The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its nominees for 2013, and the group might just be the most diverse yet. The acts that have been selected this time around include many that don’t fit traditional definitions of “rock and roll” — including not only hip hop groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A., but also Kraftwerk, who the Guardian notes would be “the first all-synthesiser group to join the assorted grizzled legends of the Hall of Fame.” Also on the list are Chic and Donna Summer, who were nominated but not inducted in 2011, and ’70s funk stars The Meters.
But don’t worry, Rolling Stone readers — the list still features quite a few rock stars. Both Heart and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts return after frustratingly unsuccessful 2012 nominations. As for the rest of the rock and roll field, from which last year’s nominees The Cure are conspicuously absent? Unless you’re big into prog — Deep Purple! Rush! Procol Harum! — it’s not a particularly inspiring bunch. Sorry, purists, but this year we’re hoping the Rock Hall of Fame puts innovation ahead of genre loyalty. See the whole list of nominees below and share your gripes in the comments.
2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees:
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band Chic Deep Purple Heart Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Albert King Kraftwerk The Marvelettes The Meters Randy Newman N.W.A. Procol Harum Public Enemy Rush Donna Summer