Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Nirvana vs. KISS – Readers Poll
The inductees have been named and both Nirvana and KISS are among the acts selected for the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class. There's no denying the resume of either act and they're definitely worthy entries, but if you could only pick one of the two, which would it be?
Nirvana had a shorter career, with Kurt Cobain's death effectively ending the band's brief but spectacular career. 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' is often credited for signifying the grunge scene's takeover of music, and the band's 'Nevermind' album sold over 30 million discs. For the better part of three years Nirvana was untouchable with hit after hit and much attention given to every single and album release both pre and post 'Nevermind.' Their success, along with the breakouts of fellow grunge bands, essentially signified an end to the over abundant hair metal scene that was dominating hard rock at the end of the '80s.
KISS, meanwhile, became a sensation in their own right during the '70s. The face paint and flamboyant stage outfits first seemed like a gimmick, but eventually became seen as a badge of honor for the band and their loyal fans in the KISS Army. Including their 1978 solo discs, KISS have received 28 gold albums, the most of any American rock band. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have kept the band vital through numerous lineup changes and it could be argued that the group is releasing some of their best music to date within the last five years. The hits -- 'Rock and Roll All Nite,' 'Shout It Out Loud,' 'Beth,' 'Calling Dr. Love,' 'Christine Sixteen,' 'I Was Made for Lovin' You,' 'Lick It Up,' 'Heaven's on Fire,' 'Forever' and 'Hell or Hallelujah' -- have become rock staples and live favorites making the band true rock icons.
Add to the debate that Gene Simmons has publicly stated that he doesn't view Kurt Cobain as an icon. In an interview, he stated, "One or two records, that's not enough … What, just because you died, that makes you an icon? No. No. There aren't any [superstars bigger than their music]."
So, if you could only choose one of the two acts -- who would it be? Vote in our Readers Poll below: