Annual Rock & Roll Hall Nominee debate

The Basketball Hall of Fame's stature would be improved if Larry Brown were thrown out.

 

And The Stooges get screwed over again...

 

I think you can rightly say you hate Rush, don't like their style, their lyrics, etc. But they don't suck. And if they do suck, then just about every band/musician currently in the Hall sucks, too. Van Halen is in, and maybe Alex Lifeson isn't Eddie's equal, but he's pretty phenomenal in his own right, and no one else in Van Halen can hold a candle to the rest of the talent in Rush. Same can be said for dozens of others currently residing in the Hall.

 

Look, I've been in enough Rush pissing matches to tread lightly around this one, but I will say this...

Technical proficiency is only part of the equation. I don't think anyone would question the technical proficiency of the members of Rush.

It didn't stop "Limelight" from sucking donkeys.

 

PCLL, I'm fine with that and actually agree with you. However, if you have unbelievable technical proficiency at your craft, you don't suck at your craft. Is Van Halen really better overall -- technically, lyrically, musically and in consistency and longevity -- than Rush? Yet into the Hall they go, as a bunch of boozing, drugged-out skirt chasers who have some catchy tunes. I'll agree as a rock and roll band goes, VH is very good and probably deserves its HOF spot. And so does Rush.

 

Madonna --- Yes. Without a doubt.
Chic -- Maybe. I'm sold on those in the band like Nile Rodgers and later drummer Tony Thompson.
John Mellencamp -- Yes, but as for influence, he's the one who was influenced, not the other way around.
Beastie Boys -- Yes.
Afrika Bambaataa -- No.
Leonard Cohen -- No
Dave Clark Five -- No
The Ventures - No.
Donna Summer -- I can see her merit ... for a Disco Hall of Fame. She worked hard for the money, but I don't think the R&RHOF needs to treat her right by letting her in.

On the Rush/KISS chatter that does come up every year. I'm a lifelong Rush fan and I even liked KISS when I was in jr. high. Rush remains a must-see act for me, but I'll never pay to see KISS. Not even free tickets and free beer could make me want to see KISS.

 

I always thought Rush put on one of the best concerts in R&R history.

Regardless -- a shoo-in for Hall of Fame and it's a joke they're not in.

 

I loved Rush up until Permanent Waves. I don't think they belong, tho I wouldn't oppose Peart getting in for drumming and songwriting.

 

What made Rush so good was they were so unique.

Geddy Lee's unique and awesome voice.
Peart's unique and awesome drumming.

They blow me away every time I see them play -- even on TV.

 

Yeah, I think everyone agrees Geddy's voice is "unique." Beyond that, diverging views.

 

"There are two types of people in this world: Those that like Neil Diamond Rush and those who don't." --Bob Wiley

Those who don't can go sit over there.