The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 nominees, once again placing several alternative-era heavyweights back in contention. Joy Division and New Order return to the ballot for a second nomination, joined by fellow returning nominee Billy Idol and renewed contenders INXS.
Few nominees loom as large as Joy Division and New Order—two bands linked by loss, reinvention, and seismic influence. From the stark architecture of Unknown Pleasures to the electronic blueprint of “Blue Monday,” their legacy threads through post-punk, alternative rock, and modern dance music. Long championed by peers such as U2 and The Cure, their stature has only grown over time. Henry Rollins once put it plainly: “Joy Division is one of the greatest bands ever, and Unknown Pleasures is the proof.” Billy Corgan has gone even further, arguing that outside of The Beatles, Joy Division may be the most influential band of the 20th century.
Billy Idol also returns to the ballot this year after helping define the MTV era with his peroxide sneer and fist-raised hooks. From Generation X to “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell,” he bridged punk’s bite with arena-sized choruses.
INXS, meanwhile, made sleek, groove-driven rock a global export. Fronted by the late Michael Hutchence, whose magnetic presence helped define the band’s mystique, the Australian group delivered hits like “Need You Tonight” and “Never Tear Us Apart,” balancing dancefloor rhythm with new wave anthems and arena-sized hooks.
Eligibility begins 25 years after an artist’s first commercial release. The Class of 2026 will be announced later this spring, with the induction ceremony expected in Cleveland in the autumn.
Here is the full list of nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
Joy Division / New Order
Billy Idol
INXS
The Black Crowes
The White Stripes
Oasis
Mariah Carey
Sade
Cyndi Lauper
Soundgarden
Outkast
The Smashing Pumpkins
Bad Company
Iron Maiden
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