Today's post is from our friend HIM.
As many of you know, I am the stick in the mud who chimes in each year when the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame (RaRHoF) discussion starts. I mention, as others do, the litany of crimes that organization has committed: the cozy relationship that bands getting in share with Wenner, the elastic designation regarding what constitutes “rock n’ roll” or even a member of a band who is worthy enough to be inducted; the fake appeals to fans; the costs that bands are forced to cover to attend an event in their honor; and so on. So I suggest, time and again, that it is merely a thought puzzle with little actual relevance. Getting mad about who is in and who isn’t is about as productive as artists suggesting how “great” it will be once they are inducted. That, and two nickels, gets you ten cents.
On the other hand, one productive line of discussion has appeared on more than one occasion: why not start a Glam Hall of Fame, or simply a Metal Hall of Fame. Wouldn’t that cater to what we, as BBG! readers and metal fans actually care about (not to suggest we don’t care about other forms genres of rock or even other types of music)? Wouldn’t that take the sting off the buzz-kill that is the RaRHoF?
Well, it might. It could. Perhaps it will. Why am I being so qualified? Simply put, there is going to be a Heavy Metal Hall of Fame; or, more accurately and less pleasing to the ear and eye, a Hall of Heavy Metal History. That said Hall doesn’t exist doesn’t really matter. I mean, the RaRHoF’s hall is actually more legit than the ceremonies. But I digress. Here is a link to the press-release-cum-news-story provided by Sleaze Roxx:
Yes, I can wait while you read the article. And, once you have, you can probably see why I am a bit hesitant in singing the praises of this venture. Without going into great detail, I can list two issues that I have with the organization. First, there seems to be a conflict of interest baked into this, one of lesser grandeur than Wenner’s meddling. But it still seems like a conflict of interest. Which relates to, second, the list of inaugural inductees. Not sure this is the first class you would want while claiming your bona fides as a representation of heavy metal (no less the history thereof). Sure, some of the first class seem okay. Others, not so much. It seems fairly narrow. Nor can I find any link of relevance to this group online, or to how they choose who is inducted.
On the bright-ish side, as an event held by a recently created (as of June this year, at least according to trademark filings) organization, this isn’t going to cost fans too much to attend. There are also some good causes listed as related to the organization and its founder/CEO Patrick Gesualdo. This is a non-profit, which is a good thing too. And I am sure that the Anaheim Expo Center is a fine establishment.
But I wonder: is this what metal fans actually (there is that italicized word again) wanted? If so, is this the configuration they dreamed about? Please share your thoughts.
