The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its 2025 inductees, with two powerhouse bands, Bad Company and Soundgarden, leading the list. They will be honored in the Performer category alongside Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, and The White Stripes.
Beyond the Performer category, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will be recognized with the Musical Influence Award for their groundbreaking impact on music. The Musical Excellence Award will go to Philly soul songwriter and producer Thom Bell, renowned keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, and legendary Wrecking Crew bassist Carol Kaye. Additionally, former Warner Bros. Records president Lenny Waronker will be honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his exceptional contributions to the music industry.
The induction ceremony will take place on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will stream live on Disney+ once again, with an edited version scheduled to air later on ABC.
John Sykes, chairman of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame said: “Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of rock and roll forever. Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”
In a statement to Billboard regarding Bad Company‘s nomination, band’s singer Paul Rodgers said: “Bad Company fans and friends have been lobbying for this nomination persistently for years and they never gave up, so big thanks to them. According to them, BAD COMPANY fits all of the criteria and then some to be inducted.”
Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke added: “I think it’s been a long time coming. It has rankled me a bit. We’ve been around a long time and we’ve influenced a lot of bands, and I think it’s a place that we deserve. I’m just pleased that we’re at least on the ballot. I’m happy and I’m honored, and fingers crossed that we make it.”
Writer and extreme metal devotee, Ialdagorth has spent over a decade covering the darkest corners of heavy music. A black metal lifer, he spends his free time wandering the Carpathian Mountains, likely humming blast beats to the trees.
