This is the entry that proved that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was serious about inducting based on influence as opposed to commercialism.  This WAS the ground zero for Alternative music.

Van Morrison may be considered a Blue Eyed Soul legend, but his range took him from Rock, Jazz and traditional Celtic Folk and he is easily one of the most respected vocalists of his or any generation.

The swaggering West Coast Hard Rock superstars conquered arenas and high school smoker’s pits in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  In terms of hits and album sales there are no other Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band that was more successful than Van Halen.

Inducted in their first year of eligibility, U2 remain as superstars who are both relevant and can sell out a stadium.  Even on a list as powerful as this one, that is one hell of an accomplishment.