Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond to enter Rock Hall

Darlene Love, Dr. John, Tom Waits also to be inducted on March 14

Joel Ryan / AP file

Alice Cooper pioneered the use of theatrics in rock, but he and his group had been snubbed by the hall since becoming eligible in 1994 — the 25th anniversary of their first release.

By Andy Greene

Rolling Stone

updated 12/15/2010 10:34:34 AM ET

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The votes are in and next year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class will include Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Darlene Love and Dr. John. Leon Russell will be receive The Award For Musical Excellence (formerly the sideman category) and industry legends Jac Holzman and Art Rupe will both receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The ceremony will be held March 14 at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel and it will be broadcast live on Fuse.

Artists are eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first single or LP. All of this year's inductees, however, started in the 1960s — with the lone exception of Tom Waits, who released his first LP Closing Time in 1973.

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Dr. John was 'surprised' by the news

Love feels that the long wait was well worth it. "I was on my way to Atlantic City in a limo when I got the call," she says. "I started screaming and I thought, 'I sure hope the driver doesn't think that my husband's trying to kill me.' I was laughing and crying at the same time."

Darlene Love says she's on cloud nine

The ceremony falls right in the middle of Neil Diamond's Australian tour in March. Nothing is set yet, but Diamond hopes to re-shuffle some dates so he can make it. "I'll get in somehow," he says. "They are working on the details right now. I 'm very hopeful it'll work out because I don't want to miss this ... Any club that has Chuck Berry and Little Richard and The Everly Brothers is a club that I want to be a part of."

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Neil Diamond feels 'very lucky'

When Alice Cooper got the news he immediately called his former bandmates in the original Alice Cooper band. "I said 'Well, remember when we started in high school?" he says. "Here we are. It only took 45 years."

Alice Cooper 'elated' when he got the news

Cooper plans on performing with the band, something he's only done a handful of times since they broke up in 1976. "We're trying to figure out if we do 'School's Out,' do we send balloons of confetti into the audience?" he says. "I doubt there'll be a snake there though...If you look at the list of past inductees it's all of my heroes, from Pete Townshend to The Yardbirds to The Beatles to The Stones. It's everybody that we listened to in order to become Alice Cooper, so it's pretty amazing that those are the same people that actually voted for us."

Story: Neil Diamond: an unlikely pop icon

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Photos: Living legends of rock

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Aerosmith
The band's unique style, rooted in blues-based hard rock, incorporates elements of pop, heavy metal, glam and R&B, which has inspired legions of rock artists that came after them. Lead singer Steven Tyler and the rest of the band have enjoyed hits in the '70s ("Dream On"), '80s ("Dude (Looks Like A Lady)"), '90s ("Janie's Got A Gun") and beyond. (Frank Micelotta / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Bruce Springsteen
"The Boss" is best known for his brand of heartland rock infused with pop hooks, poetic lyrics and Americana centered around his native New Jersey. His unique style of expressing ordinary, everyday problems has earned him numerous awards, including Grammy and Academy awards. It also has brought him a legion of dedicated and devoted fans around the world. Songs such as "Badlands," "Born To Run" and "Born in the U.S.A." are among rock's best-known anthems. (Anders Wiklund / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Carlos Santana
The Grammy-winning guitarist became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which created a highly successful blend of salsa, rock, blues and jazz. He is No. 15 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the top 100 guitarists of all time. (Afp / AFP/Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
David Bowie
One of the pioneers of glam rock, "Ziggy Stardust" has re-invented his music and his image over his decades-long career. From "Starman" to "Fame" to "Heroes" to "Let's Dance" to "Modern Love," Bowie has remained a fixture on the music charts. (Robert E. Klein / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Elton John
In the 1970s, nobody was bigger than Reginald Dwight, better known as Elton John. He has sold more than 100 million singles, almost all of which were co-written with lyricist Bernie Taupin. His hits, which include "Rocket Man," "Benny and the Jets," "Your Song" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" feature his classic piano, rich arrangements as well as his soothing tenor voice. He also is famous for his flamboyant costumes and stage shows. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. (Dave Hunt / EPA) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Eric Clapton
"Slowhand's" musical career has always remained rooted in blues. From his work in the Yardbirds, to Cream (pictured) to Derek and the Dominos, Clapton has infused his blues sound with psychedelia, reggae, rock and pop. His hits include "For Your Love" (Yardbirds), "Sunshine of Your Love" (Cream), "Layla" (Derek and the Dominos) as well as solo hits "After Midnight," "I Shot The Sheriff" and "Wonderful Tonight." He was induced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2000. (Scott Gries / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Jerry Lee Lewis
"The Killer" is a pioneer of rock and roll, unleashing his energetic rockabilly sound, which included hits like "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On" and "Great Balls of Fire" in the '50s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. (Mogens Flindt / EPA) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Led Zeppelin
This heavy blues-driven band is among the pioneers of heavy metal. Formed in 1968 by guitarist Jimmy Page, the group (featuring lead singer Robert Plant, right, bassist-keyboardist John Paul Jones, left, and the late John Bonham) infused folk, reggae, Celtic, Arabic and country into its sound. Known for their hard-driving concerts and tours of excess, The Zep sold more than 300 million albums worldwide before disbanding in 1980 after the death of Bonham. They reunited for a tribute concert in 2007 with Bonham's son, Jason, playing drums. (Kevin Westenberg / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Patti Smith
The singer-songwriter and poet was influential in the birth of the punk rock with her 1975 debut album Horses. Known as "Punk's Poet Laureate," Smith integrated her beat poetry performance style with garage rock. She's most widely known for the song "Because the Night," which she co-wrote with Bruce Springsteen. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. (Seth Wenig / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Neil Young
The Canadian singer-songwriter's work is charaterized by deeply personal lyrics and searing guitar work. While Young has experimented with different styles throughout his career, he is best known for acoustic folk-rock (heard in songs such as "Heart of Gold" and "Old Man") and hard-charging rock ("Rockin' In The Free World," "Cinnamon Girl"). In addition to his highly successful solo career, Young played with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Still, Nash and Young. He entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. (Evan Agostini / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath
Osbourne was the lead vocalist of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, which formed in 1968. The group played heavily blues influenced music laced with gloomy lyrics, and released a string of gold and platinum albums, including "Paranoid," which featured the single "Iron Man." Osbourne was kicked out of Black Sabbath for his excessive drug use. He went on to have a successful solo career and was a reality TV star, bringing his family to the small screen in "The Osbournes." (Jo Hale / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Paul McCartney and the Beatles
One of only two surviving members of the legendary Fab Four (the other being Ringo Starr), McCartney enjoyed a very successful solo career, teaming up with his late wife Linda to form Wings. But it was his work with the Beatles that is most remembered. McCartney and songwriting partner John Lennon wrote and recorded some of music's all-time classic hits. McCartney and the Beatles changed the face of rock 'n' roll, making it a world-wide phenomenon. (Roberto Schmidt / AFP - Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Roger Waters and Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd was a darling of the London underground music scene in the late-1960s. Waters became the de facto leader of the group after the departure of founder Syd Barrett. Known for their experimental, psychedelic sound, the group had only moderate mainstream success until 1973 and the release of "Dark Side of the Moon." In 1985, Waters declared Pink Floyd defunct, although the remaining members, led by guitarist David Gilmour, continued to record and tour. Waters played with the group again for Live 8 in 2005. (Michal Cizek / AFP - Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac
Stephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 after Mick Fleetwood heard "Frozen Love," a song she wrote and recorded with then-boyfriend Lindsay Buckingham. The band produced the legendary album "Rumours," which won a Grammy for Album of the Year. Nicks also enjoyed a very successful solo career with hits such as "Stop Dragging My Heart Around." Her ethereal style and symbolic lyrics have brought her both acclaim and criticism. She and the other members of Fleetwood Mac were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. (Kelly Lacefield / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Van Morrison
"Van the Man" first rose to prominence with the Irish rock band Them, which had its first hit, "Gloria," in 1964. Morrison began his solo career a few years later, a career that featured such hits as "Moondance," "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Domino." He has influenced many artists and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. (Fredrik Persson / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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The Who
Roger Daltrey, right, and Pete Townshend, left, joined up with the late Keith Moon and John Entwistle in 1964. Known for their powerful and destructive live shows, the group produced a long string of hits, including "I Can't Explain," "My Generation," "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "I Can See For Miles." The group also produced two legendary conceptual albums -- "Quadrophenia" and "Tommy." They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. (Matt Sayles / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Van Halen
Hard rocking and hard partying, Van Halen formed in Pasadena, Calif., in 1972. The quartet has sold more than 80 million albums and is as well known for its internal turmoil as its long string of hits, including "Jump," "Jamie's Crying" and "Panama." Original lead singer David Lee Roth, left, departed the band in 1985, and was replaced by Sammy Hagar. Despite years of tension, Roth re-teamed with lead guitartist Eddie Van Halen, right, and the rest of the band in 2007 and toured the U.S. to critical and fan acclaim. (Robert Padgett / Reuters) Share Back to slideshow navigation
The Rolling Stones
"The Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band in the World" entered the music scene as part of the 1960s British Invasion. They cracked the U.S. Top 10 in 1965 with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." A darker, blues-orientated band, the Stones were crafted to be the anti-Beatles. Lead singer Mick Jagger, right, and rhythm guitarist Keith Richards, center, also known as The Glimmer Twins, have been the group's chief songwriters and leaders. Well into their 60s, Jagger, Richards, Ron Wood, left, and Charlie Watts are still selling out stadiums around the world. (Bru Garcia / AFP - Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
U2
Guitarist The Edge, left, and singer Bono, right, joined up with fellow Irishmen Larry Mullen Jr. and Adam Clayton in 1976. By the '80s, the group was a world-wide sensation, producing the seminal album "The Joshua Tree." The group has sold more than 160 million albums and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. The group has always championed human rights causes and Bono has been a vocal advocate for Third World debt relief and AIDS. He has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize. (Sandra Mu / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Guitarist-singer-songwriter Tom Petty began playing with the Heartbreakers in 1976, the year they released their first self-titled album. The disc contains the band's first hit, "Breakdown," and they've been creating hits such as "The Waiting," "Free Fallin'," and "American Girl" ever since. Petty also collaborated with Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and George Harrison to create The Traveling Wilburys. (Michael Buckner / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Bob Dylan
The singer-songwriter's most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when he became an informal chronicler and a reluctant figurehead of the decade of protest. A number of his songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'," became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements. His most recent studio album, "Modern Times," released in 2006, entered the U.S. album charts at No. 1. (Dave Hogan / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Discuss: What do you think of the new Rock Hall class?

Which artist is still being slighted by the Hall of Fame?

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Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond to enter Rock Hall

Darlene Love, Dr. John, Tom Waits also to be inducted on March 14

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Jump to photos Living legends of rock

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Video: Facebook founder named 'Person of the Year'

Photos: Living legends of rock

Aerosmith

Bruce Springsteen

Carlos Santana

David Bowie

Elton John

Eric Clapton

Jerry Lee Lewis

Led Zeppelin

Patti Smith

Neil Young

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath

Paul McCartney and the Beatles

Roger Waters and Pink Floyd

Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac

Van Morrison

The Who

Van Halen

The Rolling Stones

U2

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Bob Dylan

Discuss: What do you think of the new Rock Hall class?

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