Iron Maiden Snubbed: Rock Hall CEO Comments on Band's Missed Opportunity in Class of 2023

Iron Maiden failed to score a spot on this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2023 fan vote saw George Michael on the top of the list, with Cyndi Lauper, Warren Zevon, Iron Maiden, and Soundgarden completing the top 5. More than 3 million votes from fans were collected; however, it was clarified that it would not guarantee an automatic induction.

Iron Maiden Absent on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2023 Inductees

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame revealed on Wednesday the 13 inductees who made it to the class of 2023, which include Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners, Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, and George Michael under the performer category.

After fans noticed Iron Maiden and other bands' absence, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame CEO Greg Harris told Taryn Daly during an interview with Audacy Check In and said that nominees have high chances but not everyone can go in.

"We love that people care. That they care if they're in or out, and that their fans care," he said about Iron Maiden. "The truth is anybody that's nominated, the odds are good that they'll eventually gonna get in. In fact, I think it may be as high as 90 percent eventually go in."

Harris compared the scenario to what Rage Against the Machine experienced. The CEO noted that the band went through a lot of nominations but waited until this year to become an inductee.

Iron Maiden ranked fourth in the fan vote with 449,682. However, even Soundgarden - which was also a runner-up - did not appear in the class of 2023.

Iron Maiden Members Shrug Off Rock Hall

Although Iron Maiden's fans expressed their rage over the snub, several musicians, including the band's members, have been vocal about not having care about the induction.

In 2018, Bruce Dickinson said he would refuse the induction saying that rock n' roll music does not belong "in a mausoleum."

Meanwhile, bassist Steve Harris told Rolling Stone that he did not mind having such feats and honors as he would not lose sleep even after losing an award. He also told "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon" that Iron Maiden only wants to make good music and perform in front of their fans live.