Tom Petty plays with The Heartbreakers

The longlist was drawn up by a group of industry professionals - record executives, lawyers, managers and musicians - who brainstorm potential nominees.

An international voting body of 1,000 rock experts will decide the eventual winners.

The Sex Pistols shocked the UK in the late 1970s with their anti-establishment anthems Anarchy in the UK and God Save The Queen.

Influenced

But the band lasted only 26 months, during which they recorded one album and four singles.

The Ramones' fast and furious records influenced a generation of musicians ranging from '70s British punk icons the Clash to 1990s garage-rock bands like Green Day and the Offspring.

Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren ran for Mayor of London

The band broke up in 1996 and singer Joey Ramone died of cancer earlier this year at the age of 49.

The Hall of Fame generally chooses mainstream and populist choices.

Inductees in 2001 included Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Ritchie Valens and Steely Dan.

The Hall Of Fame was started in 1983 and more than 200 legendary performers and non-performers, such as Beatles' producer George Martin, have been included in the roll of honour.

Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record.

Criteria includes: "The influence and significance of the artist's contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll."

Other nominees for the 2002 Hall of Fame include Talking Heads, country act Gram Parsons and '60s teen-pop singer Gene Pitney.