Sean Benjamin

This is a VERY strong list of nominees! Everyone knows I’m a big fan of a lot of these bands/artists and they are some major influences.

Heavy metal, hip-hop, heartland rock, R&B, Latin pop, post-punk — the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees prove that rock & roll has always been bigger than one sound.

The Black Crowes. Jeff Buckley. Mariah Carey. Phil Collins. Melissa Etheridge. Lauryn Hill. Billy Idol. INXS. Iron Maiden. Joy Division/New Order. New Edition. Oasis. P!NK. Sade. Shakira. Luther Vandross. Wu-Tang Clan.

The 2026 Fan Vote is now open! Share your ballot, spread the word, and vote daily: https://vote.rockhall.com

My set list of songs I played last night at - thanks to those that braved the cold and ice to come out for a good time. Now that it is confirmed that you know how to have a good time, I have recorded that skill set in a phone directory in sharpie marker in the bathroom stall for all to have the ability to reach out to you in the future for the same.

My buddy Kevin and I are playing at Hoppy Dude Brews in Hinckley, Ohio on Saturday. Two singer/songwriters enter…two singer/songwriters leave. This is music, not a battle to the death. That’s on Sunday.