The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has revealed the initial list of artists scheduled to present and perform at its upcoming induction ceremony. The event will take place on Saturday, November 8, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This announcement includes a mix of already-inducted legends and contemporary music stars.
Key Takeaways
- Initial list of presenters and performers for the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony has been released.
- The lineup features a blend of past inductees and current hitmakers.
- The ceremony will stream live on Disney+ and later air on ABC.
- Seven artists will be inducted in the Performer category this year.
- An exhibit showcasing inductee artifacts opens in Cleveland on October 31.
Star-Studded Lineup for Induction Ceremony
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has confirmed several prominent names for its 40th Annual Induction Ceremony. The event will honor the 2025 class of inductees. Music fans can expect to see a diverse array of talent on stage, reflecting the broad impact of rock and roll music.
Among those confirmed are four artists who are already members of the Rock Hall. These include Sir Elton John, hip-hop icon Missy Elliott, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and punk rock pioneer Iggy Pop of The Stooges. Their presence ensures a connection to the rich history of the institution.
Inductee Categories
- Performer 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
New Generation of Performers Joins the Stage
Alongside the Rock Hall veterans, a new generation of popular artists will also participate. These include Grammy Award-winning artist Doja Cat, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, soulful singer Teddy Swims, and British R&B artist RAYE. Their inclusion highlights the ongoing evolution and influence of rock and roll across different genres.
Television icon David Letterman is also slated to make an appearance. His participation adds a touch of classic entertainment to the evening. The full list of presenters and performers will be updated as more names are announced, promising additional surprises.
"The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony celebrates the artists who have shaped music history. This year's lineup showcases both legendary figures and groundbreaking contemporary talent, ensuring an unforgettable night," a representative stated.
Ceremony Broadcast and Streaming Details
The 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 8. It will be broadcast live across the country on Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET. This provides a wide audience with immediate access to the event.
For those who miss the live stream, the ceremony will be available for on-demand viewing on Disney+ after the initial broadcast. Additionally, ABC will air a primetime special featuring performance highlights and memorable moments. This special broadcast is set for Thursday, January 1, at 8 p.m. ET, and will be available on Hulu the following day.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame History
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was established in 1983. Its mission is to recognize and archive the history of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers, and other notable figures who have impacted the development of rock and roll music. The first induction ceremony took place in 1986.
Honoring the 2025 Inductees
This year's ceremony will specifically honor the 2025 class of inductees across various categories. In the highly anticipated Performer category, seven influential acts will be recognized. These are Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Each of these artists has left a significant mark on music.
The Musical Influence Award will go to Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon. This award recognizes artists whose music has inspired and shaped other musicians. Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye will receive the Musical Excellence Award, celebrating their superior musicianship and contributions to countless recordings.
Finally, Lenny Waronker will be honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award. This award is given to non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on rock and roll.
Artifacts Exhibit to Open Soon
Fans will have an opportunity to see artifacts from the 2025 inductees up close. The 2025 Inductee Exhibit is scheduled to open to the public at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 31. This exhibit offers a tangible connection to the artists' careers and their iconic works.
Among the items on display will be Cyndi Lauper's handwritten lyrics for her hit song "Time After Time." Visitors can also see the outfits worn by Meg White and Jack White on the cover of The White Stripes' album Icky Thump. A 1979 Gibson Les Paul electric guitar played by Chris Cornell of Soundgarden will also be featured.
The exhibit will also include outfits worn by the members of OutKast. This includes the specific outfit Andre 3000 wore in the "Hey Ya!" music video, a piece of music video history. These artifacts provide insight into the creative processes and visual identities of the inducted artists.
Initial List of Confirmed Participants
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has released an initial list of individuals confirmed to present or perform. This list is subject to additions and updates in the coming weeks. The currently announced participants include:
- Beck
- Brandi Carlile
- David Letterman
- Doja Cat
- Elton John
- Flea
- Iggy Pop
- J.I.D
- Killer Mike
- Maxwell
- Missy Elliott
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Questlove
- RAYE
- Sleepy Brown
- Taylor Momsen
- Teddy Swims
- Twenty One Pilots
This diverse group reflects the wide range of musical styles and influences that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame seeks to celebrate. The blend of rock, hip-hop, pop, and R&B artists ensures a dynamic and engaging ceremony for all viewers.
The event serves as a significant moment in the music calendar, recognizing enduring legacies and welcoming new generations of musical innovators into the prestigious institution. Further announcements regarding additional participants are expected as the ceremony date approaches.