Los Angeles  - Heavy metal legends Metallica will compete with hip hop pioneers Run DMC and seven other acts for the five open spots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, it was announced Monday.

Also vying for inclusion in the pantheon of rock greats are the Detroit punk band The Stooges, guitarist Jeff Beck, disco-funk band Chic and rockers War. Other nominees include 1950s doo-wop group Little Anthony and the Imperials, early rock singer Wanda Jackson (often referred to as The First Lady of Rock and Roll) and 1970s soul singer Bobby Womack.

Five of the nine nominees will be chosen by 500 industry voters in January and be inducted in the ceremony, to be held on April 4 at the Public Hall in Cleveland. Acts are not eligible for the Rock Hall until at least 25 years have passed since the release of their first single.

Run-DMC is vying to become only the second hip-hop group to make it in after 2007 inductees Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Metallica are hoping to make the cut in only their second year of eligibility. (dpa)