The list includes never-before-eligible bands like Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine, both of whom released their first material in 1992. Of the 19 nominated artists, nine make the ballot for the first time, with the aforementioned bands joined by Eurythmics, Dire Straits, Judas Priest, Kate Bush, The Moody Blues, Nina Simone, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
More than 900 international rock historians, artists, and industry members will vote on the eventual inductees, with factors such as an artist’s influence on other musicians, length of career, and innovation taken into account on the ballot.
In addition to the experts, fans will get a chance to participate in the voting, with the five most fan-voted artists will count as “fan ballots” in this year’s ceremony. Fan voting will begin on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s website on Thursday, October 5, and will continue through December 5.
Even when taking all of the previously discussed factors into account, all judges are going to have to make some tough choices at the ballot box this year. Given the varied list of nominees — artists range from famed rappers like LL Cool J to ’80s dance pioneers like Depeche Mode — there are legitimate arguments to be made for each and every one of the nominees to make the Rock Hall’s induction ceremony in 2018.
The official list of inductees will be announced in December, with the induction ceremony taking place in Cleveland on April 14. The ceremony will once again be broadcast by HBO, with SiriusXM also carrying a live satellite radio broadcast of the event.
The full list of nominees includes:
- Bon Jovi
- Kate Bush
- The Cars
- Depeche Mode
- Dire Straits
- Eurythmics
- J. Geils Band
- Judas Priest
- LL Cool J
- MC5
- The Meters
- Moody Blues
- Radiohead
- Rage Against the Machine
- Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
- Nina Simone
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe
- Link Wray
- The Zombies
Be sure to check out our playlist highlighting all of the nominated artists below:
