Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2019 class set

The Zombies performing at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA
in October 2015. Photo: Robert Kinsler

It was so great to wake up this morning and learn that several of my favorite artists will finally be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As regular readers of this site know, I am a long-time fan of the Zombies and the English group's upcoming induction as part of the class of 2019 is long overdue. I have seen the legendary group a number of times, but the band's performance at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA on Oct. 24, 2015 is among my favorites; read my review of that concert here.

Radiohead singer Thom Yorke on April 21, 2017 
Photo: Julian Bajsel courtesy of Goldenvoice

In addition, I was surprised when Radiohead was passed over last year and it was great news to see the band among the artists announced to be inducted next March. Read my review of Radiohead's stunning performance at Coachella in April 2017 here.

I also count the Cure as being an influential and enduring artist who is among modern rock's strongest names. I have loved catching Radiohead several times in concert; read my review of the band's amazing concert in Arizona in March 2012 here. The Cure killed in when I caught them at the legendary Pantages Theatre in L.A. in 2011; read my review of that concert here.

Yours truly hanging out with Phil Collen of Def Leppard during
an interview at his home in the summer of 2011.

The other artists set to be inducted are Def Leppard, Stevie Nicks, Roxy Music and Janet Jackson. I was really happy to see Sheffield, U.K.-spawned rockers Def Leppard gain entry into the Rock Hall; the band always puts on entertaining shows and really found a way to blend the riffs of AC/DC with the harmonies associated with Queen. I am a big fan of the guitar playing of Phil Collen (read my feature article where I got to hang out with the legendary guitar great for a day in 2011 here).

To be eligible, an individual artist or music group must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years before the year of nomination. 

Def Leppard's Phil Collen, left, and Joe Elliott perform for the
crowd during the Jack FM event at Verizon Wireless
Amphitheater on Sept. 10, 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Read my review of Def Leppard's concert at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA here. I most recently caught Stevie Nicks in concert in December 2016; read my review of that memorable concert here.

The 2019 induction ceremony will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on March 29, 2019. Ticket information will be announced in January 2019.



For more information visit Rockhall.com.


Robert Kinsler




Below is the official media release from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES

2019 INDUCTEES

34^th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Presented by Klipsch Audio Returns to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY March 29, 2019

Show to Premiere on HBO in the Spring

Cleveland (Dec. 13, 2018) – The names of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2019 Inductees have been released. They are:

Performer Category:

• The Cure
• Def Leppard
• Janet Jackson
• Stevie Nicks
• Radiohead
• Roxy Music
• The Zombies

The 34^th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, will take place on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Rock Hall will unveil its 2019 Inductee exhibit at the Museum in Cleveland, Ohio in conjunction with the celebration.

Ticket on-sale dates will be announced in January. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2019 Induction Ceremony will again have its television premiere on HBO, and a radio broadcast on SiriusXM’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Radio.

Ballots were sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, including current living Inductees, historians and members of the music industry. Factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration.

Three of the Inductees were on the ballot for the first time, including: Def Leppard, Stevie Nicks (as a solo artist) and Roxy Music. Additionally, the top five artists, as selected by the public, comprised a “fans’ ballot” that was tallied along with the other ballots to determine the 2019 Inductees. Four of the top five artists (Def Leppard, Stevie Nicks, The Zombies and The Cure) from the fan ballot will be inducted as performers in 2019.

A limited number of pre-sale tickets are available for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members in advance of the public sale date. To be eligible for the member pre-sale opportunity, you must be an active Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member by December 31, 2018. Supporters of the Donor Circle by December 31, 2018 will have the first opportunity to access VIP packages and premium balcony tickets. Additional public ticket details and pre-sale offers will be announced in January. 

For more information on how to become a member, call the membership hotline at (216) 515-8425 or emailmembership@rockhall.org. For information on the Donor Circle, call (216) 515-1222 or email mischay@rockhall.org.

Fans can pre-order exclusive 2019 Inductee t-shirts now at rockhall.com/store.

Klipsch Audio, a leading global speaker and headphone manufacturer, is a strategic partner and presenting sponsor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, its Induction Ceremony events and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Main Stage. Klipsch’s renowned products deliver the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience throughout the iconic museum.

Follow the Rock Hall on Facebook, Twitter (@rockhall) and Instagram (@rockhall) and join the conversation at #RockHall2019.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@rockhall). Long Live Rock!

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