The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has named its newest class, featuring Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and the British group Oasis. Punch reports that the Cleveland-based institution will hold the induction ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday. The selection committee, comprising over 1,000 music professionals and historians, chose the performers. The full list includes Sade, Wu-Tang Clan, Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, and the reunited British acts Joy Division and New Order.
Several inductees have confirmed they will not be present. Sade, led by Nigerian-born vocalist Sade Adu, issued a statement on its website thanking the institution while noting its absence. The band emphasized that the recognition remains meaningful despite their physical distance. Oasis also declined to attend, even as the group recently announced a world tour for 2027. Noel Gallagher has solo dates in London, while brother Liam previously told a fan on X that the journey was too far. Iron Maiden cited an ongoing Australian tour as the reason for their absence.
Phil Collins stated that health issues will prevent him from performing. Billy Idol is expected to attend after Los Angeles designated Friday, November 13, as Billy Idol Day. Idol called the induction a tremendous honour. The ceremony will also feature Joy Division and New Order, bands linked by the 1980 death of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis. New Order went on to influence alternative dance music with hits like Blue Monday.
The Early Influence Award will go to five artists, including Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons. To qualify, nominees must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. Wu-Tang Clan, the New York hip-hop group, is also inducted. Punch notes the group is known for tracks like C.R.E.A.M. and Protect Ya Neck, and recently finished a tour billed as its final one.