by The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees were announced on February 12. Out of 14 nominees, only about half will be inducted later this year.
The 2025 nominees include Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Mana, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Outkast, Phish, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.
Eight nominees are on the ballot for the first time: Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Maná, Outkast, and Phish. Soundgarden has been nominated three times, while Oasis, Mariah Carey, Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, and Joy Division/New Order have been nominated twice.
Still, one of the snubs was again Iron Maiden. It would have been great for them to get in while drummer Nicko McBrain is still able to play. Since he retired from touring, it’s unclear how long he can keep performing.
Some fans were also not happy with Maiden’s exclusion from the nominees. One commenter wrote, “Outkast before Iron Maiden? Mariah Carey before Blue Oyster Cult? Help me understand.”
Another person shared, “Still no Boston, Speedwagon, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, TSO or Weird Al. When will acts who deserve consideration actually be part of the chatter?”
One other user had another band in their mind, saying, “Jethro Tull snubbed again.” Another critic wrote, “Maná? Oh really? So many bands that have not yet been nominated and that should be… and they nominate Maná?”
The 2025 inductees will be announced in late April, along with those selected for Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. The ceremony will be in Los Angeles this fall.
Artists qualify for induction 25 years after their first release. Over 1,200 artists, historians, and music professionals will vote. They consider an artist’s influence, career length, impact, and musical excellence.
Last year’s inductees included Mary J. Blige, Cher, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, and Peter Frampton.
