True to their word, Iron Maiden were not physically present for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame last night, November 14th, in Los Angeles, CA. This was not a surprising turn of event by any means, as prior commitments found them overseas touring, not to mention the British heavy metal legends having been critical of the institution in the past. Back in 2018, frontman Bruce Dickinson infamously stated of the Rock Hall:
“I actually think the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is an utter, complete load of bollocks to be honest with you.
It’s run by a bunch of sanctimonious bloody Americans who wouldn’t know rock’n’roll if it hit them in the face. They need to stop taking Prozac and start drinking fucking beer!”
While he and his bandmates have warmed up to it somewhat in the years since, actor/musician Jack Black once again got the call to handle the band’s absentee induction. Black has some experience in that field, having done the honors for Ozzy Osbourne back in 2024.
An all-star collective celebrated Iron Maiden onstage during the induction ceremony, with Metallica‘s guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist/vocalist Robert Trujillo, Rage Against The Machine drummer Brad Wilk, Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5, and indie pop artist St. Vincent running through Maiden‘s 1983 metal anthem “The Trooper“. Black also assisted with that performance.
Tonight’s induction ceremony is scheduled to air on ABC on December 08th, with its streaming debut set for Disney+ and Hulu a day later on December 09th.
