The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 8 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater honored groundbreaking artists while spotlighting a critical industry issue: master recording ownership. Salt-N-Pepa used their Musical Influence Award platform to address their ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) over rights to decades-old recordings.[1][2][3][4][5]
Salt-N-Pepa Battles UMG Over Master Recordings Rights
The trio received widespread attention for their acceptance speech rather than the typical celebratory moment. Cheryl “Salt” James highlighted an urgent copyright dispute affecting their streaming availability.[2][1]
“As we celebrate this moment, fans can’t even stream our music. It’s been removed from all streaming services because the industry still doesn’t want to play fair,” James said. DJ Spinderella became the first female DJ inducted into the hall, representing a historic milestone.[3][4][1]
Legal Details of the Copyright Termination Lawsuit
The group filed federal litigation in May 2025 claiming UMG breached the Copyright Act by refusing relinquishment of recordings controlled for over 35 years. Key points include:[4][1][2]
- Salt-N-Pepa submitted copyright termination notices in 2022
- UMG argues the group members did not personally sign original contracts
- Artists seek damages exceeding one million dollars
- Music removed from platforms during dispute
- Both parties claim negotiation attempts, but litigation continues
Their catalog remains unavailable on streaming platforms as of the ceremony date. This case could establish precedent for legacy artists reclaiming master recordings through copyright termination rights.[5][2][4]
Outkast Performs With All-Star Tribute Band
André 3000 and Big Boi reunited publicly for the first time since 2016. Though André 3000 delivered an emotional acceptance speech, he did not perform, sending Big Boi on stage with a star-studded lineup including Tyler the Creator, JID, Doja Cat, Janelle Monáe, and Killer Mike.[6][7][8][3]
The tribute featured “ATLiens,” “Ms. Jackson,” and “B.O.B.,” though Doja Cat lost her place during “Ms. Jackson,” requiring Tyler the Creator to restore performance momentum. Donald Glover inducted the duo, calling them “two visionaries who turned their differences into a dynasty.”[9][7][8]
White Stripes Honored Without Full Reunion
The White Stripes did not reunite. Twenty One Pilots performed “Seven Nation Army” while Olivia Rodrigo and Feist delivered an acoustic “We’re Gonna Be Friends.” Jack White accepted on behalf of the group, confirming Meg White helped write his speech despite not attending.[10][11][3]
Importantly, Jack and Meg White were married from 1996 to 2000 before divorcing and continuing professional collaboration until 2011 band breakup. Though they initially claimed to be siblings, media eventually confirmed their marriage certificate (1996) and divorce certificate (2000). Meg has maintained privacy since the split and remains supportive of Jack’s work.[11][12][13][10]
Complete 2025 Performer Inductees and Broadcast Information
| Category | Inductees | Platform | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performers | Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, White Stripes | Disney+ | Live 8 p.m. EST, Nov 8 |
| Musical Influence | Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon | Hulu | Available Nov 9 |
| Industry Honor | Lenny Waronker (Ahmet Ertegun Award) | ABC | Jan 1, 2026, 8 p.m. EST |
