Rush fans have a reason to celebrate this week with the announcement of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 nominees.  This is the first year that the Canadian rock trio have received a nomination in spite of being eligible since 1993.

To be eligible for nomination an individual or group must have released their first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination.  This year’s nominees must have released their first single or album no later than 1987.  This certainly isn’t an issue for Rush who released their debut album in 1974.  However, even though they have 24 gold records and 14 platinum records (three of which have gone multi-platinum) – following close behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Kiss – they have not yet been inducted.  In a lecture at Allentown Art Museum back in March, Hall of Fame President Terry Stewart said that one of the most frequent criticisms that the Hall receives is over the lack of induction of Rush and Kiss.

Other nominees included on this year’s ballot are Heart, Deep Purple, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Chic, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Albert King, Kraftwerk, The Marvelettes, The Meters, Randy Newman, N.W.A., Procol Harum, Public Enemy and Donna Summer.

What makes this year so exciting is that, for the first time ever, fans will have a say in who will make the final cut!  From now until December 5, members of the general public can cast their vote at several different sites, including Rockhall.com, to help boost their favorite artists’ chance of induction.  The five individuals or groups that receive the most votes will be counted as a special “fans’ ballot” alongside the international voting body, which is made up of more than 600 artists, historians and industry members.

Who do you think deserves to be inducted this year?  Let us know in the comments section below and don’t forget to cast your vote at Rockhall.com!