Gary Cherone fine with exclusion from Van Halen Rock Hall induction

When Van Halen is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month, the honorees will include Eddie and Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, and David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar -- but not Gary Cherone. Cherone recorded one album with the group and toured with them, and he doesn't mind that his name isn't on the citation. On the message board on his official cherone.com website, the singer wrote, "To answer the few fans who are wondering whether I should, or shouldn't be included? While yes, I was a small part of their history, I was certainly not a part of their legend, and that is what WE, the fans, are celebrating!"

Cherone also had kind words for Van Halen. He wrote, "It was only a matter of time before the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognized one of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time, whose guitar player changed the course of rock and roll! Congratulations to my friends Alex, Eddie, Michael, Dave, and Sammy... The mighty Van Halen! An incredible honor."

The Rock Hall induction ceremony takes place March 12th at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Also being honored at the event are Patti Smith, R.E.M., Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, and the Ronettes.

In related news, blabbermouth.net is reporting that the band's Roth-era greatest-hits album has been postponed again. Best Of (1978-1984) was originally supposed to come out March 13th, the day after the Rock Hall ceremony, and then was moved to March 27th. Now, it's been delayed again, and won't be released until April 3rd.
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