Rock and roll fans can officially rejoice, the official 2015 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been announced. The groups and individuals added into the famous museum include The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Lou Reed, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Bill Withers and punk rock band, Green Day.

Many might be surprised that Green Day is even eligible to be an inductee in the hall of fame, however, one of the few requirements needed is that an artist’s first album must have been released up to or at least twenty-five years prior to their induction. However, it just so happens that the band’s debut release, “1,000 Hours” was released almost exactly twenty-five years ago, in 1989.

Green Day, originally known as Sweet Children, formed in 1987 and first began their meteoric rise to fame back in 1994 when their hit album, Dookie, gained mass radio play and managed to sell over ten million copies in the United States alone. Since that time, the band has had almost continued success to this day. They had their second wind with the release of their concept album, American Idiot, back in 2004 where it ended up selling millions of copies while winning the Grammy in 2005 for Best Rock Album. The band continues to perform and released albums to this day and the sky continues to be the limit for the band.

The inclusion of a band like Green Day may be a surprise to some who believe that only classic rock bands or older musicians should be included. However, this mind frame was shattered last year when alternative grunge band, Nirvana was inducted into the hall of fame. As years go by, artists who had released music in the nineteen-nineties will be meeting the minimum requirements of admission. Other bands inducted last year include Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, Kiss, and Cat Stevens among other nominated artists.

Joan Jett has had a long history of snubs from the hall of fame over the last several years. She was nominated for induction in 2011 and 2012 but was ultimately passed over. Jett is a clear choice when it comes to induction. She has had a long ranging career full of hit records and awards including being inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, being voted one of Rolling Stone’s greatest guitarists of all time as well as receiving awards for her work on behalf of animals.

The other nominees that didn’t make it into the Hall of Fame this year include bands ranging from alternative group Nine Inch Nails to rap group N.W.A. Other well-known nominees include The Smiths, Sting, The Spinners, Kraftwerk, Sting, War, The Marvelettes and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

The ceremony will take place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this upcoming April and is open to the public. During the ceremony, other awards will be given, including the Musical Excellence award for former Beatle, Ringo Starr, and the Early Influence in the Industry Award to R&B group, The “5” Royales.