The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone: its 40th annual induction ceremony. This landmark event, scheduled for November 8, 2025, will take place at the prestigious Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Organizers have framed the evening as a crucial recognition point, honoring musical architects whose creativity has profoundly reshaped global culture and history. This ceremony serves as a powerful testament to the enduring influence of rock and roll across four decades.
The highly anticipated list of inductees in the primary “Performers” category features a diverse collection of influential artists spanning multiple genres and eras. Earning their place among the legends this year are Bad Company, the iconic rock outfit; early rock and roll pioneer Chubby Checker; the soulful voice of Joe Cocker; pop icon Cyndi Lauper; hip-hop trailblazers Outkast; grunge giants Soundgarden; and the dynamic duo, The White Stripes.
Beyond the main performance category, several other venerated figures will receive special recognition for their lasting contributions. The Musical Influence Award will be presented to the groundbreaking hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa and the late, great singer-songwriter Warren Zevon. Honorees for the Musical Excellence Award, which recognizes superior session musicians and producers, include Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye. Furthermore, the esteemed Ahmet Ertegun Award, designated for non-performing industry professionals, will be bestowed upon veteran producer Lenny Waronker.
The induction ceremony is renowned for bringing together an unparalleled assembly of talent, and the 40th iteration promises to be no exception. A constellation of stars is slated to perform and present the awards, ensuring unforgettable musical moments. The confirmed lineup includes Avril Lavigne, Bryan Adams, Donald Glover, Janelle Monáe, and The Killers. Adding to the star power are Jim Carrey, Mick Fleetwood, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Perry, Nancy Wilson, Chappell Roan, and Feist.
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, emphasized the unique spirit driving the event. He noted that artists converge from every corner of the globe “to create unforgettable musical moments that reflect the essence of rock and roll—freedom, passion, and humanity.” This sentiment highlights the ceremony’s role not just as an awards show, but as a global gathering celebrating music’s ability to connect and inspire.
Fans worldwide will have multiple opportunities to experience the induction ceremony and related programming. The event will be broadcast live on November 8 at 8:00 PM EST exclusively on Disney+. For those who miss the live stream, a special broadcast episode is scheduled to air on ABC on January 1, 2026, with streaming availability following on Hulu. Leading up to the main event, the television show Dancing with the Stars will feature a dedicated episode titled “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night” on November 4, 2025.
Adding to the celebration, the 2025 Exhibition Hall will open its doors on October 31, showcasing a wealth of musical artifacts. This display will feature items ranging from original manuscripts penned by Cyndi Lauper to the iconic stage outfits worn by Outkast. Forty years of history have proven that rock music transcends generations, uniting thousands of voices under a single banner. This ongoing energy demonstrates that creative power never ages; it merely transforms, continuing to fuel new generations of artists. Ultimately, as the saying goes, rock and roll is when the heart speaks louder than history.