The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inducts Its 2026 Class in Los Angeles

The facts come first below. My opinion follows in the section marked as opinion.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted its 2026 class of 18 musical honorees on Saturday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the Associated Press reported in a Yahoo News dispatch. Billboard reported that the ceremony will air Dec. 8 from 8-11 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Disney+.

Billboard said the night was bookended by two surprise performances. 2005 inductees U2 opened the show with a two-song set a day after releasing a new album, Carnaval De Luz, playing the album's second single, "Silencio," and then 1984's "Pride (In the Name of Love)." The show ended with 2001 inductees Aerosmith joining 2009 inductees Run-DMC for "Walk This Way."

Phil Collins, already in the hall as a member of Genesis, was inducted for his solo career, the Associated Press reported. Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker inducted him and played Collins' famous drum fill as Cynthia Erivo sang "In the Air Tonight" in tribute, according to the Yahoo News report. Barker said of Collins' work in Genesis and as a solo artist, "He wasn't just successful at both; he was one of the best at both," Billboard reported. In his own speech, Collins said, "I grew up wanting to play drums. Everything else has been a happy accident."

Billy Idol was inducted along with his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens, the Associated Press reported in the Yahoo News dispatch. Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal of No Doubt inducted them. The AP said Idol played "White Wedding" with Stevens and sang "Eyes Without a Face" in a duet with Stefani. Billboard, in its recap, described a solo performance of "Rebel Yell" as well as the Stefani duet on "Eyes Without a Face." In his speech, Idol said, "To all the young people out there … now it's your turn. Go make the impossible possible. Find out who you are and be it." Billboard reported.

Wu-Tang Clan was inducted by Chris Rock, and the members performed a medley of their hits, including "C.R.E.A.M.," the Associated Press reported in the Yahoo News report. Billboard said all nine living members attended and that the group paid tribute to the late Ol' Dirty Bastard throughout. Rock said, "Wu-Tang didn't leave Staten Island; they took it with them," Billboard reported.

Iron Maiden was inducted by Jack Black but was not at the theater because the band is on a world tour, Billboard reported. A supergroup featuring members of Metallica, Rage Against the Machine and St. Vincent played "The Trooper," the Associated Press also reported in the Yahoo News dispatch.

Oasis did not appear at the ceremony, the Associated Press reported. Actor Bob Odenkirk inducted the band, and singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. played an acoustic rendition of "Wonderwall." Sade also did not appear. Andra Day inducted the group, and Sienna Spiro sang "Smooth Operator," the AP reported in the Yahoo News dispatch.

Producer Rick Rubin received the Musical Excellence Award and was inducted by Neil Young. Rubin gave a one-sentence acceptance speech: "You can't kill rock 'n' roll," the Associated Press reported in the Yahoo News dispatch. The Red Hot Chili Peppers played "Give it Away," a song he produced, in tribute. Queen Latifah and MC Lyte, both honored with the Early Influence Award, accepted in person and jointly performed a medley of their hits, the AP reported. The late Luther Vandross was inducted by Oprah Winfrey, and Usher sang a medley of his songs.

Joy Division and New Order received a joint induction, the Associated Press reported. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails inducted them, and bassist Peter Hook, the only member in attendance, played Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" with the Deftones and Chvrches singer Lauren Mayberry, according to the Yahoo News report. Other honorees, including Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti and Gram Parsons, were inducted by video tribute, the AP reported.

Hollywood franchise news also moved this week after Steve Miner was named to direct a new Friday the 13th film planned for 2027.

Opinion:

The Hall of Fame has long since expanded beyond rock and roll in the narrow sense, and Saturday's class made that plain again. Some fans dislike that drift. The news, for a Sunday report, is simpler: the honors were given, some of the honorees showed up, and a television audience will see the night in December.

Collins' remark about the drums was the most honest line of the evening as it was reported. A long career at a craft is worth honoring. I will not pretend every tribute was wholesome, and I will not linger on the ones that were not. Readers can watch the ABC broadcast and judge the night for themselves.