One of the oldest rock bands who are still together, KISS, has finally been given a nod to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
To be eligible, an artist or band must have released its first album or single at least 25 years prior. KISS first met that requirement in 1999, but have been curiously shunned until now.
The band will compete for the spot in history with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Genesis, The Hollies, LL Cool J and Jimmy Cliff, who are also nominees for the first time. Also being considered are ABBA, The Chantels, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, The Stooges and Donna Summer, who have all been nominated and passed by in previous years.
The deciding vote comes from more than 500 people who work in the music industry via a secret ballot. On March 15, 2010, 5 of the artists and/or bands will receive their spot during a ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be celebrating its 25th birthday this year with two concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden on October 29 and 30. A 9-DVD box set will also be available called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live, as well as a book entitled The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The First 25 Years.