Artists are eligible for induction 25 years after their debut record was released. The list once again includes Black Sabbath, who have been passed over numerous times by the Rock Hall voters. (This is the band’s 7th year of eligibility). 

Former Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, called the (c)Rock Hall “meaningless” in 1999 and asked that Black Sabbath be taken off the ballot. 

Osbourne wrote a letter to the Rock Hall in October of 1999 that said in part, "Just take our name off the list. Save the ink. Forget about us. The nomination is meaningless, because it's not voted on by the fans. It's voted on by the supposed elite for the industry and the Media, who've never bought an album or concert ticket in their lives, so their vote is irrelevant to me." Osbourne added, "Let's face it, BLACK SABBATH has never been media darlings. We're a people's band and that suits us just fine." 

Black Sabbath will be joined on this year’s ballot by Prince, George Harrison, John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, The Sex Pistols, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. The latter four have been passed over for induction in previous years. 

Winners are expected to be announced in December and will inducted during a (ultra-un-rock n roll) black-tie ceremony in March of next year. (Imagine The Sex Pistols in black tie? shudders)

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