Can you feel it in the air? There’s a new class of inductees joining the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2026, and the list is glowingly impressive! The Performer category includes several long-overlooked acts, including Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, and Joy Division/New Order, as well as Oasis, hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, and R&B legends Sade and the late Luther Vandross.
Other inductees include
In addition to the acts mentioned above, the organization announced the Early Influence Awards inductees, including Celia Cruz and Gram Parsons, as well as Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, and MC Lyte. Meanwhile, the Musical Excellence Award recipients include producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin, as well as songwriter Linda Creed. Finally, the 2026 Ahmet Ertegun Award goes to the late talent show host Ed Sullivan.
This nomination is Phil Collins’ second time joining the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after being honored as a member of Genesis in 2010. Nine other musical acts received nominations for the 2026 inductions. Still, they did not make the cut, including INXS, the late Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill, Melissa Etheridge, New Edition, P!nk, Shakira, Mariah Carey, and The Black Crowes.
“Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor,” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Chairman John Sykes said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony — it’s going to be an unforgettable night.”
When does the ceremony take place?
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place on November 14 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. If you don’t get an invite, you can watch the event on ABC in December or stream the celebration on Disney+.
Musical memories
Growing up, my parents listened to a lot of Luther Vandross, so I’m pleased to see him get his due. His vocals are so buttery smooth, and he’s got more soul than most people I know. Phil Collins is another legend. I recently listened to “Land of Confusion” on repeat for most of an afternoon, basking in the song’s powerful energy and message. Plus, the video for that song is creepy AF, and I love it! Wu-Tang Clan is a fantastic pick as well!
As you know, the Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothin’ to f**k with. I’m surprised it took the Hall of Fame this long to invite them. This year sees the induction of plenty of incredible artists, including Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order, into the Hall. You can keep Oasis. I can’t stand them. For me, there’s nothing more obnoxious than Gallagher brother drama. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
What do you think about this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees? Let us know in the comments section below.
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