The 2018 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame: 5 Shocking Moments, A Legendary Reunion, And The Biggest Snub Of The Decade

The 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held on April 14, 2018, in Cleveland, Ohio, remains one of the most talked-about events in the institution’s history, delivering a perfect mix of emotional reunions, well-deserved recognition, and palpable drama. This 33rd annual ceremony was a definitive moment for the inducted artists, marking their enduring influence on music and culture. The class of 2018 was celebrated for its diverse and profound impact, bringing together the arena-rock spectacle of Bon Jovi, the new wave synth-pop of The Cars, the atmospheric rock of Dire Straits, the progressive rock elegance of The Moody Blues, the jazz and soul genius of Nina Simone, and the foundational gospel-rock of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. From a surprise on-stage reconciliation to a highly publicized no-show, the event solidified its status as a must-see for music fans.

The Legendary Class of 2018: A Full Inductee Profile

The 2018 induction class was notable for its mix of popular rock acts, influential pioneers, and long-overdue posthumous honors. Each inductee brought a unique sonic footprint to the Cleveland ceremony.

Bon Jovi (Performer Category)

• Inducting Artist: Howard Stern
• Key Members Inducted: Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Alec John Such, and Richie Sambora.
• Genre: Hard Rock, Glam Metal, Arena Rock
• Years Active: 1983–Present
• Signature Hits: "Livin' on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," "Wanted Dead or Alive," "It's My Life."

The Cars (Performer Category)

• Inducting Artist: Brandon Flowers (The Killers)
• Key Members Inducted: Ric Ocasek, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, David Robinson, and Benjamin Orr (posthumously).
• Genre: New Wave, Power Pop, Post-Punk
• Years Active: 1976–1988, 1997, 2010–2019
• Signature Hits: "Just What I Needed," "Drive," "My Best Friend's Girl," "Good Times Roll."

Dire Straits (Performer Category)

• Inducting Artist: None (Self-Inducted)
• Key Members Inducted: Mark Knopfler, John Illsley, Alan Clark, Guy Fletcher, David Knopfler, and Pick Withers.
• Genre: Roots Rock, Blues Rock, Post-Punk
• Years Active: 1977–1988, 1991–1995
• Signature Hits: "Sultans of Swing," "Money for Nothing," "Brothers in Arms," "Walk of Life."

The Moody Blues (Performer Category)

• Inducting Artist: Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson (Heart)
• Key Members Inducted: Graeme Edge, Denny Laine, Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas, John Lodge, and Justin Hayward.
• Genre: Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Art Rock
• Years Active: 1964–Present
• Signature Hits: "Nights in White Satin," "Tuesday Afternoon," "Question," "Your Wildest Dreams."

Nina Simone (Performer Category)

• Inducting Artist: Mary J. Blige
• Key Members Inducted: Nina Simone (posthumously).
• Genre: Jazz, Blues, Folk, Soul, R&B
• Years Active: 1954–2003
• Signature Hits: "Feeling Good," "I Put a Spell on You," "Sinnerman," "Mississippi Goddam."

Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Early Influence Award)

• Inducting Artist: Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes)
• Key Members Inducted: Sister Rosetta Tharpe (posthumously).
• Genre: Gospel Music, Blues, R&B
• Years Active: 1938–1973
• Signature Contribution: Often called the "Godmother of Rock and Roll," her electric guitar playing and gospel-rock fusion influenced Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Little Richard.

The Electric Reunion: Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora End a Five-Year Feud

The emotional high point of the 2018 ceremony was undoubtedly the long-awaited reunion of Bon Jovi with guitarist Richie Sambora and bassist Alec John Such. Sambora had abruptly left the band in 2013, leading to years of speculation and public tension. The induction was a chance for reconciliation, which was embraced fully by the band.

Howard Stern’s Unexpected Role

The band was inducted by radio personality Howard Stern, a close friend of Jon Bon Jovi. Stern’s speech was famously lengthy and filled with his trademark humor, but it set a tone of celebration and genuine respect for the band’s longevity and impact on arena rock.

A Performance for the Ages

The highlight came when the classic lineup took the stage to perform a medley of their biggest hits. The crowd erupted as Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan, and Tico Torres launched into "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "It's My Life." The performance culminated with the quintessential power ballad, "Livin' on a Prayer," a moment that music critics and fans alike hailed as a perfect capstone to their induction. The sight of Sambora and Bon Jovi sharing the stage again was a powerful testament to the band’s legacy and the enduring nature of their music.

The Dire Straits Drama: A Self-Induction and a Major Snub

In stark contrast to the Bon Jovi reunion, the induction of Dire Straits was marked by an awkward and highly publicized absence. The band, known for its intricate guitar work and atmospheric rock sound, was inducted without its legendary frontman, Mark Knopfler, or his brother, rhythm guitarist David Knopfler, in attendance.

The Knopfler No-Show

Mark Knopfler, the creative force behind hits like "Sultans of Swing" and "Money for Nothing," elected not to attend the ceremony, providing no public explanation for his absence. His brother David also skipped the event. This created a significant void, as the core of the band's sound was missing.

No Inductor, No Performance

The drama deepened when it was revealed that Dire Straits had no official inductor. Band member Guy Fletcher admitted that they had tried to find a musician to do the honors, but "Mark Knopfler wouldn't show up, so no one would induct them." Instead, bassist John Illsley, keyboardist Alan Clark, and Guy Fletcher took the stage to deliver their own acceptance speeches, a rare and somewhat bizarre "self-induction." Illsley later described the event as "odd," confirming that the band did not perform due to the absence of their leader. This unique situation instantly became one of the most controversial and talked-about snubs in Rock Hall history, highlighting the often-complicated dynamics within legendary bands.

Posthumous Tributes and Long-Overdue Recognition

The 2018 class also gave long-overdue honors to two monumental female figures whose influence shaped the very foundation of rock and roll: Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

The High Priestess of Soul: Nina Simone

Nina Simone, the "High Priestess of Soul," was inducted posthumously in the Performer Category. Her unique blend of jazz, blues, folk, and classical music, coupled with her powerful civil rights activism, made her a singular figure in 20th-century music. Mary J. Blige delivered a heartfelt induction speech, and the tribute performance celebrated her powerful, often politically charged, catalog. Her induction was seen as a crucial step in recognizing artists who transcended traditional genre boundaries.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock and Roll

Perhaps the most foundational induction of the night was that of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who was honored with the Award for Early Influence. This recognition cemented her rightful place in music history. Tharpe, a pioneering gospel singer, was a master electric guitarist whose innovative, distorted, and energetic playing style in the 1940s and 50s directly paved the way for rock and roll. She is universally credited as the "godmother of rock and roll," and her induction was a victory for musicologists who had long championed her as one of the genre’s true founders.

The Cars and The Moody Blues: New Wave and Progressive Rock Triumphs

The ceremony also celebrated the enduring careers of The Cars and The Moody Blues, two bands representing different eras of rock innovation.

The Cars' New Wave Legacy

The induction of The Cars was a tribute to the band’s ability to fuse new wave, power pop, and art rock into a commercially successful and critically acclaimed sound. The surviving members were inducted by Brandon Flowers of The Killers, who spoke about the band’s perfect blend of synth-driven pop hooks and rock sensibility. The induction was particularly poignant as it honored bassist Benjamin Orr, who passed away in 2000.

The Moody Blues’ Progressive Journey

The Moody Blues, long considered a major snub by the institution, finally received their due. Inducted by Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, the band was celebrated for its pioneering work in progressive rock, particularly for albums like *Days of Future Passed*, which fused rock music with classical orchestration. Their induction was a popular moment for fans who had campaigned for years to see the band recognized for their sophisticated, enduring body of work.