While the Canadian rock band The Guess Who gained stardom throughout the 1960s and even kicked off a reunion tour in the early 2000s, the band’s success came from the creativity of Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman. Together, the two shined a light on the band thanks to songs like “These Eyes” and “American Woman.” Although the band eventually disbanded, the group continues to entertain fans all over. And thanks to their stardom, The Guess Who became eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Receiving not inducting over the decades, Cummings recently shared his disdain for the Rock Hall.
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Speaking with Cleveland.com, Cummings discussed his take on the Rock Hall and how the organization continues to snub The Guess Who. While loving the music they created together, the singer cared little about the Rock Hall’s legacy. “I don’t think about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”
With Cummings confused by the requirements to get into the Rock Hall, he pointed out that the organization welcomed singers like Madonna. “It’s not a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Madonna is in there. It’s not rock ‘n’ roll. So I don’t lose any sleep. I’m not concerned about it, believe me. I don’t lose any sleep about it.”
Not holding a spot in the Rock Hall, Cummings was showered with accolades in Canada as he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame.
Burton Cummings Not The Only One To Not Like The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
Cummings wasn’t the only singer to share his heated thoughts on the Rock Hall. Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson didn’t hold back in 2018 when he said, “I actually think the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is an utter and complete load of bollocks, to be honest with you.”
Giving a glimpse into the type of people he believed ran the Rock Hall, Dickinson declared, “It’s run by a bunch of sanctimonious bloody Americans who wouldn’t know rock ’n’ roll if it hit them in the face. They need to stop taking Prozac and start drinking f**king beer.”
While some performers turned their backs on the Rock Hall, the 2025 class of nominees included Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Billy Idol, the Black Crowes, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Oasis, and several others.
(Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images)
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