Wu-Tang Clan Get Their Flowers, Perform at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Wu-Tang Clan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside Oasis, Phil Collins, Joy Division/New Order, Sade, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, and Luther Vandross.

“It’s a testament to not only be recognized by our fans, but by the industry and other genres,” said group leader RZA. “I want to thank everyone who believed in us… and for everyone who didn’t, you can kiss my inducted us,” proclaimed Method Man during his own remarks.

While RZA’s first choice to induct them, former president Barack Obama, was not on hand, they did find a suitable replacement in Chris Rock. They also stuck around to perform classics lie “C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)” and “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” the latter of which was a nod to late band member Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Also on Saturday, Fela Kuti, Gram Parsons, Queen Latifah, and MC Lyte, and Celia Cruz were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category, with Rick Rubin, Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, and Jimmy Miller enshrined in the Music Excellence category. Ed Sullivan was posthumously inducted with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The 2026 inductees were picked by an international voting body of more than 1,200 artists, historians, members of the music industry, and a fan vote. To be considered, a nominee’s first recording must have been released at least 25 years ago. Wu-Tang, Vandross, and Collins were first-time nominees, though the latter was previously inducted into the Rock Hall as a member of Genesis.

With their farewell live run, the “Final Chamber Tour,” behind them as of October, next up for Wu-Tang is a headlining set during the halftime show of the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears.