Guns N’ Roses, the Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Heart and several other legendary musicians have become the newest nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, reports Rolling Stone.
In order to qualify for the 2012 ballot, musicians had to release their first single or album in or before 1986. The finalists will now be decided by popular vote, with the winners earning their own entry into the famous museum.
"The 2012 Nominees embody the broad scope of what ‘rock & roll’ means," said Hall of Fame CEO and president Joel Peresman. "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."
Eric B. and Rakim, the Spinners, Freddy King, the Small Faces/Faces, and Rufus with Chaka Khan are all first time nominees this year, while Beastie Boys, War, Donovan, and Laura Nyro are returning to the ballot for another go.