Rock And Roll Hall of Fame announce 2025 nominations

Rockapedia | 18th FEb, 2025 theBeat.ie

It's that time of year again when music lover raise their eye-brows at the announcement of The Rock And Roll Hall of fame nominations. The usual questions will be asked in regards to why such and such an artist has not been put up for nomination. But who exactly are the ones put forward for the 2025 Rock Hall Of Fame.

English supergroup, Bad Company, enjoyed great success throughout the 1970s. Bursting onto the rock scene with their debut, and most successful single, Can't Get Enough, the band comprised of Ex-Free, Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke, Ex-Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs, and ex-King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell.

Formed in 1984, American rock band, The Black Crowes, were a throwback to the classic rock swager, similar to the likes of The Rolling Stones. Releasing nine studio albums, four live albums and several charting singles, the band has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

One of two solo female artist on the 2025 list is Mariah Carey. Making her debut in 1990 Mariah had a string of hits, such as Vision of Love and Love Takes Time, earning her a spot as one of the most successful female singers in American Pop history.

The Hall of Fame takes a look back on rock history with Chubby Checker, who had his first hit in 1959. It would be his reworking of Hank Ballard's The Twist that gave Chubby his first No.1 hit, followed by many dance-craze singles, including Lets Twist Again, along with over more than 50 chart hits.

Known for his gritty bluesy voice, English singer Joe Cocker released his first single in 1968. His debut would go unnoticed in the US until his appearance at 1969's Woodstock festival which would bring him worldwide attention. Cooker would go on to release 22 studio albums over a 43-year recording career, including the live album and film, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, which earned him his first US Top Ten hit.

Generation X, front-man Billy Idol gets the nod as a 2025 nominee. Formed in the 1970's, Generation X, would be viewed with suspicion by the punk purists as a result of their pop leanings. Following their split, Idol would relocate to the US, recording Rebel Yell with the singles White Wedding, Eyes Without A Face, and the title track which became an MTV standard.

One of the UK's most important post-punk bands, Joy Division, formed in 1976. Following a legendary appearance by the Sex Pistols in Manchester, school friends Bernard Strummer and Peter Hook formed Stiff Kittens, quickly renamed to Warsaw, until settling on Joy Division, following the recruitment of Ian Curtis and Steven Morris. Their single, Love Will Tear Us Apart, went top 20 but only after the death of singer, Ian Curtis, bringing a halt to the band's career.

With the addition of Gillian Gilbert on keyboards, Joy Division reformed as New Order. With a sound based on grooves and angular post-punk beats, the group would have a major influence on the Madschester and dance scene of the late 1980's and 1990's.

The second female nominated to 2025's Hall of Fame is US singer, Cyndi Lauper. Known for her powerful four-octave vocal range, Lauper has sold over 50 million records worldwide, including a string of hits such as her 1983 debut single, Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Time After Time, True Colors.

Formed in 1981, Mana is considered as the most successful Latin American band of all time with over 25 million records sold worldwide. Drawing on pop rock, progressive rock, Latin pop, calypso, reggae and ska music genres, the band initially achieved success in Latin America and Spain before achieving worldwide commercial success and popularity.

The second Manchester nomination are Britpop icons, Oasis. Formed in 1993 the band would dominate British music throughout the 90's and 00's. With perfectly constructed pop songs dominated by memorable Beatle-esque choruses, the band would sell over 100 million records before disbanding in 2009. With a string of hits, eight of which went to No.1, it was be inevitable that fan pressure would force the band to reform leading to a planned 2025 reunion tour.

Formed in 1992, Outcast, consist of Big Boi Patton and Andre Andre 3000 Benjamin. Releasing their first album in the mid-90's the band collaborated as a unit with moderate success until the release of 2003's, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. The album was double sided, divided equally between the two, and went on to become a major worldwide success, no doubt as a result of the single, Hey Ya.

American band, Phish formed in 1983 as a jam-band. Musically they cover an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, blues, folk and improvisation. The band became a word-of-mouth touring phenomenon, building devoted US following, particularly as a result of audience recordings of live shows being traded amongst fans since the band's earliest days. In addition to numerous studio albums and projects, the band maintained a steady output of live releases and albums, along with numerous box sets and stand-alone archival releases. The band has also officially released every show they've performed since 2002.

Formed in 1984, Soundgarden, comprised of Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Hiro Yamamoto and Matt Cameron. With a heavy melodic sound the band broke from the Seattle rock-scene, gaining worldwide attention as one of the pioneers of Grunge. The band has also been credited with the development of the alternative metal genre. With an estimated 30 million record sales worldwide, Soundgarden are considered one of Americans finest hard-rock bands.

American rock duo, The White Stripes, formed in 1997 as a two piece rock band with Jack White on guitar and vocals supported by Meg White on drums. With their trilling interpretation of blues and rock, the band found international acclaim with their third album, White Blood Cells, released in 2001. Through their refusal to compromise on their sound the band were a leading group of 2000s indie rock and the decade's garage rock revival.

The 2025 inductees will be revealed in late April, along with those inductees entering the Hall under three special committee categories: Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award.

- New Music -