Speaking of his accolade, Waits said: “I never really cared about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but now I am surprised to discover how much I do care.”
While fellow nominee Neil Diamond told the BBC he expected to receive the news at some point in his career, but is glad to have been included before he passes away. “I kind of figured they’d get around to me at some point,” he said.
“I’m glad they did it before I’m dead.”
Darlene Love was apparently a touch more enthusiastic than her male counterparts, telling Rolling Stone: “I was on my way to Atlantic City in a limo when I got the call. I started screaming and I thought, ‘I sure hope the driver doesn’t think that my husband’s trying to kill me’. I was laughing and crying at the same time.”
A list of fifteen nominees for this year’s honours was announced back in September, with the likes of Bon Jovi, Beastie Boys and Donna Summer missing out on this year’s list.