Rush has ended its 14-year shut-out for nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, finally making it on the list of nominees for the first time since they became eligible in 1998. In addition to Rush, 2013 nominees include Deep Purple, Heart, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Procol Harum, Albert King, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, the Meters, Chic, Randy Newman, the Marvelettes, Kraftwerk, Donna Summer, Public Enemy, and N.W.A.
For the first time in its history, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will offer fans the opportunity to officially participate in the induction selection process. Starting now through December 3, the public can vote for the five nominees they believe to be most deserving of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2013 inductees. Not surprisingly (go, hard rockers!), Rush, Deep Purple, Heart and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts top the list (in that order) at the time of this writing.