Photo by Ian Rawn

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) has announced the launch of the Athens Music Walk of Fame and its first 10 inductees. Among the first class are Widespread Panic, who formed in Athens, Ga. in 1986. In addition, R.E.M, Drive-By Truckers and the B-52s are also among the first inductees.

According to a post on the ACAC’s website, “the Athens Music Walk of Fame is a two-square-block area in downtown Athens bounded by Pulaski Street, West Washington Street, North Lumpkin Street, and West Clayton Street. The walk passes several renowned music venues in western downtown, including the Morton Theatre, the 40 Watt Club, and the Georgia Theatre.”

The inductees were choses by a local resident committee appointed by the Athens-Clarke County Mayor, Kelly Girtz. According to the post, “during the selection process, committee members considered the contribution to the identity of Athens, established career, diverse representation in cultural and racial identity, distinct musical style, and historical context. Additional artists will be selected for induction to the Athens Music Walk of Fame in the coming years.”

Each inductee will receive a bronze plaque, which was designed by Athens-based Allen Sutton. “The plaque design is inspired by both a guitar pick and a location pin to illustrate the link between the medium and the place it was created,” read the post.

Check out the complete list of bands in the first class of the Athens Music Walk of Fame below! For more information, head to the ACAC’s website.

The B-52s
Danger Mouse (Brian Joseph Burton)
Drive-By Truckers
The Elephant 6 Recording Company
Hall Johnson
Neal Pattman
Pylon
R.E.M.
Vic Chesnutt
Widespread Panic