A record six British artists, including Nigerian-born Sade Adu’s group Sade, have been named among the eight inductees into the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking a historic moment for the UK music scene.
The British honourees include Oasis, Iron Maiden, Sade, Joy Division/New Order (counted as one act), Phil Collins, and Billy Idol. They are joined by American acts Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
The six British inductees set a new record in the Hall of Fame’s 40-year history, surpassing the previous high of five set in 2019, when Radiohead, The Cure, Def Leppard, Roxy Music and The Zombies were honoured. As recently as 2021, no British acts featured on the list.
The 2026 class was unveiled during an episode of American Idol, hosted by Ryan Seacrest alongside judge Lionel Richie, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
The announcement setting drew attention, particularly with the inclusion of the influential Manchester band Joy Division.
Following the death of frontman Ian Curtis, the remaining members regrouped as New Order, later enjoying major success in the United States, including collaborations with Quincy Jones and performances at the Hollywood Bowl.
Their connections to American pop culture stretch back decades. In 1993, New Order performed their track Regret on Top of the Pops from the set of Baywatch, featuring a cameo appearance by David Hasselhoff.
Oasis, fresh from their biggest-ever US tour which included two sold-out shows at the Rose Bowl in California, may not fully embrace the honour.
Frontman Liam Gallagher has previously dismissed the accolade, calling it an award from “some geriatric in a cowboy hat”.
His brother Noel Gallagher has also expressed indifference after visiting the museum in Cleveland, saying, “I know what it is (the Hall of Fame). I know what it entails and it won’t be happening, ok? They showed me all these exhibits of Oasis stuff. It’s a great place, but I don’t be doing it,” he said in 2017.
When asked if Oasis deserved the recognition, he joked, “I certainly think I do.”
For Sade, the honour highlights her lasting influence on American audiences. Her 2010 album Soldier of Love topped the US charts, selling 500,000 copies in its first week, and she becomes the first Black British woman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Iron Maiden’s inclusion follows years of nominations, with the band first shortlisted in 2021.
Frontman Bruce Dickinson has repeatedly criticised the institution, once saying, “It’s run by a bunch of sanctimonious Americans who wouldn’t know rock’n’roll if it hit them in the face,” and later adding, “I don’t want to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, because we’re not dead yet!”
Billy Idol, however, has welcomed the recognition, saying, “You really get a chance to thank your fans. That’s what I like about it. You know, you get a chance to really thank everybody who supported you through thick and thin. So that’s an incredible honour.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, founded in 1986, inducts artists 25 years after their debut release.
Nominees are selected by a panel of music industry experts, with more than 1,200 voters, including past inductees, casting final ballots.
The 2026 induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
