Music stars and industry figures are expected to gather in Los Angeles on Saturday for the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, with Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti among the celebrated inductees.
Other artists to be honoured include British rock band Oasis, Sade, Wu-Tang Clan, Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and the late American singer Luther Vandross.
The ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles following a selection process involving more than 1,000 musicians, historians and music industry professionals.
However, some of the major inductees, including Sade, Oasis and Iron Maiden, have confirmed that they will not attend the event.
Sade, the British band fronted by Nigerian-born singer Sade Adu, expressed appreciation for the recognition but apologised for her absence.
In a statement published on its website, the group said its inability to attend did not diminish the importance of the honour.
Oasis, whose members include brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, also declined to attend despite recently announcing a 2027 world tour.
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Responding to a fan on X earlier in the week, Liam Gallagher said the journey was too far for a one-night event.
Iron Maiden also confirmed that they would miss the ceremony because the band is currently touring Australia.
Meanwhile, the induction will bring together Joy Division and New Order, two British bands linked by their history. New Order was formed following the death of Joy Division’s lead singer, Ian Curtis, in 1980.
New Order later became influential in alternative dance music, producing popular songs such as Blue Monday, True Faith and Bizarre Love Triangle.
Phil Collins, known for hits including In the Air Tonight and Sussudio, will also be unable to perform due to health challenges.
Wu-Tang Clan, the hip-hop group from Staten Island, New York, is among the inductees following a career marked by influential releases such as C.R.E.A.M. and Protect Ya Neck.
Billy Idol is also expected to attend after Los Angeles declares November 13 as Billy Idol Day in recognition of his contribution to music. Reacting to his induction, Idol described the recognition as a tremendous honour.
Beyond the performer category, five other artists will receive the Early Influence Award. They include Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame requires nominees to have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before their nomination.
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