Small Words, Big Difference (a Question of Backing Bands)

What words? The words “and the.”

Some acts are just considered solo acts; One Person. Some are considered a band, a bunch of people, a Group.

And then there the halfway-between acts, the ones with “and the” in the names. They have names like One Person and the Group.

For a while there, the Hall seemed to divide the “and the” groups into two further categories. If the backing people also sang, but only sang (and maybe danced), then they were ushered right in along with the lead. But if they played instruments? Well, then-- maybe yes, maybe no.

In 2012, six backing bands got full inductions. All of them were “and the” acts. Their leads had already been induced, as One Person-type solo acts, despite (or because of) the “and the”in the band's name.

Yet, there are still bands out there languishing in “and the”-land. In one famous case, they did get inducted… but in the Sidemen/Musical Excellence category. Even thought they had been together— as a band with the frontman (who got full induction as One Person)— for 40 years, and made all but two or three of their 20 or so albums together.

What almost makes this worse— and what definitely makes it more confusing— is that more than 15 acts with “and the” did get in as such-- both the One Person, as well as the “and the” Group-- in one fell swoop of an induction. And that other six “and the” groups who got separate induction from their frontman, but are still fully inducted as Performers.

All we’re looking for, here, is a little consistency. And for the Rock Hall to stop even caring about the “and the” thing. That they have cared at all has caused— still causes!— nothing but consternation and indignation from the fans, the critics, and the musicians themselves.

New Rule: From now on, and retroactively, a band called “One Person and the Group” is just as much a unit fit to be inducted all at once as a band simply called “The Group,” “The Adjective Group” or even just “Group.

And the “and the” should not mean so much. As far as Inductions are concerned, those words should mean nothing at all.

Also, if a One Person act has had the same backing personnel for 40+ years? That’s a band.

Here are the members that did not get in with the rest of their bands:
https://www.futurerocklegends.com/Snubbed_Members.php 

Update: In 2022, Pat Benatar got in... but so did Neil Giraldo, her longtime musical partner, along with her. My sources tell me she stuck to her guns so he would get in, too. Are you listening, Mr. Springsteen?