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.

Comments

[Patrick Bateman]

Huey Lewis & The News not being inducted when they produced at least two dozen hit songs across a decade (1981-91) is a fucking joke.

[GG Allin]

That Wayne State footage is incredible - particularly "Looking At You." The crowd, the clothes, black and white people rocking together...just amazing.

Too bad Brother Wayne prevented the MC5 doc 'A True Testimonial' from being released. Bootlegs of it are widely available and it'll blow you away.

[DrBOP]

YEAH.....and freaking female Fleetwood Fucks croak-er gets in for putting people to sleep FOR FOUR DECADES!
Just about the WORST year ever for this bullcockery.
They can't remember what they never knew.

[fwcircusfrog]

I love how Gerald Casale pre-emptively took a swing at the rock and roll hall of fame, fully acknowledging Devo would most likely not be inducted.

(https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/qvqek5/devo-open-letter-devolution-rock-hall-trump-2018)

Janet Jackson seems more pop/R&B than rock, but what do I know? (sarcasm intended)

It is absolutely ridiculous that MC5 is not in the hall of fame. Also, if one doesn't understand what the phrase black to comm means, I would posit they don't truly understand rock and roll.

[Peter Cavanaugh]

Patience. MC5 will inevitably not only be enshrined in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They will provide the edifice with awesome authenticity.
I was there. I devoted several chapters of "Local DJ" to the band. To this day, they were the best.