Kiss Finally Get Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Due with 2010 Induction Nod

For the last five years, it seems as though the entire Kiss Army lets out a collective grumble each fall, when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are announced for the coming year. Like the Moody Blues (who still aren't in the Hall) and Black Sabbath, who were ignored for years until their induction a few years back, Kiss always seemed to get ignored -- and the fans have responded in kind.

It's gotten to the point where the band's fans have launched letter-writing campaigns, and they've even picketed outside the Rock Hall in Cleveland, demanding that the mega-merchandisers get the recognition they so obviously deserve. The fans have argued that it's an outright insult to Kiss that acts like Madonna and Public Enemy are in the Hall and the masked metallers aren't.

It seems as though the Rock Hall nominating committee's wised up, because this morning, Kiss were among the nominees for the class of 2010, along with the likes of LL Cool J (huh?) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

A dozen acts in all are up for induction this coming March 15, and most, like Kiss and the Chili Peppers, are first-time nominees: rockers Genesis, reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, the Hollies and late songwriter Laura Nyro. Others nominated for the honor include disco diva Donna Summer, Darlene Love, ABBA, the Chantels, and Iggy Pop's legendary punk outfit the Stooges.

Of course, only five acts will make it in. Those inductees will be revealed this December, with the induction ceremony slated for New York City at the Waldorf Hotel.

Ballots will now be sent to more than 500 voters, who will the select artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, during what will be its 25th annual induction.