Beasties, GN'R, Chili Peppers respond to Rock Hall induction news

With news of their upcoming induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Beastie Boys, Guns N' Roses and many other honorees expressed gratitude, surprise and downright excitement in response to the big news.

"We're in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? That's f----n' crazy and awesome!," the Beastie Boys stated in a press release. "While we are very proud of the music we make, we have to acknowledge the inspiration from our families, friends and musicians like the Slits, Bad Brains, X-Ray Spex, The Treacherous Three and too many others to possibly name. And most of all, we give thanks to New York City and the world of musical influence it provided for us."

Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Flea responded yesterday (12/7) via the band's website. "To be recognized this way seems especially full and profound," he wrote, followed by reflections on the contributions made by the band's current and former band members. "It makes me think about [founding member and former guitarist] Hillel Slovak, without whom we would have never existed, and who created with us the foundation of our sound. He directly influences everything we have ever done. What he did with us in our early years is the blueprint of what we are."

Guns N' Roses took to social media to make a statement, acknowledging the honor while also drawing attention to the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. "Congratulations to all the 2012 inductees and our sincerest thanks to the Hall's organizers, committee members and voting delegates who supported the GN'R induction -- it's a humbling honor to be recognized on this first ballot," the band posted on their Facebook page. "While it's so easy to get hyped up on awards and recognition of the now, let's never forget the soldiers who fight for the freedom we enjoy. ESPECIALLY on this day 70 years ago at Pearl Harbor, the lagoon in Hawaii where the ultimate price was paid. REMEMBER December 7th is the day to commemorate the Japanese attack that drew the United States into World War II."

"Pleased as punch" to be inducted, Scottish folk singer Donovan made a point to acknowledge the other musicians who will be inducted with him in an interview with Rolling Stone. "It's even more special because I'm going to be there with some of my favorite artists and musicians. The Faces are my old chums. We used to hang out. The Chilis, some of them appeared on my Rick Rubin album. Guns N' Roses, who I've come to know in California and did a couple of things with. Of course, the Beastie Boys. A very touching part of this, for me, is the inclusion of the lovely Laura Nyro, who left us too soon, of course. When I was younger, I followed her rise and her extraordinary work. It will be great to see her honored too."

Rod Stewart will enjoy his second induction, this time with The Faces, which he fronted from 1969 to 1975. The crooner's reaction: ""I was absolutely over the moon, as one should be. I never thought that would happen," he told ABC News Radio.

Stewart said he would love to reunite with the surviving Faces for a performance at the April 14 induction ceremony in Cleveland. "If they're all available I'll definitely make myself available."

The Faces are being inducted jointly with the Small Faces, the group that preceded them. Both acts featured keyboardist Ian McLagan and drummer Kenney Jones, as well as the late Ronnie Lane on bass.

Tickets for the April 14 induction ceremony at Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum go on sale Dec. 17 via the foundation's website.