Stevie Wonder, Beck, Flea & Questlove Celebrate Sly Stone at Rock Hall 2025

An unforgettable tribute to funk pioneer Sly Stone lit up the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame 2025, with iconic artists coming together to honor his legacy.

A Night to Remember: Honoring Sly Stone’s Legacy

When legends gather, magic happens—and the 2025 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame ceremony delivered that and then some. I mean, picture this: Stevie Wonder, Beck, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Questlove all on the same stage paying homage to the late Sly Stone. If you’re a fan of funk, soul, and the very foundation of modern music, this was the moment you didn’t want to miss.

Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, and Maxwell join forces for the Sly Stone tribute

The heartfelt tribute unfolded at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, with the lineup expanded by The Roots, Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, and Leon Thomas. Together, they paid a spectacular musical homage to the late funk legend who passed away earlier this year at 82, after a long battle with COPD and other health complications.

The Funky Setlist That Captured Sly Stone's Spirit

The tribute kicked off with a burst of energy as the all-star cast performed Sly And The Family Stone’s classic ‘Dance To The Music.’ Then Maxwell took the spotlight with a stirring rendition of ‘Everyday People.’ Next, the ensemble came back to the stage for the irresistible groove of ‘Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),’ followed by Jennifer Hudson’s powerful delivery of ‘Higher.’

Watching these performances, you could feel the raw emotion and respect pouring out. It was a vibrant celebration of a man whose music changed the game.

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony opened with an incredible tribute to Sly & the Family Stone ft. @StevieWonder, @IAMJHUD, @_MAXWELL_, @flea333, @beck, and @questlove

— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Twitter

Stevie Wonder and Leon Thomas share the stage in a soulful tribute

Watch the Tribute Live

If you missed the live event, here’s your chance to catch the magic for yourself. The tribute was broadcast on Disney Plus, bringing this historic moment straight to fans’ screens worldwide. The energy, the musicianship, and the sheer star power are something to behold.

Sly Stone: A Legend Remembered

Sly & The Family Stone were already immortalized in the Rock Hall back in 1993. But the impact of Sly Stone himself went far beyond the induction. After a long hiatus, he returned to the stage for a jaw-dropping Grammy performance in 2006, joining forces with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, plus John Legend, to deliver a medley of timeless hits.

Though his later years saw fewer appearances—sometimes marked by his notorious tardiness—his influence resonated through every note played at this year’s tribute.

More Magic from the 2025 Rock Hall Inductions

The night was packed with other unforgettable moments. The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, Thom Bell, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, and Bad Company all joined the hall of fame club. Each act brought their own unique energy and stories to the stage.

Jack White’s induction speech for his “sister” Meg White was particularly touching. Meanwhile, Olivia Rodrigo, Feist, and Twenty One Pilots delivered heartfelt covers of The White Stripes’ classics — a fresh take on garage rock history.

Cyndi Lauper’s induction brought a wonderful nostalgic vibe. She was inducted by Chappell Roan, who honored Lauper by wearing the iconic skirt from the ‘True Colors’ music video. Lauper herself performed ‘True Colors’ and ‘Time After Time,’ inviting Raye to join her. The celebration climaxed with ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,’ featuring Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa.

OutKast’s Induction: A Hip-Hop Homecoming

OutKast’s induction was a soulful moment for the Atlanta scene. Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, inducted the duo and spoke about how their groundbreaking sound inspired him growing up. Afterward, Doja Cat, Killer Mike, J.I.D., Tyler, the Creator, and Janelle Monáe joined Big Boi (sans André 3000) for an electrifying medley of OutKast’s greatest hits including ‘ATLiens’, ‘Ms. Jackson’, ‘B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)’, and ‘Hey Ya!’.

Soundgarden & Other Tributes

Soundgarden was inducted by comedian Jim Carrey, who has a long history with the band, having hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live where Soundgarden was the musical guest. The Killers paid tribute to the late Warren Zevon with a heartfelt cover of ‘Lawyers, Guns And Money.’

Elton John also took a moment to honor Brian Wilson with a moving rendition of ‘God Only Knows,’ adding a classic touch to the evening’s lineup.

The Night’s End: A Celebration of Music’s Rich Tapestry

The 2025 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame ceremony was a vivid tapestry of musical history, spanning genres and generations. It was a night of reverence, celebration, and pure joy—reminding us all why these artists matter so much.

FAQ

• Who were the main artists honoring Sly Stone at the 2025 Rock Hall ceremony?
  Stevie Wonder, Beck, Flea, Questlove, The Roots, Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, and Leon Thomas.
• What songs were performed during the Sly Stone tribute?
  ‘Dance To The Music,’ ‘Everyday People,’ ‘Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),’ and ‘Higher.’
• When was Sly Stone originally inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame?
  In 1993 as a member of Sly And The Family Stone.
• Which artists were inducted alongside Sly Stone in 2025?
  The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, Thom Bell, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, and Bad Company.
• Who inducted OutKast into the Rock Hall?
  Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) inducted OutKast.

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