2022 will go down as a pretty good year for rock music and band members. There were lots of highlights and a few that set us back when it comes to news. Here are my Top 5 Rock and Roll Disappointments of 2022.

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Snubs: Judas Priest & Rage Against the Machine

  The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has officially unveiled its class of 2022 inductees. Again, Judas Priest and Rage Against the Machine were snubbed. Instead, Priest have been bestowed a “Musical Excellence” award as some sort of consolation prize that qualifies them as an inductee, separate from the nominees announced last year.

• "The Killer," Jerry Lee Lewis passed away in October

  With his pounding piano, his impassioned vocals and his incendiary performing style, Mr. Lewis lived up to his nickname, the Killer. Not without controversy, but reporters discovered that the young girl traveling with him was his 13-year-old bride and his cousin. 36 years after he was one of the first inductees in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — Mr. Lewis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

   

• Rage Against the Machine Cancel Remaining North American Tour Dates

  The first time I got a chance to see Rage Against the Machine was September of 1996 at Cobo Hall. What an incredible show. The best part is a ticket cost me $13 dollars back in 1996. So, when they were coming back, I had my wallet and was ready. But I should have known a show booked for April 1st, 2023, would be a bust.

  Rage Against the Machine Cancels Remaining North American Tour Dates https://wrif.com/2022/10/04/rage-against-the-machine-cancels-remaining-north-american-tour-dates/

   

• Taylor Hawkins, the longtime drummer for the Foo Fighters, dies

  Taylor Hawkins, for 25 years the drummer for Foo Fighters and best friend with Dave Grohl, died during a South American tour with the rock band. He was 50. Foo Fighters had been scheduled to play at a festival in Bogota, Colombia. “His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever,” said a message on the band’s official Twitter account that was also emailed to reporters. “Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family.” Still to this day I feel numb over his lost and wonder what is next for the band.

• Trying to Keep Aerosmith's Train Going

  Steven has grappled with addiction that has nearly cost him his career. Steven Tyler has been in and out of treatment centers over the years. In May 2022, Steven relapsed after having foot surgery as he struggled to manage his pain. Drummer Joey Kramer hurt his  shoulder and the band kept him from playing at the residency in Las Vegas. Joey later sued the band.  No plans of any new albums or even tours. Joe Perry continues to tour and play with his side project, “The Hollywood Vampires.” with Jonny Depp and Alice Cooper. Let’s hope things turn around for Aerosmith in 2023.

  The Hollywood Vampires, and The Joe Perry Project.

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