The Power of Fans: Iron Maiden and Soundgarden Outperform Other Renowned Artists

In an unexpected turn of events, Iron Maiden and Soundgarden have made it to the top 5 in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame fan vote this year. With fan voting now closed, both bands have surpassed well-known artists such as The White Stripes, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, and, regrettably, Rage Against The Machine. The top 5 fan-voted artists include:

1. George Michael, with 1,040,872 votes
2. Cyndi Lauper, with 928,113 votes
3. Warren Zevon, with 634,130 votes
4. Iron Maiden, with 449,682 votes
5. Soundgarden, with 427,020 votes

However, it is crucial to note that this doesn’t guarantee Iron Maiden and Soundgarden’s entry into the Rock Hall’s Class of 2023. The fan vote represents only one portion of the final vote, with Hall members’ votes being tallied this month.

Eligibility and History: Iron Maiden and Soundgarden’s Road to the Rock Hall

To qualify for the Rock Hall’s Class of 2023, artists must have released their first single or album in 1998 or earlier. Iron Maiden unveiled their self-titled debut album in 1980, making them eligible for 18 years now; Soundgarden isn’t far behind, having released their debut EP, Screaming Life, in 1987.

The potential inductees for Iron Maiden include Clive Burr, Paul Di’Anno, Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Dennis Stratton. Iron Maiden had previously been nominated in 2021. Still, they were overlooked to the extent that the CEO had to address the situation. Even the band Kiss expressed their dissatisfaction with the issue.

Soundgarden’s potential inductees are Matt Cameron, Chris Cornell, Ben Shepherd, Kim Thayil, and Hiro Yamamoto. Soundgarden has only been nominated once before, in 2020. Both of Soundgarden’s nominations occurred after the passing of Chris Cornell in 2017.

The Ongoing Struggle of Rage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine has been nominated for the Rock Hall in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and now 2023 without success. However, there is always the possibility of another attempt in 2024.

Conclusion: An Exciting Time for Iron Maiden and Soundgarden Fans

While the fan vote alone does not guarantee Iron Maiden and Soundgarden’s induction into the Rock Hall’s Class of 2023, it certainly demonstrates the unwavering support of their fans. As the final decision approaches, fans of both bands eagerly await the outcome. Regardless of the results, the impressive fan vote performance is a testament to the lasting impact and popularity of Iron Maiden and Soundgarden in the world of rock music.