One of my favorite pastimes to monitoring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Founded in 1983, the first ceremony in 1986 and the museum being opened in Cleveland, Ohio in 1995, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has honored music of all genres from early blues artists to the birth of Rock and Roll to the British Invasion all the way to to the golden age of Hip Hop and beyond.
It is a controversial intuition for music appreciation. It's "who's in and who's not" debate has been the bane for many music fans. However, with pop music, upbeat or dour, having the spotlight these days. it's one of the few times old school music gets brought up. Anyway, here are my predictions for this Year's Rock Hall ballot:
Alice in Chains- One of my favorite grunge bands, Their combination of heavy riffs and dark lyrics made them resonate with outsiders across the world. AIC also made my all-time favorite EP, "Jar of Flies". Soundgarden's induction last year opened the the door of the last band of Seattle Rock's "Big 4" to get in and I hope this is their year. Eligible since 2016.
The B-52's- After Cyndi Lauper's induction last year, I think the time has come for these New Wave pioneers to earn a nomination. Their fun blend of surf rock, 50's/60's camp and of course new wave made the B-52's America's unofficial party band the they would liven up any ceremony that honors them. Eligible since 2004.
Big Pun- I know this prediction is kind of random but with Bad Bunny's AOTY win and upcoming Superbowl performance, this is a big moment for Latin Hip-Hop. What better way to for the Hall to capitalize on this moment than to nominate one of Latin Hip-Hop's pioneers, Christopher "Big Punisher" Rios. Eligible since 2023.
Cocteau Twins- One of my favorite bands are going to be this year's left field pick. Much like last year with Mana, Cocteau Twins are a relatively unknown band from a foreign country (Scotland). Although unlike Mana, Cocteau Twin's lyrics are more indecipherable than from a non-English language. Still, Cocteau Twins' potential nomination would be a big win for Shoegaze, Dreampop, and UK indie artists waiting for their Rock Hall turn. Eligible since 2008.
Culture Club- Along with INXS and Tears For Fears, Culture Club are the one last great MTV bands that deserve the Rock Hall. In addition to having more LGBTQ+ representation in the Hall (along with B-52's), Culture Club are a New Wave band that mixed soul and reggae into a sound all their own. If the Rock Hall wants more LGBTQ+ and MTV acts, a Culture Club induction would kill two birds with one stone. Eligible since 2008.
Billy Idol- I know including Billy Idol and Culture Club might split the vote when it comes to MTV acts but the fact that he didn't get in last year surprised me. While he doesn't have the connections like Cyndi Lauper, the critical reprisal like Duran Duran or the vocal support for induction like the Go-Gos, Billy Idol (and Steve Stevens) deserve another crack at the ballot. Eligible since 2007.
Jethro Tull- The classic rock nominee. I know many are predicting Boston. However, I don't think they have that big of a catalog or big of influence like Jethro Tull. Besides, we are overdue for a new prog rock inductee. So while I think the nomination may go to either Jethro Tull or King Crimson, this year I think Ian Anderson's band will earn the nomination. Eligible since 1994.
Joy Division/New Order- After King Crimson, Joy Division and New Order are the most influential bands NOT inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The fact they got another chance last year proves the the Hall, or at least the nomination committee, wants them in. I'll keep predicting them until they get in one way or another. Eligible since 2004.
Ben E. King- After Chubby Checker got in, I think the Hall hasn't moved past the late 50's/early 60's, In that case, why not induct the "Stand by Me" singer who hasn't received a nomination since 1988? Eligible since 1987.
Love- Speaking of 60's acts, Joe Cocker induction last year may have another Woodstock era band getting their chance. Although they didn't play at Woodstock, Love were well regarded band that has influenced everyone from Robert Plant to The Damned. Eligible since 1992.
Kylie Minogue- I think the Rock Hall are going to give Mariah Carey a break and nominate Kylie Minogue. Not only is "The Princess of Pop" a major gay icon and LGBTQ+ rights supporter, like Cyndi Lauper, her larger than life fame in Australia, New Zealand and a good chunk of Europe will give the Rock Hall a global reach like never before. Eligible since 2014.
Pixies- After King Crimson and JD/NO, Pixies are the most influential band not in the Rock Hall. I think this Boston band will replace Oasis on this years ballot. Although their stance on award shows maybe the same as Oasis, I think some convenient placement in movies like Fight Club and their respect as a "favorite band's favorite band" may help them more than the Gallagher brothers group has. Eligible since 2013.
Sade- I think Sade would make an interesting inductee to the Rock Hall. There is a lack of both British R&B and Smooth Jazz representation in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A Sade induction would not only benefit acts like Simply Red and Soul II Soul but also smooth jazz acts like Kenny G and the Rippingtons. Not to mention Quiet Storm artists like Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White or Neo-Soul artists like Maxwell, Erykah Badu and the late D'Angelo. Eligible since 2010.
The Strokes- My obligatory First Year Eligible act. Its either them or Alicia Keys and while Ms. Keys is more likely, I think the Strokes may get the nomination, especially on the heels of fellow Garage Rock revival band The White Stripes' induction. Eligible since 2026.
Steve Winwood- As much as I want Phil Collins to get inducted a second time, I also believe that the Rock Hall doesn't just want their future ceremonies to be just tribute performances. it would be too expensive in the long run. With Phil Collins's health issues and is likely in no condition to perform live, I made the hard decision not to predict him. In his place, I chose another artist that like Phil Collins, is soulful singer that already is in the Rock Hall with another band. Has had a very successful solo career in the 80's. Had albums where he played all the instruments and has the added benefit of already being nominated back in 2003. That artist is the great Steve Winwood. Eligible since 1997.
So this is my list of who might be on the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot. Let me know if you agree or disagree with my choices and let me who you think may get Rock's highest honor this year.
