Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Brings Its 5th Annual Induction Ceremony to Chicago’s Harris Theater in Millennium Park
for the First Time on September 27th, 2026

for a star-studded celebration honoring Illinois music legends and trailblazers across rock, blues, soul, jazz, hip hop and beyond, including The Plain White T's, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, Koko Taylor, Curtis Mayfield, and other musical greats with deep Illinois roots.

Annual Induction Ceremony , coming to Chicago for the first time on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66’s largest annual fundraising event and celebrates the artists, industry leaders, and cultural contributors who shaped Illinois’ musical legacy. The event brings together inductees, performers, families, and fans for an evening of live music, award presentations, storytelling, and historic recognition.

The evening will feature live performances by Kevin Cronin, Jim Peterik of the Ides of March and Formerly of Survivor, The Plain White T’s, 1960s jazz-rock band The Flock, Hot Mix 5 and a special reunion performance by The Boyzz, plus several surprise guests to be announced. WGN Radio host and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Bob Sirott will host the ceremony. Made possible with the support of Old National Bank, Illinois Arts Council, Heritage Corridor, and Insperity.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to downtown Chicago for the first time, and the Harris Theater is the perfect stage for it,” said Ron Romero, founder and president of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66. “With its incredible acoustics and intimate 1,550-seat setting, the venue will help us make this year’s celebration an unforgettable night of music, memories and Illinois pride. The class of 2026 is our most genre-spanning lineup yet, honoring iconic artists and innovators. We can’t wait to bring the music community together, celebrate their legacy and, of course, fill the room with great music.”

This year’s inductees include bands and solos artists Survivor, American Breed, Koko Taylor, The Boyzz and The Flock; songwriters Curtis Mayfield and Kevin Cronin; radio personality Terri Hemmert; radio station WDRV (The Drive); Brunswick Records; and industry leaders. Irving Azoff, Gary Richrath, Golden Voice Studio and Triangle Productions. Other honorees include Hot Mix 5 and Plain White T’s.

“I’m excited that this year’s Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame event will be held in my sweet hometown of Chicago,” said Kevin Cronin, lead singer and songwriter for REO Speedwagon. “Ron Romero’s awesome team in Joliet has been working since early this year to make September 27th a night of big fun. I plan to be there, co-hosting and doing a little unplugged set with Jim Peterik. The only thing that could possibly change is if one of the Beatles calls and needs me to be somewhere else!”

Tickets can be purchased here and range in price from $100.50, $75.00 and $64.50. Prices include fees.

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is committed to preserving the rich history and contributions of musicians, performers and industry leaders who have impacted the music world and embodied the creative spirit of Illinois. Located on historic Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, the museum attracts music lovers from around the world.

Made possible with the support of Old National Bank, Illinois Arts Council, Heritage Corridor, and Insperity.

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