MUMBAI: There came a new revelation around the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, saying that it will be letting go of more than half of the Hall's early Rock and R&B influencers subcommittee, reported Billboard. It was reported that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame head of the nominating committee, Jon Landau, emailed a number of committee members informing them that their services were no longer required.
Of the 42-members committee, 16 have been asked to leave. The report further stated that at least four from of the seven subcommittee members, will no longer be part of the committee. Joe McEwen- a veteran A&R executive, and blues and R&B expert; Gregg Geller- critically-acclaimed producer and A&R representative; Arthur Levy- a senior writer and renowned publicists Bob Merlis. Q-Prime principal Cliff Bernstein, Sire Records chairman Seymour Stein and Roots drummer Questlove will continue to be part of the influencers' committee which comes up with nominees to be considered.
One of the members, heading for the exit door spoke to the publication, and hoped that musicians’ contributions in the past to Rock and Roll is “not forgotten.”
The report has quoted a source saying that the move is to get rid of “guys who have all the histories of thousands of artists in their heads.” The source also stated that letting go the people will be “like letting go the intent of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." This means the latest move by Landau and Jann Wenner, will make way for many new members, which also means that the era of focus will move from the '80s to the '90s. One source was heard saying that worthy artistes of the 1950s and the 1960s, will have less chances after this move.
Billboard tried to contact the members of the subcommittee, who either refused to comment or did not respond to request for comment. There was no immediate response from Landau and Wenner either.