Rock Hall 2017 Nominees Express Their Gratitude

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Many of the artists who have passed Step Two of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2017 induction process – Step One is obviously the remarkable careers they have forged – took to social media to acknowledge their gratitude for, if nothing else, the attention that today’s (October 18) announcement brought them. Most also urged the public to vote for them. (Not all performers were pleased; see the comments from a former Pearl Jam drummer below.)

Journey’s 1981 lineup

Former Journey lead singer Steve Perry says: “I’m so grateful that the music we created while together has survived the test of time.”

“This has felt like a special twelve months period for us,” founding Zombie Rod Argent writes on Facebook. “Its beginning was marked by a phone call from Billboard last October to congratulate us on making the Top 100 Album Sales chart [with Still Got That Hunger] for the first time in 50 years as ‘The Zombies.’ Its conclusion has now been perfectly rounded off exactly a year later by the news that we’ve been nominated for a second time for the Rock’n’Roll Hall Of Fame! Thanks everybody — this has come at a really exciting time for us, as the band has never felt so energized, and the acceptance of what we are creating now, as well as the older classic material we love to play, is heartwarming!”

“I’m thrilled beyond words! It’s been such an exciting year for the band, and we’re honoured to even be considered,” Zombies founding member Colin Blunstone tells Billboard.

Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell proudly tweets…

Some cheer today as Jane’s Addiction has been nominated to the Rock ‘N Roll Hall Of Fame. My feet applauding loudly as I write this tweet! pic.twitter.com/IYiLy1iF1W

— Perry Farrell (@perryfarrell) October 18, 2016

“I had a vision for the band when I started it, and being in a hall of fame was never part of it — but it’s a good thing to be recognized for your work,” MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer tells Billboard. “The band never achieved great commercial success and wealth and any of that, but I think our contribution was significant. I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I guess I’ll have to leave it up to the people, all my musicians, all my brothers and sisters that work in the amusement industry to recognize the significance of the MC5 — which they always have. The musicians have always been the band’s greatest champions.”

Singer Chaka Khan tweets: “3rd time’s a charm, right? Here’s hoping I get inducted 2 @RockHallFame.” Khan also tweeted support for fellow nominee, Chic mastermind Nile Rodgers.

Congrats 2 all my fellow @RockHallFame nominees! @nilerodgers I WANT THIS 4 U! 11 nominations is cray cray but HISTORIC! #rockhall2017

— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) October 18, 2016

Rodgers returns the favor…

Hey Chaka! I want this for you too!!! https://t.co/YT3mVbhC99

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) October 18, 2016

Rodgers, who is often referred to as the “Susan Lucci” of Rock Hall candidates as a reference to the All My Children soap star who was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award 18 times before winning, also makes an indirect reference to Nigel Tufnel’s character in This is Spinal Tap via this tweet:

“This one goes to eleven.” ~ #NigelTufnel #RockGod https://t.co/eWvA7bm8vY

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) October 18, 2016

Electric Light Orchestra maestro Jeff Lynne chose to let his musical accomplishments do the talking with the briefest of posts on his Facebook page: “I’m very proud to see my ELO music getting this great recognition. It’s a big honor to be nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.”

ELO’s Bev Bevan said, “ I was chuffed, just thrilled. I guess everybody is when they get it. I can’t imagine anyone not being. I thought it was fantastic. I had a lot of friends calling me, texting me, emailing me to say congratulations. It’s been really good.” He added that he has not yet been contacted by the Hall of Fame about whether he will invited to appear or perform at the April ceremony. Added Bevan about his ongoing feud with Lynne, “I think I’m certainly at an age now where I don’t want to bear grudges or have enemies. I just want to make friends. I’d be pleased to do it.”

Progressive rock pioneers Yes received their third nomination. “It is a distinguished honor to again receive a nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” shares drummer Alan White. “Yes has a history of being pioneers in exploring new musical territory, 48 years later the band is still continuing this quest, who knew? Thank you for the consideration of this esteemed award.”

J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf tells Billboard: “One always hopes it turns into fruition, but it’s one of those things that, to quote a Chuck Berry song, you never can tell.” Asked how the band would react to being inducted, given the departure of several members including, prominently, Geils himself, Wolf says “everybody would enjoy the moment, ’cause it’s a great honor.”

Bad Brains shook off the rust of their Facebook page when they posted for the first time in five months:

Bad Brains for president
VOTE DAILY !!!!!!

The Rock Hall determines which members of a band are to be considered, should they be inducted. Not all past or present lineups are enshrined. David Abbruzzese, who was a member of Pearl Jam from 1991 until 1994, writes on his Facebook page: “If there is still a part of that band that remembers how hard we worked, how much blood and how much sweat… They will do the right thing.” Hours later, he adds: “The members of Pearl jam have got to know what’s the right thing to do. They can’t justify ignoring my contributions. Like me or not.”