kool & the Gang?? Mary J. Blige, The Queen of Hip-Hop??? A Tribe Called Quest?!?! Look, I have absolutely nothing against any of the aforementioned artistes—who doesn’t love Kool & The Gang?—but since when are these performers considered Rock 'N Roll? Yes, it’s years now that this distinction, this definition of genre, has been totally ignored by the R&RHoF but it’s now just tiring. Rename the organization “The Pop Music^[1] Hall of Fame” already. Or induct Celine Dion in the Hip Hop Hall of Fame. Or Circle of Dead Children in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• The MC5, twice-nominated for recognition, receive the R&RHoF’s Award for Music Excellence…what the hell is that?! A weak, choke-on-this chicken bone tossed out to Detroit’s beloved proto-punk band. Maybe they’re waiting for Dennis Thompson to kick before inducting the group proper (Body Count 2024: guitarist Wayne Kramer and ex-manager John Sinclair, RIP).

Okay, I’m done. Ceeeeeeelebrate, good times, c’mon!

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