I am also disappointed in the J Geils snub this year. Take Freeze Frame and Centerfold out of the equation and you still have a solid catalogue of greet blues driven Rock. Give their live album, Blow a Your Face Out a listen and don't forget to crank up the sound. This was America's Rock Party Band in the 70s.
I do know that nomination committee member Meg Griffin put them up this year, but apparently didn't have the support from others. Very disappointing.
Personally, from Massachusetts myself, I favor J Geils over any other national band from the region including Aerosmith.

Posted by Barry S on Sunday, 11/10/2013 @ 12:02pm

I'm leaning towards J. Geils Band Induction. Always enjoyed their hits including Centerfold ,Freeze Frame, Love Stinks etc. I think Peter Wolf puts J. Geils Band over the top.He's very talented & respected in the music industry especially among the RRHOFers.

They were outstanding live band. Loved Peter Wolf's singing voice & these guys look like they were having fun in their music & videos. I want them to get inducted...J Geils induction might help The Cars,Foreigner & the late 70's early 80's bands that had successful careers. KING

Posted by KING on Friday, 01/31/2014 @ 13:18pm

RIP John Geils

Posted by boar on Tuesday, 04/11/2017 @ 20:06pm

So sad to hear of John Geiils' death, it's so unexpected. Like many, I wrote off The J. Geils Band as a two-hit wonder band for the 80's hits 'Freeze Frame' and 'Centerfold.' But they had a wonderful string of albums and songs in the '70s. Some of my favorites are 'Give It To Me', 'Ain't Nothing Like a House Party', 'Must of Got Lost' and 'Love Stinks.' An amazing band who performed even better live. They blended blues-rock with a deep appreciation for R&B/Soul and had a distinctive sound.

It's safe to say that The J. Geils Band will most likely get nominated for the 5th time in 2018 and will probably receive induction this time around. It's just a shame that Geils, the founding member who gave his name for the band, couldn't live to see his eventual induction to the Rock Hall.

Posted by Nick on Tuesday, 04/11/2017 @ 20:27pm

So sad to hear of John Geils' death, it's so unexpected. Like many, I wrote off The J. Geils Band as a two-hit wonder band for the 80's hits 'Freeze Frame' and 'Centerfold.' But they had a wonderful string of albums and songs in the '70s. Some of my favorites are 'Give It To Me', 'Ain't Nothing Like a House Party', 'Must of Got Lost' and 'Love Stinks.' An amazing band who performed even better live. They blended blues-rock with a deep appreciation for R&B/Soul and had a distinctive sound.

It's safe to say that The J. Geils Band will most likely get nominated for the 5th time in 2018 and will probably receive induction this time around. It's just a shame that Geils, the founding member who gave his name for the band, couldn't live to see his eventual induction to the Rock Hall.

Posted by Nick on Tuesday, 04/11/2017 @ 20:31pm

Nick, for what it's worth, I couldn't agree with you more.

Rest in Peace John Geils, 1946-2017.

Posted by Joe on Wednesday, 04/12/2017 @ 00:18am

I'm not sure if this will be enough to "push them over the edge" or not to an induction.

If it does, this unfortunate death will eliminate a big potential drama at their induction ceremony.

The band abandoned Geils in 2012, continuing to go out on tour without him and without his blessing to do so.

Now, if they get inducted, they can just pretend everything was sweet and lovely between they and their founding namesake; and they can continue to cash in on touring under his name.

Even as a fan of the band's music, I always thought J Geils Band had a pretty weak resume for induction; now I am actively hoping they never do go in.

Posted by Shrek on Wednesday, 04/12/2017 @ 15:52pm

In the 1970s there was no funkier, rocking blues-based bar band than the J Geils. On those merits alone, they likley earned a palce in any rock hall. Like most bands, including the Moody Blues, The J. Geils Band had a second career in the 1980s as MTV center folds, and I did not care so much for that more poppy and commercial incarnation. Pick your side, I like the early Geils a lot more. But they get my vote either way. LIsten to J Geils Band LIVE - Full House for the proof.

Posted by DIAMOND on Sunday, 03/25/2018 @ 09:24am

Rock Bands are ALWAYS copying Classic R&B tunes. That's nothing new.
"The PROBLEM is that they receive MORE HONORS and ACCOLADES for COPYING the songs, that the ORIGINAL GROUPS got for CREATING them...and THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE .
The J Geils Band is up for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction.
With their massive INFLUENCE, The CONTOURS should have ALREADY been IN there !!!

J. Geils has copied The CONTOURS' "First I Look At The Purse", The VALENTINOS" "Looking For A Love" , The SHOWSTOPPERS' "Ain't Nothing But A House Party", The SUPREMES' "Where Did Our Love Go", CHRIS KENNER'S "Land Of A Thousand Dances", The MARVELOWS' "I DO" and numerous other classic R&B tunes... and they've had the advantage of the across-the-board radio airplay that the ORIGINAL ARTISTS couldn't get ...due to pure racism .
So most people (who don't know better, because they never had the chance to hear the original versions) gave J Geils the credit for CREATING them...and that's WRONG.
This song was written by two members of a vocal group (Miracles members SMOKEY ROBINSON and BOBBY ROGERS) FOR a VOCAL GROUP (The CONTOURS) . That it "it doesn't suit the vocal quartet sound" is an argument that doesn't hold water. I sure that THE MIRACLES did NOT have The J Geils Band in mind when they WROTE the song."

Since WHEN does the COVER VERSION become the STANDARD, while the ORIGINAL becomes the ALSO RAN ?

People really need to do more RESEARCH .

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 10/28/2018 @ 21:48pm

Read a comment on YouTube recently that kinda angered me.

It was posted by someone named Zerras on a posting of The Contours 1965 hit 'FIRST I LOOK AT THE PURSE".
Most people here know three things about this song:
(1) That The CONTOURS were the ORIGINAL artists, and that they recorded for Motown Records (on the Gordy Label subsidiary)

(2) That it was composed by two of The MIRACLES (Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers), and

(3) That it was covered years later by The J.Geils Band.

Here was the comment:

"I first learned of this song from the J Geils Band, I hate to say that I prefer their version over this one on a video of the original. I think its because I get a cynical vibe from the song and it doesn't suit the vocal quartet sound."

WHAT ?

Here was my reply:

Rock Bands are ALWAYS copying Classic R&B tunes. That's nothing new.
"The PROBLEM is that they receive MORE HONORS and ACCOLADES for COPYING the songs, that the ORIGINAL GROUPS got for CREATING them...and THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE .
The J Geils Band is up for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction.
With their massive INFLUENCE, The CONTOURS should have ALREADY been IN there !!!

J. Geils has copied The CONTOURS' "First I Look At The Purse", The VALENTINOS" "Looking For A Love" , The SHOWSTOPPERS' "Ain't Nothing But A House Party", The SUPREMES' "Where Did Our Love Go", CHRIS KENNER'S "Land Of A Thousand Dances", The MARVELOWS' "I DO" and numerous other classic R&B tunes... and they've had the advantage of the across-the-board radio airplay that the ORIGINAL ARTISTS couldn't get ...due to pure racism .
So most people (who don't know better, because they never had the chance to hear the original versions) gave J Geils the credit for CREATING them...and that's WRONG.
This song was written by two members of a vocal group (Miracles members SMOKEY ROBINSON and BOBBY ROGERS) FOR a VOCAL GROUP (The CONTOURS) . That it "it doesn't suit the vocal quartet sound" is an argument that doesn't hold water. I sure that THE MIRACLES did NOT have The J Geils Band in mind when they WROTE the song."

Since WHEN does the COVER VERSION become the STANDARD, while the ORIGINAL becomes the ALSO RAN ?

People really need to do more RESEARCH .

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 10/28/2018 @ 21:50pm

"Since WHEN does the COVER VERSION become the STANDARD, while the ORIGINAL becomes the ALSO RAN ?"

Honestly, this is not a good question to ask, because it's happened quite a lot of times (just a few instances: Tainted Love, All Along the Watchtower, Hurt, Hallelujah, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Istanbul (Not Constantinople), arguably Mad World, and one instance of a song where the original and cover mean different things - Respect).

I don't argue this was a big problem both in rock's heyday (when cover songs by white acts was a big trend) and even arguably the 80s (when disco's fallout led to a semi-separation of R&B/Funk acts and the mainstream charts - arguably the reason Cameo lacked hits).

For me growing up, I only knew J. Geils Band for their kitschy stuff in the 80s and only found out about their bluesy 70s stuff later (they were before my time). Peter Wolf solo even briefly did the same, covering Billie Holiday's version of the infamous Gloomy Sunday.

Personally, however, merely preferring a song's cover over an original can be a matter of perception or opinion. Even if you do research, sometimes the original just doesn't hold up as well. Ironically, however, a cover getting big can be parlayed into more respect for the original (for instance, Gloria Jones wouldn't be nearly as famous if Soft Cell didn't cover Tainted Love). It's a double edged sword - the cover-er may get more fame from the cover, but it also gives the original more notice than if it just faded away.

(One version of a cover song that got famous over another version and took all the fame while the original is totally obscure: George Harrison's "Got My Mind Set On You", originally by James Ray.)

Posted by SotN on Monday, 10/29/2018 @ 01:30am

Don't forget Twist and Shout.

Posted by Follower on Monday, 10/29/2018 @ 17:00pm

Since Danny Klein doesn’t care about the Hall anymore, they won’t be nominated again ever. So the Nom Com should get on with nominating a more deserving act.

Posted by The Dude on Wednesday, 01/2/2019 @ 09:51am

I guess Jann Wenner got one more nomination for the J. Geils Band before stepping down from the Rock Hall!

Posted by Roy on Monday, 10/14/2019 @ 15:24pm

It's just a plain shame that J Giles band is not in the hall of fame ! I grew up in western Mass in the 70's and you never went to a "House " Party and did not see that bright yellow full house cover in the record pile !!! with so many hard hitting dance songs J Giles worked hard and rose from the ashes of mediocrity to always put out a solid Rock show ! Apparently none of you voters have been to a Giles show and experienced a real hard driving rock show !! I suggest you re-evaluate And learn what rock is because when you get a thumbs up from none other Duanne Allman himself that's saying something !!

Posted by Richard on Friday, 01/21/2022 @ 14:13pm

J Geils Band is surely one of the most talented bands that has ever Graced the stage is a all America's rock and roll Blues, rhythm and blues country and the sense of Rap it's a Malage of many different sorts of American music an American band. So performed in play an entertainment with highly gifted musicians playing all sorts of instruments not too many bands can do that a band you love to sing along with and dance the night away worthy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just because they put it all together made it one

Posted by Daniel. J. Horrigan on Tuesday, 04/5/2022 @ 13:31pm

The Rock Hall grammar police are still mad about "Must of Got Lost."

Posted by Bookhouse on Saturday, 04/1/2023 @ 17:13pm

Something I just realized: When J. Geils do finally get inducted, I think I know who's going to induct them; Adam Sandler. They've shown up multiple times in his movies, and that twangy way he sings sounds kind of like he's impersonating Peter Wolf. So, not only would it not surprise me if he was up there when they finally get in, I have a mental image of him singing "Centerfold" with the band.

Posted by Alex on Wednesday, 06/14/2023 @ 17:49pm

From my perspective, their nomination is almost the worst nomination in rock hall history. They do not have historical influence, they also do not have huge success like Journey, Bon Jovi, Chicago... So what is their merit for induction? If they are inducted, why not other more worthy classic acts like Boston, Jethro Tull, just to name a few. Steven Van Zandt's personal taste and relationship leads to this nonsense nomination.

Posted by power on Thursday, 07/13/2023 @ 12:27pm

You're vastly understating The J. Geils Band.

They combined blues, R&B and rock and roll to make a unique sound. They might have not been the biggest band of their era but they maintain consistency for well over a decade. Listen to any of their live albums in their prime and you'll be blown away how incredible they sound. Peter Wolf is also one of the best lead vocalists in rock history. Many Hall of Fame inductees have and will say how much they love Wolf and this band.

Did you know Tom Petty wrote "Don't Do Me Like That" originally for The J. Geils Band? If you listen to that record closely, you hear traces of Peter Wolf and the sound of the J. Geils Band. Petty and The Heartbreakers opened for J. Geils Band and Petty wrote it with them in mind. The J. Geils Band passed on it because they were finishing up their next album and Jimmy Iovine thought Petty should keep it for himself. He sensed a hit and he was right - the song became Petty and the Heartbreakers' first top-ten hit. Because that song was such a big hit, imagine how that one song could've boosted their popularity (before Love Stinks, Centerfold and Freeze Frame) and probably could've made them even stronger contenders for the Rock Hall.

Everyone that has been nominated for induction into the Rock Hall deserves the honor including The J. Geils Band. They might have not reinvented the wheel (very few do) but they are one of the most underrated bands in rock and roll history.

Posted by Franklin T on Thursday, 07/13/2023 @ 12:49pm

Their chance is slim now. Their main supporter Little Steven has lost his touch now and it seems that their window has been closed.

Posted by driving force on Monday, 10/23/2023 @ 09:52am

I think if they appear on the ballot in the next year as the classic rock pick, they will be inducted. However, I think their window has been closed, it will be hard for them to even get on the ballot. I can not deny their musical excellence but they lack historical influence.

Posted by power on Thursday, 10/26/2023 @ 07:01am

I think they are comparable with Warren Zevon. Both the J Geils Band Warren Zevon are respected by their peers (mainly artists in American music circle like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty). J Geils Band have more hits than Warren Zevon and Warren Zevon's influence on other musicians is bigger. I now think they have similar legacy and now I am support for the induction of the J Geils Band.

Posted by power on Thursday, 10/26/2023 @ 07:06am

I'm 72 years old. I saw the J Giles band 7 times in the 70's. When seeing this great band perform, I couldn't sit in my seat ever. Everyone in the crowd or audience mind you, ever took a seat. To me they were the most electrifying band ever to get on stage. With songs such as Hard Driving Man, Musta Got Lost, Looking For A Love, Pack Fair And Square, Love-Itis,Truck Driving Man and especially Whammer Jammer; considering their following, screw the criteria. They deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They had their own unique sound. Always upbeat and clearly had your body jumping whenever they played. Never, and I mean Never a disappointing concert. People and fans should have the right to vote for this band. I have seen many, and I mean many concerts in my time and J Giles was the best on stage performers I have ever seen. Maybe someday before I pass, they will be voted in. But for now I'll keep them in my own Rock and Roll Hall if Fame. "God, they were great." Peter Wolfe was always great. And " Magic Dick " with his lickin' stick was magical. If not the group, then at least "Whammer Jammer " should have a seat in that Hall of Fame.

Posted by john fitzgibbon on Wednesday, 01/10/2024 @ 17:32pm

As of this point, J. Geils Band are most likely not going to be voted in since they were eligible for over 25 years & being nominated 5 times without succeeding. The only way for their inclusion is getting a backdoor method & it did happened with Kraftwerk, Judas Priest, Chaka Khan & LL Cool J. The ship had sailed on them a long time ago. Plus they're retired & their namesake leader is gone so it can happen to them anytime.

Posted by Jordan Einstein on Thursday, 01/11/2024 @ 10:38am

One of the greatest show bands ever, EVER. Front door, back door, they need to be in. They were rock gods in the Motor City.

Posted by Rob Seal on Sunday, 06/23/2024 @ 02:52am