The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced the 2018 class of inductees on Wednesday. Led by New Jersey’s rock band Bon Jovi, the class also includes Dire Straits, Nina Simone, the Cars and the Moody Blues. Besides these five performers, Sister Rosetta Tharpe will be recognized with an Award for Early Influence. Bon Jovi also received the most votes in a fan poll, more than a million, which translates to one vote in overall judging. The frontman of Bon Jovi, Jon Bon Jovi, is happy about the fact that his band is finally becoming a part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“I am humbled and I’m pleased.” He said to Billboard. “This is the stuff you dream about when you start making records. I think it’s that last great item on the bucket list. I jokingly say it’s gonna read great on my obituary, I just won’t be here to see it. But it gives me kind of a sense of closure.”
Since there were some changes in the band’s line up, most notably the departure of longtime guitarist Richie Sambora, he was also asked whether Bon Jovi could reunite in its classic formation.
“Oh yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Jon Bon Jovi confirmed. “(Sambora’s) absolutely invited to play along with Phil (X) and Hugh (McDonald) and Alec. I think it’s a celebration. This is not the tour; this is a one-off night that everybody should certainly show up with a smile and sing the songs.”
Bon Jovi became eligible for an induction in 2008, but they were only nominated once on previous occasions, in 2011. The band has released 13 albums so far, with the last being 2016’s This House Is Not for Sale.
The 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 14, 2018, in Cleveland.
