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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just got a whole lot louder.
Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Oasis, Sade and Joy Division/New Order are among the newest inductees, joined by long-overdue first-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and the late, great Luther Vandross.
American rapper Queen Latifah and Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti are among the names recognised in the outstanding contributions categories.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an American institution that honours the most influential and iconic artists in music history. Despite the name, it’s not just limited to rock and roll artists – inductees have included hip-hop acts (e.g. the Wu-Tang Clan this year), soul singers (Luther Vandross), pop stars and everything in between.
Each year, a new wave of artists is welcomed in, with induction widely regarded as the ultimate stamp of approval on a musical legacy.
Artists must have put out their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago to qualify, and the nominees are selected by a panel of over 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026:
- Phil Collins
- Billy Idol
- Iron Maiden
- Joy Division/New Order
- Oasis
- Sade
- Luther Vandross
- Wu-Tang Clan
Beyond the main performer category, the Hall of Fame also recognises outstanding contributions through three special categories: early influence, musical excellence and the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award.
This year’s early influence honourees are American rapper Queen Latifah, Cuban legend Celia Cruz, Nigerian icon Fela Kuti, rapper MC Lyte and country rock pioneer Gram Parsons.
The musical excellence category goes to songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin.
And more than half a century after his death, Ed Sullivan – who’s Sunday night show served as a springboard for countless musical legends of the 1950s and 60s – will receive the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award.
Notable names who missed out on being inducted this year include Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, Pink, New Edition and Shakira.