Rock Hall Class of 2014

     For the second straight year, the crack Rock Hall induction team has silenced another rabid fan base. Last year it was the induction of Rush that finally got us Rush-ians to stop our whining and petitions. In 2014, the hottest band in the world (in the 70's), KISS, finally get their due and the KISS Army get their validation.  They will be joined by first ballot slam dunk Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, Linda Ronstadt and Yusef Islam. I, for one, can hardly wait to see this motley crew jam to "Crossroads", "Peace Train" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit". If there's a God, maybe they'll at least perform "Tumbling Dice". Where do I even start with this class? I did vote for Nirvana, KISS and Peter Gabriel, so I'm happy for them. I would have voted for Hall & Oates if there hadn't been a five vote limit, so I can go for that. Unfortunately, Dave Grohl, Gene Simmons, Peter Gabriel and Daryl Hall will be forced to share this moment with Yusef Islam and Linda Ronstadt. Every year there is at least one head-scratcher, and this year there are two. At least there should be intrigue a-plenty with KISS and Nirvana. Will the human dumpster fire that is Courtney Love somehow manage to insinuate herself into this honor for her late husband? Will Dave Grohl get a restraining order on her, so she can't get within 500 yards of the ceremony? Will Sir Paul reprise his role of lead singer and left-handed guitarist of Nirvana? Will Gene Simmons not be a douche and play with Ace and Peter? Will Gene insist on inducting his own band into the Rock Hall? Will KISS wear their makeup? Will there be an appearance by a hologram of Kurt Cobain? Will Yusef Islam be inducted by Salman Rushdie? Will Yusef Islam kill Salman Rushdie while singing "PeaceTrain"? Will Peter Gabriel show up wearing a dress and fox head mask? Will we finally get the Hall & Oates vs. Simon & Garfunkel cage match that we've all been dreaming of? Now I kind of wish it was Cleveland's turn to host in 2014.
     Seriously, the top of this class is great. Nirvana may be the last band to get in on their first ballot for some time. Radiohead and The White Stripes are the only other bands I can think of that have a chance, but I doubt it. Cobain's music touched millions of people because they felt like he was someone who understood them. There's been some revisionist history since their nomination, but go back and listen to those albums. Listen to the studio version of "About A Girl". Watch Nirvana on MTV Unplugged. They did what The Pixies and Dinosaur Jr. couldn't do; bring alternative rock to the mainstream. They may not have been the best band, but they were one of the most important bands in the history of rock music.
     KISS were long overdue for induction. I had the great fortune of growing up during their heyday. I drew them on my notebooks. I watch their horrible movie. I was glued to MTV when they removed their makeup. I played the hell out of Alive II. I wanted to be Ace Frehley. They are truly one of the most influential bands ever.
     I have to admit, in the 80's I hated Hall & Oates. I was into metal and prog rock. They represented everything I despised about mainstream music. In my middle age, I've grown to appreciate their music and I even own a greatest hits CD. I'm still surprised they were inducted into the Rock Hall. Maybe groups like Duran Duran still have a chance some day.
     Finally, Peter Gabriel is a musical genius. He completely reinvented himself as a solo artist and became one of the world's most iconic performers. I crap on the Rock Hall voters quite often, but I congratulate them for inducting Peter Gabriel. It almost makes up for Yusef Islam. I gotta go. It's Cold Gin time again. Peace.