The nominees for the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced on Wednesday with nine of the 19 acts receiving their first-ever nods—Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nina Simone, Eurythmics, Kate Bush, Judas Priest, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Moody Blues, and Dire Straits.
The Rock and Roll Hall Foundation also nominated Bon Jovi, the Cars, Depeche Mode, the J. Geils Band, LL Cool J, MC5, The Meters, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Link Wray, and The Zombies. Several of these acts have been nominated multiple times, including the J. Geils Band (five times), LL Cool J (four times) and The Cars (three times).
Nominees are eligible for induction 25 years after they release their debut album. In addition to demonstrating superior musical talent and skill, the inductees must also have had “a significant impact on the development, evolution, and preservation of rock & roll,” according to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame website.
Judas Priest tweeted: “We are very proud to be on the inductees’ nomination list for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!” The metal band is releasing their 18th album next year.
This past summer, Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien told Rolling Stone he didn’t care if his band was inducted: “It seems very show-biz and I’m not very show-biz. We haven’t even been asked. I don’t want to be rude. But if you ask me what I’d rather be doing that night, I’d rather be sitting at home in front of the fire or going to a gig.” Several other members of the band agreed with his sentiments, although bassist Colin Greenwood said he’d “be grateful” if they got in.
In 2016, rapper and producer Chuck D was a big advocate for LL Cool J landing the honor. Rap acts including N.W.A. and Tupac Shakur had already been recognized for their contributions to the music scene, and the former Public Enemy star believed LL Cool J was even more deserving of the honor.
He tweeted: “There AINT a solo rap act that should get in the RRHOF before @llcoolj I don’t care what naysayers think.”
He added, “When @llcoolj entered the rap game there was NOTHING close the blizzard he came in the game with. 1 dude rearranged records & performance.”
Over 900 artists, historians, and others involved in the music industry decide who gets inducted. Fans are also able to vote and can weigh in at rockhall.com/vote. The five nominees with the most votes are bestowed with the honor.
The finalists will be revealed in December and honored on April 14, 2018, at The 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio.
