Ladies, gents, and music lovers of all ages, it’s time to welcome the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2020!
On Wednesday (Jan. 15), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame formally announced this year’s inductees, and it’s definitely a diverse list.
In a surprising twist, a slew of first-time nominees earned positions in the hall of fame, including the Doobie Brothers, the Notorious B.I.G., T. Rex, and Whitney Houston.
For Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode, third time’s the charm as they also join the list of inductees for the 35th annual event.
The Dave Matthews Band won the fan ballot but sadly did not make the final cut once again confirming just because the fans like it, doesn’t mean the industry insiders do.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the 2020 nominees in October with several return nominees. This year marked the sixth time Kraftwerk had been nominated, the fifth time for MC5, the fourth for Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, and the second for Judas Priest and Todd Rundgren.
Jon Landau (longtime industry manager who helped guide Bruce Springsteen’s career) and Irving Azoff (the Eagles’ personal manger) will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award at this year’s event.
The Ahmet Ertegun Award “honors songwriters, producers, disc jockeys, record executives, journalists, and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on rock and roll.”
For an artist to be eligible to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, their first recording must have been released at least 25 years ago.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2020 Induction Ceremony will take place at Public Auditorium in Cleveland on May 2. The show will broadcast live on HBO at 8 p.m. ET.
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Feb. 27. Performances and special guests will be announced at a later date.
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