R&RHOF noms

CLASS ACTS: The cutoff point for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame eligibility is now at 1989; thus we’re seeing Green Day, Nine Inch Nails and The Smiths among the just-announced nominees for 2015 induction. Bill Withers is the other first-time nominee in a field that also includes Kraftwerk, N.W.A., Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Marvelettes, Chic, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The Spinners, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, War, Sting and one Lou Reed, up for his second induction after entering the Rock Hall as the leader of The Velvet Underground. This year's ballot, R&RHOF head Joel Peresman tells USA Today, "represents a broad, diverse group of artists and demonstrates how rock & roll has evolved over the years." You’ve gotta figure Green Day and Lou are automatic, but it’s anybody’s guess who else stands the best chance of getting enough votes from the 700-odd tastemakers who fill out ballots. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a fans’ ballot that will be tallied along with the other ballots. More on that here. Let the outcry begin. (10/9a)