That Soundgarden aren't in is absolutely criminal. They were a key band from the last time rock and roll was at the forefront of the mainstream. Chris is a contender for the greatest rock vocalist of all time, and at least one of their songs (Black Hole Sun) has achieved immortality. My Top 5:
- Soundgarden: for reasons I just stated. - Phish: for Phish to have amassed the following they've had without a single hit song or album is impressive. They had a massive influence on the direction of live music and festival culture. They may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they are excellent musicians, good people, and have a legit legacy. They are legendary. I've worked the NYE runs at the Garden these last two years and had an absolute blast. - Cyndi Lauper: people can scoff at this, but Cyndi is entirely worthy. She came up in the Long Island punk scene, fused New Wave and rockabilly to make her own sound, and despite her commercial success drying up relatively early into her career she's managed to stay in the zeitgeist and still has a huge influence on the modern pop scene (Tori Amos, Chappell Roan and Gaga all owe a debt to her). She carved her own unique image that she's never compromised. That's rock and roll. - Joe Cocker: an amazingly soulful singer with lots of iconic songs and maybe the most memorable Woodstock performance outside of Hendrix. McCartney's fighting for him, so he'll probably get in. - Billy Idol: an icon in the punk scene with a unique image and sound and lots of great hits that still get played today.
Comments
- Soundgarden: for reasons I just stated.
- Phish: for Phish to have amassed the following they've had without a single hit song or album is impressive. They had a massive influence on the direction of live music and festival culture. They may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they are excellent musicians, good people, and have a legit legacy. They are legendary. I've worked the NYE runs at the Garden these last two years and had an absolute blast.
- Cyndi Lauper: people can scoff at this, but Cyndi is entirely worthy. She came up in the Long Island punk scene, fused New Wave and rockabilly to make her own sound, and despite her commercial success drying up relatively early into her career she's managed to stay in the zeitgeist and still has a huge influence on the modern pop scene (Tori Amos, Chappell Roan and Gaga all owe a debt to her). She carved her own unique image that she's never compromised. That's rock and roll.
- Joe Cocker: an amazingly soulful singer with lots of iconic songs and maybe the most memorable Woodstock performance outside of Hendrix. McCartney's fighting for him, so he'll probably get in.
- Billy Idol: an icon in the punk scene with a unique image and sound and lots of great hits that still get played today.