Iron Maiden Finally Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame After Years Of Snubs
More than two decades after first becoming eligible, heavy metal icons Iron Maiden have at last secured their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
On Monday evening (13th April), the Rock Hall revealed its Class of 2026, with Iron Maiden named among a record six British acts being honoured alongside Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Oasis, Joy Division / New Order, and Sade.
Also joining the 2026 Induction Ceremony lineup, set for Saturday 14th November in Los Angeles, are Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
Renowned producer Rick Rubin will also be honoured on the night with the Musical Excellence Award.
“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”, said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Iron Maiden, long known for their criticism of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, have now responded through their longtime manager.
Rod Smallwood said: “We’d like to thank the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for including us (and former members who were all part of our story) in the 2026 roll call of inductees. Iron Maiden have always been about our relationship with our fans above anything else, including awards and industry accolades. However, having said that, it’s always nice to be recognised and honoured for any achievements within the music industry too!
“It also seems appropriate for the band to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year as we continue our 50th anniversary celebrations with our Run For Your Lives World Tour visiting the Americas and beyond. We would also like to congratulate our fellow 2026 inductees and extend our gratitude as ever to our fans for their loyalty, perseverance and support for over 50 years now! See you all, somewhere on tour.”
It appears unlikely that the current Iron Maiden lineup will attend the ceremony, as they are scheduled to be on tour in Australia at the same time, with shows planned in Melbourne and Sydney around the event dates.
Former members Blaze Bayley and Dennis Stratton, along with drummer Nicko McBrain—who stepped away from touring in 2024—may still make an appearance.
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, who has previously criticised the Rock Hall, reacted on X following the announcement, writing: “I wanna thank all the people who voted for us it’s a real honour ever since I was a little kid and singing in the shower I’d dream about 1 day being in the RnR hall of fame it’s true what they say anything is possible if you have a dream LG x”
When reminded of his earlier remarks, he joked: “Well I was speaking to my mummy last night when the news broke and she thinks I may have been a little hasty with my perception of the organization she’s told me to stop being a d— and go to the awards and behave and you never know you might enjoy it.”
Speaking to Billboard about his induction, Billy Idol said: “I can’t believe it. It’s incredible.
“It’s just fantastic to think that something I was doing for the sheer love of the scene we were in back in the ‘70s, the punk rock scene. We were doing it for the love. We had no idea it was going to explode and lead to me doing this for 50 years.
“So it’s all really incredible and something I just couldn’t have imagined when I was starting out.”
