Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces nominations

Nominations for induction into the Rock and Roll in 2012 were released, and it's an interesting list.

Ballots will be distributed to more than 500 voters who will choose the artists to be introduced to rock and roll this year.

The nominees are:

Beastie Boys
Cure
Donovan
Eric B. & Rakim
Guns' N Roses
heart
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Freddie King
Laura Nyro
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rufus with Chaka Khan
Small Faces / Faces
Spinners
Donna Summer
war

"2012 Nominees embody a broad framework of what rock 'n' roll" means, "said JoelPeresman, president and CEO of Rock and Roll Foundation.

According to a press release to be eligible for nomination, "an individual artist or groupmust have released their first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination." This means that in 2012, candidates must have released their first recordno later than 1986. (Sorry, Justin Bieber, check back in 2034.)

Winners will be announced April 14, 2012, at the 27th annual ceremony of induction, which was held in Cleveland, Ohio.