"A song does not become a milestone just by selling lots of copies."

Didn't your parents ever tell you not to put words in other people's mouths? I said nothing of the sort. I was simply relating the historical record. The End (great song, BTW) did not enter the public consciousness in the late 1960s/early 1970s like Light My Fire, Hello I Love You, and Touch Me did. The End was not released as a single and with the exception of Martin Scorsese's student film Who's That Knocking At My Door, it was not performed on any national TV shows (e.g., The Ed Sullivan Show) or included in any major film soundtracks. Apocalypse Now changed all that and helped propel the song into the public consciousness. It is now rightfully part of The Doors' iconic songs.

Songs become milestones through the following factors: exposure in other media (especially film/TV/commercial soundtracks), influence on the development of a genre of music or music as a whole, recognizability, covers by other artists, and lasting appeal. I could name off dozens of examples, but just to namedrop a few:

Over the Rainbow
Rock Around the Clock
Take Five
Take the "A" Train
Your Cheatin' Heart
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
Respect
Linus and Lucy
Billie Jean
White Christmas
You're A Grand Old Flag
La Vie en Rose

"The "average person" could also probably not tell you who recorded "tomarrow never knows" which is why the average person so far has not had a vote in the RR HOF selection."

Showing your true elitist colors here, huh? Considering how The Beatles continue to be jammed down the throats of the public, I very much doubt that most people don't know that Tomorrow Never Knows (which isn't all that great of a song) is a Beatles song.

"Moving in stereo's ranking? Not even on the RS & RRHOF lists."

So what? It's still a fantastic song.

"As good as Phoebe Cates looked in slow motion I think buffalo farts could have been the audio used and most guys would not notice the difference."

A comment as infantile as this doesn't merit a full-blown response.

I'll finish up my analysis on The Cars' induction chances soon. Just keep your snide commentary out of it, mmkay?

Posted by Zach on Saturday, 03/30/2013 @ 03:05am

The Cars

01. Ric Ocasek (1976–Present: vocals, guitar)
02. Elliot Easton (1976–Present: guitar)
03. Greg Hawkes (1976–Present: keyboards, synthesizer, percussion, saxophone, bass)
04. David Robinson (1976–Present: drums, percussion)
05. Benjamin Orr (1976–2000: vocals, bass)

Posted by Roy on Friday, 05/24/2013 @ 17:28pm

The Cars - awesome band, just read the YouTube comments. What are you waiting for? Stop the madness and open the door.

Posted by Tina on Sunday, 08/25/2013 @ 22:01pm

Hell yea they belong in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, who influenced the Killers, Weezer and supposedly No Doubt. Maybe they were mainstream after awhile but they certainly belong in there. When Ric Ocasek met Benjamin Orr and Greg Hawkes with Elliot Easton ALl they needed now was David Robinson to morph into the CARS. Some people believe that Ric Ocasek sang all the songs and wrote all the lyrics but he didnt , the choice to have Ben Orr sing 45% of the songs were a great decision by the CARS and when they did that they became unstoppable, Ben Orr on vocals with Bye Bye Love, Just What I Needed, Candyo and Lets go they couldnt go wrong. I believe those first 4 albums they had were amazing. they had out of 9 hits on that 1st album already. The talking heads werent better then the CARS. and for the video of the year for 1984 , they wont it with You Might Think. When the CARS released drive they hit number 2 and Ben Orr sang Drive on Live aid , that did it. It s all the decisions of the critics who got those bands in.

Posted by Steven Dwyer on Monday, 11/25/2013 @ 00:59am

I don't think the Cars will be inducted. There are a back load of bands trying to scratch their way into RRHOF. Deep Purple,YES,Duran Duran,The Cure,Bon Jovi,Chicago,Scorpions,Def Leppard etc.

No doubt The Cars had some nice hits. Magic,You Might Think,Drive,Just What I Needed. Ric Ocasik & Ben Orr made a good 1-2 singing combination. Some of their MTV videos were innovative like the You Might Think one.

I just can't see The Cars making it with so many bands still waiting to punch their ticket. Will probably receive another nomination in the next 5-10 yrs. KING

Posted by KING on Friday, 01/31/2014 @ 02:20am

I don't think the Cars will be inducted. There are a back load of bands trying to scratch their way into RRHOF. Deep Purple,YES,Duran Duran,The Cure,Bon Jovi,Chicago,Scorpions,Def Leppard etc.

No doubt The Cars had some nice hits. Magic,You Might Think,Drive,Just What I Needed. Ric Ocasik & Ben Orr made a good 1-2 singing combination. Some of their MTV videos were innovative like the You Might Think one.

I just can't see The Cars making it with so many bands still waiting to punch their ticket. Will probably receive another nomination in the next 5-10 yrs. KING

Posted by KING on Friday, 01/31/2014 @ 02:37am

You don't think The Cars will be inducted, but you do think Adam Ant will be a hall of famer? Really? It will take awhile, but The Cars are a certainty at some point, Ant will never even be nominated. Never even be discussed by the Committee. And The Cars didn't just have some nice hits, they were one of the defining New Wave bands, and Ric Ocasek is hugely respected in the industry.

Posted by dezmond on Friday, 01/31/2014 @ 15:35pm

I couldn’t agree with you more, Dezmond. The Cars are defiantly a band that belongs in the Hall of Fame, much more then Adam Ant who like you said will never get in. To me, these guys are one of the definite New Wave groups along with The Police. Songs like “My Best Friend’s Girl”, “Just What I Needed”, “Shake It Up” and “I Like The Nightlife” are some of my favorite songs of this group.

I personally came to know The Cars after my father turned me on to them. After that, I was curious about these guys and I started listening to them more. The opening bass line on “Just What I Needed” still gets me every time that song comes on the radio.

Once again, These guys should’ve been inducted into the Hall a long time ago.

Also, KING, stop thinking that singers like Adam Ant and Bryan Adams will ever be inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame becuase they never will be.

Posted by Andrew on Friday, 01/31/2014 @ 20:49pm

Just saw that people posted on The Cars. I would say NO but they will get nominated at some point. One of the posters did a great comparison between album sales of The Cars & Tom Petty. It did surprise me that The Cars had higher sales but I like Tom Petty & his music better.

People can try to undermine singers like Bryan Adams & Adam Ant but they have a lot of HOF criteria. Reckless will forever be 1 of my FAV albums & Adam Ant created a genre of music that was interesting in sound & delivery. KING

Posted by KING on Thursday, 02/13/2014 @ 03:58am

Just saw that people posted on The Cars. I would say NO but they will get nominated at some point. One of the posters did a great comparison between album sales of The Cars & Tom Petty. It did surprise me that The Cars had higher sales but I like Tom Petty & his music better.

People can try to undermine singers like Bryan Adams & Adam Ant but they have a lot of HOF criteria. Reckless will forever be 1 of my FAV albums & Adam Ant created a genre of music that was interesting in sound & delivery. KING

Posted by KING on Thursday, 02/13/2014 @ 04:02am

King, I dig Reckless too. But whether you or I really like a record is irrelevant to rockhall credentials. Objectively speaking, Ant will never even be nominated, Adams is a long shot, and The Cars are a certainty at some point.

Posted by dezmond on Thursday, 02/13/2014 @ 07:00am

Don't understand this push for The Cars. Their best songs like Cheap Trick were back in the late 70's & mid 80's. Millions of Americans have been born since then. Many don't know who The Cars or Cheap Trick was.
I would put AIC, Bon Jovi,Chicago,Deep Purple,Def Leppard,Duran Duran,ELO,Foreigner,Scorpions,STP,The Cure,XTC etc before the Cars. They will get nominated like Chic or The Replacements but won't enter RRHOF. KING

Posted by KING on Saturday, 02/15/2014 @ 13:05pm

More people know who the Cars are than know who the Scorpions, Adam Ant, or XTC are. I'm not a huge fan of the Cars, but there's a lot to be said for a major frontrunner of new wave rock that also had an incredible string of commercial success to go with it, two things not usually found in combination with each other. They're fairly innovative in that regard, I can't help but imagine they're quite influential, and have much more name recognition impact than you care to admit. It could still be several years before the Cars get in, but as it stands right now, their chances are a helluva lot better than XTC, Foreigner, the Scorpions, Adam Ant, or Bryan Adams... none of whose names have even come up in discussion ("Previously Considered") where the Cars have. It's not so much a push as it is understanding that they've got credentials you're flat-out denying the existence of.

Posted by Philip on Sunday, 02/16/2014 @ 00:27am

I've stated on both of my posts that the Cars would probably get nominated. Know about their music. One poster made a good point about building 25 stories in the Hall.It was sarcastic but correct.Can't put every group in the Hall.

My point was these new teenage music fans they get steered towards Zeppelin,Floyd,The Who,The Beatles,Stones.Groups like that. The Cars & Cheap Trick are in the shadows of these giants. KING

Posted by KING on Monday, 02/17/2014 @ 00:23am

I've stated on both of my posts that the Cars would probably get nominated. Know about their music. One poster made a good point about building 25 stories in the Hall.It was sarcastic but correct.Can't put every group in the Hall.

My point was these new teenage music fans they get steered towards Zeppelin,Floyd,The Who,The Beatles,Stones.Groups like that. The Cars & Cheap Trick are in the shadows of these giants. KING

Posted by KING on Monday, 02/17/2014 @ 00:23am

I've stated on both of my posts that the Cars would probably get nominated. Know about their music. One poster made a good point about building 25 stories in the Hall.It was sarcastic but correct.Can't put every group in the Hall.

My point was these new teenage music fans they get steered towards Zeppelin,Floyd,The Who,The Beatles,Stones.Groups like that. The Cars & Cheap Trick are in the shadows of these giants. KING

Posted by KING on Monday, 02/17/2014 @ 00:25am

"Don't understand this push for The Cars." - KING

You say that you "know about their music," but I am not sure that you really do. The Cars were one of the most important New Wave bands. A band that is a leader in a genre as important as New Wave naturally gets serious consideration. As Phillip points out, they were also huge commercially for over half a decade. Innovation and influence plus commercial success (although not officially a criteria) usually means induction eventually. Add to all of that they were also pioneers in music video.

Ric Ocasek is also a very respected figure outside of the Cars as a producer. Not criteria for the band itself, but again it helps in the sense that there are probably many in the business who would like to see Ocasek (and therefore his band) get in.

The 80's are woefully underrespresented for reasons that have been discussed for many years on this site. But The Cars are one of the leaders in the backlog for that decade (I know they started in the late 70's, but they are inextricably tied to the 80's). Their influence is also much bigger than you acknowledge. Pop rock bands like Phoenix, The Killers and many others owe a debt to The Cars that I am sure they would readily acknowledge.

Out of the bands that you listed in your post, The Cars are more likely to be inducted than Foreigner, Adam Ant, Def Leppard, Scorpions, STP or XTC. More deserving too.

I agree with you on one thing. You "can't put every group" in the Hall. But The Cars are far more than just any group. Top tier in the 80's, and one of the bigger snubs.

Posted by Dezmond on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 01:43am

Dezmond, IMO, Stone Temple Pilots have as good a case as The Cars for the Hall.

Not quite as many hit songs, but pioneer grungers who may have more 'influence' today.

Posted by Paul in KY on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 09:56am

Huh?! I like STP, but I don't see them as close to the Cars.

1. The Cars were seen as on the ground floor for mainstreaming new wave. They weren't the first. The Police broke first in the US and Blondie broke first worldwide. However, they all happened in less than a one-year period and more importantly, they all had very different sounds.

2. STP was NOT seen as being on the ground floor for mainstreaming grunge. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains all broke first and STP was considered a Pearl Jam ripoff (primarily Pearl Jam, although they were accused of ripping the other bands off some too). Critics were as harsh on them as they were on Creed later, and for the same reasons.

3. STP obviously developed its sound and were more versatile than the other post-grungers, but when you change your sound with every album, you are simply seen as a trend-hopper. Yes, it proved they could write all sorts of different songs, which most post-grungers (from Everclear to Nickelback, although at least Art Alexakis was a good lyricist) couldn't but how can you influence anybody when you don't have a common core to your sound?

4. More to the point, the Cars did NOT sound like they were imitating the other new wave bands of the time, so they likely influenced bands that Blondie, The Police, Talking Heads, Devo, etc... did NOT influence, just like all those other bands likely influenced bands The Cars didn't influence. Who could STP have possibly influenced that Nirvana and Pearl Jam didn't also influence? After you've inducted them, isn't an STP induction redundant?

I like a bunch of STP's singles but that's a comparison as off-the-mark as many of KING's. In fact, I'd say Def Leppard and XTC both have a much better case than STP. Def Leppard was at least more or less on the ground floor of New Wave of British Heavy Metal and hair metal and influenced a shitload more bands (while sounding different from Van Halen and the Sunset Strip bands, in part because being British, they came by their glam rock influences much more naturally than the American bands did), while XTC had considerably more critical acclaim than the other bands listed... Hell, Def Leppard had considerably more critical acclaim than STP and even they're probably pretty borderline...

If you want to predict which bands are likely, go to acclaimedmusic.net and look at where a given band is ranked in critical acclaim. I'd say an artist ranked in the top 200 in critical acclaim and popular in the US is a lock, an artist ranked 201-500th and popular in the US still has a shot, an artist ranked in the top 100 and not popular in the US will probably eventually get in years after becoming eligible, and an artist ranked in the top 200 and not popular in the US has something of a shot. I'd say anyone else is an extreme longshot. STP has the popularity, but weren't ranked in even the top 1000 in critical acclaim.

Now, critical acclaim is a funny, funny thing and there are certainly some ridiculous things on the list, such as Britney Spears being ranked considerably higher than Alice in Chains and Stevie Ray Vaughan, who had much more innovation and influence. But this can help you predict which bands are likely to have support and which won't. Hell, maybe the relative lack of critical acclaim is why SRV hasn't been nominated yet, which is WRONG since he's well overdue, but still...

Posted by Sean on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 12:01pm

"STP obviously developed its sound and were more versatile than the other post-grungers"

Actually, I think Foo Fighters are probably more versatile. I can't envision STP having a track like "Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners" on any of their albums...

Posted by Sean on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 12:04pm

Love The Cars discussion. If it helps them get in RRHOF,more power to them.That's the whole point of Future Rock Legends. To discuss their merits.

It's apparent that I misjudged the Cars fanbase & their popularity still after many years. Still think it will be hard for The Cars to leap frog Duran Duran,The Cure,Def Leppard etc. who have been putting out a steady stream of material while the Cars were on a 20+ yrs hiatus. I guess the knife cuts both ways.Cat Stevens had a long break & returned & will be inducted in 2014. Alice In Chains also had about 15 yrs between new studio albums as they tried to churn forward after Layne's death.I think AIC will be inducted in a few yrs. Maybe that's hope for The Cars.

I would like to see The Cars inducted for Ben Orr.He lost his battle with cancer many years ago. He was a very good singer & one of my FAV's of my sisters.I like when he sings Drive.Here's a good exercise.Take The Cars or insert group & stack them up against 30 RRHOF candidates.Where would they rank?

More deserving The Cars or:1.Deep Purple 2.Sting 3.YES 4.NWA 5.Joan Jett & The Blackhearts 6.Scorpions 7.Bon Jovi 8.Chicago 9.The Cure 10.Duran Duran 11.Foreigner 12.Def Leppard 3.Alice In Chains 14.Radiohead 15.Pearl Jam 16.Beck 17.Mariah Carey 18.Counting Crows 19.NWA 20.Journey 21.Sheryl Crow 22.Motorhead 23.Iron Maiden 24.Stevie Nicks 25.LL Cool J 26.The Moody Blues 27.STP 28.XTC 29.Bryan Adams 30.Bad Company.

As you know,some of these bands won't eligible for a few years better to include them though.I'm curious where the music fans would draw (eth) the line. Have a good day. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 13:53pm

Appreciate hearing your point of view, Sean. I prefer The Cars to STP myself. I think both are Hall worthy. We have inducted both into our Hall.

Posted by Paul in KY on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 15:38pm

"Still think it will be hard for The Cars to leap frog Duran Duran,The Cure,Def Leppard etc. who have been putting out a steady stream of material while the Cars were on a 20+ yrs hiatus."

It's about recording classics/memorable albums and songs, not simply remaining active. Outside the bands' hardcore fans, who has cared about anything The Cure has done since Wish (MAYBE Bloodflowers), anything Def Leppard has done since Adrenalize, and anything Duran Duran has done since The Wedding Album? (And in all those cases, I'm probably being generous). It doesn't matter that all those bands continue to record if they're not recording classic albums. It's about what you do at your peak, not longevity.

"More deserving The Cars or:1.Deep Purple 2.Sting 3.YES 4.NWA 5.Joan Jett & The Blackhearts 6.Scorpions 7.Bon Jovi 8.Chicago 9.The Cure 10.Duran Duran 11.Foreigner 12.Def Leppard 3.Alice In Chains 14.Radiohead 15.Pearl Jam 16.Beck 17.Mariah Carey 18.Counting Crows 19.NWA 20.Journey 21.Sheryl Crow 22.Motorhead 23.Iron Maiden 24.Stevie Nicks 25.LL Cool J 26.The Moody Blues 27.STP 28.XTC 29.Bryan Adams 30.Bad Company."

I'd say:

Much more deserving than the Cars: Deep Purple, NWA, The Cure, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, LL Cool J

Slightly more deserving than the Cars: Yes, Beck, Iron Maiden, Moody Blues

About even with the Cars: Duran Duran, Alice In Chains, Motorhead

Less deserving than the Cars:

Borderline cases I would say yes to: Chicago, Def Leppard, Mariah Carey, Journey, XTC

Borderline cases I would say no to: Sting, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Stone Temple Pilots, Bad Company

Not deserving at all: Scorpions, Foreigner, Bryan Adams

Obviously not everyone will agree, and no, I'm not against female artists. I think you chose the wrong ones. As far as a female arena rock act besides Heart, I think Pat Benatar would be a better choice than Joan Jett, for example.

I think the only acts I never see the hall considering from your list are: Stevie Nicks, STP, Scorpions, Foreigner, Bryan Adams... I think others like Journey and Counting Crows will probably make the Previously Considered list but never be nominated, and I think some like Mariah Carey will definitely be inducted, but only after about 15 years or so when she's considered too big too ignore, a la Neil Diamond.

And obviously there are many, many others. You don't have to necessarily agree with my hierarchy, but I think it's close. This isn't a precise opinion of what I think the hall will do though. For one example, I think Bon Jovi is much more likely to actually be inducted than Journey or Def Leppard, but I think those two are also slightly more deserving because I see Bon Jovi as derivative of them.

Posted by Sean on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 16:04pm

Love the feedback Sean. I think Counting Crows will be pretty much a lock RRHOF since they sound like The Band & are brilliant writers & musicians.Incredible catalogue of hits their signature one of course Mr.Jones.

Def Leppard had 2 of the smash albums of the 80's. Pyromania & Hysteria. They did enough before & after to receive induction.

Beck's one of those artists the Committee likes to induct. I would put the cars in front of Beck.

If I had to draw my line,it would be Deep Purple,Duran Duran,YES,Def Leppard,Mariah Carey,Bon Jovi in front of The Cars but it shows that The Cars are more deserving than I thought previously.

Love Pat Benatar Sean.Tried to select 30 groups of different genres. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 17:04pm

Glad you are open to discussion, King. I see you take debate and spirited discussion in the proper perspective. I'll play:

More deserving than the Cars: Deep Purple, Yes, Cure, Duran Duran, Radiohead, Pearl Jam

Equally deserving as Cars: NWA, Chicago, Def Leppard, Beck, Mariah Carey, Journey, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, LL Cool J, Moody Blues, Alice in Chains

Less deserving than Cars: Sting, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Scorpions, Stevie Nicks, Foreigner, Counting Crows, Bad Co.

Should not even be in the discussion: Sheryl Crow

Posted by dezmond on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 17:38pm

Actually, put NWA in the more deserving category

Posted by dezmond on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 17:40pm

Great discussion Dezmond. I really like to see Duran Duran,The Cure, Def Leppard inducted soon.My sister loved Duran Duran growing up.She collected the Star Hits & Teen Beats with their pictures on it. Played the Rio & 7 and the Ragged Tiger albums in the mid 80's. I could feel myself singing along after awhile.Rio,Save A Prayer,New Moon on Monday,Hungry Like The Wolf. We all know the songs.

Def Leppard was my first FAV group in 1983.Young KING was about 7 then.Pyromania my FAV album of the time. Photograph,Rock of Ages my FAV songs.My respect for Def Leppard colored at an early age.

You guys have made a convincing argument on The Cars especially a few of those albums went 5x platinum or more. Maybe, it's because I'm a vocalist fan & liked the songs Orr sang better. Can U imagine Natalie Merchant was the singer of AC/DC or Mariah Carey was the lead singer of Bon Jovi? The history of music would have changed forever. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 18:45pm

King:

I like both the Cars & STP. I might argue about STP's musical variety and abilities a little more than most folks. A ways back, I posted on the STP page about some of their album tracks, including the wonderful song "And So I Know". While it's not fully indicative of what STP released in general, it shows a side to them that most people fail to acknowledge.

When it comes to the Cars, I'd rank the bands listed as such:

Above the Cars: Deep Purple, Def Leppard, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Chicago, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Bad Co., Beck,

Equal to the Cars: Journey, LL Cool J, Moody Blues, Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Counting Crows, Joan Jett,

Lesser than the Cars: Sting, Bryan Adams, Scorpions, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, NWA, Mariah Carey

I tend to put a little more weight towards harder acts, obviously.

Posted by Cheesecrop on Wednesday, 02/19/2014 @ 05:58am

Prefer the harder acts too Cheesecrop. I tried to pick 30 candidates of different genres. Curious to see where The Cars stood in relation to their peers.

It was unfair for me to place Pearl Jam & Radiohead on the list since they are 1st ballot RRHOF. The Cars would be about 10th on my list of 30. This shows they are worthy of (RRJOF ) RRHOF induction.

I'm curious why many of the music guys think Bryan Adams &.Scorpions have no chance.Scorpions have been around since 60's & sold millions of CD's.Influenced many especially in their native Germany & in Europe.Played in Russia & the memorable Wind Of Change.

Bryan Adams constructed a perfect album Reckless my FAV of all time. Cuts Like A Knife had 2 great songs with Cuts Like A Knife & This Time. His other work good as well. KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 02/19/2014 @ 11:46am

Yeah right. STP is a brilliant group deserving RRHOF induction. So many Classic CD's. I think Core & Purple could be considered as Classics & those 2 works sold millions of CD's.

STP hits include Creep,Plush,Sex Type Thing,Interstate Love Song,Vasoline,etc. Just love everything about STP.They really rock.Don't have many really BAD songs that cripple other bands.

I would put STP ahead of The Cars as well. I'm biased because I enjoyed STP better. They will always be lumped in with Pearl Jam,Nirvana,AIC,those gang of groups which will all enter RRHOF.This should help STP chances of entering RRHOF as well. KING

Posted by KING on Wednesday, 02/19/2014 @ 12:45pm

I'm curious why many of the music guys think Bryan Adams &.Scorpions have no chance.Scorpions have been around since 60's & sold millions of CD's.Influenced many especially in their native Germany & in Europe.Played in Russia & the memorable Wind Of Change.

Bryan Adams constructed a perfect album Reckless my FAV of all time. Cuts Like A Knife had 2 great songs with Cuts Like A Knife & This Time. His other work good as well. KING


Posted by KING on Wednesday, 02.19.14 @ 11:46am
--------------------------------------------------
You're right on about the Scorps & Adams having lots of success. My fear is that the Hall sees them as just being two acts among many, & both are in crowded fields.

I think the Scorpions actually have a better case, though Bryan Adams is a little easier to assess. Even though the Scorps have been around since the 60's, the most memorable work is the 80's material (though this may not be their best - everyone has their own opinion there). Getting over the 80's pop-metal wall becomes the barrier here. If the Hall inducts anyone from that field, it'll be the biggies - the Def Lep's and Bon Jovi's of the world. It could be that the Scorpions may get lost in the shuffle.

W/Adams, I've always thought it's the Mellencamp effect that's keeping him out. I think folks hear him, and think "heartland rocker". Immediately afterwards, they start thinking, "haven't we enough of those in the Hall?" After that, it becomes a question of why Adams over someone like a Bob Seger, who also has credentials out the wazoo.

I think Adams has a better chance than the Scorpions, though I'm not sure either one will make it. I do think the Hall will not decline precipitously if either one made it in, inasmuch as there's already a few question marks in their right now.

Posted by Cheesecrop on Friday, 02/21/2014 @ 06:07am

I agree with Cheese. Both are fine artists with respectable careers. And King, I am also a big fan of Reckless. For what it is, it is damn near perfect. That being said, Adams and Scorpions are long shots.

Posted by dezmond on Friday, 02/21/2014 @ 07:42am

Thanks for the feedback on Bryan Adams & Scorpions. I want to thank the posters for their arguments or discussion on the Cars RRHOF.

It was very interesting & persuasive. The Tom Petty album comparison was very eye opening. The Cars outshines Tom Petty in CD sales over their peak years.

The more you analyze it, the Cars seemed to have drawn the short straw. They seem more deserving than Blondie,The Pretenders,Elvis Costello & other New Wave acts who have entered RRHOF.

One of the few times where discussion & facts changed my mind. Cars are deserving RRHOF. KING

Posted by KING on Friday, 02/21/2014 @ 14:28pm

Never really got the New Wave label. Yeah they had short hair and dressed kinda new wave but i always had them as a Pop/Rock act. The way they used the synths was different cause they almost used it as an extra guitar on some songs. Early Cars had some edge to their music(think Bye Bye Love and Dangerous Type). Early on plenty of good toe tapping songs, but when Shake It Up came out, i said way too poppy. Ill stick to first 3 albums. Not Hall worthy.

Posted by Rock Authority on Thursday, 08/28/2014 @ 21:30pm

Wanted to hop on the Bryan Adams discussion. Dont agree with Cheesecrop on Mellancamp comparison. Adams used way more electric guitar and his early style was more staight ahead than Cougar. Early Adams, relying on his raspy voice, had some really good rock/pop songs. Ever heard the guitar work on his duet with Tina Turner(It's Only Love)? Think Cuts Like a Knife, Run To You, Summer of 69 and others. He did really well with ballads too. He's on the edge of getting in. Remember, he's Canadian, and April Wine and Triumph haven't got a sniff.

Posted by Rock Authority on Thursday, 08/28/2014 @ 21:42pm

Growing up in the 70's and 80's, the cars were one of the most popular bands. I recently was asked by my son who is my favorite band. After thinking about this for a while, I said the Cars. Played a few songs for hi m and he liked it. Than I played their best of cd. And I fell in love again. They are so talented. I forgot how good they were. They must get into the hall! And soon.

Posted by John Garcia on Wednesday, 09/24/2014 @ 01:50am

People that say the cars don't belong in the hall don't know who Elliot Easton is or ric is who wrote most of the songs or Ben Orr who had a great voice and played a mean bass or the awesome drummer and the little guy on keyboard with the most modern technologies then you people don't really know who the cars were and what they meant to the rock and roll

Posted by Frank on Sunday, 02/1/2015 @ 13:01pm

I think The Cars will be nominated in 2019. Maybe, groups like Duran Duran, The Cure, Roxy Music, Foreigner will be in by then. It will give The Cars a chance to sneak in. FAV The Cars songs Shake It Up & Drive. What are yours? I like when Mr. Orr sang better. KING

Posted by KING on Monday, 04/27/2015 @ 22:13pm

Absolutely no buzz on The Cars on the forums. Looks like Chicago, Deep Purple, Duran Duran, Janet Jackson, Moody Blues, and Roxy Music fans sounding off for their bands to be nominated or inducted RRHOF. It's a shame. The Cars are sliding down the list behind some groups now. KING

Posted by KING on Friday, 06/5/2015 @ 17:39pm

There's a song from The Cars nominated for the Song Project - you should go check out the Song and Album projects. It's a little something to pass the time while we wait for Hall nominations.

Posted by dmg on Friday, 06/5/2015 @ 17:49pm

There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that The Cars are the most "inductable" act that is currently eligible. When they finally appear on the ballot, they will be an absolute lock for induction. Younger inductees love them, the old fogey writers know their radio hits and they have a ton of respect from the acts that influenced them.

Case in point, acts like Blondie, The Pretenders and Talking Heads all got inducted the first time they appeared on the ballot. The Cars, with arguably the most hits of the bunch on Classic Rock radio, will undoubtedly do the same.

Posted by Casper on Thursday, 06/11/2015 @ 15:12pm

There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that The Cars are the most "inductable" act that is currently eligible. When they finally appear on the ballot, they will be an absolute lock for induction.

Posted by Casper on Thursday, 06.11.15 @ 15:12pm
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Makes you wonder why they haven't shown up on the ballot...

Posted by Cheesecrop on Friday, 06/12/2015 @ 11:21am

the cars will not be inducted started hot but fizzled later in the mister mister or the outfield category

Posted by vick on Saturday, 07/25/2015 @ 20:04pm

the cars will not be inducted started hot but fizzled later in the mister mister or the outfield category

Posted by vick on Saturday, 07.25.15 @ 20:04pm
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I don't think they belong in that category. They had considerably more hits than a Mr. Mister or an Outfield. All I can assume is that you have incredibly high standards for an inductee.

Posted by Cheesecrop on Wednesday, 07/29/2015 @ 06:19am

The Cars Fans: Say The Committee was discussing The Cars and a few groups for nomination. Let's say Roxy Music & New York Dolls. What would be your 3 best reasons The Cars deserve a nomination? KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 08/18/2015 @ 17:57pm

The Cars

01. Ric Ocasek (1976–Present: vocals, guitar)
02. Elliot Easton (1976–Present: guitar)
03. Greg Hawkes (1976–Present: keyboards, synthesizer, percussion, saxophone, bass)
04. David Robinson (1976–Present: drums, percussion)
05. Benjamin Orr (1976–2000: vocals, bass)

Posted by Roy on Monday, 10/12/2015 @ 09:42am

I absolutely cannot get through any logical explanation as to why The Cars do not deserve to be in this thing. They had hits, their 3-chord songs were fully fleshed out, there were rockers, ballads, good to excellent LPs, a different sound, good stage shows ~ I was there, an incredibly hot lead guitarist, Eliot Easton, who could smoke a lot of folk, left-handed, a natural sense of style ~ David Robinson, the drummer, even the requisite Nerd guy ~ Greg Hawks, Ben Orr, the excellent bass player and ballad guy, and of course the Head Car ~ Ric O'Casek. Makes no sense. What I am looking for is a Cars support group to join. This is just insanity. Thank You.

Posted by Django on Friday, 12/18/2015 @ 14:08pm

I live in the Philly area and below are the results of the most recent Philly 500, the list of 500 best rock songs. These are the bands who've made ROCK SONGS that have stood the TEST OF TIME and get regular play 5-50 years after being recorded. A list of airplay like this across all markets is the beginning and end of all discussions of best rock artist ever. Below are all the artists with 5 or more songs. The Cars are right up there in and among the legends. Screw the pretentious hipsters at the RRHOF....

BEATLES 25
ROLLING STONES 18
LED ZEPPELIN 17
BILLY JOEL 13
ELTON JOHN 12
TOM PETTY (SOLO & HB's) 11
AEROSMITH 10
VAN HALEN 10
WHO 10
JOURNEY 9
PINK FLOYD 9
CARS 8
DAVID BOWIE 8
DOORS 8
GENESIS 8
QUEEN 8
BOB SEGER 7
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN 7
JOHN MELLENCAMP 7
PAUL MCCARTNEY/WINGS 7
STEVE MILLER BAND 7
U2 7
BAD COMPANY 6
EAGLES 6
FLEETWOOD MAC 6
FOREIGNER 6
ROD STEWART 6
STYX 6
AC/DC 5
BON JOVI 5
CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL 5
POLICE 5
SUPERTRAMP 5
ZZ TOP 5

Posted by MikeMc on Friday, 12/18/2015 @ 16:18pm

Hey MikeMc, I appreciate this list. Of course, many of MY Legends ARE on this list. Don't know what is getting / not getting played, but I probably could argue for a large number of additional songs that should be in some kind of rotation, for The Cars and a good many of my other favorites listed here. WHICH Bands OF TODAY will make a memory that will resonate in the year 2024? For sure, a totally rhetorical question. Thanx.

Posted by Django on Monday, 12/28/2015 @ 16:35pm

I really am flabbergasted that they didn't get in right away...they're an act that honestly checks all the boxes with the voting electorate, but I get the feeling that there's plenty of people that felt they were kind of a one-album wonder.

Regardless, their induction is practically inevitable. There's only so many already eligible acts that can perform better in the voting than The Cars. Eventually (and real soon) there won't be anyone else left to block their path.

Posted by Casper on Monday, 12/28/2015 @ 18:35pm

Big People consisted of:Jeff Carlisi(Founding Member,Lead Guitarist for 38 Special),Liberty DeVitto(30yr+ Drummer for Billy Joel),Derek St. Holmes(Lead Singer,Guitarist for Ted Nugent),Ben Orr(Vocalist and Bass player for The Cars)and Pat Travers(Solo Artist)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEB7OVgS2ps


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAt4lRrnquM

Posted by tlh on Saturday, 05/21/2016 @ 14:33pm

https://www.rockhall.com/nominee/cars

THE INDUCTEES

The Cars

01. Ric Ocasek (1976–Present: vocals, guitar)
02. Elliot Easton (1976–Present: guitar)
03. Greg Hawkes (1976–Present: keyboards, synthesizer, percussion, saxophone, bass)
04. David Robinson (1976–Present: drums, percussion)
05. Benjamin Orr (1976–2000: vocals, bass)

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 04:21am

The Cars????? Yeah, well they let anyone in these days so they'll probably get in. It is a real pity that Johnny Winter and Lonnie Mack aren't in there when they are far more deserving.

The rrhof is a joke these days anyway. Their integrity is long gone, no one takes it seriously anymore!

Posted by cyberspacecowboy on Friday, 10/28/2016 @ 01:19am

Im not going to pay any attention to the person above me because what he said doesn't make any sense. and Yes the CARS! the band who saved us from disco. they invented a new sound that year. The Most innovative band of all time. they were so close again. Before you say anything you should look up how many hits they had , how many album sales they had and how many influences they had. they only thing that's a problem is touring because Ric Ocasek hates it and Ben Orr is gone. If only Ben Orr were alive it would've been a little easier

Posted by Steven Dwyer on Thursday, 12/22/2016 @ 01:52am

The Cars were and are a talented group. Their first album was one of difference and just plain feel good music. That year of 1978 working in the old Musicland, Toto & the cars were very influential to me. Yes my opinion. They will make it someday

Posted by Denthem on Saturday, 12/24/2016 @ 13:23pm

The Cars are one of those acts that will continue to get nominated until they're inducted, and it won't be too long before they do. Too many great songs and Ocasek is too respected a name to be ignored for much longer.

Posted by Steve Z on Friday, 06/2/2017 @ 17:49pm

If a band can fill up a 72 minute CD with good songs, then I consider them a great band. The cars do that easily - no problem finding 20 great songs. I tried to make a Journey CD, and couldn't get past 9 songs, yet they are in, despite all the shenanigans with their singer. Ocasek married a supermodel - should get a lot of bonus points for that.

Posted by Kevin M on Thursday, 07/20/2017 @ 17:13pm

https://www.rockhall.com/rockhall2018-cars-interview?utm_campaign=class-2018&utm_content=the-cars-interview&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_id=w0Ml7zN5XW4KqM&utm_campaign=Marketing&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=58514504&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_58wx5ZuSja44CV9CKT4kZh0H12UpOpT_ig9bHAISHP1bzpoxFX0XQnB_I_fEjyZ1600nNfRsWjMZZEJIStIZEtA9b8A&_hsmi=58514504

#ROCKHALL2018 THE CARS INTERVIEW

Posted by Roy on Monday, 12/4/2017 @ 10:48am

The Cars want The Mothers Of Invention, The Turtles, Flo & Eddie, Todd Rundgren, Devo and Kraftwerk inducted.

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 04/15/2018 @ 15:29pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPBQKmV1nN8

The Cars on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 05/10/2018 @ 17:09pm

Devo, Kraftwerk, and Todd Rundgren all name-dropped by The Cars during their induction speeches this year, and now they are all being nominated for the 2019 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame!

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 11/6/2018 @ 00:40am

Devo, Kraftwerk, and Todd Rundgren all name-dropped by The Cars during their induction speeches this year, and now they are all being nominated for the 2019 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame!

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 11/6/2018 @ 00:40am

I'm glad The Cars got inducted, if that means Todd gets in!

Posted by Timothy Pernell on Tuesday, 11/6/2018 @ 02:06am

RIP Ric Ocasek, glad he was still alive when The Cars were inducted.

Posted by Gassman on Sunday, 09/15/2019 @ 20:28pm

Gassman, I second that.

Rest in Peace Ric Ocasek, 1944-2019.

Posted by Joe on Sunday, 09/15/2019 @ 21:59pm

I third that!

The Cars broke the New Wave/80’s Alternative logjam when they were inducted last year. If there’s one thing I’m worry about after hearing the news is it could decrease chances for other bands from his world to get in (Mostly the smaller ones like Devo and Joy Division/New Order).

Posted by The Dude on Sunday, 09/15/2019 @ 22:31pm

My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ric Ocasek. Ric had written many great songs throughout his lifetime and he will be missed! :-(

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 09/16/2019 @ 06:14am

R.I.P. Ric Ocasek. A wonderful musician and producer and a definitely worthy hall of famer. I’m glad he was able to see his induction.

Posted by Steve Z on Monday, 09/16/2019 @ 06:29am

The death of Ric Ocasek hit me pretty hard last night. I was such a huge fan of The Cars in their heyday. The hooks in their songs were so razor sharp that they sliced straight in to the pleasure centers of my teenaged brain. But beyond the pure fun of their pop craftsmanship, when you really listened to their music, The Cars were pretty weird; and that definitely appealed to me in a big way. The swirling psychedelia of a song like "Moving In Stereo", the cool angular new wave electronics that reached their height in the critically panned and commercially disappointing Panorama album (which I absolutely adore), Ocasek's lyrical oddities (such as his apparent shoe fetish)..... all of it added up to a band that had a lot more underneath of it than most pop fans ever took the time to notice.

Ocasek stepped out of the limelight after the Eighties; so the band sort of fell out of regular rotation for me as I continued to explore new sounds. But any time I heard their old stuff come around, it brought a grin to my face. And I always appreciated the influence that The Cars had had on forming some of my foundational musical tastes.

Hearing of Ric's death last night felt a bit like hearing that a former high school best friend that I had lost touch with had died.

Posted by Shrek on Monday, 09/16/2019 @ 12:39pm

Ric Ocasek and supermodel Paulina Porizkova were married for 30 years. She was in the Cars music video for Drive. I'm not sure if that was her too in the music video for You Might Think.

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 09/17/2019 @ 05:11am

My most sincere condolences to his family and friends on the untimely passing of Ric Ocasek. Ric had written many great songs (among other achievements) throughout his lifetime and he will most certainly be missed! :-(

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 09/17/2019 @ 10:01am

They're Greatest Hits album is destroying the iTunes charts right now, following Ric's death.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 09/17/2019 @ 12:09pm

*Their

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 09/17/2019 @ 12:10pm

The fact that it's David Robinson's birthday confused me. I thought they had the wrong Hall at first.

Posted by Garrus on Friday, 04/2/2021 @ 17:46pm

Hello Again by The Cars sounds like Joe Elliott and Def Leppard. It's the way they say Hello Again.

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 07/18/2021 @ 17:56pm

I absolutely love Ben Orr voice, loud and not quite diferent as the records, i think he was really underrated, quite a shame i didn´t hear him live because i wasn´t born yet

Posted by Yaniz Palomino on Thursday, 05/26/2022 @ 21:53pm

Saw prattle here that Scorpions belong in. In Trance and Fly To the Rainbow are great recordings and yea need to add them to my list of bands that should have gotten in prior to the cars.

Granted the first 2 cars albums were near perfect. But then they went down hill. And myth or fact known for being mediocure(sp?) live-- some great tunes but how did they get more radio play than Uriah Heep?

Listen to FireFly and Sea of Light-- also Nazareth 25 albums most better then all but the first 2 car albums--

Sadly this site clams Nazareth only has a 8% chance of getting in. Uncle Ted 15% but he has a pin ball machiene(sp?). What was ABC thinking letting him perform near naked among the cartoons.

Glad Judas Priest got in. Jethro Tull got mention on Friends. If you think they are a 80s band you should check out their 70s out put as well as April Wine's

Long live UFO 15% chance but let the music do the talking check out Flying Lights Out and The Wild The Willing and the innocent.

Posted by zrocker on Saturday, 09/24/2022 @ 05:23am