@dhodo No disrespect to T-Rex. But it's certainly hard to argue that they are anywhere near as influential or memorable than the others I mentioned (I can't name a T-Rex song or album, personally)
Its all subjective, but at least in past years you could see the "logic" in the pics, avoiding the Fan Choice, regardless of how we might feel about it, was really odd, and while Benetar might not have the back story of a Joan Jett for instance, there's no denying the talent. And they usually go out of their way to include stellar female artists if they're nominated and worthy.......and Benetar certainly is.
T. Rex is super influential (see: Oasis). You're missing out!
I would definitely choose Judas Priest, Soundgarden, or Motorhead over Biggie or Whitney. But this is not much of a rock hall anymore. Dave Matthews is the one big artist I couldn't name a single song by, so I personally don't feel like that's a big snub. I love tons of Pat Benatar singles but am not shedding any tears over her not getting in.
To sum up: Depeche Mode, NIN, and T. Rex make for a strong class. The latter was apparently HUGE in the UK in the 70s, and The Slider and Electric Warrior are classics. Last but not least, check out the Allmusic page of artists "related"to (and specifically "followed by") T. Rex: T. Rex | Similar Artists | AllMusic
Again, subjective, I really like T-Rex, but I could substitute them in your comment without hesitation "I love tons of T-Rex singles but am not shedding any tears over them not getting in." lol
Honestly my biggest gripes with the class going in are Whitney and Biggie...........any other 2 from those mentioned by everyone would have been acceptable
@Sanders you are missing out, then. Electric Warrior and The Slider are Classics and I think it is pretty indisputable that they were hugely influential. Even if you just look at the NY Dolls being influenced by them, the Dolls alone influenced countless other bands. Wiki has a pretty good write-up on a ton of artists who mark them as an important influence.
Marc Bolan and T.Rex's prime window wasn't really large, but the 3 or 4 albums and non-album singles they put out during that time are glam rock at its finest. VERY influential. Bowie, Elton John, and latter day artists like Alejandro Escovedo.
I'd also add that, based on the strength of her voice, and the string of hits she had, I think Pat Benatar definitely should be in there. I think that because the 80's are viewed in a certain way, that she has kind of been pushed to the side by a lot of folks. To me, she's as legit a female rock voice from that era as Chrissie Hynde.
I'm fighting for Pat here, plain and simple, lol. She became eligible when, 1999? Debbie Harry, in, Joan Jett, in.........Modonna (Arguably the biggest "media" produced artist) in?! Debbie & Joan all day, but Modonna before Pat.....nope.
Both T.Rex and BIG are massively influential. But that doesn’t mean the others don’t deserve a spot. I’ve never really been interested in the HOF tho. It’s not going to make me like a band more.
Awards are utter industry self congratulating nonsense and should be shrugged off as an irrelevance. That said I’d take T. Rex to listen to over any of the bands you’re miffed they’ve been picked over...