Yesterday came the announcement that most metal fans have been anticipating since they first got into metal; Metallica will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Like most fans, I too was happy the band would get the recognition they deserve. But then I started to reflect on the bands tumultuous career. Is Metallica at the same level that Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin are at? Maybe to some metal fans they are. In my mind, there are so many more deserving metal bands that should get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before Metallica.
Over Metallica's 25 plus year history, they have released only 2 stellar albums. Bands like Megadeth (yes I know Megadeth can't be considered until 2010), Iron Maiden, and Slayer have had far more consistently stunning releases over the same amount of time.
Metallica's notoriety and ability to sell a ticket is what got them the induction. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a business. They need to sell their high priced tables at the induction ceremony to continue being profitable. Former Rock Hall of Fame Foundation Director, Suzan Evans, was blasted in the press after it was reported that she "lamented the choices being made because there weren't enough big names that would sell tickets to the dinner."
I realize that 'fame' is in the title Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but before that is 'Rock and Roll.' This leads me to believe that musicians should first be judged on musical talent and quality of songs over their entire career and not if they can sell out an arena in under 30 minutes. That's not the true spirit of rock and roll. The Sex Pistols had it right when they stated the ceremony was just a 'piss stain.'
