UK stars dominate in record-breaking Hall of Fame takeover as six new British acts to be inducted

Lydia Davies
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:45:15 +0000

British musicians have reached a historic milestone at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with six UK acts set to be inducted in this year’s class.

The 2026 intake marks a record-breaking moment, surpassing the previous high set in 2019 when five British artists were honoured.

That year saw Radiohead, The Cure, Def Leppard, Roxy Music and The Zombies inducted into the Cleveland-based institution.

This year’s announcement was made during an episode of American Idol, with presenter Ryan Seacrest and judge Lionel Richie revealing the honourees.

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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame chairman John Sykes said: “Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honour.

"We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony. It’s going to be an unforgettable night.”

The British contingent includes Oasis, Iron Maiden, Sade, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, and a joint induction for Joy Division and New Order.

Mr Collins will receive his second honour, having previously been inducted as part of Genesis in 2010.

Joy Division and New Order are being recognised together, reflecting the latter’s formation by surviving members following the death of frontman Ian Curtis in 1980.

Joining the British artists are American inductees Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross.

Artists become eligible 25 years after releasing their first commercial recording.

Liam Gallagher appeared to soften his previous criticism of the Hall of Fame, having once dismissed it as an award from “some geriatric in a cowboy hat”.

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A post shared by Phil Collins (@officialphilcollins)

He wrote on X: “Reverse psychology vibes in the area, Oasis RNR hall of farmers, I mean famers.”

When a fan suggested he was “not too good for it after all”, he replied: “Nope.”

He later added: “I wanna thank all the people who voted for us it’s a real honour… anything is possible if you have a dream LG x.”

Billy Idol told Billboard: “I can’t believe it… it’s just been fantastic, being part of this musical revolution we really believed in.”

Phil Collins also shared his reaction on Instagram, saying: “Obviously I’m pleased and honoured to be inducted. It wraps up what has been a wonderful life in music.”

British artists have often had a complicated relationship with the American institution.

Noel Gallagher previously told Rolling Stone the honour “won’t be happening”, while Bruce Dickinson criticised the organisation as being run by “sanctimonious Americans”.

The Sex Pistols famously rejected their 2006 induction, with Johnny Lydon branding the museum “urine in wine”.

The 2026 ceremony is set to take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theatre.

More than 1,200 voters, including artists, historians and industry professionals, take part in the selection process and this year’s shortlist featured 17 nominees.

Sade Adu’s inclusion is also notable, as she becomes the first British black woman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Born in Nigeria, she moved to Britain at the age of four and went on to achieve major success in the United States, where her 2010 album Soldier of Love debuted at number one.