Photo Credit: Lance Anderson
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2025 inductees, with this year’s class representing a wide spectrum of music innovation and influence. Noted fan-favorite Phish was left off the list, though Warren Zevon finally takes his place among the honorees.
Seven artists were selected in the Performer category including Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. These inductees reflect the enduring legacy of rock and roll, as well as genre-defining creativity. From Chubby Checker’s early impact on rock and roll to the minimalist garage rock of The White Stripes.
In special categories, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will receive the Musical Influence Award, recognizing their impact on hip-hop and songwriting respectively. The Musical Excellence Award honors producer Thom Bell, session pianist Nicky Hopkins, and legendary bassist Carol Kaye—each who have shaped countless recordings across decades of music. Lenny Waronker, an exec at Warner Bros. Records, will be recognized with the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his contributions to the industry.
Phish fans were notably upset on line with comments including, “Why do you ask us to vote? Phish was first, can you tell me why they’re not even on here? Why bother voting?” and “Phish next time, please.” The selection process for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has always sparked controversy as each year a limited selection of acts are chosen.
Despite the breadth of this year’s class, the Hall’s selection process and produced fierce debate online. Phish topped the fan vote by nearly 50,000 votes, well ahead of Bad Company but they were not inducted this year. The fan vote translates to just one ballot among more than 1,200 cast by industry professionals, historians, and artists—minimizing its influence on the final outcome. The same happened to the Dave Matthews Band in 2020 when the group won the fan vote but was not inducted.
Other high-profile nominees who didn’t make the cut this year include Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, The Black Crowes, and Oasis. This year’s induction ceremony will take place November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
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