[Time's Up! Is Rush Making the Hall of Fame or Not?]

Inspired by Stephen Colbert's question on the subject during Rush's July appearance on the show, back in August Wired.com's Scott Thill decided to ask his readers whether they thought that Rush should be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not surprisingly, he got a lot of feedback from Rush fans:

Three months ago, Listening Post followed Stephen Colbert's lead and wondered aloud why Rush hadn't made the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet. We asked the readership to chime in on the snub, and it hit us back with a record 500 responses. We might have to check the math, but that might also be an overall site record as well.

His contact at the Rock Hall also agreed to field a few questions from fans. Thill scoured through all the feedback and came up with these 3 questions:

1) According to Wikipedia, Rush possesses 24 gold records and 14 platinum records, placing fifth behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Kiss and Aerosmith for most consecutive gold and platinum rock albums, moving an estimated total 40 million units worldwide. And although the Hall of Fame argues that sales don't count, given that Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart are consistently recognized and decorated as some of the most skilled performers on their given instruments, hasn't Rush made the commercial and professional case that it belongs in the Hall?

2) Rush is still together, while other bands, including those already in the Hall of Fame, have fragmented and ceased production. As a result, the power trio has amassed a diehard core following of early adopters, including several accomplished musicians, as well as a significant audience of latecomers. Doesn't this longevity and influence demand the band's inclusion?

3) Does Jann Wenner dislike Rush, and is his alleged dislike of the band responsible for its controversial exclusion from the Hall of Fame?

He's now waiting on the Rock Hall's responses. In case you didn't know, Rush was recently passed over yet again for inclusion in the 2009 list of Rock Hall nominees. Thanks to highwater for the heads up.

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