4 Acts That Surely Belong in a Big-Tent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The article argues that Styx, Squeeze, De La Soul and Aimee Mann should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which has not honoured any of them. It says a broad view of the Hall’s remit should recognise their influence and achievements across arena rock, British pop, hip-hop and singer-songwriter music.
Styx are praised for the album-length work of *The Grand Illusion* and *Paradise Theatre*, while Squeeze are credited with inventive songwriting and a career spanning five decades; their 2026 album *Trixies* is described as among their best-reviewed. The article highlights De La Soul’s inventive sampling and positive lyrics, as well as Aimee Mann’s songwriting after ‘Til Tuesday and her independently minded career, including *Bachelor No. 2*.
In short
- The article names four acts it says deserve Hall of Fame recognition.
- Styx and Squeeze are praised for songwriting and enduring careers.
- De La Soul and Aimee Mann are also put forward for induction.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A broad-tent Hall should recognise artists whose influence and achievements have mattered across different genres, not only those who fit a narrow idea of rock. Styx’s ambitious albums, Squeeze’s inventive songwriting, De La Soul’s creative sampling and Aimee Mann’s distinctive, independent career each make a credible case for inclusion.
The case against
The Hall could reasonably reserve induction for artists whose influence on rock and roll is especially clear and sustained, rather than treating it as a general music hall of fame. On that view, strong albums, long careers and importance within other genres may not alone establish that these four acts belong, particularly if induction places them ahead of artists more central to the Hall’s core remit.
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