The 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

 For my first Rock Hall ballot run-down, I sure got an interesting list of nominees to tackle.

The Black Crowes- Once again, The Hall nominated one of the most unimpressive bands of the 90's. While I do like the hits the Black Crowes had, I don't think they are that worthy for induction, let alone a second nomination. Induction Chances: 10%.

Jeff Buckley- One of the most tragic characters in the history of rock. Jeff Buckley may have only one studio album to his name before a swimming accident took his life in 1997, "Grace" remains one of the most beloved albums of the 1990's. Jeff Buckley was a critical darling in his short life but I don't think that guarantees an induction. Induction Chances: 40%.

Mariah Carey- I think Mariah is a lock this year. I say that every time she was nominated but with her third nomination and Beyoncé being eligible next year, it's now or never for Mimi. Induction Chances: 80% .

Phil Collins- Despite my reservations, Phil Collins finally got nominated as a solo artist. I expect him to be inducted with an all-star tribute for him at the ceremony. I just hope Phil is well enough to attend. Induction Chances: 95%

Melissa Etheridge- How the heck did Melissa Etheridge not get nominated on her first year of eligibility back in 2014? Well, now that she's been nominated, has been at many Rock Hall Ceremonies, has the respect of her peers and is one of the biggest women in rock of the last 30 years, I expect someone to present for Melissa Etheridge for a change later this year. Induction Chances: 90%.

Lauryn Hill- Much like Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill has only one studio album to her name (not counting her work with the Fugees and her infamous MTV Unplugged album). Yet "The Miseducation" had a massive impact on the future of R&B. Ms. Hill may have difficulty with the other R&B acts on the ballot despite being hip-hop adjacent not mention her history of being a no-show at her concerts may hurt her chances. However, her induction for the Staple Singers in 1999 and her tribute to Nina Simone in 2018 contradict my claims. This makes Lauryn Hill a strong wildcard. Induction Chances: 60%.

Billy Idol- I'm happy that Billy Idol got nominated again. I honestly believed he would be replaced by Bryan Adams or a returning Lenny Kravitz despite my prediction. However, Billy's chances are still pretty low and with another MTV act to contend with, they're even lower. Induction Chances: 30%.

INXS- This is the other MTV act in question. I actually really like INXS as a band and I could see the surviving members team up with different singers for the ceremony like with their final album 'Original Sin". The only thing holding them off is splitting the vote with Billy Idol and not being influential enough. Induction Chances: 75%  

Iron Maiden- This has to be Iron Maiden's Year. I have a feeling that like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden could get a back door induction but I'm holding out hope they are apart of the performer class. Induction chances: 50%.

Joy Division/New Order- Much like Iron Maiden, This needs to be Joy Division and New Order's year. With Peter Hook's ABC interview last year and the joint act's consecutive nomination, I think they have a fair shot of causing an upset. If they fall short again and are possibly inducted through a side category, so be it. Induction Chances: 55%.

New Edition- As much as really like "Heart Break" and enjoy some of their early songs like "Mr. Telephone Man" and "Cool It Now". I don't think New Edition are Rock Hall worthy. Outside of Boyz II Men, I don't they're that influential. The fact that New Edition were nominated before Living Colour, Fishbone and giving Bad Brains a second chance. Not to mention the dozens of Funk bands still waiting for recognition makes me concern about the Rock Hall's priorities for black music that's not Hip-Hop. Induction Chances: 20%.

Oasis- As with JD/NO, Iron Maiden and Mariah Carey, The third time could be the charm for this Britpop band. Out of the other three timers, Oasis chances are on par with Mariah's so its likely the Gallagher brothers band is getting inducted, whether they like it or not. Induction Chances: 80%.

Pink- This is a random choice. Not a bad one I like Pink but with other great women of rock still waiting like Suzi Quatro, PJ Harvey a fellow nominee Melissa Etheridge, I think it's way too soon for Pink's Rock Hall induction. Induction Chances: 25%.

Sade- It's awesome to see this band return. However, with them on the same ballot as Luther Vandross (who I'll discuss later), Mariah Carey, New Edition and to a degree Lauryn Hill, they're chances are a mixed bag but I hope the best for Sade Adu and her band. Induction Chances: 45%.

Shakira- Another surprising nominee. Although "Hips Don't Lie" is a stone cold classic and she has a global fanbase, like with Pink, I think most Rock Hall voters will think it's too soon for Shakira, especially when Selena and Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine have yet to get a nomination. Don't even get me started with Los Lobos, War and Soda Stereo. Induction Chances: 35%.

Luther Vandross- Of all of the R&B acts nominated, Luther Vandross is the most likely to be a lock (after Mariah). Luther's body of work as a recording artist, backup singer, songwriter and Disco front-man for Change alone make him worthy of Rock Hall despite his music largely being on the softer side Induction chances: 85%.

Wu-Tang Clan- Like most hip-hop after 1993, My knowledge of Wu-Tang Clan is limited. However, I like members' rap names and their mix of hip-hop and eastern philosophy, it makes them unique. Not to mention I cannot be against any rap group from the Tri-State area, I do think Wu-Tang Clan could be the sole rap inductee since most voters will bunch Lauryn Hill with the other R&B acts despite her rap pedigree. Induction Chances: 75%

Now that my thoughts are in order, Here is my early prediction on who will enter the Rock Hall this year:

-Mariah Carey

-Phil Collins

-Melissa Etheridge

-INXS

-Oasis

-Luther Vandross

-Wu-Tang Clan (If seven inductees)

Good luck to all the nominees!!

Roxy Music- More Than This

Now let's discuss how I got into music appreciation. One Summer day in 2011, I was looking at on demand music videos on my TV and found "More Than This" by Roxy Music. I previously looked up the album it came from "Avalon" and discovered it was their last album. So I though this was going to be bad song. However, it blew me away of how beautiful it was. What really got me is this halfway point where the song becomes an instrumental with Andy MacKay's sax blending with the synths, the occasional drum fills and Phil Manzanera's spacey guitars. By the time it was over, I was taken back and leaned sometimes a band can go out on a high note. 

There was another video I saw that day that really got me but that's for another time. For now let's enjoy Roxy Music' swan gong and one of the best love songs of the 80's.

Beatles- In My Life

My first music appreciation post should be a Beatles song, since they are the greatest band of all time.  This song, In My Life, Is my favorite song from John Lennon. It's a simple yet bittersweet song about no matter how much time passes, love will always remain. My only nitpick with is tune is that producer George Martin's sped up piano solo, while nice, doesn't fit for me. It sounds too fancy for such a straightforward song. Still, I recommend this song for anyone getting into the Beatles and wants to explore their stuff beyond the Merseybeat tunes.

Predicting the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

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.