The Killers Pay Tribute to Warren Zevon with ‘Lawyers, Guns and Money’ at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025

The Killers captivated fans at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony with a heartfelt cover of Warren Zevon’s classic ‘Lawyers, Guns and Money.’

A Night to Remember: The Killers Honor Warren Zevon

There’s something truly magical when a band channels the spirit of a legendary songwriter—especially at a momentous event like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Last night, November 8, 2025, The Killers took the stage to pay homage to the late Warren Zevon, delivering a stirring performance of his 1978 classic, ‘Lawyers, Guns and Money’. As a fan who’s followed both Zevon’s gritty storytelling and The Killers’ electrifying energy, this tribute hit all the right chords.

Following a poignant tribute by David Letterman, who spoke warmly about Zevon as a “classic rock and roll” figure, the band launched into the performance with remarkable passion. What made the moment even more intimate was Dave Keuning playing a guitar that Zevon himself had gifted to Letterman before his passing in 2003—adding a deep, personal layer to the homage.

Joining The Killers was Waddy Wachtel, a guitarist who was a fixture on all seven of Zevon’s albums and co-produced three of them. His presence underscored the sincerity and reverence of the tribute during the induction ceremony held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.

The Story Behind the Induction

Warren Zevon’s path to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was a long one—he had been eligible for nine years before finally being nominated in 2023. While this delay may have been frustrating for fans, last night’s celebration made it clear that his influence and legacy are as potent as ever.

“A little ‘Lawyers, Guns and Money’ to induct Warren Zevon into the Rock Hall of Fame. It was an honor to pay tribute tonight.”
— Brandon Flowers (@FlowerKillers)

The ceremony was filled with electric moments, with fans and artists alike tuning in to witness rock history. The Killers’ heartfelt cover brought Zevon’s narrative-rich songwriting back into the spotlight, reminding everyone why his work remains timeless.

Watch The Killers’ Performance

For those who missed the show or want to relive the magic, here’s the video of The Killers performing ‘Lawyers, Guns and Money’ at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony:

Honoring an Iconic Lineup

Warren Zevon’s induction was part of a star-studded lineup that included legends such as The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, Thom Bell, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, and Bad Company.

During The White Stripes’ induction, Jack White paid tribute to his “sister” Meg White. Meanwhile, artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Feist, and Twenty One Pilots performed covers of some of The White Stripes’ most cherished songs, adding fresh interpretations while respecting the originals.

Cyndi Lauper’s induction was equally memorable. Singer Chappell Roan honored Lauper by wearing a replica skirt from the iconic ‘True Colors’ video, and Lauper herself performed a medley of hits including ‘True Colors,’ ‘Time After Time,’ and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,’ joined by Raye, Avril Lavigne, and Salt-N-Pepa. These moments blended nostalgia and celebration in perfect harmony.

OutKast, Soundgarden, and More Shine on Stage

OutKast’s induction was introduced by Donald Glover, who shared how the Atlanta duo inspired his own artistic journey as Childish Gambino. Doja Cat, Killer Mike, J.I.D., Tyler, the Creator, and Janelle Monáe joined Big Boi onstage (sans André 3000) for a dynamic medley of OutKast’s hits, including ‘ATLiens’ and ‘Hey Ya!’.

Soundgarden received their induction from Jim Carrey, who reminisced about hosting the band on Saturday Night Live back in 1996. The ceremony also featured Elton John’s tribute to Brian Wilson with a heartfelt cover of ‘God Only Knows,’ reminding everyone of the deep musical bonds shared among these icons.

A Night That Celebrates Legacy and Influence

What makes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony so special is how it bridges generations—ushering in new fans while honoring those who shaped the musical landscape. The Killers’ tribute to Warren Zevon was a perfect example of this, combining raw energy with deep respect.

If you’re a fan of classic rock storytelling or the vibrant pulse of modern rock, this performance is a must-watch. It’s not just a cover—it’s a celebration of a songwriter whose influence resonates through decades.

FAQ

• Who are The Killers honoring with their performance?
  The Killers paid tribute to Warren Zevon with their cover of ‘Lawyers, Guns and Money’ at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.
• What was special about the guitar used in the performance?
  Dave Keuning played a guitar gifted by Warren Zevon to David Letterman before Zevon’s death in 2003.
• Who joined The Killers on stage for the tribute?
  Waddy Wachtel, who played on all of Zevon’s albums and co-produced three, performed alongside The Killers.
• Which other artists were inducted alongside Warren Zevon in 2025?
  The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, Thom Bell, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Salt-N-Pepa, and Bad Company.
• Where can I watch The Killers’ tribute performance?
  The performance is available on various streaming platforms and can be found embedded online for fans to enjoy.

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