With about one week left to let fans' voices be heard for the first time on who deserves to get into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame next year, RUSH has pulled in nearly a quarter of the votes at 24.3%, followed by DEEP PURPLE at 17.1%. HEART is third with 12.4% of the votes cast.

Although the public vote could influence the outcome of who is inducted and who isn't, it will most likely be used only as a tie-breaker. The top five acts will comprise a "fan's ballot" that will count as one of the more than 600 ballots that determine the Class Of 2013. The results will be announced in mid-December.

RUSH has been eligible for the honor since 1999, 25 years after the release of the band's self-titled debut album.

"I'm really happy for the RUSH fans who feel that it is really important, and I hope we're inducted for their sake," RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson told NorthJersey.com. "Personally it never really mattered to me, but at the same time it's nice to be nominated."

According to Lifeson, the Rock Hall induction would pale in comparison to the band's having received one of the prestigious Governor General's Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in March, the highest honor bestowed on artists by the Canadian government.

"The acknowledgement we got from the Canadian government, and by extension Canadians, is very dear to us," Lifeson said. "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is more a popularity contest."

The April 18, 2013 event is set for Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, marking the first time the ceremony will be held in the city since 1993. HBO will tape the show for broadcast at a later date.