LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) — Phil Collins delivered a deeply emotional and tearful acceptance speech during the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony held on Saturday night, November 14, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, WTOP reported. The veteran musician and pop icon, whose ongoing mobility struggles have kept him from performing live since 2022, took the stage slowly using a pair of canes. Facing a standing ovation from an audience that included his daughter, actor Lily Collins, the singer reflected on his historic trajectory. “I grew up just wanting to play the drums,” Collins told the crowd, as reported by WTOP. “Everything else has been a really happy accident. I can’t believe, when I look back, how life has gone.”
Although Collins was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis, this year’s ceremony marked his formal solo entry. Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker handled the induction honors, praising Collins for orchestrating an unprecedented dual career as both an elite rock drummer and a chart-topping 1980s pop vocalist. Barker specifically lauded Collins’ defining musical contribution, noting that his track “In the Air Tonight” delivered “arguably the most badass drum fill of all time.” Following the speech, Barker recreated the legendary rhythm live on stage while singer Cynthia Erivo delivered a slowed-down, epic vocal rendition of the classic track that brought the house down. Concluding his remarks, Collins offered reassurance to his supporters, declaring that fans have not heard the last of him.
U2 Surprise Opening and Star-Studded Inductions
The evening kicked off with an unexpected opening performance by U2, who took the Peacock Theater stage to play their new single “Silencio” alongside a troupe of dancers dressed in riot squad gear, Consequence reported. The Irish rock veterans, who celebrated their 50th band anniversary and entered the Hall of Fame back in 2005, then transitioned into their 1984 anthem “Pride (In the Name of Love)” with frontman Bono flashing peace signs and raised fists in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., according to Consequence. The surprise set preceded a massive lineup of inductions spanning multiple genres and decades.
Oprah Winfrey made an unannounced appearance to induct late R&B maestro Luther Vandross, whom she hailed as “the maestro of the love song.” Following her tribute, Usher performed a sultry medley of Vandross hits, including “Here and Now” and “So Amazing.” Meanwhile, the Wu-Tang Clan brought their 10 current members to the stage for a raucous celebration. Comedian Chris Rock, who inducted the rap collective, noted that the group rewrote industry rules without corporate backing. The ensemble performed a jazz-backed medley featuring “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Method Man,” and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.”
Hip-Hop Pioneers and Notable Absences
The ceremony also celebrated foundational hip-hop figures, including MC Lyte and Queen Latifah. Remy Ma inducted MC Lyte, praising her as a trailblazer who carved out essential space for women in hip-hop. Megan Thee Stallion inducted Queen Latifah, who wore a striking leather crown and trench coat. Latifah and MC Lyte later united on stage to perform a collaborative medley of their hits, including “U.N.I.T.Y.” and “Ruffneck,” as audience members such as Wu-Tang members and Public Enemy’s Chuck D cheered them on. Both artists entered the hall under the Early Influence Award category alongside posthumous honorees Gram Parsons, Fela Kuti, and Celia Cruz.
Despite the star-studded roster, several notable inductees were absent from the Los Angeles stage. Oasis skipped the event entirely, with superfan and actor Bob Odenkirk noting that their absence was entirely characteristic. Guitarist Noel Gallagher was performing a UK concert, while Liam Gallagher chose not to attend. Sade also skipped the ceremony, with singer Andra Day handling the introduction and Sienna Spiro performing “Smooth Operator.” Iron Maiden remained on tour in Australia, and key members of New Order missed the joint induction with Joy Division due to health reasons.
Broadcast Details and Next Steps
Organizers confirmed that while the live event took place in Los Angeles for the second consecutive year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will continue to rotate future ceremonies between Los Angeles, New York, and Cleveland. Shifting away from recent live-streaming formats, the institution partnered with Disney and ABC to air an edited, packaged television special. The broadcast is scheduled to air on ABC on December 9, with streaming availability on Disney+ the following day.