*The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the 19 nominees for its 2018 class this morning, nine of which are receiving first-time nods – including Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
LL Cool J and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan made the cut again, alongside return nominees Bon Jovi, Depeche Mode, The Cars, J. Geils Band and The MC5, among others.
According to a press release, the Hall will again offer fans the opportunity to participate in the induction selection process. Beginning today (Oct. 5) and continuing through 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 5, 2017, fans can visit rockhall.com/vote to cast votes for the artists they believe to be most deserving of induction. The top five vote getters will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2018 inductees. Fans will need to login with a Facebook account or email to vote. Voting is capped at one ballot per day.
Ballots will be sent to an international voting body of more than 900 artists, historians and members of the music industry. Factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 Inductees will be announced in December 2017, and the ceremony will be held at Public Auditorium in Cleveland on April 14, 2018. HBO will once again broadcast the ceremony, with airdate details and ticket information to be announced at a later date.
Below is the complete list of nominees(with an asterisk added for first-timers):
Bon Jovi
Kate Bush*
The Cars
Depeche Mode
Dire Straits*
Eurythmics*
J. Geils Band
Judas Priest*
LL Cool J
The MC5
The Meters
Moody Blues*
Radiohead*
Rage Against the Machine*
Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
Nina Simone*
Sister Rosetta Tharpe*
Link Wray
The Zombies
