Hall of Fame

“I am pretty shy, and usually in two minds about performing, but once, and if I can break through that, I quite enjoy it…I think I was an awkward teenager, which is still how I feel sometimes!” Peter Gabriel 2007.

So, how did a shy and awkward Peter Gabriel get some initial confidence to write and perform? Early on, in 1963, Peter met Tony Banks at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, England, on the first day of school. Writing songs with Tony Banks and practicing the piano with him gave Peter the confidence he needed to perform.

This led to the formation of their first band, Garden Wall, and eventually a recording of their songs was given to Charterhouse alumni and record producer Jonathan King, who named the band Genesis and ended up producing their first album “From Genesis To Revelation”.

Genesis developed their sound and started writing songs that told stories in a longer format, notably the song “Stagnation” from their second album, “Trespass”. Peter incorporated unique costuming in their stage act, including donning a red dress, borrowed from his wife, along with a fox’s head for a mask. For a band that was struggling to get airplay, the bold costuming led to a big boost in media attention and attracted larger audiences.

Peter’s time in Genesis was marked with signature songs for Genesis, including their longest and most ambitious song, “Supper’s Ready”. Peter contributed the section for “Willow’s Farm,” and eventually Peter’s take on the telling of the biblical book “Revelation” came to fruition, with several parts written by other band members and pieced together.

Peter would routinely tell stories on stage to give his fellow bandmates time to tune up for the next song. Eventually, his inclination to storytelling led to giving a story to their double album “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” in 1974. Peter noted that his tale of the New York City street kid Rael and his surreal journey was, in a way, a punk version of “The Pilgrim’s Progress”.

Strains in Peter’s personal life with the birth of his first child, Anna, and the medical emergency for her birth, and his wife Jill suffering an infection from the birth, kept Peter away for long periods during the recording of “The Lamb Lies On Broadway”. This led to frustrations from his fellow bandmates, who really couldn’t relate to Peter’s struggles as a new dad. While on tour for “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway”, Peter announced he would be leaving Genesis at the end of the tour.

As he started making his debut solo album, “Peter Gabriel” in 1976 at a Toronto studio, Genesis sent a friendly telegram wishing Peter good luck with his solo efforts. Producer Bob Ezrin introduced Peter to bass player Tony Levin, who is still performing live as a part of Peter Gabriel’s band to this day. From that album, the first single, “Solsbury Hill,” went on to become a noteworthy song in his catalogue.

Always an innovator, Peter Gabriel also challenged musicians working with him to do new things. For his third release, Peter Gabriel (3), he requested his drummers not use cymbals. This led to his former Genesis bandmate Phil Collins developing the gated drum sound on this album. The explosive sound was used to great effect on the song “Intruder,” and Phil Collins also famously used the effect for his breakthrough solo hit “In The Air Tonight”.  In recent years, the gated drum sound has been embraced again and used by Chvrches, The War On Drugs, and M83 in their songs.

Peter Gabriel (3) was also notable for the inclusion of more political songs, including “Biko”, which was motivational in the anti-apartheid movement of the 80’s. The song was even featured in the film “Cry Freedom”, the biographical movie of Stephen Biko’s life, the South African victim of apartheid policies.

Always a visual artist, Peter Gabriel’s music videos also broke new ground in the eighties. For the first single from the album “So”, Peter wanted a video that was enjoyable after repeated viewings. The stop motion effects used for “Sledgehammer” were groundbreaking at the time and led to several awards, including nine music video awards for the 1987 MTV Music Video Awards, the most ever for a single video. “So” reached number 2 on the Billboard charts and has sold over 5 million copies in the US alone.

Rochester itself has a special connection to Peter Gabriel, as it has been the spot for Peter Gabriel to start North American tours for three albums, including his first solo album in 1977, the opening date for the “This Way Up” tour in support of “So” in 1986, and the “Secret World Tour” for “Us” in 1993. Peter Gabriel was even spotted riding a bike along the Erie Canal, in the lead up to his show here in 1993.

The pace for further studio albums slowed down a bit, especially after the release of “Up” in 2002. It wasn’t until 2023 that Peter Gabriel released “I/O”. Peter charted a new method of rolling out the album for the year by releasing a new song with each new moon of the month. In conjunction with that, he would highlight artists who designed artwork for each song. It wasn’t long to wait for another new album, when new music was announced in January 2026, for the album “O/I”. Again, the same rollout, with a new single for each new moon throughout the year.

One of the most amicable relationships in rock, Peter Gabriel has remained on good terms with his former Genesis bandmates. Reuniting with Genesis in October of 1982 for a benefit concert supporting his world music foundation, WOMAD. Peter also recorded new vocals for a remake of “Carpet Crawlers (1999)” and recently worked alongside Tony Banks to do a Dolby ATMOS remix of “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway”, for the 50^th anniversary of the album.

Peter Gabriel is a true pioneer in music with his solo music and work with Genesis. He remains a well-loved artist for WBER listeners and is a welcome addition to the Hall of Fame Class for 2025.

Photo Credit: Autumn De Wilde

The story of U2 began in 1976, when Larry Mullen, 14 years old at the time, put up a “musicians wanted” ad at Dublin’s Temple Mount School. Paul Hewson (later known as Bono), David Evans (later known as The Edge), and Adam Clayton joined him and began rehearsals in their music teacher’s classroom. Initially calling themselves “Feedback”, the band started by playing cover songs, and later switched the name to “The Hype”. In the 70s, they began writing their own music, combining elements of rock alternative and post-punk and taking inspiration from The Stranglers, The Jam, The Clash, Buzzcocks, and Sex Pistols.

In 1979, they settled on the name “U2” and released their first album “Boy”.  It captured themes of adolescence and the transition to adulthood, often reflecting Bono’s experiences. As the band’s sound developed, it wasn’t just marked by Bono’s lyrics, but also by The Edge’s distinctive guitar playing. He became known for his creative use of effects, such as the delay pedal which creates an echo sound. Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin guitarist, described The Edge as a “sonic architect”, and Neil McCormick, a music journalist, called him an “effects maestro”. The Edge has said this effect isn’t just to modify his sound, but also to spark ideas during the songwriting process.

Although their first album gained lots of attention in Ireland, their true breakthrough album was “The Joshua Tree” in 1987. In the same year, they were featured on the cover of Time magazine, becoming only the fourth band to do so, following The Beatles, The Band, and The Who.

One of U2’s most memorable moments came during the 1985 Live Aid concert, where Bono jumped off the stage during a 12-minute rendition of “Bad” and danced with a fan in the crowd. It signaled the band’s real connection with their audience, and from then on, U2 became known for their energetic live performances.

Throughout their career, U2 has released 15 studio albums, 84 singles, and 9 EPs. They have won 22 Grammy Awards which is more than any other band, and are one of the world’s best-selling artists selling over 150 million records. The band has never broken up, but Bono said in an interview that it can be hard to stick together at times. Bono and The Edge considered quitting the band due to their “spiritual conflicts” and said that every U2 member has thought about walking away from the band.

Beyond music, U2 is also known for their activism. Bono, in particular, has been an advocate for global causes. He is the co-founder of ONE, an advocacy agency taking action to end extreme poverty. The Edge co-founded Music Rising to help replace instruments that were lost due to Hurricane Katrina, made a PSA for the Food Bank For New York City, and serves on the board of the Angiogenesis Foundation. Adam Clayton has been open about his struggles with addiction and alcohol abuse and is an ambassador for the “Walk in My Shoes” facility which provides mental health services.

U2 remains one of the most popular bands across the world and has a musical style that continues to evolve. They maintain their mission to improve the world through their music, which Bono calls their “spark” that sets them apart from other bands.

The Smiths, an English rock band from Manchester, broke into the music industry in 1982. They released their first single “Hand in Glove,” in 1983, and quickly went on to become one of the most influential bands around the world. Morrissey, lead singer, and guitarist Johnny Marr teamed up to write unique songs, mixing elements of rock and post-punk. With Andy Rourke on the bass, and Mike Joyce on the drums, The Smiths had a unique sound that would set them ahead of their time.

In an interview, Morrissey was asked why he chose the name The Smiths. He explained, “It was the most ordinary name, and I thought it’s time that the ordinary folk of the world showed their faces.” Despite this generic name, The Smiths broke away from the dance-pop music that was popular at the time, becoming a group that was the opposite of ordinary.

The Smiths are especially known for their somewhat controversial, diverse lyrics that include themes of isolation, societal pressures, and the challenges of growing up. This combination of reflective lyrics with distinct guitar work gives them their iconic sound, setting them apart from popular bands. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” one of their most popular songs, perfectly displays their theme of love and despair, with one of their well-known lines “And if a double-decker bus crashes into us To die by your side Is such a heavenly way to die”.

The band split up in 1987 from growing tensions between Johnny Marr and Morrissey. In only 5 years they made 4 iconic albums, each having reached the top five of the UK Albums Chart. Throughout the band’s duration, they released one album each year: “The Smiths” in 1984, “Meat Is Murder” in 1985, “The Queen Is Dead” in 1986, and “Strangeways, Here We Come” in 1987.

Each of the band members are now in various stages of their careers. Morrissey is continuing a successful solo career in music, having sold over 2 million records. Marr also went on to build a solo career, and has released four albums as well as his memoir “Set the Boy Free”. He was briefly a member of The Pretenders, recorded two albums with The The, formed Electronic, performed with 7 Worlds Collide, and worked with Modest Mouse as a recording artist. Drummer Mike Joyce has worked as a DJ and participated in many music-related projects, such as presenting radio shows. Unfortunately, The Smiths’ bassist Andy Rourke passed away in 2023 after battling cancer. Although the band has turned down many opportunities to play together again, they remain one of the most influential bands, shaping bands such as The Sundays, The Decemberists, and Radiohead.

Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal met in Bath, United Kingdom as early teens. They formed the band Graduate in 1980, achieving minor success in Europe. After constantly being outvoted on band decisions and, according to Smith, due to their general dislike for being in bands, the two broke away and began making music on their own. In 1981, they signed to Phonogram Records, marking the beginning of their journey as the infamous Tears for Fears.

Tears for Fears took inspiration from Gary Numan’s synth-pop sound, particularly the song “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” –a combination of two different songs Numan failed to complete. Drawn to this sharp, unusual result, Smith and Orzabel aspired to make music like this themselves. Other influential bands included Joy Division, the Human League, and Depeche Mode, which all took an electronic direction that acted as reassurance as well as inspiration.

Tears for Fears released their first album, The Hurting, in 1981, and it was a hit. The album, centered around the emotional angst of adolescence, reached number one in the UK. Already a huge success in the UK, the band achieved a major international breakthrough with their second album, Songs from the Big Chair, in 1985. It sold over 10 million copies worldwide, topped the US album charts for five weeks, spent six months at the UK Top 10, and peaked at #2 in the UK. The album included “Shout” and their highest charting hit, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. Now, the band has 7 studio albums: The Hurting, Songs from the Big Chair, The Seeds of Love, Elemental, Raoul and the Kings of Spain, Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, and The Tipping Point.

Tears for Fears’ name was largely inspired by primal therapy, a psychotherapy created by Arthur Janov. Both Smith and Orzabal claimed to have unhappy childhoods, which led them to discover and resonate with Janov’s work. The name Tears for Fears came from a line in one of Janov’s books, Prisoners of Pain, which described “tears as a replacement for fears.” The band met Janov in the mid-1980s, and he asked them to write a musical based on his work. Although this request was never met, the band continued writing their songs inspired by Janov’s ideas.

In 1990, the band split up due to tensions. After parting ways, Orzabal released two more albums under the band’s name, Elemental and Raoul and the Kings of Spain, and released a solo album 10 years later. Meanwhile, Curt Smith left the UK and never returned. He released solo albums, tried acting, and worked as a public speaker. In 2000, Smith reached out to Orzabal, and the band reunited. They quickly returned to creating music, writing 14 songs in less than six months. They released Everybody Loves a Happy Ending in 2004, their first album made together since The Seeds Of Love in 1989. They have continued touring the world ever since, having an extraordinary influence on music artists such as The 1975, Oasis, Lorde, Nine Inch Nails, and even Kanye West.

R.E.M.was born in January of 1980, in the small college town of Athens, Georgia where guitarist Peter Buck, singer Michael Stipe, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry rehearsed together for the first time, and in April of the same year, they made their concert debut—without a name mind you—at a converted Episcopalian church. That show marked the beginning of the band’s remarkable and sometimes troubled path from local notoriety to mainstream acceptance and, with it, the rise of America’s postpunk underground.

In 1981, R.E.M. released their first single Radio Free Europe and the rest is history. With over 85 million albums worldwide, multiple Grammy awards and countless other accolades to their credit. However, this was a band that should’ve had no chance of becoming what they did. They were too odd, too hard to unpack. From day one, contemporaries like U2 had soaring hooks and that arena-reaching power that seemed destined to conquer the world through a combination of ambition, star power, and guitar riffs. That power didn’t stop R.E.M.. It fueled them. Against all odds, they became one of the most transformative bands of the time. With no gratuitous guitar solos, no liner notes to sing along to questionably political content, a mandolin as a featured instrument, and no pretentious off-shoot solo albums by its members. They were a true American indie rock group destined for greater things.

With the support of college radio stations like WBER and the underground music scene, R.E.M. was instrumental in creating an alternative club circuit that catered to the growing market of young fans disgruntled by commercial radio and the spectacle of arena-rock.  Over their 31-year career, R.E.M. showed the world, and other bands such as Nirvana, Pavement, and Jars of Clay, that you could stick to your guns and keep making the music you heard in your head even if it wasn’t fashionable—especially if it wasn’t fashionable.

Throughout R.E.M.’s career, its members sought to use their platform to highlight social and political issues and are considered to be one of the United States’ most liberal and politically correct rock groups. R.E.M. helped raise funds for environmental, feminist, and human rights causes, and was involved in campaigns to encourage voter registration and more.

After Bill Berry left the band in 1997, the band continued its career into the new millennium with mixed critical and commercial success and amicably called it quits in 2011. It would not be until January of 2021 when R.E.M. received their most coveted honor: Inclusion into the WBER Hall of Fame’s Junior class.

Before they were the Talking Heads, David Byrne, and Chris Frantz called themselves The Artistics. In the early 1970’s David Byrne (Guitarist/Vocalist), Chris Frantz (drummer), and Tina Weymouth (bassist) met at the Rhode Island School of Design and moved to New York to pursue their creative talents of making music.

Only a year later they found themselves opening for the Ramones at the influential club CBGBS in NYC. This was their first show under the musical incarnation of Talking Heads. The following year, Jerry Harrison from Jonathan Richman’s Modern Lovers joins the Talking Heads as their keyboardist. Seymour Stein, co-found of Sire Records happened to be at that very show. To the tune of Psycho Killer, Stein fell under the spell of the Talking Heads’ insistent rhythm and ominous lyrics. By 1977

Talking Heads were signed to Sire Records and released their debut album, Talking Heads:77 on September 16th . Psycho Killer was the only song from that album to make it to the Billboard Hot 100 and it peaked at #92. This was just the beginning of their recording career. They would go on to produce 8 studio albums, 2 live albums, 9 compilation albums, a plethora of singles, EPS, and fan favorite 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense.

Talking Heads has won several awards throughout their career, Including, the MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film – Honored for Wild Wild Life from the film True Stories, and the MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video– Honored for Wild Wild Life in 1987. Talking Heads was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 64th Grammy Awards in 2021, and was voted by you, the listeners into the WBER Hall of Fame.

From the piano bar circuit in Washington D.C. to the airwaves in Rochester, NY, Tori Amos is best known for her prodigious level of musicality but also her rebellious and forward-thinking attitude. Her career started at age eighteen and like many WBER artists, Amos always pushed the limits of rock music by incorporating synths, pop, and of course alternative styles into her work. She is known for her spontaneous nature both in her recorded works and her live shows. 

Between her solo work and her work with her late Glitz Metal band, Y Kant Tori Read, the creative has earned eight Grammy nominations, was named one of the top five touring acts in 2003 by Rolling Stone, and her most successful song, “A Sorta Fairytale,” reached #1 on the US Adult Alternative Charts.

Tori Amos is a fearless leader in the music industry and a strong female voice for change. Tori has a commitment to the forward motion of not only music but alternative rock. Her social activism, especially in conjunction with RAINN, the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the United States makes her a strong example of an artist focused on change for the better. Her cult-like following and numerous performances in Rochester, NY make her the second inductee for the WBER Hall of Fame, Class of 2020.

David Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century. With over 100 Million sold, Bowie is remembered not only a songwriter, but an experimentalist and a trailblazer for mainstreaming creativity and individualism. 

Popularizing glam rock in the 1970s, inspiring punk rock, and a voice for those unheard and misunderstood is just a shortlist of the accomplishments that Bowie achieved in his life. With twenty-seven studio albums, six Grammy Awards, and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, Bowie is an artist who has impacted and touched countless lives.

His impact on the alternative rock genre and of course his memorable actions in 1976 right here in Rochester, NY, are just two of the many reasons that he is the first inductee in the WBER Hall of Fame, Class of 2020.

Alternative Rock group Guster hails from the fellow northeast city, Boston, Massachusetts. Formed during their college years at Tufts University in the early 1990s, the group gained following from their underground following until their mainstream break in 1999 with their third album “Lost and Gone Forever.” 

The band’s humor and spontaneity are some of the qualities that have allowed them to be so well-loved in the world of alternative rock. In a 2001 show right here in Rochester, the group started the show without being on stage, and in the style of “Price is Right,” ran up to the stage when their name was called. They were hiding in the audience, much to the surprise of their fans. 

Guster is a regular on the WBER’s Year-End Countdown and absolutely a favored group of the stations. Just ask our GM, Joey! They are recognized for their strong connection with their fans, their commitment to the environment, and activism around it and are our third and final inductee for the WBER Hall of Fame, Class of 2020.

New York City is home to the infamous rap-rock group, Beastie Boys. The experimental punk hardcore infused rap has reached extreme commercial success. Entertainment Industry tycoon, Rick Rubin, played an instrumental role in the progress of the group’s career, signing them to the (then) brand new Def Jam Records in 1984.

Since their formation, the group has sold twenty million records, making them the biggest selling Rap group since Billboard’s record of sales in the early 1990s. With seven platinum albums, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and three Grammy wins, Beastie Boys are known for their intersection of the alternative and rap worlds. The group disbanded after original member Adam “MCA” Yauch died of cancer in 2012.

Their unique sound can be heard on many of WBER’s shows, program lists and Year-End Countdowns. They can be heard on shows like the Friday Morning Show and are a listener favorite. For these reasons, they are inducted into the WBER Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class (2019).

The Clash is one of the original artists in the British punk rock scene. Their contributions in the music industry include their involvement in the post-punk and new wave movements and of course blending punk with a variety of genres such as funk, ska, and reggae. Their artistic reach was at first limited to the United Kingdom but eventually reached the United States in the late 1970s. The group has achieved much commercial success with their double-platinum certification for “Rock the Casbah” in 1982 and being named one of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” by Rolling Stone. 

In popular culture, The Clash has remained an icon. They are deemed the “original punk rockers” in the British Music Industry but their influence reaches much greater audiences. Their intersection with genres such as Reggae allowed for new audiences to be connected, most notably in Spanish-speaking cultures. The band has gone on to inspire current artists like Arctic Monkeys and the White Stripes. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have been recorded covering The Clash songs when they play shows in London.

The band’s innovation and intersection across numerous sectors of music allows them to stand out and be a strong example of pioneers for alternative music. The group’s mission of creating music and social change can still be felt, decades after they disbanded. Their work is recognized at WBER, earning them a spot in the WBER Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class (2019).

England’s ever-evolving, captivating and gothic group, The Cure has found its way into the warm world of WBER. From 1978 in a schoolyard to some of the most iconic venues worldwide, The Cure has managed to navigate the changing audience that the alternative rock genre provides. Their commercial success represents this with their thirty million global album sales, two BRIT Awards, and 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction. 

The Cure is considered one of the most influential alternative rock groups of all time. They are credited with being one of the pioneers for the genre, being one of its’ first to chart in the mainstream music industry. You can hear their influence in iconic rock groups such as Smashing Pumpkins and Interpol. Their creative works have the ability to blend so many different worlds together. Their music videos are considered cinematic works of art, bringing together humor, sadness, and even dread. 

The Cure is known and loved by music consumers. Here at WBER, they are best known for their prolific presence in programming, Year-End Charts, and listeners’ requests. Most notably, their song “Friday I’m In Love” is played at 7:00 AM on the Friday Morning Show. For these reasons, they are inducted into the WBER Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class (2019).

Folk-Alternative Rock leader, Ani DiFranco is also a friendly face here in Rochester, New York. DiFranco is another hometown musician, having grown up in Buffalo. A female powerhouse, Ani understood her passion for the music industry from a young age and created her own record label, Righteous Babe Records, at the age of nineteen. A year later, she released her debut album in conjunction with her studies in poetry in New York City. 

DiFranco formally broke into the industry after Woody Guthrie’s Foundation had her label (Righteous Babe) release a CD featuring artists such as the Indigo Girls and Bruce Springsteen. The CD was to fundraise for Guthrie’s Foundation and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s education department. From that point on, Ani became a successful touring musician, reaching audiences globally and being featured on MTV and VH1. Throughout her career, she continued to discuss her sexuality and is known to be an activist for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Ani DiFranco was one of the first women whose music was played on WBER. She is an entrepreneur, a female leader in a male-dominated industry, and a creative that has been able to successfully collaborate and inspire so many. Her enthusiastic nature, a strong sense of self, and of course influence in the Alternative music genre is notable and recognized. For these reasons, she is inducted into the WBER Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class (2019).

The alternative Rock group, They Might Be Giants, from Brooklyn, NY started as just a duo in the 1980s but expanded to include a backing band in the 1990s. They brought a new sound to the genre of Alternative Rock, blending experimental but also humor into their creative works. Rolling Stone credited the group with being “vital to the creation of the prolific DIY scene.” 

Known previously as El Grupo De Rock and Roll, the group has always been able to attract a diverse audience, starting with their misconception of Spanish music, to their extreme success in the modern rock and college audiences. Children’s music (yes you heard that right) has been lucrative for the group, allowing all three of their projects to be certified gold. They have also been certified platinum for their album “Flood.” 

Their unique sound and DIY attitude fit well within the world of WBER. The group has a strong following and listenership. Beloved by WBER DJ, Vernicus Maximus, you can always count on them to be a part of his weekly show’s programming. They are inducted into the WBER Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class (2019).

The boy next door, literally! Chris Trapper is a Buffalo, NY native and his music and audience in Western New York are reflective of that. Known for both his solo career and his work with the band, The Push Stars.

After relocating to Boston, MA, Trapper began his work with The Push Stars. In 1999, the group signed with Capitol Records and released three albums. After the group’s hiatus in 2005, Chris began his solo career. This allowed for nine studio albums to be released and worldwide touring. In addition to the success of his solo career, Trapper is credited with his songs being in major motion pictures like “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Some Kind of Beautiful” and popular television shows, such as “Malcolm in the Middle” and “ER.” In 2018, his band reunited to release an album “3 Feet in the Air” in Memphis, TN.

Chris Trapper is a global star that is a local favorite and a WBER classic artist. His local roots aside, he is known for his nonstop tour schedule, which is an average of 150 shows a year and his countless in-station appearances. Most recently, Chris visited WBER in November 2020 which brought some much-needed cheer after an unsettling year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For these reasons, he is inducted into the WBER Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class (2019).