Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025: Nominees, Snubs, Surprises, and Predictions

Rock Hall of Fame 2025: The Nominees

The annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations have arrived, and with them, the usual mix of excitement, debate, and frustration from music fans. As always, this year’s list features a blend of long-overdue legends, modern rock icons, and some surprising additions. Among the first-time nominees are Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, the Black Crowes, Oasis, Soundgarden, Phish, and the White Stripes. The list also includes pop and hip-hop acts such as Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, Outkast, Joy Division/New Order, and Mexican rock legends Mana.

Our panel of experts analyzes this year’s list, discussing the most unexpected nominations, glaring omissions, and the artists they believe should make it to the final induction class.

Most Surprising Nominee

Bryan Rolli: I didn’t anticipate seeing Mana on the list, but they are undoubtedly deserving. As the best-selling Latin American band of all time, with over 25 million records sold and multiple Grammys, their nomination is a nod to rock’s global impact. Too often, rock is viewed through a Eurocentric lens, so it’s refreshing to see more diverse representation.

Nick DeRiso: Chubby Checker’s nomination caught me off guard. With the Hall of Fame Singles category already in place, which honors influential one-hit wonders, it seemed like “The Twist” was an obvious fit. But making him a general nominee, despite his catalog mostly consisting of variations of the same song, is quite the twist.

Allison Rapp: Phish’s inclusion surprised me, perhaps because I rarely think about them. While I respect their musical impact, their unique style remains somewhat inaccessible to me. Similarly, Mana’s nomination was unexpected but well deserved. Latin American rock and its influence on the broader music industry shouldn’t be overlooked.

Michael Gallucci: The growing popularity of Latin music makes Mana’s nomination understandable. However, their influence hasn’t expanded much beyond their core fanbase. This feels like a stretch for the Hall of Fame.

Matthew Wilkening: Expanding beyond traditional rock is great, but the nominees should still embody rock’s rebellious spirit. Madonna, Public Enemy, and Willie Nelson fit that mold. Mariah Carey, however, does not.

Biggest Snub

Rolli: Iron Maiden’s continued exclusion is a disgrace. As one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, they deserve recognition. With drummer Nicko McBrain’s recent health struggles, it would have been meaningful for them to be honored while he is still able to perform.

DeRiso: The Rock Hall inducted country legends like Dolly Parton (2022) and Willie Nelson (2023), but now they’ve gone two years without another. Where’s the love for country rock?

Rapp: It’s disappointing that Sinead O’Connor wasn’t given another shot. She was nominated in 2024, shortly after her passing, but failed to make the cut. Given her impact on music and culture, she deserves more recognition.

Gallucci: Warren Zevon continues to be ignored. A shame, really.

Wilkening: Iron Maiden is the biggest snub, hands down. Their exclusion is baffling, considering their enormous influence on metal. The continued snub of Warren Zevon is equally frustrating. Also, why has country been sidelined again?

Happiest to See Nominated

Rolli: Billy Idol. With his unforgettable voice, stage presence, and contributions to blending punk, rock, and pop, he paved the way for bands like Green Day and Blink-182.

DeRiso: Joy Division/New Order. They were first nominated in 2023 but didn’t make the cut. Their influence in both post-punk and electronic music makes them long overdue.

Rapp: Oasis. Despite their internal feuds, their influence on rock remains strong. Their nomination validates their enduring legacy.

Gallucci: Joy Division/New Order. Their ability to reinvent themselves after tragedy and become even more influential is a rare feat.

Wilkening: Billy Idol. People tend to forget he’s not just a rock star but a genuinely great songwriter. Cyndi Lauper is a close second.

Who Should Be Inducted First Among First-Time Nominees?

Rolli: Billy Idol, without a doubt. At 69, he’s still keeping rock ‘n’ roll alive. He deserves this honor while he can still fully enjoy it.

DeRiso: Bad Company. They continue the trend of mainstream rock bands getting inducted, like Journey and Foreigner.

Rapp: Joe Cocker. His unmistakable voice made him one of rock’s most iconic vocalists.

Gallucci: The Black Crowes, though I’d prioritize some repeat nominees first.

Wilkening: The Black Crowes, but if I only get one pick, it’s Billy Idol.

Most Overdue Among Previously Nominated Artists

Rolli: Soundgarden. Nirvana was inducted in 2014, Pearl Jam in 2017—why the delay for another essential grunge act?

DeRiso: Soundgarden should have been first among grunge bands to be inducted.

Rapp: Cyndi Lauper. She paved the way for bold, self-expressive pop stars. Her influence is undeniable.

Gallucci: Joy Division/New Order. Their transformation and impact make them overdue.

Wilkening: Soundgarden. And let’s get Melvins in there next!

General Thoughts on This Year’s Nominees

Rolli: I’d love to see both Oasis and the Black Crowes get in, and the Davies brothers presenting would be legendary.

DeRiso: The Black Crowes would cap off their resurgence with an induction. The White Stripes represent the future of the Hall.

Rapp: The Rock Hall owes me for the Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl loss. Induct Oasis!

Gallucci: The nominations follow a formula—big pop star, hip-hop act, legacy artist, and some mainstream rockers. Predictable.

Wilkening: The formula is clear, but why is country left out? Some worthy names will get in, but it’s not the most thrilling class.

Predictions for Induction

Rolli: Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Mariah Carey, Oasis, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes.

DeRiso: The Rock Hall likes to balance rock, pop, and hip-hop. Expect Black Crowes, Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, Outkast, Oasis, and possibly Joe Cocker.

Rapp: Billy Idol, Phish, Soundgarden, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, and Mana.

Gallucci: Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, Outkast, and the White Stripes.

Wilkening: Wish list: Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Black Crowes, Joy Division/New Order, Outkast, and Soundgarden. Reality: Idol, Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, Mana, and Mariah Carey.