The 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

                                                                            Wow...

After a few days of taking it in, I can say this is one of the best induction classes in years. Its on the same level as the 2020 class, maybe 2019 if Stevie Nicks was a Musical Excellence inductee. However, 2026 may take the cake because how strong the acts that got in are. So lets break it down.

• Phil Collins- 12 years after Peter Gabriel got inducted as a solo artist, the man that took his place finally became a double inductee. Of course, Phil Collins is much more and his catalog of hits, session and production work and both of his Disney movie soundtracks. Phil Collins had the career of 50 musicians and its about time he was inducted a second time.

• Billy Idol- I was really surprised Billy Idol snuck in. Not only that, he was the first inductee announced on American Idol before all the other ones. Still, I really do like Billy Idols music and I'm also glad Steve Stevens is being honored as well. Whether you see Billy Idol as the weakest inductee or not, at least its knowledge the he's apart of the one of the Rock Hall's best classes.

• Iron Maiden- When former IM singer Blaze Bayley was added to the nominee list for Iron Maiden, it was practically confirmed this powerful band was going to get in. I had my second thoughts and thought that Iron Maiden will get in through Musical Excellence much like Judas Priest. However, I was wrong and have become the first Heavy Metal band to a performer inductee since Def Leppard.

• Joy Division/New Oder- When I went to see the list of 2026 inductees on Futurerocklegends.com, I was in disbelief that Joy Division and New Order were among the performer inductees. I waited for confirmation and when I did, I screamed in excitement. It could have been so easy for the Hall to put them in a side category or pass over them disappear from contention like War, Devo and the New York Dolls. However, I'm over the moon both of these giants of alternative rock and getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I hope it opens the door for other post-punk acts waiting their turn.

• Oasis, Whether the Gallagher brothers like it or not, Oasis are heading to the Rock Hall. I'm also glad founding member Paul McGuigan and Morning Glory drummer Alan White (not to be confused with the late Yes drummer) are included. I guess their absence on the nominee list was an error on the Hall's part. While they are the only 90's rock act getting in this year, I'm glad its them and not the Black Crowes.

• Sade- I was happily surprised by Sade's induction. The are such a low-key band compared to the other nominees like Mariah Carey or Shakira. However, I'm glad the Hall chose this unique and sensual band rather than a contemporary headliner. It proves the the Hall still values originality and I hope more smooth acts like Sade are waiting in the wings.

• Luther Vandross- Over two decades after we lost him, Luther Vandross is at last joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The tragedy of Luther's untimely passing is that if he was still with us, healthy and active in the music business, He could have the Dolly Parton of R&B. A figure that wholesome, kind and beloved by all. However, thanks to Kendrick Lamar's sampling his music for his hit song "luther" and his Rock Hall induction, a new generation will learn about this great man and the music he created.

• Wu-Tang Clan- The inductee I'm least familiar with but happy for them nerveless. Did have a feeling this band would get in unless voters preferred Lauryn Hill. However, Wu-Tang Clan earned their induction and are going in the Rock Hall as the largest rap act inducted. Not bad for a group of young men from Staten island.

I'm not going to go in to all the side inductees but I'm happy for Gram Parsons, Celia Cruz, Arif Madrin and Rick Rubin. It is strange the Hall doubled down on Old School female rappers get Early Influence inductions with Queen Latifah and MC Lyte but their are still deserving despite their first singles coming out in the late 1980's. This was a diverse and strong list of inductees that isn't catered to concert promoters or mediocrity. Classes like this is what the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should strive for and I hope this the first step in a new direction for this controversial museum. Although Beyoncé being elgible next year may complicate things but that's another story for another time. 

Congratulations to all the inductees!!