Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and British rock singer Billy Idol were among the music legends inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday.
The 2026 ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, also honoured singer Phil Collins, British music groups Joy Division and New Order, and late American soul singer Luther Vandross.
However, several of the inductees, including Oasis, Sade and Iron Maiden, were absent from the star-studded event.
Wu-Tang Clan, the hip-hop group from Staten Island, New York, entertained guests with performances of some of their biggest hits, including C.R.E.A.M and Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit.
Speaking on stage, group member Method Man reflected on their journey from struggling for radio recognition to receiving one of music’s biggest honours.
“We went from being banned on the radio to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” he said to loud cheers.
He also had a message for their critics, saying, “You can kiss my inducted ass.”
The ceremony also celebrated the contributions of women to hip-hop, with Queen Latifah and MC Lyte among the inductees.
MC Lyte, widely regarded as the First Lady of Hip-Hop, joined Queen Latifah for a medley of their popular songs.
Rappers Megan Thee Stallion and Remy Ma later joined the performers on stage to celebrate the legacy of women in the genre.
Meanwhile, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker inducted Collins, who attended the ceremony with his children, including actress Lily Collins.
The British singer, whose first induction was as a member of Genesis, walked on stage with two canes before addressing the audience.
“I’m really not as bad as it looks,” he said.
He added, “You haven’t heard the last of me, I can promise you that.”
Singer Cynthia Erivo performed Collins’ hit song In The Air Tonight, accompanied by Barker, who played its famous drum sequence.
Speaking to journalists backstage, Collins described his career as a series of remarkable opportunities.
“My life has just been one thing after the other, one dream after the other,” he said.
Oasis, Iron Maiden Miss Ceremony
Rock singer Billy Idol performed at the ceremony after being inducted by Gwen Stefani.
He delivered a performance of his hit Rebel Yell, before Stefani joined him for a duet of Eyes Without a Face.
Idol was inducted alongside his longtime guitarist, Steve Stevens.
Speaking about punk music, Idol said it continued to represent freedom and self-expression.
“Punk was and remains a tremendously positive thing. Freedom to be yourself, freedom to be proud of our differences,” he said.
“We are beautiful because we are true to ourselves.”
He ended his speech by announcing his intention to celebrate with Wu-Tang Clan.
Actor Bob Odenkirk represented absent British rock band Oasis, describing their music as “a dose of Viagra for the ego”.
He joked about the band’s absence, saying it was hardly surprising that they had chosen not to attend.
“Is anyone surprised they didn’t show up?” he asked, drawing laughter from the audience.
“They didn’t want to be here. It would’ve been out of character if they had.”
Meanwhile, Trent Reznor inducted Joy Division and New Order, which received a rare joint honour.
New Order was formed following the death of Joy Division’s lead singer, Ian Curtis, in 1980.
Bassist Peter Hook accepted the award on behalf of the groups.
‘You Can’t Kill Rock And Roll’
Heavy metal band Iron Maiden, which was absent because of its ongoing tour in Australia, was honoured by a group of performers, including St. Vincent, members of Rage Against the Machine and Metallica, and actor Jack Black.
Television personality Oprah Winfrey introduced the late Luther Vandross, whose musical legacy was celebrated with a performance of his hit Never Too Much by singer Usher.
Legendary television host Ed Sullivan also received the Ahmet Ertegun Award, which recognises influential figures who have contributed to the music industry without performing.
Cuban singer Celia Cruz and American singer-songwriter Gram Parsons were also honoured.
Music producer Rick Rubin equally received recognition, with Canadian musician Neil Young delivering his induction speech.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed in his honour, appearing dressed to resemble Rubin, complete with sunglasses, long white hair and his trademark beard.
Rubin kept his acceptance speech brief.
“You can’t kill rock and roll,” he said. “Thank you.”