Bryan Adams Honors Joe Cocker at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In November 2025, Bryan Adams inducted Joe Cocker into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer.
Adams’ Tribute and Inspiration
Adams opened his speech by sharing the profound impact Cocker had on him after watching the 1971 concert film Mad Dogs & Englishmen. He recalled,
“How could anyone sing like that? And his stage presence was amazing to watch. I can honestly say that any ambitions I had of being a musician before I'd seen that film were doubled by the time I left that cinema. It was that inspiring.”
Collaboration and Anecdotes
Adams also highlighted his collaboration with Cocker, remembering co-writing and playing guitar on Cocker’s final Top 40 hit, “When the Night Comes” (1989). Sharing a humorous story from the recording session, Adams said,
“I also made the fatal mistake of once trying to drink with Joe. Joe came in with a bottle of cola and a bottle of rum. For those of you that knew Joe, you will know that this combination was famously called the Joe cola. Now I was not particularly interested in either of those drinks, but after he sang a one-take vocal performance, Joe insisted that we celebrate with a Joe cola. I can tell you unequivocally, that was the end of the recording session.”
Other Inductees
- Bad Company
- Chubby Checker
- Cyndi Lauper
- Outkast
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
These artists were also inducted in the performer category during the same ceremony.
Summary: Bryan Adams passionately honored Joe Cocker’s influence and legacy while recalling their collaboration and memorable moments at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.