Rush, Deep Purple finally nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Fame at last: Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush

Rush and Deep Purple have finally been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Iconic British outfit Purple have been eligible for entry for 20 years while the Canadians have been eligible for 15. Both had been ignored up until 2013′s shortlist, with the subject a common one among fans and media alike.

They’re nominated alongside Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Procol Harum, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Albert King, Kraftwerk, Randy Newman, Donna Summer, Public Enemy, NWA, Chic, the Marvelettes and the Meters.

Now 600 music industry professionals and experts will vote to decide which bands are to be inducted next year.

In an official statement Rush say: “We are honoured to be among the nominees for this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We are especially thrilled for the many, many dedicated fans to whom this nomination is so very important.”

In 2010 guitarist Alex Lifeson said: “I kinda like the status quo, where they don’t want us in there and we don’t really want to be there. it’s a good place to be.”

But drummer Neil Peart said the same year: “You know who it matters to? The fans. It would matter a lot to the fans for us to have that validation. It doesn’t matter to me. I’ve got the respect and success we’ve had and the opportunity to do exactly what we wanted for 35 years. Do we need them to make us feel better? No – not at all.”

Deep Purple were recently honoured by bands including Metallica and Iron Maiden, who contributed to a tribute album celebrating the 40th anniversary of their groundbreaking Machine Head record.

Former Purple member Glenn Hughes recently said of the Hall of Fame: “We know the people in charge and we know how they think. It’s become like a joke in a way. Gene Simmons will talk to me about it, and go on a rant and all, and he is exactly right. But I’m not gonna hold my breath. Deep Purple, Kiss, Yes, and especially Rush should obviously all be in.”

Hall of Fame chief exec Joel Peresman says: “The definition of ‘rock and roll’ means different things to different people, but as broad as the classifications may be, they all share a common love of the music.”

Bands become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first album. A public campaign to have Rush inducted has attracted over 40,000 signatures.