Rush, Deep Purple Among The Rock Hall 2013 Nominees

Rush and Deep Purple are among 15 finalists for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's Class Of 2013. 

For the first time, the public gets to vote alongside the artists, historians and music industry insiders of the Rock Hall voting body. From now until December 5, fans can vote on RollingStone.com for the nominees they'd like to see inducted. The top five acts will comprise a "fan's ballot" that will count as one of the more than 600 ballots that determine the Class Of 2013. The results will be announced in mid-December.



In an official statement, Rush said: "We are honored to be among the nominees for this year's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. We are especially thrilled for the many, many dedicated fans to whom this nomination is so very important."

In a June 2012 interview with RollingStone.com, Alex Lifeson was asked how he felt about having yet to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame:

"Honestly, we really, really don't care about it.(...) It's someone's thing, and they can do whatever they want with it. They can have whomever they like. It's their thing."

He continued: "Look, there are a lot of other bands that should be in there before we should be in there... If the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame doesn't want us in there, that's fine. I don't care. It really, really doesn't matter at the end of the day. It's probably better left the way it is. There's more controversy for them and for us."

Speaking to VintageRock.com, Ian Gillan recently stated about the possibility of one day being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame:

"You've got to take this with great respect. We don't have anything like that where we come from, over in Europe or anywhere else. It's an American thing. It's so completely different. (...) I honestly can't tell you whether or not we should be there or not. It could be because of the fragmented nature of the band that they wouldn't know how to deal with it."

Glenn Hughes recently said of the Hall Of Fame:

"We know the people in charge and we know how they think. It's become like a joke in a way. Gene Simmons will talk to me about it, and go on a rant and all, and he is exactly right. But I'm not gonna hold my breath. Deep Purple, KISS, Yes and especially Rush should obviously all be in."

Nominees for the 2013 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame:

• Albert King
• Chic
• Deep Purple
• Donna Summer
• Heart
• Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
• Kraftwerk
• The Marvelettes 
• The Meters
• N.W.A.
• Paul Butterfield Blues Band
• Procul Harum
• Public Enemy
• RandyNewman
• Rush