Thought I'd share with you all something that hit me (actually a friend brought it to my attention shortly after the grammy nominations); anyway, it motivated me to submit the following to the R&R HallofFame. Not everyone will agree with the language I chose to use and that's OK. This is only one fan's letter, mine.
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104
Dear Rock and Roll Inductee Nominating Committee Members,
I humbly submit the following for consideration as 2010 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
Perhaps in and of itself the very name “Judas Priest” set their course and sealed their fate as underdog in the Heavy Metal genre. Unquestionably (for some arguably) a band that has had significant impact on Rock and Roll. And yet their career goes unheralded amongst their peers.
Perhaps it is that no one considered inducting the band. As Judas was to the Christ, Judas Priest was to Rock and Roll … at one time. It can’t go unnoticed any longer. The men from the United Kingdom that formed Judas Priest have remained loyal to their roots and to that the credit of keeping the band performing for going on 40 years, a career spanning much turmoil and musical evolution.
Judas Priest produces music not easily consumed by mainstream listeners (some would say to a degree cheesy). It involves much closer inspection in lyric, composition, presentation. I site their most recent endeavor “Nostradamus”. Throughout the course of their history they have weathered the dilemma of unscrupulous producers, hostile focus groups, and frustrated corporate media. Such is the industry. To that affect, it can be said that ‘Priest are pioneers, taking the heat, paving a smoother way for other musicians, not only in Rock and Roll.
Nearing the end of the first decade of the 21st Century and at the dawn of the 4th decade of existence for Judas Priest, how fitting would it be to bestow upon them an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I don’t know that they do what they do to be honored by anyone. Would they be grateful, if so chosen? I like to believe they would be humbled. One of Priest’s more ardent fans graces the streets of Cleveland. He carries the torch of faithful Judas Priest fans worldwide that recognize their greatness. Much the way I envision Judas Priest accepting an induction, completely reciprocal.
It is my understanding that the committee deciding who is inducted into the hall is comprised of industry leaders, etc. and maybe that is the cause of this oversight. I have to tell you though, as a long time listener, fan, friend, and follower of heavy metal in all its forms and fashions myself; and, as someone who appreciates all kinds of music from classical to rap / hip-hop, country western and folk, instrumental and, yes dare I say Enya, there isn’t a reason I can surmise to not induct these performers into the Hall.
Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
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NOTE: While some are of the thinking a petition would be the way to go, from experience, flooding the mailbag with letters is equally if not more effective.
Cheers!
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