The nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2011 have been announced.

Among the list of first-time nominees are Eric B. & Rakim, Guns N " Roses, Heart, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, the Cure, Small Faces/Faces, The Spinners, Rufus with Chaka Khan and Freddie King. Returning nominees include the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer, Donovan, Laura Nyro and War.

Acts become eligible after 25 years since their first commercial release. 500 voters will select who makes the final cut in anticipation of April 14th, when the 27th annual ceremony is scheduled to take place in Cleveland, the hometown of the Hall of Fame.