Snubbed

As has been documented here of Flaming Pablum over the years, I have never been a supporter of the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame.

Beyond that fact that the whole concept seems inherently antithetical -- a staid, respectable establishment for artists who ostensibly want to upend staid, respectable establishments –- the Hall of Fame seems to have always been about the concerns of a narrow cabal of biased individuals whose interests are more focussed on the industry aspect of the endeavor than the artistic. But hey, what do I know?

In any event, while I continue to think the whole thing is a big fucking joke, I was again struck this year by the selections for induction. Several notable names were nominated, but only 7 get inducted. I’m not going to go through the whole list as –- again -– none of it really matters. That all said, the MC5 had been nominated. Certain other favorite bands of mine were nominated, too, notably Devo and Kraftwerk. That neither of those bands are getting inducted this year isn’t entirely surprising to me, as many folks continue to misunderstand them. Most people are too stupid to appreciate their respective genius, as far as I'm concerned.

But The MC5 -– one of the most straightforward rock’n’roll bands to ever grace a stage -- aren’t getting inducted either.

I am hard pressed to name a band that more purely embodies everything rock’n’roll is supposed to be about than the MC5. They practically define it. But they’re not getting in. Janet Jackson is, but the MC5?

No.

Chew on that.

By the way, this is not a dig at Janet Jackson. She’s obviously great at what she does -– but is what she does more rock’n’roll than the MC5?

Is ANYTHING more rock’n’roll than the MC5?

Here’s a quick refresher course.