Wu-Tang Clan, Queen Latifah and Phil Collins were among the artists honored at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 14 at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater, where hip-hop performances shared the spotlight with tributes to rock and soul stars.
Collins entered for his solo career after previously joining as a member of Genesis. Queen Latifah and MC Lyte received Early Influence Awards, a separate category from the performer inductions that included Wu-Tang Clan, the Associated Press reported.
Wu-Tang Clan and women in hip-hop take the stage
Chris Rock inducted Wu-Tang Clan, whose members performed a medley including “C.R.E.A.M.” and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” backed by a large jazz band, according to AP.
“We went from being banned on the radio to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” Method Man said during the ceremony, according to AFP’s report carried by Yahoo.
Megan Thee Stallion inducted Queen Latifah, while Remy Ma inducted MC Lyte. The two honorees performed together in a medley that included Latifah’s “U.N.I.T.Y.” and Lyte’s “Ruffneck,” AP reported.
Phil Collins receives a second induction
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker inducted Collins and played the famous drum fill from “In the Air Tonight” as Cynthia Erivo sang the song in tribute.
Collins, who attended with his children, including actor Lily Collins, approached the stage using two canes. “I’m really not as bad as it looks,” he said, according to AFP.
“You haven’t heard the last of me, I can promise you that,” Collins told the audience.
Billy Idol also performed, delivering “Rebel Yell” after being inducted by Gwen Stefani. She later joined him for “Eyes Without a Face.” Longtime guitarist Steve Stevens joined Idol at the podium and was also inducted, AFP reported.
Tributes honor absent artists and late legends
Oasis, Sade and Iron Maiden did not attend. Actor Bob Odenkirk inducted Oasis, while Iron Maiden, who were touring Australia, received a tribute featuring St. Vincent, Jack Black and members of Rage Against the Machine and Metallica, according to AFP.
Trent Reznor introduced the joint induction of Joy Division and New Order, and bassist Peter Hook accepted on the groups’ behalf. Oprah Winfrey honored the late Luther Vandross, with Usher performing “Never Too Much.”
Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti and Gram Parsons were also honored. Television host Ed Sullivan received the Ahmet Ertegun Award, which recognizes a non-performing industry figure.
Neil Young delivered the induction speech for producer Rick Rubin. The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed dressed as Rubin lookalikes before the producer offered a brief acceptance: “You can’t kill rock and roll. Thank you.”
