Phil Collins, Oasis, and Shakira Vie for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its nominees for 2024, and the list is packed with iconic artists spanning generations and genres. Among the contenders are music legends like Phil Collins, the Britpop pioneers Oasis, global superstar Shakira, and vocal powerhouse Mariah Carey. This year’s selection also includes Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill, and the influential hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, showcasing a diverse range of musical contributions.
To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. For some, like Oasis and Carey, this isn’t their first time on the ballot, having been nominated previously. This year marks Pink’s first eligibility, 26 years after the release of her debut single. Shakira’s nomination is particularly noteworthy, as she could become one of the few Latin American musicians to ever be inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame. According to a 2023 report by the Miami Herald, only three out of over 1,000 inductees were born in Latin America.
Controversy and Hip-Hop’s Place in Rock History
The nomination of Wu-Tang Clan has sparked some debate, particularly following comments from Gene Simmons of Kiss, who questioned the inclusion of hip-hop artists in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This ongoing discussion highlights the evolving definition of “rock and roll” and the increasing recognition of hip-hop’s significant influence on music history. You can read more about the debate surrounding genre definitions here.
Phil Collins: A Legacy Revisited
Phil Collins, already inducted as a member of Genesis in 2010, is now being considered for his remarkable solo career. His 1980s hits, including “In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now),” and “Easy Lover,” remain timeless classics. Collins’ nomination comes at a poignant time, as a new generation discovers his music and he continues to navigate significant health challenges. In a recent interview on BBC Radio 2’s Eras podcast, Collins candidly discussed his health struggles, stating, “everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong.” He now relies on a 24-hour live-in nurse to manage his medication and has undergone multiple surgeries, including five on his knee.
Despite these challenges, Collins hasn’t ruled out a return to touring or even recording. While acknowledging the physical demands, he expressed a desire to revisit unfinished projects. His last major solo tour was the “Not Dead Yet Tour” (2017-2019), and he performed seated during the Genesis reunion tours in 2021 and 2022.
Oasis and Liam Gallagher’s Ambivalence
Oasis’ nomination arrives after a period of renewed interest following their recent reunion. However, singer Liam Gallagher has repeatedly expressed his disinterest in the Hall of Fame, previously dismissing it as an award from “some geriatric in a cowboy hat.” He even jokingly suggested that Mariah Carey was more deserving of a nomination than Oasis, stating, “She smashed it.”
Mariah Carey and British Representation
Mariah Carey herself has previously joked about the Hall of Fame, noting that “my lawyer got into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before me.” This year’s list also boasts strong British representation, with Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, and Sade all receiving nominations for the second or third time.
A panel of voters will select between six and eight performers for induction. The chosen inductees will be revealed in April, with the induction ceremony taking place in Cleveland, Ohio, this autumn. The event will also have a third installment in the Czech Republic.
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