Bryan Adams Honors Joe Cocker at Rock Hall Induction
Bryan Adams inducted Joe Cocker into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2025, offering an emotional and heartfelt tribute to the late singer during the ceremony on Saturday night.
Admiration for a Musical Hero
Adams reflected on his first encounter with Cocker’s artistry through the 1971 concert film Mad Dogs & Englishmen.
“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.”
The Canadian musician credited Cocker’s performance for deepening his own musical ambitions and shaping his artistic vision.
Memories from Collaboration
Adams reminisced about working with Cocker on his final Top 40 hit, the 1989 single When the Night Comes, which they co-wrote together.
“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,” Adams shared.
“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.”
Adams’ humorous story highlighted Cocker’s legendary charisma both in the studio and in life.
Other Inductees of the Night
- Bad Company
- Chubby Checker
- Cyndi Lauper
- Outkast
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
These artists joined Joe Cocker as 2025 inductees in the performer category of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Author’s Summary
Bryan Adams delivered a touching and spirited tribute to Joe Cocker at the 2025 Rock Hall induction, celebrating their friendship, musical legacy, and shared creative spirit.