Tupac, Pearl Jam and Journey are joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Artists are eligible to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single

Tupac Shakur, Yes and ELO have all been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2017, an announcement revealed on Tuesday.

Tupac, who was murdered in 1996, is only the sixth hip hop artist to be honoured.

Also announced as inductees were Pearl Jam, Joan Baez, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey, Yes, and ELO. Chic's Nile Rodgers is being given the Award for Musical Excellence.

Journey, who had something of a comeback thanks to the use of their song 'Don't Stop Believin'' in the TV series Glee, and its consequent resurgence in popularity, said that they were "humbled to be included".

Prog rockers Yes entered on their third ballot, 26 years after they first became eligible. "It's a bit like waiting for a train," guitarist Steve Howe said.

"Maybe it's on time and you just noticed waiting. I don't regret the wait. I just feel this must be the right time. "

Jeff Lynne, who toured with the reformed Electric Light Orchestra, said he was "deeply honoured to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame".

"I would like to thank all the great fans who have supported us over the years," he added.

Joan Baez was more surprised at the honour. "I never considered myself to be a rock and roll artist," she said in a statement.

"But as part of the folk music boom which contributed to and influenced the rock revolution of the sixties, I am very proud that some of the songs I sang made their way into the rock lexicon. I very much appreciate this honour and acknowledgement by the Hall of Fame."

Artists are eligible to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single (this was the case for Tupac and Pearl Jam).

The induction ceremony, most of which involve a huge all-star jam at the end of the show, is being held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on 7 April 2017. An edited version is set to be aired via HBO and a radio broadcast on SiriusXM. Ticket details are set to be announced in January.