Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, and More to Be Honored
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will welcome a diverse and iconic class of 2025, spanning generations and genres, at Saturday night’s induction ceremony in Los Angeles. From the groundbreaking hip-hop of Outkast and salt-N-Pepa to the enduring sounds of Soundgarden and Chubby Checker, the event promises a celebration of music history.
The ceremony,held at the Peacock Theater,marks a return to the city as part of a three-year rotation with New York and Cleveland,the hall’s home. Fans can experience the event live, with a livestream available on Disney+, a new offering since 2023, and a televised broadcast on ABC scheduled for January 1. Hulu will also offer the ceremony on demand beginning Sunday.
This year’s class represents a remarkable breadth of musical influence, encompassing artists who first rose to prominence from the 1950s through the 2000s. The induction of artists like Joe Cocker, Warren Zevon, and Thom Bell recognizes not only performers but also the vital contributions of songwriters and producers.
Adding to the anticipation,a number of high-profile artists are slated to participate in the ceremony. Chappell Roan will induct Cyndi Lauper, with Avril Lavigne joining lauper on stage. Donald Glover has been chosen to induct Outkast, while Elton John will deliver a musical tribute to the late Brian Wilson.
However,much of the excitement surrounds the potential for surprise collaborations and reunions. According to sources, the identities and roles of guest stars like Missy Elliott, Olivia Rodrigo, and Twenty One Pilots remain largely under wraps, a hallmark of the Rock & Roll hall of Fame inductions. Fans are particularly eager to know if Outkast and The White Stripes will reunite for a performance, or at least to accept their honor together. “Artists generally play a set of their essential songs as part of their induction,” one observer noted.
Beyond the headlining acts, the class of 2025 also honors the often-unsung heroes of the music industry. Carole Kaye, a prolific session musician known for her work on iconic tracks like The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” and Nicky Hopkins, a keyboardist who contributed to hits by The Beatles (“Revolution”), The Rolling Stones (“Sympathy for the Devil”), and Joe Cocker (“You Are So Beautiful”).
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony promises to be a night of celebration,remembrance,and perhaps a few unforgettable surprises,solidifying the legacies of these musical icons for generations to come.
