Billy Idol, Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, Phil Collins, Sade, Queen Latifah, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and the late Luther Vandross will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday.

But the list of who will show up and perform is getting shorter daily and looking awfully thin, and it's difficult to know what the ceremony will look like with so many artists not playing the sets that define the show.

Sade - the group whose sensual, captivating rhythms have endured as fan favorites for decades with hits including "Smooth Operator" and "No Ordinary Love" - said they were bowing out in a statement on their website.

"Sorry we can't be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us," said the group, fronted by the singer Sade Adu.

Britpop's one-time feuding brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis - who recently announced a 2027 world tour - also declined to make the trip.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame may make a few announcements later this week about who is inducting the new members and who may perform their songs in their place, although organisers like to keep much of the show a surprise.

For the second straight year, the ceremony that moves between Cleveland, New York and Los Angeles will be held at the Peacock Theater in downtown LA. After two years of streaming it live, the Rock Hall is returning to its previous model, where the public won't see it until an edited version airs on ABC and Disney+ in December.

The list of 2026 honourees also includes MC Lyte, Celia Cruz , Fela Kuti and Gram Parsons, along with music producers Rick Rubin, Linda Creed, Arif Mardin and Jimmy Miller and variety show host Ed Sullivan.

Billy Idol, who toured the US in summer and had a residency in Las Vegas, plans to play and says he’s going to “bring it” when he does.

Wu-Tang Clan, which toured together just last year on what was billed as a farewell tour, may play after getting into the hall with their first nomination. (AP/AFP)





Edited by Azam Khan