The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class of inductees on April 13 and I’m generally pleased with the outcome. I’m thrilled the hall’s voters selected my top pick: Joy Division/New Order.
They’re my all-time favorite band and got me into the EDM scene, starting with “Blue Monday” (1983).
Four of my seven picks from the fan ballot made it into the hall this year. The others are Phil Collins, Billy Idol and Iron Maiden.
The 2026 class of performer inductees also includes Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
Plus, the hall added 10 more individuals through side categories like early influence and musical excellence. Notables in that group include Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons.
All told, the 2026 class includes approximately 46 individuals thanks to large groups like Wu-Tang Clan and Iron Maiden. The final number depends on how many members past and present the hall plans to officially induct at its ceremony on Nov. 14 in Los Angeles.
The 2026 class is notable for having 18 induction slots (the most since 1987). I guess this is a catch-up year, designed to put a dent in the hall’s sizable backlog of worthy performers who have yet to make the cut. That includes Australian rock band INXS, who I pushed for this year.
While the 1987 class holds the record for the most “induction acts” with 22 distinct slots, the 2012 class is the winner by total headcount, with a staggering 63 individuals inducted. That year, the hall inducted a roster of “backing groups” alongside their previously inducted frontmen to correct historical omissions.
Related articles:
John Sykes on 2026 Rock Hall Inductions, Why Voters Embraced So Many Acts From the 1980s & Their Curious Snub of Mariah Carey (Billboard; April 16, 2026)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 Inductees: Oasis, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Sade, Billy Idol, Wu-Tang Clan and More (Variety; April 13, 2026)
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