The 1980s rap act, along with Metallica and the Stooges, are nominated for
next year's hall of fame class, the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
announced yesterday.
There are nine nominees in all that also include guitarist Jeff Beck, singer
Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, War, Bobby Womack, and disco
and R&B group Chic, the only nominee back from last year's ballot.
After more than a decade-long absence as being held in New York, the ceremony
is returning to Cleveland, Ohio, and tickets will be made available to the
public for the first time, the foundation added.
The five winners will be announced in January and inducted into the Hall on
April 4, 2009, in Cleveland.
Last year, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five knocked on the Rock Hall
door for rap as the first hip-hop act to be inducted. Now, Run-D.M.C., nominated
in the first year of its eligibility, has the chance to follow on the bases of
rock and rap blends such as the 1986 cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" and
classics like "It's Tricky" and "My Adidas."
Stirring the heavy metal wave in the '80s, Metallica now is still selling out
arenas after 25 years as it released "Death Magnetic" this month. The "Death
Magnetic" is regarded by many in the U.S. music industry as a comeback of
Metallica's early speed metal days.
The Stooges appeared on the ballot two years ago. This time, they get a new
shot as they were recently given props in the film "Juno."
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bon Jovi were not on the ballot as both became
eligible for the first time. To be nominated an act must have released its first
single or album 25 years prior.
More than 500 musicians, musical professionals and journalists cast vote on
the inductions.