CLEVELAND–The opening theme to Drew Carey’s sitcom The Drew Carey Show said it first:
“Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks!” Well, Cleveland, Ohio is getting ready to rock again as they prepare for the 2009 Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame taking place this spring. Over the last week, the nominees were announced: nine artists, with only five being chosen to be inducted this year.

The list of potential inductees range in cultural impact, musical influence, and genre: guitarist Jeff Beck, Disco band Chic, Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson, R&B and Doo-Wop act Little Anthony and the Imperials, Head-Bangers Metallica, Punk legends The Stooges, Hip Hop pioneers RUN DMC, 70’s funk band WAR, and singer Bobby Womack.

Artists find eligibility for nomination for the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after their first release. The twenty-fourth annual Induction to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame will take place April 4, 2009 at Cleveland’s Public Hall. Chosen inductees will be announced in January 2009, three months prior the event.

This year marks a historic time for the hall of fame event: it’s the first year that tickets will be available to the public. Tickets will be sold to museum members in advance, and a public sale will follow for all general tickets.

All tickets will be sold through www.ticketmaster.com.

For complete information about the ceremony, tickets, and information about the nominees visit http://www.rockhall.com/.