Red Hot Chili Peppers have been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Artists can be inducted 25 years after their debut release and this is the first time the “Californication” hitmakers, along with rapper LL Cool J, have been up for the honor.

“It’s a real honor to be nominated in our first year of eligibility. Obviously the Hall of Fame has excellent musical taste,” drummer Chad Smith said.

After 10 years of being snubbed by the nominating committee, “Crazy Nights” rockers KISS have received their first nomination for induction, after previously blasting the Hall of Fame for ignoring them. Founder member Gene Simmons complained last year: “There are disco bands, rap bands, Yiddish folk song bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but not KISS. I believe we have more gold records in America than any other group, but it’s OK.”

The nomination, however, could cause them problems with the ballot listing the four original members: Gene, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. Paul - who along with Gene remains in the group - is unsure the right people are listed.

“There have been a lot of people who’ve been a part of this, some longer than others and some who deserve recognition more than others. Even the non-make-up years produced some platinum and double-platinum albums, and we had some very healthy sales in terms of albums and concerts through the ‘80s and ‘90s. So if we should ever be asked to accept induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it would be something to think about,” Stanley said.

Also nominated for the first time are Genesis, The Hollies and Jimmy Cliff. They join previously suggested artists ABBA, The Chantels, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, The Stooges and Donna Summer.

Five of the 12 nominees will be chosen for induction from ballots cast by more than 500 music industry voters. The names will be revealed in January, with an induction ceremony taking place on March 15 at New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel.

The entire list of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010 nominees:
ABBA
The Chantels
Darlene Love
Donna Summer
Genesis
The Hollies
Jimmy Cliff
KISS
Laura Nyro
LL Cool J
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Stooges