Enough is enough.
Yeah, I’m talking to you, Dave Grohl. And to you too, Taylor Hawkins. And yeah, you, Cameron Crowe. And you, Stone Gossard. And this is also directed to many of you musicians and insiders, as diverse as Rudy Sarzo, Alphonse Mouzon, Jerry Greenberg, Paul Stanley, Brian May, Geddy Lee, Steve Lukather, Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton, etc. etc. etc.
Many of you have made comments indicating how influential Yes has been, either for you personally or for rock and roll in general. Now, it’s time for the rubber to hit the road.
Once again, Yes has been nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s been a tough nut to crack. Petitions haven’t helped. The fan ballot at Rolling Stone didn’t matter. In fact, the Rolling Stone article announcing the “Class of 2016” doesn’t even list Yes as “leading the pack.” Getting U.S. politicians of both parties to finally agree on one thing (Yes’ induction) brought attention but was unsuccessful in winning.
It would seem futile, but it isn’t. Consider another once-hopeless case. Many years ago a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board member sneered that Rush would NEVER get inducted. NEVER. But times change — and Rush’s musical influence, output and perseverance finally couldn’t be denied.
For Yes, it may happen eventually, but it’s already too late. The late Chris Squire should have lived to have seen that day. It’s now time to right that wrong.
The question is this: Who has the most influence on the board members for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I believe it’s their peers, those established in the industry — mostly, the musicians.
So, how can you help? Easy. If you agree that Yes should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, then take action. NOW.
Here’s how you can make a tremendous impact:
• Issue a press release stating that you think Yes should be inducted for 2016, and why.
• Bring it up in interviews. If you already mentioned this in the past, do it again.
• Post a notice on your official web site.
• Tell your management to alert me that you’ve done this (or do it yourself). I’ll compile and post links to your content — online print, videos, audios, web site announcement, whatever — and promote the hell out of it.
• Ask your fellow musicians and music industry insiders — friends and colleagues alike — to do the same.
Here’s why I called you out, Dave Grohl. You weren’t afraid to say that Rush was always cool. One of the criteria for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame addresses how influential the artist has been.
And who was one of Rush’s big influences — and well as to countless others who have sold a ton of records and concert tickets? One guess, Dave.
I’ll be watching for your notification, along with those of your colleagues. While I know there are no guarantees, I believe with peer support that it will be hard to deny Yes’ induction this time.
It’s time for all of you industry folks to put your money where your mouth is. Otherwise, please don’t damn Yes with faint praise.
ACT NOW!
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Thank you!
Who even cares about the R&R Hall anymore? Seriously, why waste the energy? Just boycott them! They have lost ALL credentials as honest DECADES ago! My gosh, JOAN JETT and BEASTIE BOYS are in the hall, but YES isn’t? Let them vote in Janet Jackson, she is also a nominee this year… that should tell you how far removed from Rock & Roll they have strayed… it is NOT about the music at the R&R HOF, it is ALL about posing and politics.
Yes, but Rush had finally been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013 and Rush’s induction had been a “game changer.” Now that Yes has finally been inducted, who should be inducted next?
You’re not paying attention. Read again what I’ve written. The Hall is beyond saving.
Totally agreed! Beautifully put!
Green Day and Donovan are in the R&R Hall of Fame, while Link Wray and Dick Dale are not; Janet Jackson is currently polling higher than The Smiths. If those tidbits do not tell you everything you need to know about this organization, you are beyond hope. And if the Hip Hop Hall of Fame ever gets resuscitated, I hope they will induct The Beatles and Bob Dylan to balance the presence of Public Enemy and Run-DMC being the the R&RHOF.
Thank you Mike for supporting Yes for all of those many decades. I was first introduced to the music of Yes during the summer of 1981. I have been an aficionado of their music since that time. Yes is my second favorite band after Rush. It took nearly 15 years from the time that Rush had been first eligible for induction, until they had received their induction. When I was creating my website, the now long archived AKD’s art rock site, it was very important to me to not only support Rush’s induction, but also indirectly support the inductions of Yes and The Moody Blues, as well. I certainly hope that those aforementioned artists will take up your challenge. I was very impressed with the non-partisan “Voices For Yes” campaign. I think that this campaign had certainly helped also. I am very saddened by the recent passing of Chris Squire and feel that due to his death, Yes is receiving another nomination. I do agree that Yes should have been inducted prior to Chris’ untimely demise.
I hope Yes refuses induction – as One Voice they should say NO!
I have been extremely disappointed that Yes has not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. This is indeed, totally inexplicable and an absolute travesty.
That so called ‘institution’ should be re-named “The Rock and Roll Hall of Shame” ~ Without the likes of Squire, Howe, Rabin, Wakeman & Bruford indoctrinated as the MASSIVELY influential group of musicians they were/are, (i.e, “Yes”), then it renders that institution as a worthless & absolutely pointless crock of shite !