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 Reflects on Joe Cocker's Impact
Adams recalled the profound impression Cocker made on him after watching the 1971 concert film Mad Dogs & Englishmen. He shared,
"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."
Memories from Recording With Joe Cocker
Adams, who co-wrote and played guitar on Cocker's last Top 40 hit, 1989's "When the Night Comes," added a humorous anecdote from their 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 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 at the Ceremony
- Bad Company
- Chubby Checker
- Cyndi Lauper
- Outkast
- Soundgarden
- The White Stripes
These artists were also honored in the performer category during the event.
Author's summary: Bryan Adams paid moving tribute to Joe Cocker’s powerful influence and unique spirit while inducting him into the Rock Hall, sharing stories that revealed both admiration and humor.