Phil Collins was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of Genesis, but he is still unable to be inducted as a solo artist.

On paper, Collins is certainly right. He has released eight studio albums, sold more than 150 million records worldwide, won eight Grammys and even has an Oscar in his trophy case. Despite these successes, he has never appeared in a Rock Hall election as a solo artist.

“It came up so often in meetings,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, admitted in a recent conversation vulture. “What happens to great artists like Phil Collins, and I could name four or five more, is that sometimes the committee says, ‘He’s already in Genesis.'” We have such a backlog of people who sometimes have to join in with great ones Solo artists like Phil can’t take part in the vote because there’s someone who isn’t there in any capacity.”

“No Excuse” Phil Collins is out of the Rock Hall twice

Although Sykes’ claim has some weight, it is not entirely understandable. There are 27 musicians who have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame more than once, a list that includes such lauded stars as Stevie Nicks, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Grohl and Eric Clapton (the only one to be inducted three times). The “you’re already in” argument didn’t stop these rockers, so why did Collins ban it?

READ MORE: 27 rock stars have been inducted into the Hall of Fame more than once

“What I’m saying right now is that’s not an excuse not to hire Phil Collins because he’s a great artist,” Sykes admitted, alluding to how competitive the nominations are each year. “I’m a voter and I really believe Sting should be there as a solo artist. I have nominated him many times and am the chairman. This shows that this is not a backroom organization where decisions are made by a few people. People vote on these things and they fight like hell. So I think Phil deserves it.”