Hello Cleveland!

May 17, 2026

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post that is strictly about music. Now is the time. This post examines the 2026 class of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I will weigh in on who is inducted, and my suggestions for who should do the honors at the ceremony on Saturday, November 14, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

First, who is going in? The class of 2026 includes Sade, Oasis, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Luther Vandross, Wu Tang Clan, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, Gram Parsons, Arif Mardin, Linda Creed, Jimmy Miller, Rick Rubin, and Ed Sullivan.

My two cents on each inductee:

Sade: The band is named for the singer. They are basically a one-hit wonder. They may have had some hits and staying power in the UK and Europe. Personally, I’m not sure how they got the votes and support to be inducted. Who inducts them: Olivia Dean

Oasis: Even though I’m an Oasis fan and saw them in concert three times (all at the Patriot Center at George Mason University), I would not put them in the hall. They’re a good band but just not hall-worthy. Who inducts them: Ray Davies has quipped that he’s the only person in England who likes Oasis and Blur, plus they’ve made him a bit of money over the years.

Phil Collins: Give the drummer some! Phil has had a ton of success as a solo artist and producer. Fun Fact – there are four drummers (Ringo, Dave Grohl, Matt Cameron, and now Phil) who are two-time inductees. Could knighthood be far behind? Who inducts them: Eric Clapton

Iron Maiden: One of my late brother’s favorite bands. They’ve been around forever and have influenced countless others in the genre and genres adjacent. Who inducts them: Joe Elliott

Billy Idol: Proof that punks can still be productive in their seventies. IMHO they should really be inducting Billy and his long-time guitar foil Steve Stevens, much the same as what Pat Benatar did with Neil Geraldo a few years ago. Who inducts them: Joan Jett

Joy Division/New Order: It’s about frigging time! These guys have consistently made excellent music. Hopefully they’ll put aside the decades of squabble to play together one last time. Who inducts them: Billy Corgan is a huge fan, and his induction speech of Pink Floyd still brings tears to my eyes.

Luther Vandross: One of those selections that should have been done years ago while he was still with us. Who inducts them: Diana Ross or how about Peter Wolf?

Wu Tang Clan: These Staten Islanders were a supergroup before they were well known. Perhaps rap’s first collective. Who inducts them: Chuck D

Celia Cruz: She’s in as an early influence. The pioneer of Latin pop. Does any other rock hall inductee have an exhibit at the Smithsonian? Who inducts them: Gloria Estefan

Fela Kuti: He’s an early influence and pioneer of Afrobeat. This induction also comes way too late. Who inducts them: Youssou N’Dour

MC Lyte: Not to be cruel, but I don’t get this selection. Who inducts them: Mary J Blige

Gram Parsons: He burned bright but didn’t last long. The wonderful book Hotel California by Barney Hoskins paints an unflattering portrait of Parsons, as an entitled rich kid who didn’t want to work hard. Yet his influence on so many around and after him is indelible. Who inducts them: Emmylou Harris or Chris Hillman

Arif Mardin: He was known as the Greatest Ears in Town. Everyone wanted him to produce their records. Who inducts them: Barry Gibb

Linda Creed: An incredible songwriter and Queen of Philly Soul. Unfortunately, her career was cut short at 37 due to cancer. Who inducts them: Darryl Hall

Jimmy Miller: He produced some of the best records the Rolling Stones and Traffic ever made. And was an underrated percussionist. Who inducts them: Keith Richards

Rick Rubin: We need more Long Island natives in the hall!! This guy has produced so many artists and put unbelievable codas on the recording careers of Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond. Who inducts them: Anthony Keidis

Queen Latifah: This Jersey girl can sing, rap, act, you name it. She gets in as a performer. Who inducts them: Meryl Streep

Ed Sullivan: If you’re only familiar with his name from the theatre where David Letterman and Stephen Colbert taped their shows, you’re missing out on an incredible pioneer. So many artists were introduced to American living rooms when they appeared on his long-running show. He championed the cause of Black performers on his show, much to the chagrin of the bosses at CBS. Who inducts them: Paul McCartney

Welcome to Cleveland!!