The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place on Saturday, November 14, at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, with Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Oasis, Iron Maiden, Sade and Wu-Tang Clan among the new class. Several of the biggest names, however, have already confirmed they won’t be in the room.
What We Know
This year’s performer inductees are Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Wu-Tang Clan, Oasis, Iron Maiden, Sade, Joy Division and New Order (inducted together), and the late Luther Vandross, according to the Associated Press. The class was chosen by a voting body of more than 1,200 people and was announced six months before the ceremony.
Beyond the performer category, the Early Influence Award goes to Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti and Gram Parsons. Producers Rick Rubin, Linda Creed, Arif Mardin and Jimmy Miller receive the Musical Excellence Award, while TV pioneer Ed Sullivan is honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-musicians.
Fans hoping to watch live will be disappointed. After two years of streaming the night as it happened, the Rock Hall is going back to its older format: the show will be taped and an edited version will air later. Parade reports that the broadcast is set for December 8 on ABC and Disney+.
Who Is Skipping the Ceremony
The biggest headline is Oasis. Liam Gallagher will not travel to Los Angeles, and Noel Gallagher is booked the same day for a solo set at the EFG London Jazz Festival, as reported by AP, citing Rolling Stone, and by Parade. For a band whose 2025 reunion tour dominated the music world, a no-show at their own induction has frustrated many fans.
Iron Maiden will also miss the night because they are on tour in Australia. Sade confirmed in a statement that she will not attend, thanking the Hall and apologizing for her absence, according to Parade. Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris of New Order are not expected either, and Peter Hook’s attendance remains uncertain.
Phil Collins will not perform. The former Genesis frontman has not played live since 2022. Parade says he is expected to attend, while AP noted earlier in the week that it was not yet clear whether he would be there in person.
Who Is Expected to Perform
Billy Idol is the surest bet for a big moment. The “Rebel Yell” singer has confirmed he will attend and has said he plans to “bring it” on stage. Queen Latifah and MC Lyte are both expected to perform, although neither performance had been officially confirmed. MC Lyte has spent recent months on what she calls her “Road to the Hall” tour.
Wu-Tang Clan, who staged a farewell tour last year, remain a maybe, as do Joy Division and New Order. The Rock Hall traditionally keeps presenters and tribute performers under wraps until the night, so surprise guests filling in for absent inductees are likely.
Want to know more about one of the honorees? Read our profile of Queen Latifah, the rapper, actress and producer who joins the Hall through the Early Influence category.
Background
The ceremony rotates between Cleveland, New York and Los Angeles, and 2026 marks the second straight year in LA. The Hall has long been criticized for leaning on classic rock, and this year’s mix of British pop and metal, hip-hop, soul and Afrobeat (through Fela Kuti) reflects its broader approach in recent years. Hip-hop already has a strong presence in the Hall, with past inductees such as Jay-Z, while pop stars like Madonna were inducted years ago.
Absences are nothing new at Rock Hall ceremonies. Over the decades, several inductees have declined to attend because of tour schedules, band tensions or personal reasons, and the Hall usually brings in other artists to play their songs.
What’s Next
Expect performance clips and speeches to circulate on social media after Saturday’s show, even though the full broadcast won’t arrive until December. The remaining question marks, from Wu-Tang Clan’s set to whether Phil Collins steps on stage to accept his honor, should be answered over the weekend. For more live music news, see our report on Aerosmith’s return at the Hollywood Bowl.
Sources
- Associated Press via KCRA: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony is this weekend
- Parade: 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, who is getting inducted and who is skipping
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: 2026 inductees announcement