Ranking the early contenders for the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

As a lifelong music enthusiast who has attended countless concerts and listened to countless albums, I can confidently say that the list you’ve compiled is a testament to the diversity and richness of rock music history. However, as someone who grew up on the raw energy of Motley Crue and the epic storytelling of Iron Maiden, I must admit my bias.

Last month, the 39th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction took place in Cleveland, Ohio with the likes of Foreigner, Lenny Kravitz, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, and Peter Frampton receiving rock’s biggest honor.

After the 2024 event has passed, let’s shift our focus towards the upcoming ceremony in 2025. Here are ten potential candidates who may make it to next year’s induction.

All these artists won’t be inducted, of course. But they certainly should be.

Ranking ten possible contenders for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025

No. 10 – Cyndi Lauper

In 1983, Cyndi Lauper entered the music world with her first album titled “She’s So Unusual,” which generated four top-5 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This made her the pioneer among female artists to accomplish this remarkable milestone in music history.

Over the past four decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to release ten studio albums, each one adding to my collection of music that’s found its way into the hearts of over 50 million fans worldwide. Consistency and resilience have been the cornerstones of my journey so far, and it feels amazing to be recognized for these qualities. I’ve already been honored with inductions into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and I can’t wait to see my name added to the prestigious list of artists in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking another significant milestone in my successful solo career.

No. 9 – Oasis

Originating from Manchester, England back in 1991, Oasis rose to become one of the most influential britpop bands of their era over the span of their initial 18 years together. With Noel and Liam Gallagher taking charge as they prepare for a reunion concert in 2025, there’s a strong possibility that Oasis will be considered for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, given the peak level of excitement surrounding their return.

No.8 – Linkin Park

Just like Oasis experienced a comeback, Linkin Park has seen a resurgence too, following the announcement of their reunion after an eight-year break due to the death of lead vocalist Chester Bennington. They’ve made their return with new songs and a global tour that will continue until late 2025. The band gained international acclaim with their debut album Hybrid Theory in 2000, and over 25 years, they’ve built a dedicated fanbase largely due to their musical versatility and diversity.

Over eight studio albums, Linkin Park has explored various music styles such as alternative rock, nu metal, heavy metal, and hip hop. With the addition of new lead singer Emily Armstrong, Linkin Park might surprise many and become a strong contender for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their debut year of eligibility.

No. 7 – Soundgarden

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when I reflect on the pivotal role Soundgarden played in shaping the Seattle grunge scene alongside bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam during the 90s. Though the band was initially established in 1984, it wasn’t until the 90s that they truly broke through, with chart-topping hits such as “Spoonman,” “Outshined,” and “Black Hole Sun” becoming anthems of the era. In fact, “Black Hole Sun” has become synonymous with Soundgarden for both dedicated fans and casual listeners alike.

Among the pioneering grunge bands from Seattle, Soundgarden was the first to emerge. Given that Nirvana and Pearl Jam have already been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, it’s just a question of when Soundgarden will follow suit.

No. 6 – Pink

Pink’s inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame could be justified considering some previous inductees who have been honored with rock’s premier award do not strictly fall under the traditional rock genre. Over the past two decades, the Hall has recognized artists like Tina Turner, Jay Z, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, among others, whose music extends beyond the boundaries of classic rock.

Pink’s influence on the music industry as a solo performer has been immense, with more than 135 million records sold and consistently selling out stadiums worldwide as the main act. Although she may not be a favorite among rock enthusiasts, given the Hall of Fame’s history, it is only a matter of time before Pink is honored in Cleveland, Ohio.

No. 5 – Thin Lizzy

2025 marks the return of Thin Lizzy with their long-awaited first album in more than four decades, titled “The Acoustic Sessions”. This compilation of acoustically reworked songs will showcase fresh arrangements and previously unreleased vocals from the iconic voice of Phil Lynott. Given this upcoming event, it’s an ideal opportunity to celebrate Thin Lizzy’s enduring legacy by inducting them into the hall of fame.

Over their first 11-year stint, the group churned out popular tunes like “Jailbreak,” “The Boys Are Back in Town,” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” These songs have continued to stand the test of time since then. After the band’s lead singer passed away, they reunited multiple times as a tribute to their impressive musical journey. Now it’s high time for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to follow suit and acknowledge their remarkable career.

No. 4 – Styx

A group that often plays on rock radio stations, Styx made its debut in the early 70s with a progressive rock style that transformed significantly throughout subsequent decades. The band’s music was marked by a blend of hard rock guitar licks, synthesizers, and pianos, resulting in an eclectic collection of songs that ranged from fast-paced rock tunes to power ballads, as well as pieces reminiscent of musical theater. It’s challenging to categorize them into a single genre because they’ve explored various styles like progressive, arena, soft, pop, and hard rock over the years, yet they consistently excel in all of them.

As I navigate through the rhythmic landscapes of “Come Sail Away,” “Lady,” and “The Best of Times,” I find myself enveloped by their soothing melodies, a testament to Styx’s undeniable talent. But when it comes to the hard-hitting tunes like “Rockin’ The Paradise,” “Mr. Roboto,” and “Renegade,” they truly showcase their rock prowess. It’s high time this legendary band, whose music has touched the heart of every rock enthusiast, finally earned a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame.

No. 3 – Boston

In much the same vein as Styx, Boston gained recognition in the realms of progressive and arena rock, known for tracks like “More Than A Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Smokin’.” Whether or not Styx makes it to the Hall of Fame is a factor; if they do, it’s likely that Boston will also be inducted.

No. 2 – Motley Crue

Since their extravagant, unruly lifestyle and flamboyant live shows, Motley Crue has left an indelible impression on the music scene. Established in 1981, this band has produced nine robust studio albums and crafted one of the most iconic biopics – “The Dirt” – which has found a permanent place on Netflix and beyond. Known for their fierceness and controversial reputation, Motley Crue embodies the essence of rock and roll, earning them a place among the greatest performers in history.

No. 1 – Iron Maiden

One of the more puzzling cases on this list is Iron Maiden, a band that’s been eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2005. Despite selling over 130 million records and performing more than 2,000 shows for their devoted fanbase since their formal inception in 1975, Iron Maiden remains uninvited to the Hall.

Over the course of their long career, they’ve put out 17 studio albums featuring three distinct vocalists, scoring global hits across four different decades, despite lacking significant radio play. As they approach their golden anniversary in 2025, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has an opportunity to rectify past oversights by showcasing one of heavy metal’s all-time greats in their collection.

2024-11-21 14:00