The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have announced the fifteen nominees for possible induction as their class of 2012. Among the group are nine first-time nominees along with six who are making another attempt at getting in.
Guns n Roses. Photo by Ros O'Gorman
Those nominated for the first time:
- Cure (eligible since 2003)
- Eric B. & Rakim (first year of eligibility)
- Guns N’ Roses (first year of eligibility)
- Heart (eligible since 2001)
- Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (eligible since 2005)
- Freddie King (eligible since 1981)
- Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan (eligible since 1999)
- Small Faces/Faces (eligible since 1991)
- Spinners (eligible since 1986)
Only two of the first-timers have been nominated in their first year of eligibility, Guns N’ Roses and Erik B. & Rakim. Artists can be nominated 25 years after the release of their first commercial record. Others who began their recording careers in 1986 but were passed over include Bob Geldof, Bobby Brown, Bruce Hornsby, Crowded House, Guided by Voices, Poison, Salt N Pepa, Soundgarden, They Might Be Giants and Yo La Tengo.
Those that have been previously nominated:
- Beastie Boys (previously nominated for class of 2008, 2011)
- Donovan (2011)
- Laura Nyro (2010, 2011)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers (2010)
- Donna Summer (2008, 2010, 2011)
- War (2009)
Once again, some major acts that have been touted for many years by the fans as deserving members have been left out including Rush, KISS, the Moody Blues, Chicago, Emerson Lake & Palmer and the Monkees.
“The 2012 Nominees embody the broad scope of what ‘rock and roll’ means,” said Joel Peresman, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “From vocal groups to hip hop, from singer-songwriters to hard rocking artists, this group represents the spirit of what we celebrate at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
The ballots listing the fifteen names will be sent out to over 500 voters from which the top five vote receivers will be named and inducted on Saturday, April 14 in Cleveland.
After the cut are the biographies for each of the fifteen nominees as released by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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