Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order are among the artists set to be inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Also joining the lineup are first-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross. The announcement was made during the recent broadcast of American Idol. To qualify for induction, artists must have released their debut commercial recording at least 25 years prior. The voting process involved over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
Renowned for hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” Phil Collins, who is already a Hall of Fame member as part of Genesis, clinched induction on his first ballot appearance. Sade, known for hits such as “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo,” and Wu-Tang Clan, celebrated for their groundbreaking album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” were also recognized.
Iron Maiden, a pivotal figure in the new wave of British heavy metal, and Luther Vandross, a multi-platinum artist with hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” were acknowledged posthumously. Additionally, the sounds of Manchester, England, will be honored with the inclusion of post-punk pioneers Joy Division and New Order, as well as the Britpop sensation Oasis, fronted by Noel and Liam Gallagher. Billy Idol, known for his punk-infused pop anthems like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell,” rounds out the stellar list of inductees.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a televised broadcast set for December on ABC and Disney+. Special category honorees this year include Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons for the early influence award, while Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin will be recognized for musical excellence. The Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award will posthumously honor Ed Sullivan for his influential role in showcasing musical talents on his iconic TV show.
Notable artists who did not make the cut this year include Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition, and Shakira. Last year’s inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, Lenny Waronker, Thom Bell, and Warren Zevon.