Rock Hall honors Phil Collins, Wu-Tang, and Rick Rubin in Los Angeles

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted 12 artists and one producer at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday night, Nov. 14. The ceremony featured a mix of live performances, tearful speeches, and notable absences that shaped the evening's energy.

Phil Collins took the stage slowly using a pair of canes, supported by his daughter Lily Collins in the audience. Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker inducted Collins, praising his dual success as a drummer and pop singer. Collins thanked the crowd for their ovation and admitted that his singing career had been a happy accident. He told the audience he had not been able to perform since 2022 but assured them he was not finished.

Billy Idol was inducted alongside guitarist Steve Stevens by Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal of No Doubt. The crowd shouted along with Idol during a performance of "White Wedding." Idol dedicated his speech to young musicians, telling them it was their turn to make music. He then introduced the Wu-Tang Clan for the next segment of the show.

Oprah Winfrey inducted the late R&B singer Luther Vandross, describing him as the maestro of the love song. Winfrey noted that Vandross died in 2005 but remained one of the definitive singers of the 1980s and 1990s. Usher performed a medley of Vandross hits, including "Here and Now" and "So Amazing," to honor his memory.

The Wu-Tang Clan, consisting of 10 current members, filled the stage for their induction. Comedian Chris Rock inducted the group, noting that they rewrote hip-hop rules without major label support. Leader RZA stated that the group wanted to conquer and make a mark. Backed by a jazz band, the clan performed songs including "C.R.E.A.M." and "Shimmy Shimmy Ya."

Producer Rick Rubin accepted his induction with a brief speech, saying that rock and roll cannot be killed. Neil Young inducted Rubin, joking about Rubin’s habit of working barefoot on his couch. The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed "Give It Away" while wearing white wigs and fake beards to mimic Rubin’s signature look.

Other inductees included Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Oasis, Sade, Joy Division/New Order, and Iron Maiden. Oasis did not attend, with actor Bob Odenkirk inducting them and Stephen Wilson Jr. performing "Wonderwall" acoustically. Iron Maiden remained on tour in Australia, with Jack Black announcing their absence. Peter Hook appeared for Joy Division and New Order, performing with Deftones and Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches.

The ceremony concluded with Run DMC and Aerosmith performing their 1986 collaboration "Walk This Way." The public will see an edited version of the event on ABC and Disney+ on Dec. 9, marking a return to the network’s previous broadcasting model after recent years of live streaming.