Music stars and industry figures will gather in Los Angeles on Saturday to celebrate the latest inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, including British rock band Oasis, Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti, Sade, Wu-Tang Clan and Billy Idol.
The 2026 performer class also includes Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and the late American singer Luther Vandross.
The Cleveland-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will honour the artists at a star-studded ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, following a selection process involving more than 1,000 musicians, historians and music industry professionals.
However, several of the inductees, including Sade, Oasis and Iron Maiden, have indicated that they will not attend the ceremony.
Sade, the British band fronted by Nigerian-born singer Sade Adu, announced its absence in a statement published on its website, expressing appreciation for the recognition.
“Sorry we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us,” the group said.
Oasis, whose members include brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, also declined to attend, despite recently announcing a 2027 world tour.
Noel Gallagher is scheduled to perform solo in London, while Liam had previously expressed disdain for the institution.
Earlier in the week, responding to a fan on X, Liam said, “It’s too far to be going for the night.”
Iron Maiden also confirmed that they would miss the ceremony because they are currently on tour in Australia.
The induction will bring together Joy Division and New Order, two British bands with a shared history. New Order was formed following the death of Joy Division’s lead singer, Ian Curtis, in 1980.
New Order subsequently became influential in alternative dance music, releasing popular tracks including Blue Monday, True Faith and Bizarre Love Triangle.
Meanwhile, Collins, known for hits such as In the Air Tonight and Sussudio, has said health problems will prevent him from performing at the ceremony.
Wu-Tang Clan, the hip-hop group from Staten Island, New York, is also among the inductees. The group, known for songs including C.R.E.A.M. and Protect Ya Neck, recently concluded a tour billed as its last.
Billy Idol is also expected to attend after Los Angeles declared Friday, November 13, as Billy Idol Day ahead of his induction.
Reacting to the announcement of his induction, Idol described it as “a tremendous honor”.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame requires nominees to have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before their nomination.
Beyond the performer category, five other artists will receive the Early Influence Award. They are Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons.
AFP
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