As next year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Appetite For Destruction, there's been much speculation over whether or not Guns N' Roses would be a first-ballot selection for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or even garner a nomination in their first year of eligibility. (Their eligility actually comes from the release of Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide in 1986.)
At least part of that speculation can be laid to rest, as GNR heads up this year's class of nominees. Other first-time nominees include: Heart, the Cure, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the Spinners, Eric B. and Rakim, the Small Faces/Faces, Rufus with Chaka Khan and Freddy King.
Returning to the ballot will be, among others, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys.
The induction ceremony for the chosen acts will take place in April of next year.
Of course, Guns' nomination only leads to another line of speculation: will the original lineup perform at the induction ceremony if they do make the cut?
Asked about the possibility before GNR's nomination was made official, Slash had this to say: "We'll cross that bridge when we get there ... If they're gonna pass you over, I don't think it's worth worrying about too much."
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Josh Hart is a former web producer and staff writer for Guitar World and Guitar Aficionado magazines (2010–2012). He has since pursued writing fiction under various pseudonyms while exploring the technical underpinnings of journalism, now serving as a senior software engineer for The Seattle Times.
“We really had to think about it, bro. Do you think we wanted to take the grief we took, and end up in a lawsuit? But what were we supposed to do?” Nikki Sixx reflects on Mötley Crüe's decision to oust Mick Mars
“In Guitar Center, people would think I was playing for the first time – but I promise you, my band makes better music than 80% of them”: Meet Chat Pile, the sludge metallers shouting down the “tone lords” and “goobers” ruining guitar culture