Journey win Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame fan vote

By Martin Kielty
( Classic Rock )
published

Journey announced as winners of public vote for Hall Of Fame induction - but that doesn’t guarantee entry

journey 1979
Classic era: Journey with Steve Perry, centre, in 1979 (Image credit: Getty)

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame bosses have confirmed that Journey won this year’s public vote for induction in 2017.

Neal Schon’s band, who’d led the poll from the start, finished ahead of the Electric Light Orchestra, Yes, Pearl Jam and The Cars.

It doesn’t guarantee entry into the Rock Hall – the vote only counts as one in over 600 ballots. But every band who’s won the poll since it began four years ago have gone on to be inducted.

The Hall Of Fame say: “You voted. We tallied. We’re proud to present your official fan’s ballot group. Each artist who made it into the top five spots will receive an extra vote in the overall Class of 2017 Induction vote thanks to you.”

The induction announcement is to be made tomorrow (December 20). If Journey are included it will lead to increased speculation on the chances of a reunion with classic-era singer Steve Perry.

Current frontman Arnel Pineda said last month that he hoped victory would lead to a meeting, adding: “I’m hoping to at least shake his hand. I haven’t had the chance for the past nine years.”

Pineda won’t be inducted if the band win. “It’s only for the originals,” he’s said. “I’m okay with that.”

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame public poll 2016

  1. Journey
  2. Electric Light Orchestra
  3. Yes
  4. Pearl Jam
  5. The Cars

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame nominees 2017

Bad Brains
Chaka Khan
Chic
Depeche Mode
ELO
The J Geils Band
Jane’s Addiction
Janet Jackson
Joan Baez
Joe Tex
Journey
Kraftwerk
MC5
Pearl Jam
Steppenwolf
The Cars
The Zombies
Tupac Shakur
Yes

Martin Kielty
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.