ROCK HALL OF FAME PICKS AC/DC, CLASH, COSTELLO, POLICE AND RIGHTEOUS BROS.
AC/DC, The Clash, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, the Police and the Righteous Brothers make up the inductees for the 18th annual shindig, which once again will take place at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and air exclusively on VH1.
Said Executive Director Suzan Evans: "These inductees represent many influential genres of rock, including ‘60s soul, heavy metal and ‘70s English punk. The potential for historic performances is evident."
AC/DC are Australia's most popular heavy metal export, whose hit albums include Back in Black, with guitarist Angus Young's knickers perhaps their most identifiable feature, along with, of course, that perennial stadium favorite, "Hell's Bells."
The Clash brought punk, rockabilly, reggae and politics together as one of the leading lights of the late '70s British new wave explosion, with such mammoth works as London Calling and Sandanista!
Elvis Costello and the Attractions were another alum from the '70s British punk scene, though angry young man Costello matured into a prolific songwriter who collaborated with the likes of Burt Bacharach and avant-garde group Brodsky Quartet.
The Police combined world music and pop-rock to emerge as the first of the great post-punk bands, led by superstar Sting, whose solo career has been every bit as successful.
The Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, were a pair of Southern California doo-wop crooners whose string of hits included the Phil Spector-produced classic "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," along with Top 40 smashes like "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" and "Unchained Melody."
This year’s five inductees come from a longer list of nominees that included Sex Pistols, the Patti Smith Group, Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ABBA, the Dells and Steve Winwood.
Inductees in the "Sidemen" and "Non Performer" categories will be announced shortly.
If you’ll recall, HITS Sr. Editor Roy Trakin’s votes, in order, went to Patti Smith, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello, the Police, Black Sabbath, Kraftwerk and Chic, meaning just three of his picks made it.
