Brits Pick Best Music Acts of Past Decades

LONDON – Robbie Williams, Michael Jackson, Queen, the Rolling Stones and Cliff Richard have been inducted into Britain’s first Music Hall of Fame, chosen by the public as the best music acts of the past five decades.

The honorees were selected by a public vote by Channel 4 television. Also inducted Thursday were honorary members Madonna, Bob Marley, Elvis Presley, U2 and The Beatles. So far, there’s no building.

Madonna, U2 frontman Bono, Stones guitarist Ron Wood and Williams were among those who received their awards at the ceremony.

Acts needed only to have been influential or successful in Britain to qualify.

Williams represents the 1990s, Jackson the 1980s, Queen the 1970s, the Rolling Stones the 1960s and Richard the 1950s.

The Beatles’ award was collected by their producer, George Martin.

“After 42 years, the light of their genius still shines as bright as ever,” Martin said.

Priscilla Presley accepted the award on behalf of her late husband.

“His dream, that of a world tour, was never realized. His fan base was so strong here and because of that he would have been proud to receive this,” she said.