Rush join a select group of artists short-listed as 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees.
According to a release posted today (10/4/12) at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's official website, the legendary Canuck power trio, ignored for years by the Cleveland institution, have finally received their first nomination.
"We are honoured to be among the nominees for this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," the band said in a statement posted on their official website. "We are especially thrilled for the many, many dedicated Rush fans to whom this nomination is so very important."
Formed in 1968, the "In the Mood" hitmakers have notched up 24 gold records, 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records, and rank 3rd in most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band, prestigiously seated only behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for this achievement.
The band, consisting of Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, have won numerous awards both individually for musicianship, and as a band, having been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and, honoured as "Living Legends" at the 2010 Classic Rock Awards to name but a few.
Yet, despite these numerous accolades and accomplishments, Rush had been consistently overlooked by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since their year of eligibility in 1998 ? until now.
The Toronto, ON natives join an eclectic group of nominees that includes Heart, Deep Purple, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Procol Harum, Albert King, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Meters, Chic, Randy Newman, The Marvelettes, Kraftwerk, Donna Summer, Public Enemy, and N.W.A.
The final induction decisions will fall to 600 Hall of Fame voters and, for the very first time, the public can vote as well.
You can cast a vote for your five favourite artists at www.rockhall.com.
It's interesting to note that Rush is currently well in the lead in the Hall of Fame online fan poll, holding 28% of the vote ? nearly double the votes of next runner up Deep Purple (15%) and well ahead of third place Heart (13%).
Did you know? Rush will wrap up the Canadian leg of their "Clockwork Angels" world tour with a 2-night stand on October 14 and 16 in Toronto at Air Canada Centre.