The 1980s rap act, along with Metallica and the Stooges, are nominated for next year's hall of fame class, the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced Monday.

There are nine nominees in all that also include guitarist Jeff Beck, singer Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, War, Bobby Womack, and disco and R&B group Chic, the only nominee back from last year's ballot.

After more than a decade-long absence as being held in New York, the ceremony is returning to Cleveland, Ohio, and tickets will be made available to the public for the first time, the foundation added.

The five winners will be announced in January and inducted into the Hall on April 4, 2009, in Cleveland.

Last year, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five knocked on the Rock Hall door for rap as the first hip-hop act to be inducted. Now, Run-D.M.C., nominated in the first year of its eligibility, has the chance to follow on the bases of rock and rap blends such as the 1986 cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" and classics like "It's Tricky" and "My Adidas."

Stirring the heavy metal wave in the '80s, Metallica now is still selling out arenas after 25 years as it released "Death Magnetic" this month. The "Death Magnetic" is regarded by many in the U.S. music industry as a comeback of Metallica's early speed metal days.

The Stooges appeared on the ballot two years ago. This time, they get a new shot as they were recently given props in the film "Juno."

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bon Jovi were not on the ballot as both became eligible for the first time. To be nominated an act must have released its first single or album 25 years prior.

More than 500 musicians, musical professionals and journalists cast vote on the inductions.

(Xinhua/Agencies September 24, 2008)