A couple bits of music news broke this morning, and we wanted to keep you in the loop, if you had not already heard.

2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees announced

A total of 17 artists are in consideration for induction with ten of them appearing on the voting ballot for the first time. The ceremony’s date is not yet announced (usually in early November and back at Barclays Center in Brooklyn- expect us to be on-hand for the event, as usual).

John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, stated, “This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock and Roll and its continued impact on youth culture. Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 this Fall.”

In a sad related note, 2026 nominee Wu-Tang Clan’s co-founder Oliver ‘Power’ Grant just passed away at the age of 52, with further details not yet announced. Grant was a producer and entrepreneur who developed the successful Wu Wear streetwear line of fashion, which helped to fund the group.

2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

(expect the final list to be less than half this quantity)

The Black Crowes
Jeff Buckley *
Mariah Carey
Phil Collins *
Melissa Etheridge *
Lauryn Hill *
Billy Idol
INXS *
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
New Edition *
Oasis
P!NK *
Sade
Shakira *
Luther Vandross *
Wu-Tang Clan *

* first-time nominee

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Metallica at The Sphere- Las Vegas

Following months of rumors and speculation, Metallica confirms they will debut their Life Burns Faster residency at Sphere in Las Vegas. The eight-show run will take place on October 1 and 3, 15 and 17, 22 and 24, and 29 and 31, and will continue the No Repeat Weekend tradition that began with the 2023 kick-off of the band’s M72 World Tour, with no songs repeated on each Thursday and Saturday throughout the course of the run.

Plenty of (not cheap) price levels, presales, and travel packages will start selling next week, so check to find your preferred dates and on-sale times.

SHOW SCHEDULE (Thurs & Sat shows; expect quick sell outs but probably additional shows to be added)

OCTOBER 1 & 3; OCTOBER 15 & 17; OCTOBER 22 & 24; OCTOBER 29 & 31 (ooh, Halloween!)

National / International act coming through the Midwest / Kansas City area? Please email details to johnc@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time to be considered for Show Preview and Show Coverage.