Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame president and CEO Greg Harris has commented on the overwhelming criticism from heavy metal fans over the fact that IRON MAIDEN was passed over for induction into the institution again this year
Discussing the overwhelming negative feedback the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has gotten for once again passing over IRON MAIDEN for induction into it’s halls, Harris said in a new interview with Taryn Daly of Audacy: “We love that people care — that they care if they’re in or out, and that their fans care. Now the truth is anybody that’s nominated, the odds are good that they’re eventually gonna get in.
“In fact, I think it may be as high as 90 percent eventually go in. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, who are finally getting inducted this year, this was their sixth time, I believe — fifth time on the ballot or sixth time. And so sometimes it takes a while. But let’s see where it lands. Right now, let’s celebrate this year’s class, and we can start to debate about next year’s class once the spotlight is off of this year’s class.”
Artists are eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single. As of this point, hard rock and heavy metal bands like IRON MAIDEN, PANTERA, SLAYER and MOTÖRHEAD have yet to be recognized by the institution.
IRON MAIDEN was on the ballot for the second time this year, however once again were passed over in favor of artists like Missy Elliot, George Michael, Willie Nelson and THE SPINNERS. (Editor’s note – all great artists in their own right, however comparing their inductions over MAIDEN, who are one of the biggest bands in the world, seems almost deliberate)
IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris previously said that he didn’t care that his band had yet to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame despite being eligible since 2004.
“I don’t mind that we’re not in things like that,” he told Rolling Stone in an interview. “I don’t think about things like that. It’s very nice if people give you awards or accolades, but we didn’t get into the business for that sort of thing. I’m certainly not going to lose sleep if we don’t get any sort of award, not just that one, any award. I don’t think we deserve to have this or that necessarily. With what we do, whatever comes of it is great. Whatever doesn’t come of it is great, too.”
Just to put things in perspective, the only heavy metal or hard rock acts to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame thus far are BLACK SABBATH, LED ZEPPELIN, METALLICA, AC/DC, JUDAS PRIEST, KISS, VAN HALEN, RUSH, GUNS N’ ROSES and DEEP PURPLE.
