Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5 has added his voice to the long-running Rock & Roll Hall of Fame debate, saying the band’s continued exclusion simply doesn’t add up. In a recent conversation with American Musical Supply, John 5 argued that Mötley Crüe’s influence alone should have secured their place years ago, pointing out how deeply the band has shaped generations of rock and metal musicians. If he had a vote, he said, they’d be in immediately after becoming eligible.
John 5 highlighted the Hall’s 25-year eligibility rule, noting that once that threshold is crossed, impact should matter most. From his perspective, Mötley Crüe’s cultural footprint is undeniable, regardless of whether the institution has officially recognized it. His comments echo a sentiment shared by many fans who see the band’s absence as one of the Hall’s most glaring omissions.
Commercial success hasn’t been the issue. Mötley Crüe remain one of hard rock’s most recognizable names, with renewed popularity following the release of the Netflix biopic The Dirt. In 2019, the band even won the Rock Hall’s “Voice Your Choice” fan vote, yet still failed to secure a nomination the following year — a result that puzzled supporters and reignited criticism of the selection process.
Within the band, reactions to the Hall have varied. Vince Neil has said induction would be “pretty cool,” though he’s joked it might not happen until far too late. Tommy Lee has questioned some of the Hall’s past choices but admitted it would still feel “rad” to be included. Nikki Sixx has been more openly skeptical, suggesting the institution has drifted away from prioritizing true artistic influence and songwriting craft. Mick Mars, meanwhile, has taken a more relaxed view, once quipping that fan support already means more than any formal honor.
John 5’s stance cuts through those mixed emotions with a clear argument: influence matters. His comments tap into a broader conversation about what the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should represent — and whether legacy, cultural impact and inspiration should outweigh industry politics when deciding who belongs inside.
