Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025: Chubby Checker’s Statue Dream & Soundgarden’s Bittersweet Honor
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 inductees, sparking celebration and reflection across the music world. Among the honorees are legendary names like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and Chubby Checker. While the recognition is celebrated, some inductees and their families are expressing a mix of gratitude and lingering aspirations.
Chubby Checker, famous for "The Twist," will finally be inducted after decades of eligibility. Checker told Variety he's happy to be part of the 2025 class headed for induction in November, though it sounds like he still wants a statue. But the 83-year-old singer isn't just basking in the honor. He's also advocating for more recognition of his contributions. "It’s just a great thing that it’s happening. And if they finally put my statue up, well, I might not be alive to see that happen, but people will enjoy it," Checker told Variety. He believes his music should be played as frequently as other Hall of Famers like Billy Joel, The Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac.
Checker emphasized the impact of "The Twist" and its influence on dance floors worldwide. He boldly stated, "They don't have the No. 1 song on the planet; I do... the dancefloor that so many of these artists enjoy and make millions of dollars on – I put it there. And it’s still there.". Earlier in the year, Chubby Checker expressed frustration at not being invited to this year’s New York State Fair.
The class of 2025 includes a diverse range of artists. Cyndi Lauper, known for her striking presence and iconic hits, is also among new inductees. Alongside Lauper, Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes complete the list. The ceremony will air live November 8 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Disney+.
For Soundgarden, the induction is a poignant moment. Chris Cornell's widow, Vicky Cornell, expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the honor. "[whose] constant love and support keep his legacy alive.” She added that moments like this are “always bittersweet” but believes her late husband “would be so honored and it is well past due and beyond well deserved!”
Guitarist Kim Thayil shared his initial skepticism about the Hall of Fame, stemming from his punk rock and indie metal background. However, he acknowledged the enthusiasm of fans and the validation it brings to them when a beloved band is recognized.
A key question remains: who will sing with Soundgarden at the induction ceremony? Thayil emphasized the challenging search for someone who can honor both Chris Cornell's memory and the band's legacy. "It’s a high bar, not just technically, but emotionally," he stated.
Veteran jam band Phish won the fan vote, amassing about 330,000 votes. Ultimately, the fan vote doesn't guarantee induction. Despite not making the cut this year, they were the top earners in the fan vote, followed by Bad Company, Idol, Checker, Lauper, Cocker and Soundgarden.
The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees represent a spectrum of musical talent and influence. But, the diverse spectrum of music continues to evolve, raising questions about who will be celebrated in the years to come. What do you think about this year's inductees? Which artists do you believe deserve recognition in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Where is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony 2025?
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be live on Saturday, November 8th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Is Outkast in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Chubby Checker, Outkast and the White Stripes Will Join the Rock Hall. Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company and Soundgarden u2014 but not Oasis or Phish u2014 are also part of the 40th anniversary class.
Who made the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
The RRHOF Foundation was established in 1983 by Ahmet Ertegun, who assembled a team that included publisher of Rolling Stone magazine publisher Jann S. Wenner, record executives Seymour Stein, Bob Krasnow, and Noreen Woods, and attorneys Allen Grubman and Suzan Evans.
Is Cyndi Lauper in the Hall of Fame?
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveiled its latest 13 inductees Sunday, including Cyndi Lauper, OutKast and Warren Zevon but leaving out Mariah Carey and Oasis, who were among the nominees.
