Metallica, Run DMC for Rock Hall of Fame

Metallica and Run DMC are among the artists that will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.

The list of inductees, released yesterday, also includes Jeff Beck, Little Anthony, the Imperials and Bobby Womack.

Formed in 1981, Metallica have sold over 100 million records, with most recent LP Death Magnetic topping the UK charts last year.

In a message posted on their website, the band said: "Wow...what a great way to start off 2009! We are beyond proud."

Run DMC become only the second hip-hop group to be inducted into the Hall, following Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in 2007.

Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels told the AP that it was "inconceivable", adding: "I'm a rap dude...just rockin' the mic, and to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with the Beatles, and [Bob] Dylan, and the rock 'n' roll gods? It's ridiculous! Ridiculous in a good way."

Inductees are chosen by the 600 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and are only eligible for inclusion 25 years after releasing their first record.

This year's ceremony will take place in Cleveland, Ohio on April 4.