The diverse group of honorees included the hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, punk rocker Billy Idol, the versatile Phil Collins, R&B icon Luther Vandross, and a joint induction for the seminal post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order.
The event marked a return to the institution’s previous model, moving away from the live-streaming format of recent years. The proceedings were recorded for a future broadcast, with an edited version scheduled to air on ABC and Disney+ on December 9. Prior to the broadcast, a red carpet livestream hosted by Allison Hagendorf and Maria Ferrer provided fans with updates on the arriving celebrities.
Frontman Bono, who alternately raised a peace sign and a fist during the set, later spoke about the influence of Dolly Parton, stating, “She reminded us all that where you come from must not decide where you’re going in life.”
Phil Collins, already a Hall member as part of Genesis, was honored for his solo work. Despite mobility issues that have kept him from performing, the 75-year-old walked to the stage using two canes and received a standing ovation.
“My life has just been one thing after the other, one dream after the other,” Collins told journalists backstage. During the tribute, Cynthia Erivo belted out “In The Air Tonight,” with Travis Barker playing the track’s iconic drum fill. Collins assured the crowd he was not finished yet, declaring, “You haven’t heard the last of me.”
Oprah Winfrey inducted the late Luther Vandross, who died in 2005. The celebration of his career included a sultry medley of his hits, such as “Here and Now” and “So Amazing,” performed by Usher. Another highlight was the induction of Queen Latifah, a recipient of the Early Influence Award.
Megan Thee Stallion, who inducted the New Jersey-born star, said Latifah “taught us to recognize royalty within ourselves.” Latifah, who achieved early success with her 1989 album “All Hail the Queen,” reflected on the achievement: “It’s difficult enough being a woman in hip-hop, let alone being a hip-hopper in the Rock & Roll Hall.” She and fellow honoree MC Lyte performed a medley of their hits, including “U.N.I.T.Y.”
The Wu-Tang Clan brought a rowdy energy to the stage, performing hits like “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Method Man,” and a tribute to the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard with “Shimmy Ya.” Comedian Chris Rock, who inducted the group, remarked, “Wu-Tang rewrote the rules of hip-hop and did it without a big machine behind them.” Group leader RZA added, “We took Staten Island to the world.”
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails introduced Joy Division and New Order, calling the members of Joy Division “the authors of an unbreakable archetype.” Only Peter Hook, the bassist for both bands, appeared at the ceremony. He performed “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and “Bizarre Love Triangle” alongside the Deftones and singer Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches.
Several inductees were notable no-shows. Oasis, the youngest of the class, did not attend. Bob Odenkirk, who inducted the band, drew laughter when he called their music “a dose of Viagra for the ego,” adding, Is anyone surprised they didn’t show up?
They didn’t want to be here. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher had previously cited other commitments, stating, “It’s too far to be going for the night. I got sh*t to do, it's Christmas.”
It’s too far to be going for the night I got shit to do it’s Christmas
Arif Mardin, a producer for Atlantic Records who helped shape the soul sound of Aretha Franklin, received the Musical Excellence Award posthumously. Other Early Influence honorees included Fela Kuti and Celia Cruz, the latter becoming the first inductee who sang primarily in Spanish.
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I stand by that
Well I was speaking to my mummy last night when the news broke and she thinks I may have been a little hasty with my perception of the organization she’s told me to stop being a dick and go to the awards and behave and you never know you might enjoy it
Reverse psychology vibes in the area Oasis RnR hall of farmers I mean famers
Too fucking rite I am
We’re both going we’re soooooo proud and humble