The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2011 list of nominees has been released for voters. The short list include Guns N’ Roses, Heart, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and The Cure are among the first-timers joining returning hopefuls the Beastie Boys, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer and others.

This will be the 27th annual ceremony, and will take place in Cleveland for the third consecutive time.

Other first-time nominees on this year’s list include the Small Faces/Faces, the Spinners, Rufus with Chaka Khan, and rappers Eric B. & Rakim. Donovan.

For what it’s worth, this writer thinks it’s more than lame to include the Faces / Small Faces as a combined nomination.

Faces in 1971 recorded for the BBC

Small Faces and Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan told Billboard that “It’s about bloody time” his bands were nominated but said he felt that grouping the two together was “a bit insulting. If we have to go in as a combo, that’s not right. It’s a dollar short and many years too late — but I’ll take it.”

How it works:

A ballot with Fifteen finalists has been sent to the Rock Hall’s 500+ voters, who will select five to be inducted on April 14. Acts are eligible at least 25 years after their first commercial recording release, meaning 1986 or before for this year’s group. This is the first year of eligibility for Guns ‘N Roses and Eric B. & Rakim’s.

The 2012 ceremony will be open to the public. Individual tickets will go on sale in December, while tables and VIP packages are available now, Information can we found at www.rockhall.com. The Hall of Fame + Museum is planning 10 days of special activities leading up to the ceremony, including the grand opening of its library and archives.

Erik B. and Rakim: Paid in Full