Will the fifth time be the charm for Zack de la Rocha?
The 52-year-old Mexican American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper and activist and his Rage Against the Machine band mates are among this year’s nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Known for their songs, which express revolutionary political views, the band has sold more than 16 million records worldwide.
de la Rocha and rock band members are among 17 artists who received a nomination this year. They’re joined by Dolly Parton, Pat Benatar, Dionne Warwick, Judas Priest, Beck, Eminem, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, A Tribe Called Quest and Duran Duran, among others.
Musicians become eligible for the Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album. Rage Against the Machine has been eligible since 2017.
They were previously nominated in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, though the bids failed.
“This year’s ballot recognizes a diverse group of incredible artists, each who has had a profound impact on the sound of youth culture,” said John Sykes, head of the foundation that runs the Rock Hall, in a statement.
A roster of five to seven successful inductees will be announced in May, with the annual ceremony to be scheduled for later this year.
This year’s nominees are:
- A Tribe Called Quest
- Beck
- Pat Benatar
- Kate Bush
- Devo
- Duran Duran
- Eminem
- Eurythmics
- Fela Kuti
- Judas Priest
- MC5
- The New York Dolls
- Dolly Parton
- Rage Against the Machine
- Lionel Richie
- Carly Simon
- Dionne Warwick
Along with the official nominees, the Rock Hall today opened the annual “fan vote” balloting, available at the Rock Hall website. The five artists with the most votes by April 29 will be tallied with the Hall’s official ballots in selecting this year’s inductees.
Within several hours of the fan ballot opening, Pat Benatar, Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Eurythmics and Carly Simon held the top five spots, with Benatar in a significant lead.