Guest Author - Chris Curtis
The 2003 Inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was recently announced. The induction ceremony is scheduled for March 10, 2003 at the Waldorf Astoria, NYC. The taped show will be aired exclusively on VH1.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was established in 1983 to recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact on the evolution, development and perpetuation of rock and roll. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. Nominees are selected by a nominating committee and are elected by an international voting body of about 1,000 rock experts. Five to seven performers are inducted annually.
AC/DC-Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd, Bon Scott, Mark Evans
This Australian Heavy Metal band formed in November 1973. The band first hit the music scene with the release of High Voltage (Australia) in February 1975, followed by Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap in 1976. Baby Please Don't Go was their first hit. Since their debut album, AC/DC has release 26 LPs over a 27 year run. It remains to be seen whether AC/DC will appear at the induction ceremonies, as they have traditionally boycotted awards ceremonies.
The Clash-Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Nicky "Topper" Headon, Joe Strummer, Tory Crimes
This British band emerged at the forefront of the British Punk Rock movement and made it's mark on rock and roll history from 1977 to 1985. In recent times, the band has released a critically acclaimed album "Burning London" in 1998 and the three founding members produced a documentary film "Westway To The World" hailed as the best film ever made about the clash. A live CD, titled "From Here to Eternity" is expected to be released simultaneously with the film.
Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Elvis Costello, Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas, Bruce Thomas
Starting out with a Punk Rock genre in 1977, Costello has shown widely diversified creativity ranging from Country Western, to Jazz, to Classical, to Pop. The highly successful debut album "My Aim Is True", produced three major hits, "Alison", "Less then Zero", and "My Aim is True". Aside from his solo work, Costello has released 10 studio albums with the Attractions. The most recent release in 2002 "When I was Cruel" is gaining wide audience acceptance.
The Police-Stewart Copeland, Sting, Andy Summers
With an underlying jazz style, The Police released five critically acclaimed albums between 1977 and 1983. Although, The Police emerged during the Brittish Punk scene, the bands style was truly not punk. The first Police album, Outlandos d'Amour, released November 1978, included "Message in a Bottle" and "Roxanne". Their final album Synchronicity, released in 1983, lauded as the final evolution of their sound, was their greatest commercial success.
Righteous Brothers – Bill Medley, Bobby Hatfield
The Righteous Brothers with the raspy soulful style have been enduring icons of "Blue Eyed Soul". Splitting in 1968, each pursued successful solo careers but have reunited periodically in concert. Renewed interest in their music was sparked by the Ghost soundtrack featuring "Unchained Melody". The Righteous Brothers earn their placement in the Rock Hall of Fame with a unique style unequaled.
