Hall of Fame discussion-arena rockers??

[SAT-I need more room!!]

I wanted to ask this anyway, and then REO and Foreigner were suggested for the Hall.

I always wondered if any arena rockers would ever make the Hall. It's a much maligned era in music, but hey, it was HUGE for a time, and that should count for something. It was essentially from 77-84, give or take a year at either end.

Look at grunge. That was from about 90-94, and you KNOW Nirvana will make it, and maybe even Pearl Jam.

I asked my dad years ago what he thought of the chances for the arena rockers. He thought MAYBE Journey would have a chance. That's possible, I guess. I know Neal Schon is very well respected among guitarists.

Dodger suggested REO and Dave suggested Foreigner. Pete later said he sees Foreigner before REO, and I have to agree.

Others to consider are Styx, Boston and even Kansas. Cheap Trick I feel has a better chance because there seems to have been a number of 90s acts, including the Smashing Pumpkins who respected them a lot.

So I guess I am asking, do you think ANY arena rockers have a chance, and if so, which ones? And even if you don't, which one would you imagine they would throw in.

I think I am with my dad on this one for Journey.

[Dawn]

Of the arena rockers, I think Cheap Trick, Journey and Foreigner have the best chance. Although I personally would like to see Boston in, largely because of the excellent production of their work, their relative few releases compared to similar acts will probably keep them out. Styx, Kansas, and REO are all great bands, but have never seemed to get much respect from the music industry, unfortunately, so their chances aren't too great.

[djdave]

I agree with everything so far. Who knows--Critics hated Grand Funk Railroad, and also hated Toto at first (but their fourth album DID win a Grammy for Album of the Year), so I sneak those two in as well.

[lora]

I've never seen anything wrong with arena rock myself. Maybe it's not one of the most popular eras, but what am I for popular?

[55dodger]

1. REO Speedwagon - Finally hit it big in 1980 with Keep on Loving You, but I put them in for the great music they did dating back to 1971. They struggled, largely under the radar, but the music was great. Specifically, Spohisticated Lady (1971), Reelin' (1975), Ridin' the Storm Out, & Back on the Road Again (1979), among others. Check their "A Decade of Rock & Roll, 1970 - 1980." Great sample of the their early works.

2. Grand Funk Railroad - Are you kidding, they should already be in (IMO).

3. Styx - If they don't make it, blame Mr. Roboto.

4. Journey - I'd give them the best shot, simply because they seemed to be the best known. Certainly deserving.

5. Foreginer - Deserving, lots of hits.

6. Cheap Trick - One of the best live acts, and did some great songs.

7&8 - Boston & Kansas - Great groups with some great songs, just don't think they did enough.

9. Toto - Again, not sure they did enough.

[KittyKat - RIP Luciano]

Interesting question and comments.

As much as I loathe Boston, of the bands mentioned I think they might have one of the better chances of getting in because of their contributions and innovations in production.

I think Foreigner and Journey also have a chance but we'll see.