The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation revealed its roster of inductees for 2026 on April 13, naming a cohort of performers and industry figures that spans genres and generations. Among those singled out are 1990s British rock mainstays Oasis and the American hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. Phil Collins will be inducted as a solo performer, 16 years after his earlier recognition as a member of the progressive rock band Genesis.
In addition to those headliners, this year’s class includes British heavy metal innovators Iron Maiden, soul vocalists Luther Vandross and Sade, punk rock figure Billy Idol and the influential post-punk group Joy Division, whose creative legacy continued under the later name New Order.
The foundation also designated a group of artists in the 'Early Influence' category: Cuban singer Celia Cruz, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, pioneering rappers Queen Latifah and MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons, noted for bridging 1960s rock with modern country music.
Recognition in the 'Musical Excellence' category was given to songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin. Separately, the Ahmet Ertegun Award will be presented to television host Ed Sullivan, who died more than half a century ago; that award honors nonperforming industry figures who exerted major creative influence on rock and roll.
The Hall of Fame applies an eligibility rule requiring that an artist’s or band’s first commercial recording be released at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. The foundation said the inductees will be formally enshrined on November 14 at a ceremony scheduled for the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event is slated to be broadcast in December on ABC and Disney+.
Context and process notes
The announced class reflects a cross-section of musical styles recognized for their originality and impact on the industry. The foundation’s categories encompass performers, early influencers whose work predated mainstream recognition, and contributors honored specifically for musical craftsmanship and production.
Details on the induction program and the televised presentation were included in the foundation’s announcement, including the date and venue for the live ceremony and the planned December broadcast on network and streaming platforms.