Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
An all-star lineup of rock and metal musicians paid tribute to Iron Maiden at the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles on November 14. Members of Metallica, Rage Against The Machine and Mötley Crüe joined St. Vincent and actor-musician Jack Black for a performance of “The Trooper”.
The British heavy metal legends were not present at the ceremony. The band had previously indicated that overseas touring commitments would prevent them from attending, leaving their induction and musical tribute in the hands of fellow performers.
The tribute lineup included Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, Rage Against The Machine drummer Brad Wilk, and Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5. St. Vincent also participated, with Jack Black joining the performance.
Together, the musicians performed “The Trooper”, one of Iron Maiden‘s best-known songs. The track originally appeared on the band’s 1983 album “Piece Of Mind” and has remained a fixture of their live repertoire for decades.
Its galloping rhythm, twin-guitar melodies and memorable chorus made it an appropriate selection for a tribute spanning several generations of rock musicians. The song also offered each participant an opportunity to acknowledge the band’s influence.
Jack Black delivered the induction honors for Iron Maiden, reprising a role similar to the one he performed for Ozzy Osbourne’s induction in 2024.
Iron Maiden‘s absence was not entirely surprising. Members of the band have previously expressed skepticism about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, questioning its relevance to heavy metal and the wider rock community.
Frontman Bruce Dickinson has been particularly outspoken in past interviews. Although attitudes toward the institution have evolved over time, the group has continued to place its touring and music ahead of awards ceremonies.
The induction nevertheless marks a significant recognition of Iron Maiden‘s decades-long contribution to heavy metal. Their recordings, elaborate stage productions and international touring success helped shape the genre’s global identity.
The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for broadcast on ABC on December 8, followed by streaming availability on Disney+ and Hulu on December 9. The broadcast will provide an opportunity to see the tribute performance beyond fan-filmed clips shared after the event.
The combination of Metallica, Rage Against The Machine, Mötley Crüe and St. Vincent reflected the reach of Iron Maiden‘s music across different styles and eras.
Although the inductees themselves were absent, the performance celebrated their catalog with musicians whose careers have intersected with the band’s influence in different ways.
