The nominees for next year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony are in, and Green Day, Nine Inch Nails, the late Lou Reed, and the Smiths are among the hopefuls. Also eligible for inclusion in the class of 2015? Sting, Chic, N.W.A, Kraftwerk, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, the Marvelettes, and more.
To qualify for entry into the Rock Hall, artists must have released their first recording at least 25 years prior to nomination — that means the magic number is 1989, the year that Green Day issued their debut EP, 1,000 Hours, and NIN unleashed their debut LP, Pretty Hate Machine, on the world. Reed and Sting had already joined the Hall of Fame as members of the Velvet Underground (in 1996) and the Police (in 2003), respectively, but this is an opportunity for them to be recognized for their solo careers.
Once again, fans have the chance to vote on the results, along with musicians, historians, and other industry figures. Head over to the Rock Hall website, Rolling Stone, or USA Today to shout-out your favorite acts; the five nominees with the most votes will comprise a “fan’s ballot.”
Inductees will be announced later this year, and the actual induction ceremony will take place in April 2015. Last year’s honorees included, of course, Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, KISS, and Linda Ronstadt. Find the full list of current nominees below.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2015 Nominees
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Chic
Green Day
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Kraftwerk
The Marvelettes
N.W.A.
Nine Inch Nails
Lou Reed
The Smiths
The Spinners
Sting
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Bill Withers
