R.E.M. to be inducted into Hall of Fame

R.E.M. and Van Halen are among the big name bands to be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame.

Five acts will be added to the prestigious group this year, with rappers Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, 60s group The Ronettes and singer/poet Patti Smith.

The ceremony will be held in New York on March 12, where the groups will also be given the opportunity to perform, although Van Halen have only two original members remaining after numerous arguments over the past 10 years.

The Dave Clark Five, Chic and The Stooges were among the big acts who missed the cut for entry into the Hall, which was announced earlier today.