In February, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will announce who the presenters and performers will be for the 2007 induction ceremony. Last year, Herbie Hancock inducted Miles Davis; Shirley Manson (from Garbage) inducted Blondie; Lars and James from Metallica inducted Black Sabbath; and Kid Rock inducted Lynyrd Skynyrd (the Sex Pistols weren't there, so Jann Wenner read the infamous "piss stain" letter). So who will get the honors in 2007? As you can tell, the Rock Hall likes to pick current rock stars who were influenced by the inductees. Commenter Henry M has some ideas:

Van Halen --> Gene Simmons or Ted Templeman
R.E.M.--> Mitch Easter or Scott Litt
Patti Smith --> Lenny Kaye or Clive Davis
Grandmaster --> Chuck D
Ronettes --> Bruce Springsteen

And our picks? Somehow, we don't think Gene Simmons will be doing the honors for Van Halen, given the tension between KISS and the Rock Hall, so we're thinking the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We also suspect that a well-known artist will get to induct R.E.M., so it might as well be Michael Stipe's friend Thom Yorke. For Patti Smith, we'll say it will be PJ Harvey. Chuck D seems exactly right for Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, and Bruce is perfectly appropriate for the Ronettes. What do you think?

As for the performances, there will be a lot of reunions. The original R.E.M. lineup plans to play, as well as the three Ronettes. Grandmaster Flash hasn't performed with the Furious Five in years, but should come together on this occasion. And then there's Van Halen. The lineup will probably be the one that was announced for a summer tour -- Eddie and Alex Van Halen, with Eddie's son Wolfie on bass, and David Lee Roth back in front. Hopefully they will find a way to include Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony on stage with them too.

One of the highlights of the ceremony is the "all-star jam" which takes place at the end of the ceremony (ably backed by Paul Shaffer and company, who probably deserve to be recognized by the Rock Hall someday). This year's mix of artists and personalities should make it a fantastic ending. Let's just hope we can see it.