Rush were recently among the first-time nominees announced for possible induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame’s Class of 2013.
Rush have been eligible for the Rock Hall since 1998; artists are considered for inclusion 25 years after the release of their first recording.
"I'm really happy for the Rush fans who feel that it is really important, and I hope we're inducted for their sake," guitarist Alex Lifeson tells NorthJersey.com. "Personally it never really mattered to me, but at the same time it's nice to be nominated."
Lifeson said induction into the Rock Hall in Cleveland would not compare to the band's having received one of the prestigious Governor General's Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in March, the highest honor bestowed on artists by the Canadian government.
"The acknowledgement we got from the Canadian government, and by extension Canadians, is very dear to us," Lifeson said. "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is more a popularity contest."
The Cleveland-based Hall announced a list of 15 artists for the 2013 honors, including Deep Purple, Heart, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and a dozen others.
A group of 600 artists, music historians and members of the industry will choose the 5 performer inductees; the results will be announced in mid-December.
The 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Thursday, April 18, 2013.
Rush are currently touring North America in support of their 20th studio album, “Clockwork Angels.”
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