I woke up to the news of the latest inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this morning. For years, now the Hall has been honoring some of my all time favorite musical acts, but today’s group of inductees (you can see them all here) definitely hit home. For the first time, three of the acts that were so honored are truly of, by and for my generation of music fans. And I am a big fan of all three.

I guess it makes sense. After all, 40 today means 15 in 1986: the year all of these groups first hit any kind of recognition. At the same time, two of the three call Los Angeles home (and the third lived and recorded in Los Angeles during one of their most fruitful periods, which also coincided with my college years).

The induction of the Beastie Boys, Guns ‘N Roses and the Red Hot Chili Peppers is definitely a clear sign of transition into a different generation for the RNRHOF. Here are two songs from each band: one representing a “favorite” among their hit songs and the other representing a “favorite” among their deeper “album cuts.” Enjoy! (And, if you’re a fan, too, share yours!)

Beastie Boys

Perhaps the greatest video of the MTV music era: Sabotage

THE best Beastie Boys song: Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun

Guns ‘N Roses

Guitar lessons available here: Sweet Child O’ Mine

Who knew murder could sound so catchy? Used to Love Her

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Two things – great treadmill song; mentions Pleaides (hello Fullerton High School): Can’t Stop

The greatest (only?) song about the Lakers’ greatest era, from some big fans: Magic Johnson