The 40th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is just around the corner, and the guest list just keeps getting bigger and more exciting! Get ready for a night celebrating music legends, with some serious star power taking the stage.
TL;DR: The Lowdown on the 2025 Rock Hall Induction
- A Who's Who of Music Stars: Chappell Roan, The Killers, Bryan Adams, Mike McCready, Nancy Wilson, and many more are joining an already packed lineup of presenters and performers.
- Celebrating Legends: This year's inductees include Bad Company, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Salt-N-Pepa, and Joe Cocker, among others.
- Don't Miss the Show: Catch the live stream on Disney+ on November 8th, or tune into the primetime special on ABC on New Year's Day 2026.
Get Ready for the Hottest Ticket in Music: The 40th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Event
Music fans, mark your calendars and get your streaming services ready! The 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is shaping up to be an unforgettable night. The Rock Hall has been dropping announcements like hit singles, steadily expanding a guest list that already looked like a dream festival lineup. Seriously, it's getting wild.
This year, we're not just celebrating music's biggest icons getting their well-deserved place in history, but we're also going to see some of today's hottest artists and legendary figures come together to honor them. Think epic tributes, surprise performances, and heartfelt presentations – all under one roof!
Meet the Incredible Class of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees
The core of any Hall of Fame ceremony is, of course, the artists finally getting their due. This year’s class is a fantastic blend of rock, pop, hip-hop, and more, proving the diverse tapestry that makes up "rock & roll." The inductees were originally announced back on April 27th during a live broadcast on ABC’s American Idol, and fans have been buzzing ever since.
Here’s who’s officially joining the ranks:
Performers Category:
- Bad Company
- Chubby Checker
- Joe Cocker
- Cyndi Lauper
- Outkast
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
Musical Influence Award:
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Warren Zevon
Musical Excellence Award:
- Thom Bell
- Nicky Hopkins
- Carol Kaye
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
- Lenny Waronker
It’s a truly impressive list, with many artists who fans have felt were long overdue, like Bad Company, Joe Cocker, and Warren Zevon. The Hall's Foundation Chairman, John Sykes, captured the essence of the event perfectly:
"Each year the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony brings together the most influential artists in music today to honor their heroes who have inspired their music and careers. These artists come from around the world to create lifetime musical moments that will live on forever."
— John Sykes, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation ChairmanWho's Joining the Party? A Full Breakdown of the Incredible Guest List
This is where things get really exciting! The Rock Hall ceremony is famous for bringing together an incredible array of talent. This year, they've outdone themselves, with recent announcements adding even more powerhouse names to an already stacked lineup. While it's not always clear if guests will be performing or simply presenting (that's part of the fun suspense!), we do know a few exciting pairings.
Latest Additions to the Guest List:
- Chappell Roan: The pop phenom will be inducting the legendary Cyndi Lauper – talk about a perfect pairing!
- The Killers: Brand new to the list, expect a powerful presence from this iconic band.
- Bryan Adams: He's got a direct connection to inductee Joe Cocker, having co-written Cocker’s hit "When the Night Comes."
- Mike McCready (Pearl Jam): A Seattle icon honoring another Seattle legend, Soundgarden. McCready was even in Temple of the Dog with Soundgarden's Chris Cornell.
- Nancy Wilson (Heart): Another Seattle rock legend with ties to Soundgarden and Chris Cornell.
- Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac): He has a close relationship with Ahmet Ertegun Award recipient Lenny Waronker, who was president of Fleetwood Mac's longtime label, Warner Bros.
- Joe Perry (Aerosmith): Get ready for some serious guitar firepower from this Rock Hall inductee.
- Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains): Yet another Seattle grunge connection, likely joining the tribute to Soundgarden.
- Nathaniel Rateliff: Bringing his soulful rock to the celebration.
Previously Announced Stars & Celebrities:
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Doja Cat
- Elton John
- Beck
- Brandi Carlile (reportedly involved in Soundgarden tribute)
- David Letterman (will induct his longtime pal Warren Zevon)
- Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Iggy Pop
- J.I.D
- Killer Mike
- Maxwell
- Missy Elliott
- Questlove
- RAYE
- Sleepy Brown
- Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless, reportedly involved in Soundgarden tribute)
- Teddy Swims
- Tedeschi Trucks Band
- Twenty One Pilots
That's a truly incredible lineup of artists from across genres and generations, all coming together to celebrate the profound impact of music. It's going to be a night for the history books!
How to Watch the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Whether you're planning a watch party or just chilling on the couch, you've got a few options to catch all the action. This year's ceremony is a big deal, and the Rock Hall wants to make sure everyone can tune in.
Live Stream Details:
- When: Saturday, November 8th, 2025
- Time: 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Live on Disney+ (coast-to-coast!)
- On-Demand: If you miss the live show, it will be available to stream on Disney+ after the ceremony concludes.
Primetime TV Special:
- When: Thursday, January 1st, 2026 (New Year's Day!)
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where: ABC will air a special featuring performance highlights and standout moments.
- On-Demand: You can catch this special on Hulu starting the very next day, January 2nd, 2026.
Want to Be There in Person?
If you're in the Los Angeles area or planning a trip, tickets for the 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are available for purchase at AXS.com. You might also find options on resale sites like StubHub, but always be sure to check official vendors first!
Beyond the Stage: Exploring the Inductee Exhibit in Cleveland
The celebration doesn't just stop in L.A.! For those who want to get up close and personal with a piece of music history, the 2025 Inductee Exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is set to open to the public on October 31st. This is a fantastic opportunity to see artifacts from this year's class, including:
- Cyndi Lauper’s handwritten lyrics to her iconic hit "Time After Time."
- The distinctive outfits worn by Meg and Jack White on the cover of The White Stripes’ album Icky Thump.
- A 1979 Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, famously played by Soundgarden's Chris Cornell.
- Outfits worn by the members of Outkast, including the unforgettable ensemble Andre 3000 wore in the "Hey Ya!" music video.
It's a chance to connect with the music and the artists on a deeper level, seeing the tangible pieces that tell their stories and mark their incredible contributions.
The Enduring Legacy and Impact of Rock & Roll Legends
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame isn't just about celebrating past achievements; it's about recognizing the artists who shaped, influenced, and propelled music forward. From the powerful vocals of Joe Cocker (who received a significant push from fans and fellow artists like Paul McCartney for his induction) to the genre-bending brilliance of Outkast and the enduring power of Cyndi Lauper's anthems, this year's class truly reflects the diverse and vibrant spirit of rock and roll.
As Cyndi Lauper herself said upon hearing the news of her induction, "I'm humbled to be in the company of so many of my heroes... Women have made so many important contributions to music and to rock n roll and a win for one of us is a win for all of us." It’s a powerful reminder of the impact these artists have had, and continue to have, on generations of musicians and fans alike.
So, get ready to celebrate, rock out, and enjoy a night dedicated to the legends who make our soundtracks unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Rock Hall Ceremony
When is the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony? The live ceremony takes place on Saturday, November 8, 2025. A primetime special will air on ABC on January 1, 2026. Where can I watch the Induction Ceremony? You can stream the ceremony live on Disney+ starting at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on November 8th. A highlights special will air on ABC on January 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET, and will be available on Hulu the next day. Who are some of the key artists being inducted this year? The 2025 class includes Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Salt-N-Pepa, and Warren Zevon, among others. Can I buy tickets to attend the ceremony? Yes, tickets for the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles are available for purchase on AXS.com.Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter - Nicole Fell
- Billboard - Chris Willman
- American Songwriter - Matt Friedlander
- ABC Audio
- Best Classic Bands Staff
- ThePRP News
- Consequence - Scoop Harrison
- Rolling Stone - Maya Georgi