Elton, Olivia, Tyler: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 Highlights

There's a lot of debate about if the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has any real value.

There's also chatter about what is "rock" and should people who don't play the guitar like they're ringing a bell be considered for the Hall when so many shredders haven't been inducted.

Maybe one day we'll enter that futile discussion. It's futile because the RRHoF has decided what it is, how it does things, and who they want in there. So what we can do in the meantime is honor those who have gotten the nod, and best of all: enjoy the music.

And one way of celebrating is appreciating that during special events like this annual show, all types of stars get to gather in one place and sometimes jam together, performing songs they've never covered live before.

And best of all they can do it in front of, or along side of, the legends who helped inspire them to do this thing for a living.

So here are a few highlights of the 2025 Rock Hall Induction ceremony from Saturday (11/8).

Outkast's Big Boi ft Doja Cat, Janelle Monáe Killer Mike & Tyler the Creator

Outkast began in Atlanta in 1992, when Andre 3000 (Andre Benjamin) and Big Boi (Antwan Patton) met while at Tri-Cities High School. In just two years they dropped their debut LP, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, which planted a flag on Southern.

Through the '90s they continued to grow and add funk jazz and modern soul to the mix as heard on, ATLiens and Aquemini.

But when Stankonia was released in 2000, it brought the duo to the next level, with “Ms. Jackson” topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the gents a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

A few years later, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, rewrote the rules of the ever-changing world of hip-hop, moving over 13 million units.

The LP amassed six Grammys including Album of the Year thanks to “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move.”

It's been over a decade since their 2014 reunion tour and even though Andre didn't want to perform on Saturday alongside Big Boi et al, Tyler the Creator, Doja, Janelle Monáe and Killer Mike were happy to show their love for the Dirty South by covering those beloved hits. And Tyler was on fire.

The Creators's Camp Flog Gnaw, which Andre performed at last year and got a pit started while he was playing flute, happens this weekend. It promises to be wild. Get tix here.

Elton John covering Brian Wilson's "God Only Knows"

The great Elton John gave a brief but humble speech about the Beach Boy's maestro and songwriter, Brian Wilson that was a great reminder that even the biggest stars look up to someone.

Elton told the audience that Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night introduced him and Bernie Taupin to Wilson upon their first trip to Los Angeles.

“We were scared shitless because he was my idol, he was the one who influenced me more than anybody else when it came to writing songs on the piano," Elton explained about Brian who died in June.

"Meeting someone who was a true genius doesn’t happen very often," he said.

John then played the top 40 hit "God Only Knows" from the Beach Boys’ iconic 1966 album Pet Sounds.

He had only performed it once before on stage, way back in 2001 for a tribute to Wilson, where he also covered "Wouldn't It Be Nice."

Olivia Rodrigo, Feist, and twenty one pilots covering The White Stripes

There was a time at the Rock Hall of Fame where the old timers who were finally getting inducted would strap it on and do a few of their hits. Maybe the younger crew that inducted them might be on stage in the wings, but mostly it was their time to shine.

This year there were far more guest appearances for a variety of reasons. In the case of The White Stripes, drummer Meg opted out of appearing at the Peacock in downtown LA across the street from Staples Center. Obviously Jack White could have showed off with a medley of guitar hero antics with a variety of drummers, one flashier than the next.

Instead, White remained in the audience and let others perform his music: Olivia Rodrigo, Feist, and Ohio's twenty one pilots.

The latter, also a duo, however fell for the trap. They tried to out White Stripes the White Stripes and failed. Unless you are singing louder, playing harder, and doing something way more trippy with your outfits, you probably should just make a jazz version of "Seven Nation Army," because you'll pale in comparison.

Olivia and Feist approached "We're Going To Be Friends" in a softer, more Meg-style and it was far more effective. It's single-worthy if you ask me, which nobody is.

Stevie Wonder, Questlove, Flea, Jennifer Hudson, and others honoring Sly & The Family Stone

Some people have issues with the Rock Hall for not having this person or not having that one. Others have even more of an axe to grind with the Grammys, who shamefully, have had a history of overlooking some of the more talented and influential musicians.

At the top of that list, in my mind, is Sly Stone who had four #1 singles, while using a racially and gender-integrated lineup.

They had three platinum LPs and with his impressive afro and groovy outfits, it feels like one had to intentionally ignore him because it was so obvious he was right there. Yet the Grammys did just that.

Sly & the Family Stone never won a competitive Grammy, but the Recording Academy did present them with an excuse-me Lifetime Achievement award in 2017, decades after the gave the world “Dance to the Music” (#8, 1968), “Everyday People” (#1, 1969), “Hot Fun in the Summertime” (#2, 1969), “Stand!” (#22, 1969), “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (#1, 1970), “Everybody Is a Star” (#1, 1970), “I Want to Take You Higher” (#38, 1970), “Family Affair” (#1, 1971), “If You Want Me to Stay” (#12, 1973), “Time for Livin’” (#32, 1974).

At 75 years old, Stevie can still make the party rock as he led the all-star ensemble who all honored Sly who died this June.

Backed by Beck, Flea, Maxwell, Leon Thomas, and Questlove, the supergroup hit peak soul goodness when Jennifer Hudson belted out "I Want To Take You Higher."

When he's not on the Tonight Show, Questlove leads The Roots who have three more dates on their calendar this year. Grab tix on their website to catch it live.

The Roots 2025 Tour remaining dates

11/29 The Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort, West Tulsa, OK
12/27 Hard Rock Live Sacramento, Wheatland, CA
12/29 The Magnolia, El Cajon, CA

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Last updated: 14 Dec 2025, 08:28 UTC

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