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R.E.M., Van Halen Get Rock Hall of Fame Nods

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the nominees for its Class of 2007, and as usual, it was a mix of old favorites, a few surprises and, many would argue, some shocking omissions.

Only three acts received first-time nominations, including "alternative rock" pioneers R.E.M., who according to Rock Hall rules only became eligible this year (acts must wait 25 years from the release of their first album or single before being considered). The other two newcomers are rockers Van Halen and Motown-era girl group The Ronettes, best-known for Phil Spector-produced hits like "Be My Baby."

Rounding out this year's nominees are proto-punk legends The Stooges and Patti Smith; '60s British invasion rockers the Dave Clark Five; disco stalwarts Chic; hip-hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five; and Joe Tex, a '60s soul singer widely regarded as a major influence on early rap acts.

Among the groups snubbed again are '70s makeup rockers KISS, despite the best efforts of their "Kiss Army" fans, who even staged a rally outside the Rock Hall in August.

Of the nine nominees, only five will be inducted to the hall in 2007. Those inductees will be announced in January.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
10.30.06