Downtown Los Angeles just hosted one of the most prestigious nights in music history. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 Induction Ceremony took over the Peacock Theater on Saturday, November 8, honoring a lineup of groundbreaking artists who’ve shaped the sound and spirit of modern rock and pop music.
A Legendary Class
Photos courtesy AEG
This year’s inductees represent the eclectic soul of rock and roll—artists who’ve challenged conventions, blurred genres, and inspired generations. The Class of 2025 includes Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes, a lineup spanning six decades of musical evolution.
Additional honorees included Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon (Musical Influence Award), Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye (Musical Excellence Award), and longtime Warner Bros. Records executive Lenny Waronker, who received the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his behind-the-scenes contributions to the industry.
Photos courtesy AEG
“Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame chairman John Sykes in a statement (via Yahoo). “Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”
And as if this class of honorees wasn’t enough, the evening included appearances from an extensive list of presenters and performers, including but not limited to:
- Beck
- Brandi Carlile
- David Letterman
- Doja Cat
- Elton John
- Flea
- Iggy Pop
- J.I.D
- Killer Mike
- Maxwell
- Missy Elliott
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Questlove
- RAYE
- Sleepy Brown
- Taylor Momsen
- Teddy Swims
- Twenty One Pilots
DT Los Angeles Took the Spotlight
Photos courtesy AEG
Though the Hall’s home base remains in Cleveland, hosting the induction ceremony in Downtown Los Angeles felt especially fitting. From the Laurel Canyon folk scene of the ’70s to Sunset Strip’s hair metal heyday to the countless acts performing at DTLA’s many live music venues, Los Angeles has long been the beating heart of American popular music.
Not Without Notable Absences
Photos courtesy AEG
While anticipation is high, not every inductee was in attendance. Paul Rodgers, frontman for Bad Company, recently announced he would miss the ceremony due to health concerns, though his bandmates are expected to perform a tribute set in his honor. The iconic singer took to the official Bad Company Instagram page to state, ““My hope was to be at the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritize my health. I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else. Thanks for understanding. Simon along with some outstanding musicians will be stepping in for me – guaranteed to rock.” (Simon Kirke has previously performed with Bad Company.)
Another Bad Company member who was not be in attendance is longtime guitarist Mick Ralphs, who sadly passed away last June. Luckily, he lived long enough to learn the news of his band being recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Rodgers recounting one of their last phone calls together before his death (via AP News): “I said to him, ‘Do you remember when we were looking for a band name and we called each other with silly names?’ And then I just called him up one day and I said, ’Bad Company’ and he dropped the phone and he said, ‘Oh yeah, that’s it. That’s the name,’” Rodgers stated. “I said, ‘From then, it’s a long way, but it seems like we just blinked our eyes a couple of times and here we are at the Hall of Fame.’ So at least I was able to tell him that.”
Honoring the Spirit of Rock & Roll
As the Hall continues to expand its definition of what “rock and roll” means, this year’s inductees reflect the genre’s wide reach—from Outkast’s trailblazing Southern hip-hop to The White Stripes’ minimalist garage revival. It’s less about the sound and more about the spirit: rebellion, authenticity, and reinvention.
That ethos feels right at home in Los Angeles, a city that thrives on artistic risk-taking. From its underground clubs to its polished venues, L.A. has long been a proving ground for musical innovation—and this weekend, the world will be watching as the city once again takes center stage.
How to Watch
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 Induction Ceremony will stream live on Disney+ beginning at 5 p.m. PST, with red-carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the main event. A highlight special will air on ABC on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, followed by on-demand streaming on Hulu the next day.
