Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys Lead Class of 2012 for Rock Hall of Fame
The inductees for the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are ironically a little younger than those in years past. Grand Rapids native Anthony Kiedis and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N' Roses and the Beastie Boys are among the artists who will get their day to shine this April in Cleveland.
They will be joined by the late singer/songwriter Laura Nyro, The Small Faces and their Rod Stewart/Ronnie Wood-led offshoot Faces. Unfortunately, my favorite band The Cure did not receive enough votes to get in the shrine next year, nor did female rock icon Joan Jett and hip-hop pioneers Eric B. & Rakim.
Chili Peppers bassist Flea posted on the band's website about the HOF announcement.
"We are getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," Flea wrote. "I am not usually one to get to excited about awards or accolades, but about this one I am very excited indeed."
Flea continues: "To be recognized this way seems especially full and profound. It makes me think about Hillel Slovak, without whom we would have never existed, and who created with us the foundation of our sound. He directly influences everything we have ever done. What he did with us in our early years is the blueprint of what we are. This would have meant a lot to him, and I love him so much. And of course, the mighty Jack Irons, our other founding member, who fortunately, is here to enjoy this moment with us."
Flea also thanked long-time guitarist John Frusciante, who left the band in late 2009 to pursue different interests.
The big story will most likely be whether or not the original GN'R lineup will reform for one night to accept their honor. Frontman Axl Rose has made no secret about his disdain for former guitarist Slash. From suing the makers of Guitar Hero to tweeting outright that the Use Your Illusion-era members will never get together. Slash himself has said that he would be open to the idea of returning to his old band if Rose called him up and apologized.
All hope is not lost, however. Rose invited former bassist Duff McKagan to join the current incarnation of Guns N' Roses onstage last year. The two were staying at the same hotel in London and reconnected after a chance encounter. McKagan stated in the past that he regretted the cameo because he didn't want to give fans false hope about a possible reunion.
The Beastie Boys will hopefully take the stage at the ceremony for the first time since Adam "MCA" Yauch's bout with cancer. They hip-hop trio released their eighth studio album, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2, back in May.
The induction ceremony will take place April 14 at Cleveland's Public Hall. The event is open to the public, but HBO will air the celebration in May for those that can't make it according to Rolling Stone.
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