Rock Hall Adds More Legendary Names to 2025 Induction Ceremony Lineup
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More Legends Join the Lineup
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed more big names who will take part in its 2025 induction ceremony on November 8. The newly announced guests include Mick Fleetwood, Nancy Wilson, Joe Perry, Jerry Cantrell, and Nathaniel Rateliff. They’ll appear alongside previously confirmed names such as Elton John, David Letterman, Iggy Pop, Olivia Rodrigo, Questlove, Brandi Carlile, Flea, and Beck.
This year’s inductees—announced on April 27 during a live broadcast of American Idol—include Bad Company, Joe Cocker, and Warren Zevon. All three had been eligible for decades but were often overlooked. Zevon, who had long been passed over in the Performers category, finally made it in under the Musical Influence category. His close friend David Letterman will handle his induction.
The 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will stream live on Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET, and ABC will air a special broadcast featuring highlights and performances on January 1, 2026. Tickets for the event are now on sale through AXS.com.
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Recognizing Rock’s Core Sound
Recent Rock Hall choices have continued a welcome shift toward honoring classic rock artists who had long been ignored. Acts like Peter Frampton and Foreigner were finally inducted in 2024, following others such as the Doobie Brothers (2020), Def Leppard (2019), Bon Jovi, Dire Straits, and the Cars (2018), as well as YES, Journey, and ELO (2017). Even as these longtime rock names have been included, the Hall has also made room for artists from other genres, including Mary J. Blige, Dolly Parton, and The Notorious B.I.G.
Joining this year’s inductees are Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes. Nicky Hopkins, Carol Kaye, and producer Thom Bell were honored in the Musical Excellence category. Salt-N-Pepa were chosen for Musical Influence. Longtime Warner Bros. executive Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award, named after Atlantic Records’ co-founder and one of the Hall’s original architects.
Special Guests and Other Highlights
The 2025 ceremony promises an energetic mix of performers from different generations and styles. Among those set to take the stage are Doja Cat, J.I.D, Killer Mike, Maxwell, Missy Elliott, RAYE, Sleepy Brown, Taylor Momsen, Teddy Swims, and Twenty One Pilots.
Several well-known names didn’t make the cut this year despite being nominated. The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, Oasis, Mariah Carey, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, and Phish were all left out of the final list. The 14 nominees were chosen by the Hall’s nominating committee, which met in January, and were then voted on by more than 1,200 artists, historians, and industry professionals.
Campaigns and Fan Reactions
Joe Cocker’s selection came after a major campaign by several music legends. Paul McCartney led the charge, writing a letter to voters on February 25 that began, “Dear Rock and Rollers.” In it, he urged them to vote for Cocker, saying, “I know he would be extremely happy and grateful to find himself where he deserves to be amongst such illustrious company.” Following McCartney’s message, both Billy F. Gibbons and Billy Joel also spoke publicly in support of Cocker’s induction.
The fan vote, which has little real influence but always attracts attention, was announced on April 22. Phish came out on top, followed by Bad Company, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, and Joe Cocker. While it gives the winner just one extra ballot in the official count, fans continue to treat the contest as a show of loyalty and passion.
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Artists React to Their Induction
When the news of her induction broke, Cyndi Lauper expressed her gratitude. She said, “I’m humbled to be in the company of so many of my heroes – Aretha, Tina, Chaka, Joni, Wanda, to name just a few. Women have made so many important contributions to music and to rock n roll and a win for one of us is a win for all of us. Thank you to the voting members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for this honor. And thank you to my fans for supporting me throughout my career. I could not do any of this without you.”
The members of Bad Company also celebrated the recognition. “If I were a gambling man I would wager that Bad Company fans and friends had something to do with this nomination for The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” said Paul Rodgers. “I’ve been told there has been a movement afoot for some time, and we salute them for their persistence and dedication. Hopefully we are triumphant and get inducted and their efforts are realized. It would be an honor to join the great company already inducted.”
Mick Ralphs added, “Paul called and gave me the brilliant news about Bad Company’s nomination. I am elated and think it is fantastic. If we are inducted it will be part of our Rock and Roll Fantasy!” Simon Kirke also reflected on the band’s long wait: “I am very happy and honored that we have finally been nominated. It’s been a long time coming! I’m happy to dedicate this honor to Boz [Burrell], who left us too soon. Congrats to Paul and Mick!”
Who’s Still Waiting
Even with so many long-overdue additions, several notable artists remain excluded. Acts such as Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Phil Collins (as a solo artist), the Monkees, and Meat Loaf are still waiting for their chance to be recognized by the Rock Hall.
