Bryan Adams Honors Joe Cocker at Rock Hall Induction
In November 2025, Bryan Adams inducted Joe Cocker into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, offering an emotional tribute to the legendary singer during the ceremony.
A Deep Musical Influence
Adams began his speech recalling his first encounter with Cocker’s 1971 concert film Mad Dogs & Englishmen. The performance left a lasting impression and helped shape his own musical path.
"How could anyone sing like that? And his stage presence was amazing to watch," Adams said.
"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."
Memories from the Studio
Adams collaborated with Cocker on the 1989 single When the Night Comes, the singer’s final Top 40 hit, and shared a humorous moment from that recording session.
"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. After 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
That same evening, performers including Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes were also welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Author’s Summary
Bryan Adams’ heartfelt tribute to Joe Cocker at the Rock Hall highlighted both his admiration and the lasting inspiration Cocker provided to countless musicians.