Irish rock sensation U2 will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March, it was announced Monday. The group's frontman, Bono, and the rest of the band have gained international acclaim since bursting onto the music scene in the '80s with their debut album Boy and subsequent hit recordings like The Joshua Tree.

Their most recent album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, was released in November and has already climbed to the top of the British and American music charts. Also inducted with the group will be R&B singers The O'Jays, "When A Man Loves A Woman" crooner Percy Sledge, blues guitarist Buddy Guy and musical group The Pretenders.

The official induction will take place at the Hall of Fame Foundation's 20th annual ceremony on March 14 in Manhattan.

--Usually the inductees somewhat baffle me. However, I think this is a well-deserving group--especially U2 and Buddy Guy.

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Posted by Lawren at December 14, 2004 06:41 AM

You Said

Really good to see Buddy Guy get in. I love his song "Mary Had a Little Lamb." I started listening to Buddy after realizing that Stevie Ray Vaughan was covering that song of his.

Says: Chad at December 14, 2004 08:37 AM

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I love the Pretenders! Very influential also, which is one of the criteria for induction.

Says: chuck at December 14, 2004 10:17 AM

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Its embarrassing that the O'Jays are just now being inducted.

Says: Robin at December 14, 2004 10:24 AM

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Love the O'Jays!
It seems a bit early for U2 and The Pretenders, or maybe I just think I am younger than I am.

Says: Lynne at December 14, 2004 06:17 PM

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The criteria says 25 years since their first album, and I know "Brass in Pocket" the Pretender's first big hit, came out in 1980, so it's time.

I also remember vaguely when U2 was "there" but not "huge" so I am not too far behind.

REM should be eligible very soon, right?

Says: chuck at December 15, 2004 09:21 AM

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