Queen’s Brian May, who’s known the band since the early 80’s, will officially induct Def Leppard into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Friday night in the ceremony in New York. It’s the ultimate achievement for any rock band and one that’s been 40 years in the making for the British rockers. Def Leppard won the fan vote last fall, a good sign that their time had finally come.

Still, frontman Joe Elliott says he’s more nervous about giving the acceptance speech than playing before any-sized crowd. “Getting up and going ‘How’s everybody doing? Are we ready to rock?’ is a lot easier than standing there, for God knows how long, trying to acknowledge and hope to God you haven’t forgot anybody,” Elliott said, “so, no pressure.”

First time nominees this year, Def Leppard goes in with the 2019 class that includes Roxy Music, Stevie Nicks, The Zombies, The Cure, Radiohead and Janet Jackson. In about a month, HBO will broadcast the induction ceremonies, which include some live jamming by all the bands. And Def Leppard is heading to Vegas in August to play a 12-show residency at the Planet Hollywood.

Doc Watson.