Metallica, Run-DMC headed for Hall of Fame

CLEVELAND, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Metallica, Run-D.M.C. and Bobby Womack are to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, organizers said.

The announcement of the 2009 inductees was made Wednesday by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.

The April 4 induction ceremony is to take place in Cleveland, home of the Hall of Fame. This will be the first time since 1997 that it is held in this city.

The gala is to be broadcast live on Fuse TV as part of a new three-year broadcast deal between the foundation and Fuse.

For the first time in the event's history, tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be accessible to the public as well as to invited guests.

"This year's class of inductees truly represents what the Hall of Fame is all about. From classic artists that began their careers in the 50s and 60s to those that have defined the modern sound of rock and roll," Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President and CEO Joel Peresman said in a statement. "These artists demonstrate the rich diversity of rock 'n' roll itself. We are proud to honor these artists and celebrate their contribution to rock 'n' roll's place in our culture."

Also to be honored are early influence category inductee Wanda Jackson and sideman category inductees Bill Black, D.J. Fontana and Spooner Oldham.