RRHOF 2026: A class for everyone

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026: A somewhat remarkable class for mostly everyone. 

It's not a doubt that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in their 40 years of existence continues to truly honor what's called rock & roll history and to give artists a recognition they need for changing it's course regardless of their sounds & backgrounds. It's not perfect though they know what they're doing. 

Here's a little lesson for those who never understand music at all: Rock & Roll is never based on any styles or instruments, it's a vibe representing spirit, evolution, attitude & diversity that makes a definition of the term. Take a look at the first two classes & you'll understand it's not about one genre. 

Let's also not forget: Rock & Roll isn't about commerce, never was never will. There's a lot more to R&R than what comes on a radio 24/7 or what's currently popular or trending. It's about art & making that for those who followed. You don't become a legend by having popularity due to large sales & hit records otherwise history will forget you. 

With all said, here's a list of artists who will be joining the ranks of The Fab Four, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry among others in the RRHOF. 

An 18 member class this year. Sure it's overloaded yet it's something for actual music people. My only criticism is one of the side categories. Influence: Why changed it back to Early from Musical, it worked better that way. 

Alright here's my observations. I'll also give out predictions of guests for inductees in the upcoming ceremony. 

Performers: 

Phil Collins

I knew from the beginning that he'll be a near lock for his solo work. A decent pick for induction, though not a deserving one the most. 29th artist & fourth drummer after Ringo, Dave Grohl & Matt Cameron to be inducted twice. 

Possible Guests: Peter Gabriel, Sting, Adele, Philip Bailey 

Billy Idol

This 80's star pretty much made his due from a moment he appeared at the ceremony around 2 years ago. He didn't make the final cut last year, it's different this time around. I'm not crazy about it, yet I'm ok with it.

Possible Guests: Miley Cyrus, Joan Jett, Yungblud 

Iron Maiden

We can finally close the case for the metal mavens, also metalheads can finally relax now. After 20+ years & three ballot appearances, the Hall finally gave them a victory call. Don't expect them to show up at this year's honor. 

Possible Guests: Lady Gaga, Rob Halford, Tom Morello, Dave Grohl 

Joy Division/New Order 

Ngl, I originally thought they're gonna end up like Kraftwerk in the side category club given the voters on how they vote certain artists due to mainstream & name recognition yet I'm glad I'm wrong. Either way, it's a long overdue honor finally happening for these true stalwarts of post punk & new wave.

Possible Guests: Danny Brown, Trent Reznor, Ed O'Brien, Brandon Flowers

Oasis

It's official: Reunion tours can actually make a huge difference. A band who made Britpop an ultimate experience in pop culture are now going to be in the same landmark as their major influences: John, Paul, George & Ringo. They will or won't show, that's on them. It's gonna be a fever dream for their fans. 

Possible Guests: Chris Martin, Arctic Monkeys, Paul Weller, Damon Albarn 

Sade 

Never thought this brilliant woman & her namesake band would ever be inducted at all let alone this year, yet I have nothing to say against their inclusion. 

Possible Guests: Alicia Keys

Luther Vandross 

All I can say is welcome Mr. Vandross into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame where your legacy continues to resonate those who followed your music & inspired to become artists themselves. 

Possible Guests: Kendrick Lamar, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Patti Labelle 

Wu-Tang Clan 

Yep called it. Couldn't go another year without hip hop so they got in. Deservingly so, they were & still a big deal in the genre or music entirely. I expect a spectacular performance from them by Fall. 

Possible Guests: Chuck D, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Eminem, Dr. Dre 

Side categories: 

Queen Latifah & MC Lyte 

Finally representing more women in hip hop following Salt-N-Pepa's inclusion. There's nothing more to discuss. 

Possible Guests: Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, 

Celia Cruz & Fela Kuti 

Very glad the Hall has decided to be more inclusive with international selections. Adding Cruz & Kuti to the mix fits very well. 

Gram Parsons, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Reed & Linda Creed are also excellent choices especially GP since he's a big inspiration for multiple classic acts of the 70's. 

Rick Rubin & Ed Sullivan? At last! Both got their recognition for being an integral part of R&R. 

Overall, there's no going wrong with this. A thought provoking & historic list, yet not one of the top 20 classes in the Rockhall. Proves that spirit, evolution, attitude & diversity still defines rock & roll. 

Now let's review on those who didn't make the final cut. 

The Black Crowes

As of this point, the committee should hold off their 3rd nomination & maybe put back another contemporary like Lenny Kravitz on the list. They will get in, it's a matter of when it's gonna happen. 

Jeff Buckley 

Right now, this might be his only appearance on the ballot. Buckley was among artists whose career didn't last long (one album in his lifetime) while never received any critical praise when he was around. I'm glad he's recognized by the RRHOF, though I highly doubt he'll ever return.

Mariah Carey 

I really don't have anything to point out regarding the continuing omission of Carey. Third nominations could be a charm for most artists, yet it doesn't work for all of them. She probably won't get in no matter how many times she's on the list unless the Veterans Committee is finally introduced. 

Melissa Etheridge 

Not upset when she got left out, though she might or might not receive another try we'll see what happens. Her work is just unremarkable & never did anything to make any difference in music. 

Lauryn Hill 

This multi genre performer only had one studio album in her entire solo career, yet it was that album that changed the course of modern music. Only her first ever nod, she'll be back when The Miseducation turns 30 in two years.

INXS 

Ngl, I thought 2026 would be their time given they never appeared on the ballot since their eligibility year over 2 decades earlier. Unfortunately it wasn't the case. Too bad they didn't make it through the election process, though there's always next year. 

New Edition 

They're just another definition of a performer winning the fan vote yet not a guarantee for induction. Only a third act after DMB & Phish, they will make it back eventually. Precisely, I expected it to happen since as I previously stated: Fan ballot isn't a main barometer for inclusion.

Pink

She's newly eligible. Realistically, not everyone could be nominated nor inducted in their 1st year. It's very possible she'll receive another chance yet I'll happen by the end of this decade, she still has time. 

Shakira 

I'm impressed that the RRHOF is being more diverse with their selections of international artists. Mana got their nod last year though they didn't make the cut, very certain they won't be back again. Shakira went through that same scenario yet unlike them, she'll return sooner or later on. 

Congratulations on the Hall's newest class. 

As the say goes: long live R&R. Peace be with y'all.