2022 Rock Hall Nominee Predictions

Lots of Rock Hall Watchers picking the same names, and rightly so, because figuring out year two of the John Sykes era is a tough one.  When I look over my picks, the only name I feel confident will get on the ballot is a FYE. After that? Who knows? The last two years there have been 16 nominees, so that’s where I will land for 2022. 

B-52’s - Two out of the last 3 years with Devo on the ballot, it might be time to try another legendary New Wave band. 

Beck - Still hard to pin down how this Alt-Rock icon has been bypassed since first eligible in 2019. He’s got the hits, the acclaim, even a damn Grammy Album of the Year. Maybe this is his year. 

Chaka Khan - Not much else to say.  This would be her 8th total nomination (4 solo, 4 Rufus), and this has to be the year something happens.  Whether Musical Excellence, Early Influence or she gets voted in. 

Cher - After Tina Turner got her solo nod, talk turned to what other female icon from a previous group/duo could get in.  Most of the talk has turned to Cher or Diana Ross. I think Cher would be a FYN.

Dionne Warwick - Waves of nostalgia greeted Dionne's first nomination last year. But it wasn't enough.  No doubt seen as too Pop by some voters, she was sadly passed over. I'm predicting a return, but not totally convinced she'll be back this year. 

Duran Duran - It did seem like they were everywhere in 2021. Especially since they put out a new album last year. Would be a populist choice, something the Hall has embraced fully over the years.

Eminem - Among the newly eligibles, he has to be the only sure shot. 

Iron Maiden -  Go ahead take your pick, Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. I have a hunch they did better than Priest with voters. 

Kate Bush - Back on the ballot last year, this would be her 3rd nomination.  One of those "bigger in the U.K. than in America" artists that has NomCom support.  

Kool & the Gang -  How about the  Commodores or maybe even the return of War?  Or even worse, none of the above, which is what the NomCom has been giving us when it comes to R&B bands.  Lionel Richie inducted Clarence Avant last year. And one NomCommer said the Commodores were discussed at their meeting in 2021. But maybe it’s time for Kool & the Gang. A hit-making, long-running staple of many radio formats. 

Mariah Carey - Having tried Mary J. Blige last year, now seems the right time to nominate Carey. 

Monkees - Michael Nesmith's death resulted in a lot of sentimental pieces that reminded people how important the Monkees were to a lot of artists.  If Nesmith's death can't stir the NomCom, then nothing will. 

New York Dolls - A 20 year gap between nominations meant that few knew they were nominated in 2001, which led some to believe that they would get in last year.  Should be enough for a return slot. 

Pat Benatar - We all know the story.  But still a shock that she was bypassed in 2020, and even worse, not nominated last year.  Has to be back this year, right?

Rage Against the Machine - A 3X nominee ('18, '19, '21), I still find the fact that they haven't gotten inducted an interesting snub.  Morello is a well-liked music biz figure nowadays.  Not on a level as the ubiquitous Dave Grohl, but a step below. Guessing many current inductees know little about Rage outside of Morello.

Soundgarden - Nominated in 2020 but not last year.  This would most likely be a Tom Morello choice.