Since the inception of the RR HoF I have donated approximately $5,000 to the museum. I have been to the HoF many times, and think it's a great place, and is a great thing to keep alive. I have also been miffed, like many of you, that Rush is not in the HoF. Of course I have been fortunate to get to know the members of this band on a personal level, and consider them now my friends, so my bias is pretty strong for obvious reasons. I joke around with Geddy from time to time by throwing a barb his way when we're talking about something completely random. It usually goes something like this- Ged: "I bought a new Samson wireless system today." Me: "Yeah, but are you in the Rock and Roll HOF?", or Ged: "All I ate today was a protein shake this morning, I'm starving." Me: "And your still not in the HoF." He usually says "And you'll NEVER be there." We laugh.
I kid around with him, because quite frankly, while he and Alex and Pratt would be very honored, they don't really give a damn either way. The fans however are incensed, which usually just makes Geddy shake his head and smile. He and Alex joke about it with each other more than I do with him.
Last week we were talking and I told him I was going to send them an email declaring my outrage over the fact that they had not been selected for induction. I also told him I was going to remind them of my donationas to the foundation, and that in clear conscious, I could no longer support their efforts financially, until this injustice had been rectified. We had a good laugh, and Geddy suggested they probably wouldn't even respond.
So, yesterday I sent the email. I reminded the recipients of the email of the countless musicians who have been influenced to play bass, drums, or guitar by each of these guys, alone should be enough to place them firmly in the halls of the HoF; their amazing career and contributions both lyrically, and musically not withstanding.
Today, less than twenty-four hours later I received the following:
>Dear Mr. __________,
>
> Thanks for your comments.
>
> Nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame is not about popularity, records sales, which label the group is on, or anything other than the process below. The love for, the evaluation of, and the impact of any artist are subjective questions to be answered by the nominators and the voters. Unlike baseball, football, basketball or hockey, statistics are not relevant.
>
> The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Artists can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The latter three categories are evaluated and decided by separate committees. The selection of Performers is a two-step process as described below.
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> The only formal criteria for the performance category is that an artist has to have had their first record 25 years ago. That said, candidates are reviewed and discussed relative to their impact on this music that we broadly call rock and roll. The innovation and influence of these artists is also critical. Gold records, number one hits, and million sellers are really not appropriate standards for evaluation.
>
> The formal selection of Performers begins with an extensive panel of journalists, historians, previous inductees, noted musicians, industry heads, etc. In turn, those nominated are sent to a committee of more than 500 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all living inductees, musicians, etc.) who vote. Those receiving the highest number of votes and more than 50% of the votes cast are inducted into the Hall. Usually, this means five to seven new performing members each year. All this said, you can see the road to being inducted is an arduous one and for the most part, removed from the realm of influences or politics.
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> Finally, as I noted above, people sometimes forget that rock and roll, the artists, and other participants are viewed in an incredibly subjective manner by any individual brought into the circle of discussion. As such, there is often widespread disagreement or fracturing of opinion about who is or was important and to what degree.
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> I really think that all deserving candidates will have their moment eventually. Unfortunately, it often isn't the time frame they or their fans desire. In fact, there's not only precedent in our history, but also with the other sports halls of fame where many of the legends do not get inducted in the their first year of eligibility, or for many years to come in quite a few instances. I too am a fan of Rush, and hope that one day soon, we will welcome them into the Hall. Until that time comes, I want to think you for your support of our organization. Donors like yourself keep our non-profit mission alive. I hope you will reconsider your intent to withdrawal your continued support of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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> Peace & Soul,
> Rock & Roll!
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>
>
> Terry Stewart
> President
> Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
I say, BULLSHIT!! Put Rush in the Hall of Fame now!
I forwarded the email to Geddy, and his response was a smiley face.