As reported earlier today, The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has rejected Dolly Parton's request to pull her name from the ballot for nomination, leaving Judas Priest in sixth place in the fan vote. But does the band even care? 

Speaking with Los Angeles Daily News in early March, Priest frontman Rob Halford said, "It would be a blast. The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame is for all kinds of music and that includes heavy metal. But if you look at the people who have made it into the Hall, there’s a distinct lack of this style of music that we make. If we do get in, it’s a win for Priest, it’s a win for metal, it’s a win for our fans."



Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner is actually ineligible to enter, even if the Metal Gods get the nod. But it's not really his cup of tea anyway. A funny coincidence, Faulkner lives in Tennessee, which is Dolly Parton territory!  

"You can't help but pay attention to it," when BraveWords asked him today his opinion on the subject. "It's very interesting stuff, very interesting. I live in Tennessee and Dolly is a big part of the community out there. You can't not pay attention to it, you know?"

BraveWords: Do you pay attention to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, is that any concern? I have of a bitter taste in my mouth because they've always been playing catch-up. There are bands that should have been in ages ago; for example, what breaks my heart is that John Lord had passed away after Deep Purple got into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Grand Funk Railroad were one of the biggest bands in the United States in the '70s and 25 million albums sold doesn't even get you into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. I don't know, some people call it a travesty, other people think it's the feather in your cap. 

Faulkner: "Yeah, I don't know. I'm not eligible to be nominated so I have a bit of a different view. I know some of the guys in the band, they can have a different opinion to me. I mean they've been doing it for 50 years, so they can have a different opinion to me. I don't see the credibility in it. I know we get asked this a lot, and it's natural to be asked this, but I don't see the credibility. I don't see the validity in it, when so many people are not in there. It's almost more credible to not be in there. And I've said this before, but after 50 years of touring, still touring, still putting out music, Priest have millions of fans around the world that put them there. I think that's more of an accolade than a trophy on the shelf, you know. I've felt that way for a long time, and I can't see that changing. As I said, I'm not eligible for it. With the Dolly Parton thing, I think she recognized her brand, and I think either the Rock Hall should rename itself or maybe concentrate a little bit more on the branding of it's own business. If a band like Judas Priest isn't in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame from day one, then it’s hard to take it seriously. To me, it doesn’t really mean much. We’ll see. I know it means a lot to some people, and not a lot to others. But to me, it doesn’t really mean much." 

Earlier this past week, Dolly Parton issued the request, saying in part, "Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don't feel that I have earned that right. I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out."

The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Foundation has since issued the following statement:

"All of us in the music community have seen Dolly Parton’s thoughtful note expressing her feeling that she has not earned the right to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to her incredible talent as an artist, her humility is another reason Dolly is a beloved icon by millions of fans around the world.

“From its inception, Rock & Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music. It is not defined by any one genre, rather a sound that moves youth culture. Dolly Parton’s music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed. Her nomination to be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.

“Dolly’s nomination, along with the other 16 for the class of 2022, was sent out earlier this month to our 1,200 general ballot voters, the majority of whom are artists themselves, for consideration for induction at our ceremony.

“We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."

The fan vote is still underway for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class Of 2022. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2022 inductees.

The current standings have Duran Duran in first place, with 653,357 votes; Eminem sits in second place with 566,035 votes; Pat Benatar has 408,558 votes, placing her in third; the Top 5 rounded out by Dolly Parton (297,514 votes) and Eurythmics (284,518 votes).

Judas Priest remain in sixth place with 243,189 votes. Visit vote.rockhall.com to cast a ballot daily. Fans will need to login to vote. Voting is capped at one ballot per day.