Greatest Hall Of Fame Performances In Rock And Roll History Will Make You Want To Turn Up The Volume

Put your hands together and get ready to rock 'n roll. Let's take a trip down memory lane since the inception of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1983 - where music geniuses have come together each year to be honored, inducted, and perform unforgettable shows with unrivaled collaborations. Jam out now as we revisit some of these epic performances throughout the decades that have made this iconic hallowed event one for all music fans to behold! Did we miss your favorite band? Comment and let us know!

Bruce Springsteen's Cameo With U2 (2005)

GettyImages-52418096
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

In 2005, Bruce Springsteen inducted U2 to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, six years after Bono had welcomed The Boss into the prestigious club. Of course, U2 gave their standard epic performance of songs such as "Vertigo," "Until the End of the World," and "Pride (In the Name of Love."

However, the real treat was when Springsteen took the stage and joined the group for "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." To this day, this performance is regarded as one of the greatest Rock Hall cameos of all time.

Follow us for more great content

ADVERTISEMENT

Pearl Jam Pays Tribute To Neil Young

ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-665994022
Photo by Kevin Kane/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Photo by Kevin Kane/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
ADVERTISEMENT

Neil Young was supposed to induct Pearl Jam into the Hall of Fame. However, he canceled, claiming that he was ill. While this disappointed a lot of people, it didn't stop Pearl Jam from delivering an insane performance of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World."

ADVERTISEMENT

Alongside Pearl Jam was Journey's Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon, Rush's Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, and Yes' Trevor Rabin and Dhani Harrison. As if the that wasn't epic enough, it was also the only time that Pearl Jam members Matt Cameron and Dave Krusen shared a drum kit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wilson Pickett Teases Bruce Springsteen Before An Epic Duet (1999)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-51604496
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

In 1999, on the night of Bruce Springsteen's induction, The Boss himself invited the master of soul, Wilson Pickett, on stage to join him in performing Pickett's "Midnight Hour." Upon reaching the stage, Pickett began teasing Springsteen in a friendly way, saying: "I'm glad you invited me up. For a long time, I wanted to sing with you. I wanted to kick you in the [expletive]!"

ADVERTISEMENT

With backing from the E Street band, the two went on to deliver an unforgettable performance of Pickett's hit track.

ADVERTISEMENT

Iconic Female Artists Stand-In For Kurt Cobain (2014)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-483950395
Photo by Kevin Kane/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Photo by Kevin Kane/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
ADVERTISEMENT

Twenty years after the passing of Kurt Cobain, Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While the surviving members of Nirvana reunited to play a set list of their own songs, they also invited four different female artists to fill in for Cobain, each singing an individual song.

ADVERTISEMENT

Joan Jett performed "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Kim Gorgon "Aneurysm," St. Vincent "Lithium," and Lorde "All Apologies." Not only did each of the women do the songs justice, but they gave the tracks new meanings. The group went on to play an extended set at St. Vitus bar in Brooklyn after the show.

ADVERTISEMENT

When Four Of The Five Inductees Play Together (2016)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-519938066
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The 2016 awards are mainly remembered by Steve Miller's outburst behind the scenes regarding the ticket prices and the restriction on how many each artist received. That year, Steve Miller, Cheap Trick, Chicago, and Deep Purple were all being inducted. Not only that, but they all performed together as well, playing Fats Domino's song "Ain't That a Shame."

ADVERTISEMENT

The artists were also joined by Steve Van Zandt, Sheryl Crow and Rob Thomas. It was also the last time Cheap Trick played together in public with former drummer Bun E. Carlos, who had left the band in 2010 due to internal conflict.

ADVERTISEMENT

Internal Tension Didn't Stop Led Zeppelin From Putting On An Amazing Show (1995)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-51969519
BOB STRONG/AFP via Getty Images
BOB STRONG/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

At the 1995 induction ceremony, there was clearly some internal strife between the surviving members of Led Zeppelin. This was around the time that Robert Plant and Jimmy Page began working together again, excluding John Paul Jones. The Zeppelin bassist touched upon this in his speech, sarcastically thanking the other two members for remembering his phone number. However, their drama didn't affect their playing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Adding Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Neil Young to their lineup, the group played "Train Kept A-Rollin'," "For Your Love," "Bring It On Home," "Reefer Head Woman," "Boogie Chillen," "Baby Please Don't Go." They closed with a powerful performance of "When the Levee Breaks."

ADVERTISEMENT

Ringo Starr Plays With Countless Music Legends (2015)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
30th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony - Show
Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
ADVERTISEMENT

In 2015, Ringo Starr was the last of the Beatles to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. He was accompanied by Green Day for the song "Boys," and his brother-in-law, Joe Walsh, for the track "It Don't Come Easy."

ADVERTISEMENT

During the final two songs, he had the help of Beck, Dave Grohl, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Bill Withers, and numerous other artists.

ADVERTISEMENT

Billy Joel Brings Up Paul McCartney For "Let It Be" (1999)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Paul McCartney and Billy Joel
KMazur/WireImage
KMazur/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

At the 1999 ceremony, which saw the induction of solo artists Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, among others, viewers got quite the treat. The show seemed to be over after a mega-jam session of Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes."

ADVERTISEMENT

However, before the curtain could fall, Billy Joel laid down the opening piano chords to The Beatles "Let it Be". Part of the way into the song, Paul McCartney was quick to get up from his seat and joined Joel on stage, ending the show on an emotional and uplifting note.

ADVERTISEMENT

Green Day Play To Honor The Ramones (2002)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-76774803
John Shearer/WireImage
John Shearer/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

In 2002, the iconic punk group the Ramones were inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To honor them, Green Day played some of the band's most beloved songs during the ceremony.

ADVERTISEMENT

In order, they played "Teenage Lobotomy," "Rockaway Beach," and "Blitzkrieg Bop."

Follow us for more great content

ADVERTISEMENT

Rocking With The Chili Peppers (2012)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-85234431
Michel Linssen/Redferns
Michel Linssen/Redferns
ADVERTISEMENT

It's no secret that the Red Hot Chili Peppers command the crowd and the stage whenever they perform. During their induction ceremony in 2015, they really got the audience going after bringing up former drummer Cliff Martinez and Jack Irons on stage.

ADVERTISEMENT

They also invited Slash, George Clinton, Billie Joel Armstrong, and others to join in on the jam session. The band ended on a high note with an epic rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" which blew the audience away.

ADVERTISEMENT

Numerous Female Singers Take The Stage To Honor Linda Ronstadt (2014)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
29th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony - Press Room
Bobby Bank/Getty Images
Bobby Bank/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Unfortunately, Linda Ronstadt could not attend her induction ceremony due to health issues, but she was well-represented by iconic ladies such as Stevie Nicks, Carrie Underwood, and Sheryl Crow.

ADVERTISEMENT

They paid tribute to Ronstadt's impact on music by performing Buddy Holly's "It's So Easy" and the Everly Brother's "When Will I Be Loved."

ADVERTISEMENT

Jeff Beck Reunites With Jimmy Page (2009)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Jeff Beck And Jimmy Page
Kevin Kane/WireImage
Kevin Kane/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

In 2009, former Yardbirds members Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck reunited for Jeff Beck's induction as a solo artist. Audiences couldn't believe their eyes when the two shared the stage for an incredibly nostalgic series of songs.

ADVERTISEMENT

The duo blew the roof off when they played Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song," but that was only the beginning. They were later joined on stage by Flea, Joe Perry, Ronnie Wood, and Metallica for an electric cover of Aerosmith's hit song "Train Kept A-Rollin.'"

The Greatest Bands Of All Time Would Not Be The Same Without These Legendary Bass Players

ADVERTISEMENT

Eddie Vedder Sings For The Doors (1993)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
8th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 1993
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc
ADVERTISEMENT

The Doors were finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993. Since their iconic frontman Jim Morrison passed away in 1971, Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam honored him with a performance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Vedder put on quite the show and did a better job than most people could.

ADVERTISEMENT

Billy Joel, Mick Jagger, And Bruce Springsteen Filling In For Paul McCartney (1988)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Filling In For Paul McCartney
Bettmann/Getty Images
Bettmann/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The third annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony was epic, to say the least. The Beatles, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, and the Drifters were all inductees, so there was quite an audience. While many of the bands put on stellar performances, the highlight of the show ended in a 10-song set jam session.

ADVERTISEMENT

The climactic final song was the Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There," with Billy Joel, Mick Jagger, and Bruce Springsteen filling in for the absent Paul McCartney. What a trio to be covering a Beatles song.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nina Simone Is Well-Represented By Her Admirers (2018)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Show
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame
ADVERTISEMENT

Nina Simone was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame, and it was up to Ms. Lauryn Hill, Andra Day, and the Roots to perform her music.

ADVERTISEMENT

The group did renditions of "Ne Me Quitte Pas," "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair," "Ain't Got No," "I Got Life," and "Feeling Good."

ADVERTISEMENT

Mick Jagger And Tina Turner Shake Things Up (1989)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Mick Jagger And Tina Turner
Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Mick Jagger and Tina Turner have been friends and working together since she opened for the Rolling Stones back in 1966. By the 1980s, the two were incredibly close and would appear on stage on various occasions. Many people hoped that the two could collaborate in the studio together, but they only graced us with live performances.

ADVERTISEMENT

One of the most iconic of these performances was at the 1989 induction ceremony. The duo boogied together on stage and sang "Honky Tonk Woman," which proved to be an incredible performance.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Unlikely Collaboration Between Axl Rose And Bruce Springsteen (1994)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Axl And Springsteen
Steve Eichner/WireImage
Steve Eichner/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

Two artists that most people would never imagine sharing a stage would be Axl Rose and Bruce Springsteen. Yet, that's exactly what happened during the 1994 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The unlikely duo shared the stage in honor of John Lennon who was posthumously being inducted that night.

ADVERTISEMENT

They performed "Come Together," a very fitting song for the situation. While most might assume Rose wasn't thrilled with the idea, he was clearly enjoying himself, trading smiles with Springsteen the entire performance.

Follow us for more great content

ADVERTISEMENT

Prince Stole The Show At George Harrison's Induction (2004)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The 19th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Show
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

George Harrison was posthumously inducted as a solo artist into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. To honor his memory, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Dhani Harrison came together to play Traveling Wilbury's "Handle With Care."

ADVERTISEMENT

Prince appeared to dazzle the crowd with his guitar solo on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." This was the most-played clip of Prince after his death.

Try Not To Cringe At These Awkward Empty Concerts Hosted By Music's Biggest Names