Why is Prog Rock snubbed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
In the 1970’s a new brand of music was the most influential factor in Rock. Called progressive rock (called prog rock), it took up where the Beatles left off, with the unique combination of classical music and rock n’ roll. While the Beatles forays into such sounds where, on the whole, decidedly pop, prog rock took idea into unchartered territories with mixed results. The level of musicianship seen in prog rock bands was awe inspiring at times, and frustrating at others. The lyrics could be incredibly intelligent, but at other times needlessly abstract and the subject matter could be silly with songs about faeries and such.
Despite its pros and cons, one cannot deny it was a huge influence and highly popular for around ten years. So why is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame so bereft of prog rock bands with the exception of Genesis and Queen (not a true prog rock band, but one with leanings)?
Let us look at the two inducted into the hall of fame. Genesis had Peter Gabriel and critics have long admired him. While some of the songs during there prog rock period (they later became a pop band with Phil Collins) could display needless displays of virtuosity for its own sake, they could also construct songs where those flights of fancy could and did serve the song. While Queen was not a true prog band, the first five albums are influenced by the movement. However, it put it more in a pop, hard rock arena. The left field twists in a song, served the song and contained more hooks in one song than many prog bands had in their whole career. Another band that could accomplish that at times was Yes, but not to that extent. Yes shows elements of the best and worst of the genre. At times able to write solid, accessible songs with incredible playing, they could also be ostentatiously self-indulgent. However, Yes is probably the one band of that ilk that should definitely be in the hall, warts and all. They sold a ton of records, filled massive venues, and are still very popular today. They really do sum up the whole movement.
Why isn’t Yes in the Hall of Fame? Well, I happen to know why. While teaching James Young (I am a voice teacher) of Styx (another prog leaning group not inducted), I asked him why artists like his band and Yes are snubbed. He told me why. The founder of the institution, Rolling Stone magazine editor Jann Wenner and notorious critic Dave Marsh head up the committee that nominates and votes. The founders of legendary record label Atlantic Records, who are in the Hall, gave an impassioned speech as to why Yes should be in. Of course, the members were polite and respectful. The minute they left the room and the doors closed, Mr. Wenner got up and said, “Yes will never be in the Hall!” Of course this is going to influence the vote, because the members want to keep their spots on the board. Such an abuse of power in highly unethical and fascist which is ironic because douche bag Dave Marsh once accused Queen of being the first fascist band in rock. The lens that Wenner and Marsh view what rock is obviously very narrow and anything that does not fall in their prejudiced views is shunned by a very heavy hand.
While there are truths in their criticism of prog rock, one cannot not deny bands like Yes were pioneers, highly influential and wildly successful. That alone should be enough for inclusion, unless they want to keep acting like a bunch of high school mean girls.
What Prog Rock Band do you think should be in the Hall?
- Rush
- Yes
- Emerson Lake and Palmer
- King Crimson
- ELO
