Metallica inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Metallica are to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The heavy metal act - who shot to fame in the early 80s - will be honoured in April alongside former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck and hip-hop pioneers Run DMC.

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich revealed he and his bandmates are delighted with the honour.

He said: "It shows we are part of the big picture. We are a link in a chain of everyone that's come before and everyone that's come after you. I love how it all fits together."

Jeff - who has collaborated with artists including Sir Mick Jagger and Stevie Wonder - was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame with his former band The Yardbirds in 1992.

News of his solo inclusion in this year's honours list came as Jeff announced "big plans" for more tours and new material after signing with manager Harvey Goldsmith.

Run DMC - rappers Joseph 'Run' Simmons, Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels and late DJ Jam Master J - were the first hip-hop act to receive worldwide mainstream success and have a platinum-selling album.

Darryl has branded their inclusion "ridiculous", saying: "I'm a rap dude, I'm an MC from Hollis, just rocking 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.

"I share this nomination and the induction and the whole award with those cats, everyone from the Bronx and Harlem who started this."

Joining Metallica, Jeff and Run DMC at the ceremony, which takes place in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 4, will be doo-wop group Little Anthony and The Imperials and '60s soul singer Bobby Womack.

Wanda Jackson will be inducted as an early influence, while Bill Black, DJ Fontana and Spooner Oldham will be honoured as Sidemen.

This year's ceremony marks 25 years of the Hall of Fame and sees it return to its home city for the first time in more than 10 years.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2009 inductees:

Jeff Beck
Little Anthony & the Imperials
Metallica
Run-D.M.C.
Bobby Womack

Early Influence Category Inductee:
Wanda Jackson

Sidemen Category:
Bill Black
DJ Fontana
Spooner Oldham