When the 2026 class of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees receive their honors at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on Nov. 14, the artists will represent one of the most diverse classes in the history of the Hall of Fame’s 40 years.
Nearly every popular music genre of the past half-century is represented, from rock ‘n’ roll (Oasis) and heavy metal (Iron Maiden) to soul (Luther Vandross) and hip-hop (Wu-Tang Clan). There will also be punk (Billy Idol), post-punk and new wave (Joy Division and New Order), pop (Phil Collins) and jazz-inspired pop (Sade).
UCR’s writers got together to discuss the new inductees, their biggest surprises and complaints, and their overall thoughts on the class itself.
1) Who is the most surprising inductee?
Nick DeRiso: It’s easy to overlook just how surprising the Rock Hall’s inclusion of Joy Division/New Order and Iron Maiden really is. After all, they’ve been nominated before. But these are nervy, smart choices, and a clear break from the overly safe Big Show mentality that’s surrounded these inductions for many years…