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.
READ MORE: The Best Album by New Wave’s 15 Biggest Artists
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.
Michael Gallucci: Although their music never connected with me, I am surprised and happy to see Iron Maiden being inducted as part of the Performer Category and not as a Musical Excellence, as fellow metal legends Judas Priest were a few years ago.
Corey Irwin: For me, the biggest surprise is Luther Vandross. I understand he had a successful career — and perhaps this is a reflection of my own unfamiliarity with his work — but if you stopped a random person on the street and asked them to name one of his hits, could they? I certainly can’t.
Listen to Luther Vandross’ ‘A House Is Not a Home’
Allison Rapp: I think I have to say Sade for this, not because they’re not deserving, but mainly since they’re such a stronger force in the U.K. than on American soil. I also thought it would take another few years for New Order/Joy Division, but I’m pleasantly surprised.
Bryan Rolli: Although I think Luther Vandross’ induction is well-deserved, the conditions of it surprised me. To be inducted as a first-time nominee after being eligible for nearly 20 years and dead for even longer feels out of left field.
Matthew Wilkening: Sade, who, to be clear, is excellent. I’m all for the more genre-inclusive version of the Hall of Fame, but it’s still surprising to see an artist so far away from rock ‘n’ roll get the nod.
Iron Maiden (Paul Natkin, Getty Images)
2) Who is the most surprising exclusion?
DeRiso: The Black Crowes. Their recent resurgence was perfectly timed for a capstone honor, similar to George Harrison’s induction with the Beatles while sitting at No. 1 on the singles chart.
Gallucci: It’s not all that surprising, but given the Black Crowes’ recent comeback, with two really good albums and a Grammy nomination, I figured the momentum would carry over into a Rock Hall induction. I think they will eventually get the nod.
Listen to the Black Crowes’ ‘Wanting and Waiting’
Irwin: I’m going to keep pounding the INXS drum here. They have the sales numbers, the hit songs, the accolades — frankly, their resume is stronger than some of the artists they were passed over for this year. Hopefully, they get their call soon.
Rapp: I thought Melissa Etheridge was going to work out here, especially since this year’s class leans so heavily male.
Rolli: I didn’t think the Rock Hall would go through the trouble of nominating Mariah Carey three years in a row without inducting her. Especially when her lawyer’s already in there!
Wilkening: New Edition, because they won the fan vote running away, and that should matter. Also, their live performance would bring the house down. Less urgently: INXS. Maybe they are this year’s “next year” candidate, as Billy Idol was thought to be in 2025.
The Black Crowes — maybe next year! (Lindsay Brice, Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images)
3) Who are you most glad to see get in?
DeRiso: Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis will finally get his due after a too-early death and New Order’s subsequent chart successes tended to obscure his dark genius.
Watch Joy Division’s ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ Video
Gallucci: Joy Division and New Order. These two connected bands have been a major influence on so many artists over the past 40-plus years; it’s hard to believe they’ve been passed over so often.
Irwin: I’m happy for a lot of artists in this year’s class, but if I have to name just one, it’s Billy Idol. He’s one of the undisputed icons of the ‘80s with a legacy that has lasted for decades. But he also genuinely wanted this, voicing his admiration for the Hall of Fame honor on many occasions. He’s not taking this moment for granted which is why I’ll cheer especially loud for him on induction night.
READ MORE: Billy Idol Albums Ranked
Rapp: Oasis. I know neither of the Gallagher brothers cares about being in the Rock Hall — in fact, Liam was actively campaigning online for fans not to vote for them — but I’m glad for it nonetheless. Their 2025 reunion tour really solidified Oasis as a global act that fans still feel passionately about 30-some years since their heyday, and that speaks volumes to me in terms of the kind of influence and impact Rock Hall inductees should possess.
Rolli: I’ve been advocating for Iron Maiden to get into the Rock Hall for as long as I’ve been participating in these UCR roundtables (actually, for much longer). Their induction is a huge win for heavy metal albeit a slightly bittersweet one for me personally. Which glaring metal snub will I complain about now?
Wilkening: Billy Idol. Iron Maiden and Phil Collins were long overdue for induction and perhaps more worthy but neither lacks acclaim or accomplishments. By contrast, Idol is one of the most underrated songwriters and cultural icons of the ’80s and it is good to see another spotlight sent his way.
