The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles celebrated a legendary lineup of artists who helped define the sound of rock. This year’s inductees: The White Stripes, Soundgarden, Warren Zevon, Bad Company, and Joe Cocker, were honored with powerful tributes, heartfelt speeches, and unforgettable performances.
❤️ The White Stripes
Detroit’s own The White Stripes officially joined the Rock Hall, with Iggy Pop delivering their induction speech. Pop praised the duo’s raw sound and magnetic chemistry, calling their music “a rocket of racket.”
Jack White accepted the honor, sharing a message from Meg White, who’s stayed out of the spotlight since the band’s 2011 breakup: “She said that she’s very sorry that she couldn’t make it here tonight, but she wanted me to tell you that she’s very grateful to all the folks who supported her through all the years,” Jack said.
While Jack didn’t perform, fans were treated to a tribute set featuring Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performing “We’re Going to Be Friends,” followed by Twenty One Pilots taking on “Seven Nation Army.”
🤘 Soundgarden
Grunge icons Soundgarden were inducted by Jim Carrey, who called them “one of the most majestic, powerful and influential bands ever.” Surviving members Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd, and Hiro Yamamoto accepted in honor of the late Chris Cornell.
Their two-song tribute brought the house down, Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile handled vocals, with Jerry Cantrell and Mike McCready joining on guitars for “Rusty Cage” and “Black Hole Sun.”
Toni Cornell, Chris’s daughter, also performed “Fell on Black Days” with Nancy Wilson of Heart, one of the night’s most emotional moments.
🕶️ Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon was honored in the Musical Influence category, with David Letterman delivering a heartfelt induction. Calling Zevon “a poet” of rock, Letterman reflected on his friend’s wit, wisdom, and timeless message from his final Late Show appearance, “Enjoy every sandwich.”
The Killers, joined by longtime Zevon collaborator Waddy Wachtel, performed a fiery version of “Lawyers, Guns and Money” that had the crowd on its feet.
⚡ Bad Company
‘70s supergroup Bad Company were welcomed into the Rock Hall by Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood, who hailed them as “one of the best rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time.” He called Paul Rodgers “the voice every rock singer holds as their North Star. ”Drummer Simon Kirke accepted on behalf of the band, paying tribute to his late bandmates Mick Ralphs and Boz Burrell.
An all-star lineup, featuring Joe Perry, Nancy Wilson, Chris Robinson, and Bryan Adams, delivered powerhouse performances of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough.”
🎤 Joe Cocker
The late Joe Cocker closed the show with a stunning all-star tribute. Bryan Adams inducted the soulful singer, praising his unique ability to take covers and make them entirely his own. “It’s one thing to cover a song, but it’s another to make it your own, and that’s what Joe could do,” Adams said.
The night ended with a rousing finale: Tedeschi Trucks Band, Teddy Swims, Nathaniel Rateliff, Cyndi Lauper, Chris Robinson, and Adams himself performed “Feelin’ Alright” and Cocker’s iconic version of “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
📺 Watch the Ceremony
Don’t miss the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony highlights, airing January 1 on ABC and streaming on Disney+.
