On Wednesday (Feb. 11), the Grammy Hall of Fame announced the induction of 14 recordings for 2026, including albums by 2Pac, Selena, Radiohead, and Janet Jackson. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stated “It’s a privilege to recognize these influential recordings as the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame inductees.” The selections include Funkadelic’s 1971 classic, Maggot Brain, Nick Drake’s final record, 1972’s Pink Moon, Heart’s 1976 debut album Dreamboat Annie, Eric B & Rakim’s 1987 hip-hop masterpiece Paid In Full, and a series of groundbreaking 1990s releases including Selena’s Amor Prohibido, 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me, Radiohead’s OK Computer, and Lucinda Williams‘ Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 and 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me both topped the Billboard 200 chart. Three honored artists died before age 30, including Selena at 23 and 2Pac at 25. The inductees will be celebrated at the Grammy Hall of Fame Gala on May 8 at the Beverly Hilton. With these additions, the Grammy Hall of Fame now contains 1,179 recordings. (Billboard)
KISS bassist Gene Simmons has renewed his criticism of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s decision to induct hip-hop artists. Speaking on a new episode of the LegendsNLeaders podcast, Simmons stated “It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language.” The 76-year-old musician argued that “hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera or symphony orchestras,” and questioned “How come the New York Philharmonic doesn’t get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Because it’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.” Simmons referenced past discussions of the topic with Ice Cube, who was inducted with N.W.A in 2015. Ice Cube previously told Rolling Stone that “Rap is a piece of rock & roll, but there’s also a piece of soul, a piece of R&B, a piece of blues” and that rap “captures the spirit of rock & roll.” Simmons, who was inducted with KISS in 2014, has been a longtime critic of the organization’s inclusion of hip-hop acts. (Rolling Stone)
Dominik Paris, frontman of the Italian metal group Rise of Voltage, captured the bronze medal in men’s downhill skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy. The 36-year-old athlete, known as the “King of Bormio” for his successful performances on the Stelvio slope, earned his first Olympic medal in his fifth and final Games after four previous attempts without reaching the medal podium. Paris has extensive experience in the competition, with seven previous World Cup wins in downhill and super-G events. Beyond athletics, he leads the groove-metal band Rise of Voltage, which released their debut album, Time, in 2017, and the follow-up, Escape, in 2024. When asked about his dual talents, Paris told the Associated Press: “I’m, for sure, a better skier. But if you listen to metal, I’m not so bad.” Winning the bronze medal marks a career milestone for Paris on the familiar mountain course in his home country. (Consequence of Sound)
The Police drummer Stewart Copeland has announced that he will be embarking on a 34-city spoken word tour across the United States this summer. The tour, titled “Have I Said Too Much – The Police, Hollywood, and Other Adventures,” kicks off June 3rd in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, visiting major cities including Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston, and Nashville, before concluding on August 7 in Hopewell, Virginia. Artist pre-sale begins Thursday (Feb. 12th), followed by a general on-sale starting Friday (Feb. 13th). The 90-minute show promises an “evening of conversation with photos, videos, and a Q&A” covering Copeland’s tenure with The Police and the musician’s broader career. The 73-year-old musician has documented his Police experiences in multiple books, including 2009’s Strange Things Happen, 2021’s Drumming in the Police & Beyond, and 2023’s Police Diaries. The tour announcement comes as Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers remain in a royalties dispute with Sting, who has paid over $800,000 to his former bandmates since their September 2025 lawsuit filing. (Consequence of Sound)
Andrew Ranken, drummer for the legendary UK punk band The Pogues, died on Tuesday (Feb. 10) at the age of 72. Rolling Stone UK reports Ranken suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was in poor recent health, though no official cause of death was released. Surviving founding members Jem Finer, James Fearnley, and Spider Stacy announced his death on Instagram on Wednesday, stating: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues. Andrew, thank you for everything, for your friendship, your wit and your generosity of spirit, and of course for the music, forever a true friend and brother.”
Ranken joined The Pogues in 1983, replacing original drummer John Hasler. He performed on all seven of the band’s studio albums from 1984 to 1996, also playing harmonica and occasionally singing lead vocals. After the group’s 1996 breakup, he went on to form The Vendettas before rejoining The Pogues’ during their 2001 reunion until 2014. Ranken’s death follows the passing of his late bandmates Shane MacGowan (2023), Darryl Hunt (2022), and Philip Chevron (2013). (Consequence of Sound)
Nathaniel Rateliff has been unanimously voted onto Farm Aid’s board of directors, joining co-founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp alongside recent members Dave Matthews and Margo Price. The Missouri-born “S.O.B.” singer becomes only the third artist added to the board since the organization’s founding over 40 years ago. “Farm Aid has made a huge impact on me,” Rateliff stated. “It is always one of my favorite events of the year. It is an honor and a privilege to join my heroes and peers as a Farm Aid board member.” Rateliff first performed at Farm Aid Eve in 2013 and took the main stage with his band the Night Sweats in 2016. Rateliff also took part in 2025’s Farm Aid 40 concert, which featured appearances by Nelson, Young and the Chrome Hearts, Mellencamp, Matthews, and Price, along with Bob Dylan, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd, and more. Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised over $90 million supporting American family farm programs. (Billboard)