Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, and Devo are still waiting for their moment in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Despite their massive success, they haven’t received the recognition they deserve.
Iron Maiden has sold over 130 million albums worldwide and released 17 studio records. For five decades, they’ve packed arenas from Tokyo to São Paulo. However, lead singer Bruce Dickinson has made it clear that the band isn’t interested in joining the Hall of Fame.
Motley Crue has never even appeared on a ballot, despite selling more than 100 million albums. Their songs became anthems for a generation. Bassist Nikki Sixx has been vocal about his feelings, calling the Hall a “fixed old-boy network” that has lost touch with real music and songwriting.
Devo had a huge hit with “Whip It,” which reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. But their influence goes beyond chart success. Bands like Nirvana, Arcade Fire, Pearl Jam, Weezer, Beck, and LCD Soundsystem have all drawn inspiration from Devo’s unique sound. Their iconic yellow hazmat suits and energy dome hats are unforgettable.
Billy Idol finally got his first nomination in 2025 after performing at the 2024 ceremony. Hits like “Dancing with Myself,” “White Wedding,” and “Rebel Yell” helped make him a star. It seems that timing can matter more than talent when it comes to the Hall.
INXS scored 17 Top 20 hits in the U.S. and sold 60 million albums globally. Their songs “Need You Tonight” and “New Sensation” ruled the airwaves. George Michael, who had 15 Top 20 hits, was inducted in 2023, even with fewer hits than INXS.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has welcomed bands like Bon Jovi, U2, and Duran Duran from the 1980s, but many others from that era are still waiting for their chance.
