Guns N’ Roses, Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys Among 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class will feature three bands that have helped shape rock music over the past 25 years -- Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys were all announced as inductees today (Dec. 7). The ceremony will take place April 14 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland.
The most interesting aspect of the induction ceremony will be whether the original members of Guns N' Roses share the stage in any capacity -- either during their speech or for a performance.
In a recent interview with Billboard.com, even guitarist Slash admitted he had no idea what will happen. "Of course, you have those thoughts of how it might work … but with Guns N' Roses, there’s really no guessing exactly how it will go,” he explained. “I suppose if it happens, everybody will get some sort of ducks in order."
The induction ceremony should be smoother for Red Hot Chili Peppers, who will likely be joined by former guitarist John Frusciante at the event. Hopefully, he'll accompany the Chili Peppers onstage for a performance of their classic hits.
And for Beastie Boys, the ceremony should mark the first significant public appearance by the hip-hop rockers since Adam Yauch (aka MCA) announced he was battling cancer in 2009.
Also making the cut as inductees this year are classic rockers Faces / Small Faces and late singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, as well as late blues performer Freddie King and a handful of producers.
Among the nominees who did not make the cut for the 2012 class of inductees are the Cure, Heart and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
The April 14 induction ceremony will be televised in early May on HBO.