Can You Feel It in the Air Tonight? 11 Best Moments From 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
From Cynthia Erivo & Travis Barker doing *the* drum break justice to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers donning Rick Rubin wigs, these were our highlights.
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at L.A.'s Peacock Theatre had an innovative focus, with new inductees making significant contributions to music. The night kicked off with a surprise 2005 inductee, U2, performing a brand-new song and a classic tune, while the induction ceremony's final act featured Aerosmith collaborating with Run-DMC on the iconic "Walk This Way," a top-five Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1986.
Between the opening and closing acts, a mix of rising stars and established legends paid tribute to the Class of 2026, or in some cases, were celebrated by the inductees themselves. The Wu-Tang Clan performed a medley, while Queen Latifah and MC Lyte joined forces to honor their roles as women in hip-hop. Billy Idol and his guitarist Steve Stevens showcased a duo act, and Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order was surrounded by his fans for a celebration of his work with both bands.
Throughout the evening, the recurring theme was innovation, as each inductee played a vital role in shaping music for generations. The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air on December 8 from 8-11 p.m. ET on ABC, with a streaming option on Disney+ the following day.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- U2 Opens 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony With Surprise Performance billboard.com
- Wu-Tang Clan Get Their Flowers, Perform at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony consequence.net
- Phil Collins Enters Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame As Solo Artist, Says “You Haven’t Heard The Last Of Me” stereogum.com
