2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially announced its Class of 2025, The induction ceremony is set for November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will stream live on Disney+, with special broadcasts to follow on ABC and Hulu.

Among the most celebrated names to be inducted in the Performer Category is Bad Company, the iconic British rock supergroup formed in 1973 by Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Simon Kirke, and Boz Burrell. Finally, these guys are getting in, long overdue. Known for timeless anthems such as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and “Shooting Star,” Bad Company became synonymous with arena rock and blues-based hard rock. Their debut album quickly went multi-platinum, and their gritty, soulful sound earned them a permanent spot in the classic rock canon. This induction recognizes their contributions as architects of 1970s rock and as one of the most consistent hitmakers of their era.

Chubby Checker finally receives long-overdue recognition this year. Few artists have left as lasting an imprint on American pop culture as Checker, whose 1960 version of “The Twist” not only ignited a global dance craze but also reshaped the relationship between pop music and dance. Checker’s energetic stage presence, charisma, and crossover appeal broke new ground for performers in the early rock era, making him a household name and a mainstay of oldies playlists for more than six decades.

The late Joe Cocker is also honored in this year’s class, paying tribute to one of the most soulful and passionate vocalists in rock history. Cocker’s raw, gravelly delivery brought new life to songs like “With a Little Help from My Friends,” famously performed at Woodstock in 1969, and “You Are So Beautiful.” His distinctive interpretations of both rock and soul standards earned him international acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. Cocker’s induction underscores the Hall’s commitment to recognizing interpreters and performers who bring emotional depth and individuality to the genre.

A pop icon whose impact continues to resonate is Cyndi Lauper. From her breakout with 1983’s She’s So Unusual and its era-defining single “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Lauper became a trailblazer for female artists in pop and rock. With her bold sense of style, instantly recognizable voice, and knack for anthems like “Time After Time” and “True Colors,” Lauper has inspired generations. Beyond her hits, she’s been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a presence on Broadway, underscoring her versatility and enduring influence on culture and music.

Also entering the Hall this year is OutKast, the Atlanta hip-hop duo consisting of André 3000 and Big Boi—a selection that is certain to aggravate some rock fans who continue to argue that hip-hop artists don’t belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The legacy of alternative rock is honored with the induction of Soundgarden. Emerging from Seattle’s fertile music scene in the late 1980s, Soundgarden became one of the forefathers of grunge, with frontman Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals and Kim Thayil’s innovative guitar work leading the charge. Albums such as Badmotorfinger, Superunknown, and Down on the Upside remain essential listening, and songs like “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman” helped define the sound of the ’90s. Soundgarden’s induction also pays tribute to the late Cornell, whose artistry continues to move and inspire fans.

The White Stripes round out this year’s Performer Category. The Detroit duo of Jack and Meg White brought raw, minimalist garage rock back to mainstream attention at the dawn of the 2000s, with hits such as “Fell in Love with a Girl,” “Icky Thump,” and the now-ubiquitous “Seven Nation Army.” Their commitment to simplicity, striking red-and-white aesthetic, and bluesy influences revitalized rock at a time of change and helped pave the way for a new generation of indie and alternative acts.

In addition to the performers, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is presenting special awards this year. The Musical Influence Award goes to Salt-N-Pepa, who broke barriers as one of the first all-female rap groups, and Warren Zevon, whose literate songwriting and cult-classic status have finally been recognized by the institution. Salt-N-Pepa’s pioneering spirit helped carve a path for women in hip-hop, while Zevon’s songs—wry, dark, and deeply human—continue to earn new admirers.

This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame fan vote was won by veteran jam band Phish, who amassed nearly 330,000 votes—about 50,000 more than the next highest act, Bad Company. Despite this landslide, Phish was not included among the official inductees, once again highlighting the controversial reality that winning the fan vote does not ensure a place in the Hall. This outcome is certain to disappoint the group’s dedicated fanbase, as well as ignite further debate about the Hall’s selection process.

Phish’s passionate following comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with their remarkable career. Emerging from Burlington, Vermont in the early 1980s, Phish—led by guitarist Trey Anastasio, along with Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, and Page McConnell—earned their reputation as one of America’s most inventive and beloved live bands. Their concerts are celebrated for improvisational skill, marathon sets, ever-changing setlists, and a spirit of joyful experimentation that harks back to the traditions of the Grateful Dead while carving out their own distinct identity.

The band’s musical style draws from rock, jazz, funk, bluegrass, and psychedelic influences, making each performance a unique experience. Phish is known for its fiercely loyal community of fans—often referred to as “Phishheads”—who travel across the country to attend multi-night runs, landmark festival events, and legendary Halloween “musical costume” shows. Albums like A Picture of Nectar, Billy Breathes, and Junta have become classics in the jam band scene, but it’s their live presence and communal ethos that have cemented Phish’s enduring appeal.

Although Phish topped the fan poll this year, their absence from the list of 2025 inductees will likely be seen as yet another example of the Hall of Fame’s sometimes opaque and controversial criteria for inclusion

The Musical Excellence Award is bestowed upon legendary arranger and producer Thom Bell, revered session keyboardist Nicky Hopkins (whose work with The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and The Who made him one of rock’s secret weapons), and Carol Kaye, whose basslines underpinned countless hits as part of the famed Wrecking Crew. These honorees represent the musicians and producers whose contributions shaped the very foundation of modern music, often from behind the scenes.

Finally, the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-performing industry professionals goes to Lenny Waronker, the influential record producer and executive whose career has guided and developed a staggering array of talent over the decades.

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2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Announced article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025