Guns N' Roses, the Cure and Eric B & Rakim are among those nominated to be inducted next year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The long list of 15 artists will be whittled down to about five before an induction ceremony on 14 April in Cleveland, Ohio.
"Hope every one is having a great day," tweeted the DJ Eric B, after announcing news of his nomination. He and Rakim are one of nine first-time nominees for the Hall of Fame, joining artists including Heart, Joan Jett, the Faces and Rufus with Chaka Khan. The list also includes three-time nominees such as Beastie Boys and Laura Nyro, as well as disco queen Donna Summer, for whom this is her fourth nomination. "The 2012 nominees embody the broad scope of what 'rock'n'roll' means," said Hall of Fame CEO Joel Peresman. "From vocal groups to hip-hop, from singer-songwriters to hard rocking artists, this group represents the spirit of what we celebrate."
While it is considered a major honour for a group to be inducted into the 25-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for fans there is often the opportunity to wrangle bands into reunions. Cream, the Police and Talking Heads all re-formed for previous ceremonies. This year, the biggest question mark surrounds Guns N' Roses: if inducted, would Axl Rose and Slash finally bury the hatchet? Asked about it in 2008, Rose was ambivalent. "Never thought about that," he told the MyGNR fan forum. "In regards to joining others the price is too high and just not worth it." Slash was a little more positive, saying last year "If Axl, Duff, Izzy and myself start communicating, it could go one way. If we don't, God knows."
The full list of 2012 nominees
• This article was amended on 30 September 2011. The original said Eric B is a rapper. This has been corrected.
