Logan Skrzypek ‘27, Copy Editor
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 8, was a sprawling, emotional, and genre-defying celebration of musical legacy throughout the decades. It was a night that honored pioneers, rebels, and visionaries—artists who reshaped the landscape of music and left marks on culture. With numerous transcending performances and speeches that blended gratitude and activism throughout the music industry, the event captured the full spectrum of what rock and roll has come to define over time.
OutKast
Among the most anticipated inductees was OutKast, the Atlanta duo whose fusion of Southern hip-hop and funk redefined the genre in the early 2000s. André 3000 and Big Boi—the two members’ individual artist names, known for their creative divergence and mutual respect—did not perform, but their presence was prominent throughout the evening. Dave Chappelle, a longtime friend and admirer of the duo, inducted them with a speech that was equally stand-up comedy and discourse, calling OutKast “the Miles Davis and Salvador Dalí of hip-hop.” André, dressed in a flowing robe and combat boots, spoke about the tension between commercial success and artistic integrity, while Big Boi thanked their families and Atlanta’s Dungeon Family collective. Their absence from the performance lineup was offset by a tribute set from Tyler the Creator, Janelle Monáe, Doja Cat, and Childish Gambino, who tore through OutKast’s greatest hits, including “Ms. Jackson”, “Rosa Parks”, and “Hey Ya!” with theatrical flair and reverence in the duo’s honor.
Cyndi Lauper
Known for her flamboyant style and fierce advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Cyndi Lauper—inducted by Elton John—has long been more than a pop icon. Her speech was a rallying cry for creative freedom and social justice, delivered with her signature blend of sincerity and sass. She said, “I never fit in, and I never wanted to. Music gave me a place to be loud, proud, and unapologetically myself.” She performed “Time After Time” and “True Colors” in a stripped-down set that showcased her vocal depth, then joined Avril Lavigne for an intimate duet of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” bridging generations of rebellious pop.
Salt-N-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa made history as the first female rap group inducted into the Hall, with DJ Spinderella becoming the first female DJ honored coincidingly. Queen Latifah, who inducted them, called their arrival in the late ‘80s as “a seismic shift” for women in hip-hop, as she was one of the first female hip-hop artists to emerge. Their performance was a high-energy medley of “Shoop,” “Push It,” and “What a Man,” complete with countless dancers and a crowd that rapped along to every word of their performance. The speech that followed was both celebratory and defiant, as the duo said, “This is for every woman who picked up a mic when they told her she couldn’t.” They added, “To all the guys who had our posters on their walls—you’re welcome.”
Soundgarden
The induction of Soundgarden was one of the most emotional moments of the night by far. The Seattle band, central to the grunge explosion of the early ‘90s, was inducted by Jim Carrey, who shared a story about receiving late Chris Cornell’s guitar after a Saturday Night Live taping in 1996. The surviving members—Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd, Hiro Yamamoto, and Kim Thayil—reunited for the occasion, joined by Barndi Carlile, Taylor Momsen, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, and Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains. They performed “Rusty Cage,” “Outshined,” and “Black Hole Sun” with Carlile and Momsen trading verses in a haunting tribute to Cornell. The most significant moment came when Cornell’s daughter, Toni, performed an acoustic rendition of “Fell on Black Days,” accompanied by Nancy Wilson of Heart. The theater immediately fell silent, and many in the audience were visibly moved by their incredible performance.
The White Stripes
The White Stripes, inducted by Beck, reunited for the first time in over a decade as well. Jack and Meg White, whose minimalist setup and explosive sound helped revive garage rock in the early 2000s, performed “Seven Nation Army” and “Fell in Love With a Girl” with the raw energy that defined the band’s early years. Beck praised their “radical simplicity” and “uncompromising vision,” noting that their music “felt like it was carved out of wood and lightning.” Jack’s speech was philosophical, touching on the importance of analog sound and artistic restraint demonstrated by the band, while Meg simply said, “Thanks for listening.”
Bad Company
The British supergroup Bad Company, formed in the early ‘70s, was inducted by Joe Walsh of the Eagles. Known for hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough,” the band performed with original members Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke, joined by guest guitarist Slash. Their set was a reminder of the enduring power of blues-infused rock, and their speech paid tribute to the late bassist Boz Burrell and guitarist Mick Ralphs, who was unable to attend due to his recent health issues.
Musical Excellence
In the Musical Excellence category of the ceremony, Questlove was honored for his work as a drummer, producer, and cultural curator. Inducted by Black Thought, his longtime collaborator in The Roots, Questlove gave a speech that was part memoir, part manifesto. He spoke about preserving Black musical history and the importance of archiving stories that might otherwise be lost. His performance with The Roots, joined by Erykah Badu and Common, was a masterclass in groove and improvisation, blending hip-hop, jazz, and soul collectively.
Nancy Wilson of Heart was also honored for Musical Excellence. Inducted by St. Vincent, Wilson performed “Crazy on You” with her, showcasing her signature acoustic-to-electric transitions and melodic solos. Her speech reflected on the challenges of being a woman in rock during the ‘70s and the joy of seeing younger artists carry the torch. She said, “I used to be the only woman in the room. Now I see a whole generation kicking down doors.”
Linda Ronstadt, who was previously inducted as a performer, received a second honor for Musical Excellence as well. Unable to attend due to health reasons, she was celebrated with a tribute performance by Olivia Rodrigo, Sheryl Crow, and Bonnie Raitt. They sang “Blue Bayou,” “You’re No Good,”, and “Desperado,” highlighting Ronstadt’s versatility across rock, country, and Latin music. Her longtime manager accepted the reward on her behalf, reading a letter in which Ronstadt thanked her collaborators and fans of “a lifetime of harmony.”
Musical Influence
In the Musical Influence category, Sly & the Family Stone were finally recognized for their groundbreaking fusion of funk, rock, and soul. Stevie Wonder led a tribute performance joined by Jennifer Hudson, Flea, and Questlove, delivering performances of “Everyday People,” “Dance to the Music,” and “Thank You (Falettime Be Mice Elf Agin)”. The set was a riot of color and rhythm, capturing the spirit of a band that broke racial and gender barriers in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
DJ Kool Herc, widely credited as the father of hip-hop, was also inducted for Musical Influence. His speech was brief but impactful, reminding the audience that hip-hop began as a community movement. “We didn’t have much,” he said, “but we had turntables, and we had each other.” A tribute set by Grandmaster Flash, LL Cool J, and Missy Elliot followed, blending old-school beats with modern flair.
Finally, the Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement went to Rick Ribun and Sylvia Robinson. Rubin, the producer behind seminal albums by Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, was inducted by legendary producer Jay-Z, who called him “the architect of sonic rebellion.” Rubin’s speech was understated: “I just wanted to make music that felt true.” Robinson, often called the “Mother of Hip-Hop,” was honored posthumously. Her sons accepted the award, and a tribute performance of “Rapper’s Delight” by Ice Cube, Missy Elliot, and LL Cool J brought the audience to their feet.
The ceremony closed with an all-star jam session led by Elton John, Beck, Olivia Rodrigo, and Jack White, performing “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Inductees and performers filled the stage, arms around each other as they sang in unison. As confetti rained down and the crowd cheered, the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony cemented itself as one of the most memorable in recent history—a night where legends were honored, boundaries were broken, and music’s power to unite was on full display.
Lyon Life 