Nancy Wilson Calls for Howard Stern’s Induction Into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Society of Rock
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2026 list of nominees on Feb. 25, featuring artists such as the Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Mariah Carey, and Phil Collins. While the announcement sparked discussion among fans and critics, Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson focused attention on someone whose name was missing entirely from the ballot.
Wilson, who entered the Rock Hall alongside her sister Ann in 2013 as members of Heart, has renewed her campaign to see radio personality Howard Stern inducted. She first promoted the idea publicly in 2025 and has continued pushing for his recognition this year, arguing that his influence on music culture deserves formal acknowledgment.
A Campaign That Reached Stern Himself
Wilson’s support quickly reached Stern, who addressed the topic during a recent episode of his SiriusXM radio show. The broadcaster responded with humor and surprise while also praising Wilson’s career and musicianship.
“She’s fantastically hot and a great guitar player and wrote those songs with her sister… and this is the weirdest thing ever in my life, Nancy Wilson and her husband are hell bent on me getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” Stern said.
Stern explained that he noticed Wilson wearing a bootleg Howard Stern T-shirt in an Instagram video where she encouraged fans to support his inclusion. The shirt stood out because Stern does not sell official merchandise, making the gesture feel personal and unexpected.
Wilson’s Public Appeal
In the video shared online, Wilson acknowledged the newly announced nominees while encouraging fans to consider Stern for another honor category connected to the Hall of Fame. “And while Howard’s not on this list, I’m a big fan of Howard Stern, as you can see. And there’s another list coming up that would include him in a special category that they’re voting for still. So, I suggest that you all talk about putting him on the special list for this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Let’s go!”
During the broadcast, Stern discussed the possibility with co-host Robin Quivers and longtime producer Gary Dell’Abate. Stern joked about the type of recognition he might receive, saying, “There’s a special category for douche bags like me, who are music industry adjacent.”
Dell’Abate clarified the reference by explaining, “It’s called the Ahmet Ertegun Award, for people who have contributed to music either through business or outside of being a musician.”
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Industry Support and Hall of Fame Connections
Stern continued reflecting on Wilson’s support, adding humor to the discussion. “They needed to come up with a category for people with no musical talent. And Nancy Wilson’s like, ‘Howard should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ’cause he’s done more for music, playing records and promoting…’ I was quite honored.”
He also suggested that several well-known figures might support the idea, including Jon Bon Jovi, whom Stern inducted into the Rock Hall in 2018. Dell’Abate noted that members of the nominating committee such as Jimmy Jam, Tom Morello, and Little Steven Van Zandt could also be sympathetic to the campaign. “You got friends,” Quivers said. “You’ve got votes,” Dell’Abate added.
The conversation later shifted toward who might induct Stern if the honor ever became reality. Names mentioned included Dave Grohl, Bon Jovi, and Wilson herself. “Maybe a group of people,” Stern said. “Nancy Wilson, Ed Vedder, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards together.”
Another humorous idea followed. “I could go the comedy route and pull out Beetlejuice from the moth balls and have them go out,” Stern added, referring to a longtime member of his show’s Wack Pack.
Despite the praise and speculation, Stern expressed uncertainty about the campaign’s impact after replaying Wilson’s video on air. “I love Nancy Wilson more than anybody, but does she carry any weight? Like is anyone paying attention to this Instagram beside me?”
