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Kiss News USA has posted the following message regarding to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President, Terry Stewart's letter to Kiss fans:
"Thanks for your email regarding Kiss.
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. Please read below:
The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Individuals can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. 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 800 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all previous 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. So 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.
Finally, as I noted above, people sometimes forget that rock and roll and its artists 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.
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.
P. S. I was fortunate to work with Gene Simmons when I was President of Marvel Comics. He's a brilliant musician and marketer, both of which I highly respect. Having the KISS Army here this past summer was fabulous. This just proves that once again, the power of the music we call rock and roll and the passion you as a fan have is unexcelled.
Peace & Soul,
Rock & Roll!
Terry Stewart
President
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum ."
Source KISS News |
