Reader here, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 was officially announced on last night’s episode of “American Idol.”
For me, the big one is seeing Oasis get the call for the Hall, on their third year of eligibility. Oasis is one of my two favourite bands (along with the Rolling Stones, who were inducted in 1989), and they got the nod, along with several other performers – metal icons Iron Maiden, Phil Collins (going in as a solo artist, after being previously inducted as part of Genesis), legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan (again, spare me the whole “they’re Rap, not Rock ‘n’ Roll” thing – it’s only called the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, because the “Popular Music Hall of Fame” would sound super lame!), rocker Billy Idol, R&B legends Luther Vandross and Sade, along with New Order/Joy Division.
As well, under the “Early Influence” category, artists including Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Gram Parsons, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti are being honoured.
Producers Rick Rubin and Jimmy Miller are being honoured with the “Musical Excellence Award,” , along with Atlantic Records’ Arif Mardina, Philly Soul songwriter Linda Creed.
And the late Ed Sullivan, whose variety show introduced millions of North Americans to acts ranging from Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Stones, and the Motown artists, is getting the Ahmet Ertegun Award, for non-performers, who make a meaningful contribution behind the scenes, or in Sullivan’s case, in front of the camera.
For me, there are several inductees this year that have connections to my faves.
Obviously, Oasis is tops for me. Liam Gallagher said in the past, that the RnR HoF was a “load of bollox,” but tempered that by replying to a fan on X, who asked what would happen if they got in, by saying: “Obv go and say it’s the best thing EVER.”
You’ve got to figure the massive success of the Oasis reunion tour had to play a big part in their induction. The world tour that resulted after Liam and Noel Gallagher buried the hatchet took the world by storm, and drew huge crowed everywhere they went.
I’m looking forward to seeing them play at the induction ceremony on November 14th in L.A.. Not only that, I’m looking forward to their acceptance speech. Because a live mic and the Gallagher brothers is always a recipe for fun!
Phil Collins is another artist I’m long been a fan of (and someone who’s never been a fave of Noel Gallagher. Just Google it.). After his time in Genesis, where he took over as lead vocalist, following the departure of Peter Gabriel, Phil went on to a massive solo career of his own, especially as a hit machine in the 80s and 90s. (Who doesn’t instantly air drum when the drum break from “In the Air Tonight” hits?)
This one’s always been one of my favourites…
Jimmy Miller is a legendary producer, who was behind the board for the Stones’ legendary run from 1968 through 1973, when they were at their absolute peak. Miller started working with the Stones, producing “Jumping Jack Flash” in 1968.
That was followed by Miller producing their iconic run of albums, starting that same year with “Beggars Banquet,” followed by “Let It Bleed,” “Sticky Fingers,” “Exile on Main St.,” and 1973’s “Goats Head Soup.”
And Gram Parsons was part of the Flying Burrito Brothers, worked extensively with the Byrds, and was a close pal of Keith Richards, and really got Keef into country music.
The induction ceremony, as I mentioned, will be on November 14th in Los Angeles, and it’ll be on TV on ABC and Disney+ in December.
It should be a lot of fun, and make for some very memorable moments!
Oh heck… here’s one more from Oasis to wrap up today’s blog. Between them getting the call to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and my Philadelphia Flyers clinching a playoff spot, it’s been a great 24 hours for Reader!
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