George Harrison, Prince, Jackson Browne, Bob Seger, Traffic, ZZ Top and the Dells. Not the most exciting class (and still no Sex Pistols!) http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/ap20031120_1164.html
The rule is that an artist (or group) is eligible 25 years after their first commercial release, so anyone releasing their first album in 1980, or before would be eligible for the induction class of 2005. Looking at the groups you mentioned: U2- first release 1980, so they would be eligible (and a lock) for next year. Duran Duran- first release in 1981, so they won't be eligible until the class of 2006 Depeche Mode- first release in 1981, so they'd be in the same boat as Duran Duran. As far as other groups that had a 1980 release, Huey Lewis and the News would be eligible next year. Don't think that they are a lock like U2 for going in the first year eligible, but they'll make it in at some point.
all i know is that george should be in a loooooong time ago. better late than never i guess. but as ringo said (paraphrasing here) it would've been nice to show some love to the vertical man. in other words, it would have been nice to honor him when he was alive (when they had the chance) and not wait until he was dead. god bless george.
Prince is a no-brainer and I think you can make an argument for Traffic, but I don't think the others are worthy of Hall of Fame status.
Who the *#*#*#*# are the Dells ?. I apologise for my ignorance if they inspired The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Queen but I have never heard of them. At first glance, it's like putting in the Inspiral Carpets or Therapy?, who have only been a hit in Britain.
Which way? I think they'll get in based on the track record of success they had in the 80s. I don't think they get in on the first attempt because they have not beeen as consistently popular like a U2.
Then take a second glance, and a first listen. They were an important part of the evolution of Rock, as well as soul and R&B. The only Hall Therapy? will go into is either "The Hall of Dodgy Moustaches" or "The Hall Of Ridiculous Punctuation Use". Seriously, Doc. Find yourself a Dells disc in the 3 for 10 R&B bin at Borders and you'll see.
ummmm no - forget consistantly popular, how about consistantly quality? huey and the news have like 2 decent songs... that's it
Who would have ever guessed you'd see the words "Huey Lewis and the News" and "Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame" on the same internet, much less in the same sentence?