R.E.M.
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Eddie Vedder and Jay-Z are among the artists who have signed on to induct this year's class into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 12 in New York City. Vedder will induct R.E.M., while the Hova will induct Hip-Hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Marking his return to the public eye with the impending Rage Against The Machine reunion, frontman Zach de la Rocha will induct Patti Smith. Keith Richards will be on hand for the induction of girl group The Ronnettes.Most interestingly, Velvet Revolver will collectively induct Van Halen, and with the current uncertain status in the VH camp, rumors are flying that they will not even perform at the ceremony. Instead, Velvet Revolver are expected to perform a set of Van Halen songs in their steed.
In related VR news, frontman Scott Weiland spoke to MTV News about their new album, Libertad, and promised a short, warm-up tour in the States close to its release. "Then we're going to South America and Europe, then back for a big American tour at the end of the summer," he added.
Additionally, Aretha Franklin will pay tribute to the late Ahmet Ertegun, who had been the Chairman of the Hall of the Fame.
The ceremony will also air live on VH1 Classic for the first time ever, with a two-hour edited version airing on VH1 on Saturday, March 17. AOL Music is also slated to offer extensive live coverage of the ceremony online, with archived segments available to watch on-demand.
