Courtesy of Rock & Roll Hall of FameThe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame finally wants Bon Jovi — alive, rather than dead.
The band has been eligible for induction into the Rock Hall since 2009 but only made the ballot once before this year. In 2017, they not only made the ballot, but they easily topped the online fan poll of nominees. That gave teh New Jersey rockers more weight going into the final ballot, and Wednesday morning, they were officially announced as inductees into the Rock Hall’s Class of 2018.
Frontman Jon Bon Jovi is pretty excited about the news — he’s posted a video online thanking fans for their help in getting the band the honor.
“Thanks for inducting us into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Long time coming but it’s finally here!” he said. “We’ll see you guys in Cleveland, and thanks for all the memories and all the history we continue to make together.”
Guitarist Richie Sambora, who is no longer with Bon Jovi but who will be inducted alongside his former band mates, released a separate statement, saying, in part, “It’s certainly an honor to be recognized…and I am thinking about all of my heroes and my peers that have been inducted before me — it’s great to be in that queue. It is the best feeling.”
The year’s other inductees include Dire Straits, The Moody Blues, The Cars, the late Nina Simone and, in the early influence category, the late gospel/R&B artist Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
The 33rd annual Rock Hall induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Public Auditorium in Cleveland.
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