Todd Rundgren released a brief statement in response to him being part of the 2021 induction class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Rundgren shared, “I’m happy for the fans. They’ve waited a long time for this.”
— Todd Rundgren (@toddrundgren) May 12, 2021
Rundgren has been very vocal about his issues with the Rock Hall. Billboard noted that one of Rundgren’s big issues stems from when he was first nominated in 2019, place third in the fan vote but failed to get inducted.
Rundgren said, “They essentially hosed my fans. That made me angry, and I had to tell [the fans] that it was pointless casting votes, ’cause it really doesn’t count for anything.”
Billboard also noted that Rundgren’s other big issue with the Rock Hall is one that many have and that’s the induction of non-rock acts.
“I’m a big Dionne Warwick fan, but name me one Dionne Warwick rock n’ roll song,” said Rundgren following the announcement of the 2021 Rock Hall nominees. “While I’m aware of Fela Kuti, I can’t name a single musician who’s ever cited him as a principal influence. Year by year it makes even less sense, so why would I be more excited about it or suddenly change my mind? Why don’t they just start inducting blues guys? Why do they have to go to Dionne Warwick or Mary J. Blige?”
As previously reported, the Rock Hall is planning on an in-person induction ceremony with fans taking place on Saturday, October 30 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse arena in Cleveland. Tickets are expected to go on sale in July. The 2021 Induction Ceremony will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max at a later date.
