In 2000, Eric Clapton made history as the only person inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times — once with The Yardbirds, once with Cream, and once solo. Twenty-five years later, that record still stands, untouched and unchallenged. But as fans on r/rockhall pointed out, there’s a short list of musicians who might just be destined to join the Three-Timers Club. So grab your imaginary ballot, plug in your air guitar, and let’s look at who could pull off the rock world’s rarest hat trick.
Dave Grohl
Already twice inducted (with Nirvana and Foo Fighters), Grohl’s resume screams “Hall lifer.” He’s drummed for Queens of the Stone Age, jammed with everyone from Paul McCartney to Lemmy, and could easily snag a third as a producer or under Musical Excellence. If anyone can smile their way to three, it’s Grohl.
Paul McCartney
Beatles? Check. Solo? Check. Wings? Somehow not checked! If the Hall ever gets sentimental about arena-filling 70s pop, Sir Paul could land that third spot. Bonus points if they just rename the Hall “McCartney’s Basement” afterward.
Neil Young
He’s in with Buffalo Springfield and solo — but not Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. If the Hall ever rights that wrong, Neil would strum his way into triple territory. Given his catalog, it’s more than deserved.
Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart & Ronnie Wood
If the Jeff Beck Group ever gets inducted, this trio would all become triple inductees simultaneously. Beck, Stewart, and Wood each defined eras of British rock. Three legends, one Hall mic drop.
Damon Albarn
He made Britpop cool with Blur, turned cartoons into global stars with Gorillaz, and crafted moody, reflective solo albums. If the Hall ever opens its borders a little wider, Albarn might draw his third induction from the animated side of genius.
Steve Winwood
From the Spencer Davis Group to Traffic to his solo hits, Winwood has one of rock’s most soulful resumes. Blind Faith could tip him to three — which would also make Clapton a four-timer. Chaos, meet Hall of Fame.
George Harrison & Tom Petty
If the Traveling Wilburys ever get their due, George and Tom would both join the triple ranks. Sure, it was a supergroup built on star power, but “Handle with Care” still handles our hearts.
Dr. Dre
He’s already halfway there with N.W.A. and solo work. Add a producer or label-founder induction for Aftermath or Death Row, and he’s in the conversation as the Hall’s first triple-threat from hip-hop.
Jack White
The White Stripes are already in; The Raconteurs and Dead Weather could make him a contender, especially with his prolific solo catalog. Vinyl purists would riot in celebration.
Clyde McPhatter
The original multi-inductee, in with The Drifters and solo. If Billy Ward and the Dominoes ever get recognized, he’d posthumously reclaim his crown as rock’s first true triple-timer.