LOS ANGELES − Sade, Iron Maiden and Oasis didn't attend their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 14.
But there was plenty of rock 'n' roll and no shortage of surprises during the star-studded night at Peacock Theater, which ended with a surprise performance by Run-DMC and Aerosmith of their classic collaboration "Walk This Way."
Rapper Chuck D introduced the groundbreaking 1986 pairing of the two groups, calling it the "peanut-butter-and-jelly merger" that helped transform rock and hip-hop, made possible by the "genius" of Musical Excellence Award recipient Rick Rubin.
"Forty years later, we're still walking this way," said Chuck D, calling the collaboration "one of the moments that changed the tune of rock 'n' roll."
Here's who else rocked the ceremony, which celebrated the performer inductions of Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan. The ceremony will air Dec. 8 on ABC (8 p.m. ET/PT) and stream the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Phil Collins celebrates the show with Travis Barker and Cynthia Erivo
Collins, 75, who has battled significant health problems in recent years, attended his induction using two canes and accompanied by family members, including his children Lily Collins, Nicholas Collins and Joely Collins.
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker introduced Collins, praising his pioneering drumming.
"I remember hearing those drums for the first time and being blown away," said Barker, who added that he couldn't "think of anyone more deserving" of the double honor: Collins was inducted for a second time, having previously entered the Rock Hall as a member of Genesis in 2010.
Collins wiped tears from his eyes during a standing ovation from the audience, which included Vince Vaughn and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, Molly McNearney.
Cynthia Erivo performed a rousing version of Collins' showpiece "In the Air Tonight" with Barker on drums. A visibly moved Collins stood without his canes to applaud.
As for his future, Collins left the door open for more appearances.
"There are lots of rumors about whether I'm going to tour," Collins said. "But you haven't heard the last of me, I can promise you that."
Jack Black filled the Iron Maiden void
Jack Black brought his trademark bearded intensity to the induction of Iron Maiden, even though the legendary British heavy metal band was nowhere to be found.
"Has there ever been a band that has rocked this hard for this long? The answer is 'no,' " Black asked the audience with full rock gravitas. "In fact, they're not even here tonight because they're rocking halfway around the world."
The band was touring Australia as part of its 50th anniversary world tour.
Black joined St. Vincent for a thunderous performance of Iron Maiden's 1983 classic "The Trooper," backed by an all-star heavy metal lineup featuring Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk and Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5. Black dubbed the instant supergroup "St. Ragetallica 5."
The actor and Tenacious D rocker screamed into the microphone with such enthusiasm that even after the performance ended, Black could still be heard backstage unleashing celebratory rock screams.
U2 opens the show with a surprise performance
Leather jacket-clad Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr. and Adam Clayton kicked off the show with a surprise performance, surrounded by dancers dressed as riot police who carried shields across the stage during "Silencio," from the group's new album, "Carnaval De Luz."
The Irish rockers, inducted into the Rock Hall in 2005, then launched into their masterwork "Pride (In the Name of Love)."
Usher and Oprah Winfrey paid respect to Luther Vandross
After an introduction by Oprah Winfrey, Usher performed a musical tribute to inductee Luther Vandross, the legendary R&B singer who died in 2005 at 54.
Vandross, whose unmistakably smooth voice powered hits including "Never Too Much," "Here and Now" and "Dance With My Father," was inducted more than two decades after his death.
Chris Rock brought on Wu-Tang Clan
Comedian Chris Rock inducted Wu-Tang Clan, praising the Staten Island hip-hop collective for its innovative influence on the genre.
"Wu-Tang rewrote the rules of hip-hop and did it without a big machine behind them," Rock said.
Current members of Wu-Tang Clan then took the stage for an electrifying performance backed by a jazz band, with a medley that included "C.R.E.A.M.," "Method Man" and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya."
Queen Latifah gets introduced by Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion paid tribute to Queen Latifah, the pioneering rapper, singer and actress whose career helped open doors for generations of women in hip-hop.
"I'm honored to be here, because of what she has made possible not just for me but for hip-hop and women all around the world," Megan said. "Long live the Queen, my friend, my girl, Queen Latifah."
Queen Latifah took the stage with fellow Early Influence Award recipient MC Lyte for a rousing performance of their defining "U.N.I.T.Y." and "Ruffneck."
Billy Idol gets No Doubt vote from Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani and No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal introduced Billy Idol and his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens.
"We bow down to you guys," Kanal said. "Tonight rock 'n' roll gets a little bit more complete. What an incredible journey."
Stefani, wearing a Billy Idol T-shirt, later joined Idol onstage to perform "Eyes Without a Face."
Idol, 70, struggled to read the teleprompter through sunglasses during his acceptance speech. But he had no trouble expressing his admiration for Stevens, who joined him in receiving the honor.
"I'm so glad we're here together in the Rock Hall," Idol said. "I couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else. I love you, man."
Idol closed with a promise to celebrate.
"And now I'm going to party with the Wu-Tang Clan."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Rock Hall of Fame's best surprises, from Phil Collins to Aerosmith
