One of the most treasured moments on the Australian music calendar, the presentation of the ARIA Hall of Fame, became an embarrassment of riches on Thursday night, June 11, as six legendary acts were inducted in a special ceremony.
The Australian Recording Industry Association went large for the 40th anniversary of the flagship ARIA Awards by breaking from tradition. Instead of the usual class of one or two, ARIA elevated a half-dozen beloved acts on the night: Gurrumul, Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, Spiderbait, The Living End and Vika & Linda.
A special night requires a little something extra, and that was certainly the case as Sydney’s Carriageworks hosted a room packed with illustrious guests, from movie stars, to federal politicians (including a video tribute from prime minister Anthony Albanese) and, of course, giants of the music community.
ARIA has inducted artists into its Hall since 1988. That first class featured Dame Joan Sutherland, Johnny O’Keefe, Slim Dusty, Col Joye, Vanda & Young and AC/DC. In 2005, the trade body created a standalone ceremony ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame, when multiple acts were elevated. It was televised, it resonated with music fans, but proved short-lived as the industry struggled in a post-digital download landscape.
For 2011, the Hall of Fame induction became a spot within the ARIA Music Awards, with two new inductees. Then, from 2012, just one act has been inducted each year at the ARIAs.
Since that first class, scores of Aussie legends have got the nod, from Cold Chisel, to Kylie Minogue, Yothu Yindi, Kasey Chambers, Olivia Newton John, INXS, Crowded House, Archie Roach, Missy Higgins, Tina Arena, and last year’s inductee, You Am I.
The Hall of Fame salutes “the artistic achievement, cultural contribution and remarkable legacies of the inductees and celebrate the evolution of Australian music over the past four decades,” reads a statement from ARIA.
Billboard attended the 2026 ARIA Hall of Fame ceremony to soak up all the action.
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