Phil Collins delivered an emotional acceptance speech, moving the audience to tears, while Cynthia Erivo honored him with an electrifying tribute. Oprah Winfrey posthumously inducted the legendary Luther Vandross, the crowd enthusiastically sang along with Billy Idol, and the Wu-Tang Clan energized the stage with a lively celebration during Saturday night’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Also honored that evening were Queen Latifah, Oasis, MC Lyte, Sade, Joy Division/New Order, and Iron Maiden, alongside producer Rick Rubin, who received a humorous tribute from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What initially appeared to be a potentially lackluster night due to the absence of several key inductees turned into a vibrant and dynamic induction ceremony.
U2 surprised everyone by opening the night with their new single Silencio, accompanied by dancers dressed in riot gear. They then transitioned into their classic hit from 1984, Pride (In the Name of Love), as Bono alternated between raising a peace sign and a fist.
The night concluded with a raucous performance by Run DMC and Aerosmith, who rocked the stage with their 1986 collaboration, Walk This Way, produced by Rubin.
Queen Latifah, left, and Megan Thee Stallion perform during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday in Los Angeles. (Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press)
Collins moves the audience, Idol ignites excitement
The 75-year-old Collins, who faced challenges with mobility and health issues that prevented him from performing, made his way to the stage with the aid of two canes, visibly moved by the warm reception from an audience that included his daughter, actress Lily Collins, and his four other children.
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Queen Latifah, Billy Idol, Sade and Oasis among artists being inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Travis Barker, the drummer for Blink-182, introduced Collins and lauded him for his extraordinary success as both a drummer and a chart-topping pop vocalist in the 1980s.
“I always just wanted to play the drums,” Collins reflected. “Everything else has been a wonderful surprise. Looking back, I can hardly believe how my life has unfolded.”
Phil Collins, left, is introduced by Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker during Saturday’s ceremony, before Collins shared a tearful speech. (Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press)
Collins is already a member of the Hall as part of Genesis, but this marks his solo recognition.
Later in the night, the audience erupted in cheers and sang along to White Wedding during Idol’s induction—one of the few artists whose attendance was guaranteed.
Idol was inducted alongside his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens by No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal, who joined him for a duet on Eyes Without a Face.
Oprah honors Luther Vandross
Winfrey enthusiastically referred to Vandross as “the master of the love song,” noting he was once aptly dubbed “the top artist that people make love to.”
Vandross, known for his smooth R&B vocals, was a defining figure in the music scene of the 1980s and ’90s, passing away in 2005.
“Luther Vandross sang with such depth and feeling that it could touch something deep within you that you weren’t even aware needed to be touched,” Winfrey added.
Hip-hop artists take the stage
The Wu-Tang Clan, the renowned hip-hop group from Staten Island, New York, filled the stage with all ten of its current members, delivering a memorable acceptance speech and performance that had the crowd dancing. Supported by a jazz band, their musical medley featured C.R.E.A.M., Method Man, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Shimmy Shimmy Ya.
“Wu-Tang transformed the landscape of hip-hop and did so without any major backing,” remarked comedian Chris Rock, who presented their induction.
Audience members raise Wu-Tang Clan hand signs as the group performs during the ceremony on Saturday. (Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press)
MC Lyte, a pioneering female rapper who began her career in the late 1980s, was the first artist inducted, honored by hip-hop star Remy Ma. Later, Latifah, a fellow trailblazer, was inducted by Megan Thee Stallion, who praised Latifah for “teaching us to recognize the royalty within ourselves.”
Latifah reflected on how she once thought this night would never happen.
“Being a woman in hip-hop is challenging enough,” she stated, “and being a hip-hopper in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is another level entirely.”
Inductee Queen Latifah speaks during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday in L.A. (Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press)
Latifah and MC Lyte then shared the stage for a performance of a medley featuring their hits, including Latifah’s U.N.I.T.Y. and MC Lyte’s Ruffneck.
They were recognized as recipients of the Early Influence Award, along with posthumous inductees Gram Parsons, Fela Kuti, and Celia Cruz, who were all honored through video tributes.
A stage filled with Rick Rubins
The iconic rock, hip-hop, and country producer Rubin accepted his award with a brief one-sentence speech.
“You can’t kill rock ‘n’ roll,” he declared before leaving the stage.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers dressed as Rick Rubin during their performance at the ceremony on Saturday. (Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers then took the stage, each member sporting white wigs and long white fake beards to mimic Rubin’s distinctive style as they performed their 1991 hit Give It Away, one of many tracks he produced for them.
Oasis and other absentees
Oasis, the youngest inductee group, did not attend. Guitarist Noel Gallagher was busy with a performance in the UK, while his brother, Liam Gallagher, opted not to join.
“Is anyone surprised they didn’t show up?” actor and Oasis superfan Bob Odenkirk, who inducted them, questioned. “It would’ve been out of character if they had. I’d have been worried.”
Iron Maiden, the quintessential British heavy metal band from the 1980s, and iconic singer Sade were also absent from the event. Joy Division and New Order were honored together, with only the bassist for both groups, Peter Hook, present to accept the induction.
After having streamed the ceremony live for several years, the Hall returned to its traditional format, meaning the public will not see it until a curated version airs on ABC and Disney+ on December 9.