A major step in the right direction of finally showcasing music groups that aren’t of the extreme norm or voted in by backslapping politics has finally come to fruition in Cleveland, Ohio today as Rush, the Canadian trio whose progressive rock sounds have been thrilling and tantalizing generations of audiences mostly on cult fringes since their debut album in 1974, has finally have been inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

No other band in the entire history of the hall has sported the kind of controversy and division like Rush has in terms of entry to the Hall. For the most part, Rush has been anything but critically lauded throughout its tenure as a band, which is still promoting and touring its latest album Clockwork Angels, their 19th studio release. Fans, however, have seen this differently, scoffing at pseudo-highbrow critics who they pretty much have ascertained have no clue what they are talking about when it comes to the amazing, gymnastically musical elasticity of the sounds and styles of Rush.

ABC News reports that along with Rush, the class of 2013 includes Academy Award-winning singer/songwriter Randy Newman; original purveyors of hip hop Public Enemy; the late disco queen Donna Summer, who died earlier this year; the Wilson sisters-led hard rocking ensemble Heart; and “Born Under A Bad Sign” blues guitarist Albert King. Quite an eclectic mix of artists for sure.

But it’s Rush that will probably get the top of the summit in terms of praise and coverage in this list of great choices. The band posted this statement on Facebook earlier via their page:

Back in October, the Rock Hall announced the 2013 nominees, putting Rush on their list for the very first time. So, although it took all these years to even get a nomination, the band is being inducted on the first shot, even like many bands and musicians are still waiting.

In a telephone interview with Geddy Lee just published on Rolling Stone.com, he stated, in his typical modest fashion – which are his and the band’s stock in trade – that it was “very nice” that they got inducted and was very philosophical about the fact that it took so long to get Rush inducted in the Hall, noting that it was never in his control. He also mentioned how happy his mom was that he got into the Hall, but still remained chagrined that British legendary rockers Deep Purple, who were also nominated this year, still haven’t gotten in. He humorously expounded on the fact that unlike the controversy surrounding Guns N Roses during last year’s induction ceremony when lead singer Axl Rose refused to show up, Rush are “good Canadian boys” who will show up with a smile. Regarding the final jam that usually caps off the induction ceremony, will they perform Rush’s popular instrumental “YYZ”? Lee said maybe they could learn one of fellow inductee Public Enemy’s songs. (The interviewer had also funnily mentioned that possibly lead singer Chuck D could do the rap part on the 1991 Rush song “Roll The Bones.”)

Join us in giving the warmest appreciation and congratulations to all the inductees, but especially to Rush, as its fan base here via the Geeks of Doom staff starts with our own Empress Eve, who just may be the biggest Rush fan on the planet. Finally, the phrase “Cleveland Rocks!” has a lot of truth to it. Now they just need to put Marc Bolan and T-Rex in there too eventually, but with the induction of Rush, there may be finally hope to get them inducted as well. Congrats to all the inductees, especially Rush!

[ABC News | Rolling Stone]