{"id":76989,"date":"2026-11-12T19:38:43","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T19:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/2026\/11\/12\/who-wed-love-to-see\/"},"modified":"2026-11-12T19:38:43","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T19:38:43","slug":"who-wed-love-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/2026\/11\/12\/who-wed-love-to-see\/","title":{"rendered":"Who We\u2019d Love to See"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame<\/a> induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles, this Saturday, Nov. 14.<\/p>\n

While we know who will be getting enshrined<\/a>, exactly how the ceremony will play out remains a mystery. The Hall is remaining very tight-lipped regarding performers and presenters this year, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation around the event.<\/p>\n

Rather than patiently waiting to see what happens, we decided to put together our ideal 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. To be clear, we have no insider information at all<\/em>. This is more like a reading of the tea leaves \u2013 part prediction, part wishful thinking \u2013 as we imagine just how cool this year\u2019s event could be.\u00a0And we start with\u2026<\/p>\n

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Thomas Coex\/AFP, Getty Images<\/figcaption>Thomas Coex\/AFP, Getty Images<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Phil Collins’ Triumphant Return<\/h3>\n

Imagine it \u2013 after a pre-recorded video montage welcomes everyone to the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, all the lights inside the Peacock Theater go dark. For a moment, the venue seems pitch black, then then the haunting-yet-instantly-recognizable intro to \u201cIn the Air Tonight\u201d begins to play. As the vocals begin, a single spotlight shines on the stage to reveal Phil Collins<\/a>, back performing in public for the first time since 2022.<\/p>\n

It\u2019d be an incredible, spine-tingling opening to the ceremony, with the energy immediately ramped up when the famous drum fill kicks in. Collins has been a little contradictory on\u00a0Hall commitment — in May he said he turned down an offer<\/a> to perform, but more recently he expressed a desire<\/a> to return to the stage. Even if he decides to step up to the mic, the rocker, who has been plagued by health issues in recent years, probably won\u2019t be able to handling the demands of drumming. We\u2019re guessing the Hall would recruit either Dave Grohl<\/a> or Chad Smith<\/a> to sit behind the kit \u2013 because whenever a rock legend needs a high-profile guest drummer, they inevitably call Dave Grohl or Chad Smith.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Top 10 Phil Collins-Era Genesis Songs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

For a second song, we\u2019re assuming the Hall would want something upbeat and lively. Collins\u2019 1985 hit \u201cSussudio\u201d fits the bill thanks to its dance-ready beat and energetic brass part.<\/p>\n

Following the performance, Collins would officially be welcomed. We think that honor of inducting him should go to Peter Gabriel<\/a>, the man who Collins replaced as lead singer of Genesis<\/a>. The two rock legends will forever be intertwined, and it’d be a poignant way for Collins to be enshrined as a two-time inductee (much like Gabriel).<\/p>\n

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Kevin Winter, Getty Images<\/figcaption>Kevin Winter, Getty Images<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Billy Idol Brings Generations of Talent<\/h3>\n

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame loves mixing cross-generational performances into their ceremonies, and they get the perfect opportunity to do that with Billy Idol<\/a>\u2019s segment. In recent years the \u201880s rocker has been embraced by a wide array of younger stars, and we\u2019re pairing him up with two for this performance.<\/p>\n

First, Yungblud<\/a> comes out to join Idol for an emphatic rendition of \u201cWhite Wedding.\u201d The two previously performed the song together at a 2025 festival, and Yungblud has continually expressed respect and admiration for Idol.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Billy Idol Albums Ranked<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

This duet is followed by another, as Miley Cyrus<\/a> strides onstage to join Idol for \u201cRebel Yell.\u201d The two have performed the track together in the past, and memorably teamed up on the song “Night Crawling” for Cyrus\u2019 2020 album Plastic Hearts<\/em>. Despite being a certified pop star, Miley has always worn her rock influences proudly. It also doesn\u2019t hurt that she has a new album out, giving even more incentive to a Rock Hall appearance.<\/p>\n

For the induction itself, we\u2019re nominating Green Day<\/a> frontman \u2013 and 2015 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee \u2013 Billy Joe Armstrong to do the honors. Like Cyrus, Armstrong appeared in the recent documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead<\/em>, and the two punks recently shared the stage in Los Angeles for a special tribute<\/a> to the Ramones<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Bob Berg, Getty Images<\/figcaption>Bob Berg, Getty Images<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Joy Division\/New Order Reunion Everyone Wants<\/h3>\n

This one is simple \u2013 no need for a surprise guest or a superfluous stunt. For the Joy Division<\/a>\/New Order<\/a> combined induction to be memorable, they just need to reunite with estranged bassist Peter Hook.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been nearly 20 years since he left New Order, a fracture which was only made larger when the band reunited without him. But he was vital to the success of both bands as a major creative contributor and songwriter. Quite simply, Joy Division and New Order would not exist without Hook. We know he\u2019s going to be in attendance, we know some (but not all) of his former bandmates will be there as well. Just bury the hatchet for renditions of \u201cLove Will Tear Us Apart\u201d and \u201cBlue Monday,\u201d then you can go back to the feud.<\/p>\n

In our perfect Rock Hall ceremony, Joy Division and New Order would be inducted by one of their biggest fans: Keanu Reeves. Yes, the man behind Neo, John Wick and Johnny Utah holds the groups in rarified air. During a 2022 interview with Stephen Colbert, he named “Love Will Tear Us Apart” as his favorite song. He\u2019s also introduced Hook in concert before, and even been spotted dancing in the crowd during his shows.<\/p>\n

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Ethan Miller\/Matt Winkelmeyer\/Jason Mendez, Getty Images<\/figcaption>Ethan Miller\/Matt Winkelmeyer\/Jason Mendez, Getty Images<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Rick Rubin-Inspired Jam<\/h3>\n

Among those getting inducted this year via the Musical Excellence Award, producer Rick Rubin<\/a> stands out. Though he\u2019s a polarizing character, there\u2019s no denying his incredible resume, including massive hit albums across rock, pop and hip hop.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: 32 Hit Albums Produced by Rick Rubin<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Given Rubin\u2019s genre-crossing ways, the Hall could definitely arrange a massive jam featuring some of his most noteworthy collaborators. How about Jay-Z coming out for a powerhouse rendition of \u201c99 Problems,\u201d immediately followed by Red Hot Chili Peppers<\/a> rocking through \u201cGive It Away Now\u201d? Appearances by Run D.M.C.<\/a>, System of a Down and Public Enemy could also be on the table. Then we save the best for last – Jimmy Page<\/a> comes out to play some riffs with the surviving Beastie Boys<\/a>, who memorably sampled Led Zeppelin<\/a> on their Rubin-produced debut album Licensed to Ill<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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Laurent KOFFEL, Getty Images<\/figcaption>Laurent KOFFEL, Getty Images<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Oasis Honored by Former Rival<\/h3>\n

The Gallagher brothers are many things \u2013 talented, entertaining, petulant and unquestionably funny. Since they\u2019ve already revealed they won\u2019t be in attendance for the Hall of Fame ceremony, we\u2019re leaning into the latter characteristic here.<\/p>\n

The defining rivalry of \u201890s Britpop was Oasis<\/a> versus Blur<\/a>, so how poetic (and humorous) would it be for Blur frontman Damon Albarn to induct Oasis into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Despite the media continually pitting the artists against each other, Albarn has maintained his admiration for the Gallaghers. “I think Oasis were better!\u201d he even conceded in a 2023 interview. An appearance during Oasis\u2019 Hall of Fame induction would present a nice bookend on the Britpop battle narrative (side note: don\u2019t be surprised if Albarn gets into the Hall one day, too, likely for Gorillaz).<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Oasis Albums Ranked Worst to Best<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

As for the performance, the absence of Liam<\/a> and Noel<\/a> certainly puts a damper on things. We\u2019re guessing one, triumphant rendition of \u201cWonderwall\u201d would keep everyone happy, and who better to perform it than the man the Gallaghers idolized: Paul McCartney<\/a>. Yes, back in the day, Sir Paul bristled with Oasis<\/a>\u2019 Beatles<\/a> comparisons. It didn\u2019t help that Noel once claimed his band was \u201cbigger than the Beatles.\u201d Still, McCartney has supported Oasis\u2019 Hall candidacy and was in attendance during the band\u2019s 2025 reunion tour (which he emphatically praised). There\u2019s also a little bit of irony here, since Macca skipped the Beatles\u2019 induction in 1988, much the way the Gallaghers are sitting out their induction this year.<\/p>\n

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Paul Natkin, Getty Images<\/figcaption>Paul Natkin, Getty Images<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Iron Maiden Gets an All-Star Celebration<\/h3>\n

Looking for one of those classic, Rock Hall all-star performances? Here\u2019s where we predict it will happen. Iron Maiden<\/a>\u2019s induction is long overdue, and though Bruce Dickinson<\/a> \u2013 and most likely of his bandmates \u2013 won\u2019t be in attendance, that won\u2019t stop the band from receiving a well-earned celebration.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Iron Maiden Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019re imagining a lineup featuring many of the rockers who have advocated for Iron Maiden\u2019s induction over the years. Let\u2019s put Tom Morello<\/a> and Scott Ian<\/a> on guitar, Lars Ulrich<\/a> behind the kit and Duff McKagan<\/a> on bass. As for vocals, we\u2019re giving this Maiden dream team a different singer for each of its two songs. Alice Cooper<\/a> starts things off with \u201cThe Number of the Beast,\u201d while Maiden\u2019s metal brethren Rob Halford<\/a> steps up for \u201cThe Trooper.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for who\u00a0handles the induction speech, we think James Hetfield<\/a> would do a stellar job. The Metallica<\/a> frontman has regularly praised Iron Maiden as one of metal\u2019s most important trailblazers, as well as a major early influence on his own career.<\/p>\n

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Emma McIntyre\/Frazer Harrison, Getty Images<\/figcaption>Emma McIntyre\/Frazer Harrison, Getty Images<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Tributes to Dolly Parton and Bob Weir<\/h3>\n

Every year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame delivers poignant tributes to artists and major music industry contributors who have passed away. The biggest luminaries often get their own dedications, and we predict two this year.<\/p>\n

Honoring Grateful Dead<\/a> co-founder Bob Weir<\/a> would be John Mayer<\/a>. The singer and guitarist famously joined Weir in Dead and Company<\/a>, enjoying a decade performing alongside his idol in the final years of his life.<\/p>\n

Celebrating the incredible legacy of Dolly Parton<\/a> would be Cyrus, returning for her second performance of the evening. Parton was Cyrus\u2019 godmother, occasional collaborator and close family friend. Miley has always maintained the utmost admiration for Parton and has delivered poignant tributes since her passing.<\/p>\n

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Ethan Miller\/Gareth Cattermole\/Theo Wargo\/Brian Ach, Getty Images<\/figcaption>Ethan Miller\/Gareth Cattermole\/Theo Wargo\/Brian Ach, Getty Images<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Filling Out the Rest of the Show<\/h3>\n

English singer Olivia Dean is enjoying a wave of success at the moment, and could be a perfect matchup for inductee Sade<\/a>. Similarly, SZA has ascended in recent years to become a hip-hop\/R&B tour de force. She\u2019d be a natural fit for Queen Latifah\u2019s induction. Meanwhile, Wu Tang Clan leader RZA has publicly requested that his iconic rap group be inducted by\u00a0Barack Obama.<\/p>\n

The Rock Hall\u00a0enjoys mixing in the occasional country star into their festivities, so an appearance by Zac Brown, Chris Stapleton or Kacey Musgraves shouldn\u2019t be ruled out. Any of them would do an admirable job honoring Gram Parsons<\/a>, who is receiving enshrinement via the Early Influence Award.<\/p>\n

The Hall also\u00a0loves to include younger stars to showcase the institution\u2019s cross generation appeal. Someone like Sabrina Carpenter would be high on their wishlist, given her noted classic rock upbringing and massive mainstream popularity. You also can\u2019t rule out an appearance by Olivia Rodrigo. The young singer clearly loves being involved in the Hall\u2019s events, having performed at three induction ceremonies already in her career.<\/p>\n

So there you have it, a slightly<\/em> educated guess on how this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony could play out. Some of the\u00a0presenters and performers\u00a0in our roundup seem genuinely possible, while others are probably too good to come true. We’ll find out what — if anything — we predicted correctly when the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place this Saturday.<\/p>\n

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131 Artists Not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame<\/h2>\n
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Many have shared their thoughts on possible induction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n