Warren Zevon Wanted This Induction

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s envoy sent some some unexpected news this week: Warren Zevon is part of the 2025 class, joining inductees through the organization’s Musical Influence Award, a special category given to artists whose music and performance style “have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock and roll and music impacting culture.” Zevon was previously nominated in the standard performance category in 2023 but failed to make the cut. Perhaps the mystics and statistics were waiting for the right moment. Ahead, Zevon’s daughter, Ariel, reflects on what this honor means for the Zevon family legacy.

I got wind of the induction a couple days ago. It’s a real mix of emotions. It gave me chills. I assumed it would arrive someday, because there are so many people who ask me, “Why hasn’t it happened yet?” Now there’s a little bit of, Okay, the day is finally here; we did it. But it’s mixed with incredulousness and excitement. It makes sense the induction is coming through the Musical Influence Award. That category rings true. He came through the industry in an indirect way, which is how he came into a lot of things — by taking his own strange route. And he earned his reputation and fan base through hard work. People who really put value on songwriting know the influence his songs have had on his peers. They appreciate his lyrics and poetry and the commentary on humanity, heart, and humor.

Throughout my father’s career, and since his passing, the acclaim for his music and legend has ebbed and flowed. When it feels like it’s receded, it’s easy to feel forgotten. He felt that way in life, like he was being dismissed. So when there’s a resurgence around him, it feels significant every time. There’s this undercurrent of: His music is the foundation; the people who know it have always known it.

I remember him referring to the Grammys a few times, though he never received a nomination until the end of his life. He said it took a fatal diagnosis and impending death to get recognition. It was his typical macabre sense of humor. He would definitely have a similar take on the Rock Hall, even though it’s been 22 years since he passed. It took some time. But I know he would be thrilled. He thrived on knowing that his music was being recognized, because it meant it was touching people. The other significance of this induction is hopefully more people will start to discover the music.

So today we’re celebrating that it happened; the planning for the ceremony will come later. We have a few months to think about it. The performance at the Grammys after he died was one I’ll never forget. I imagine we can put together something even better for this.

Related

• Peter Buck Always Picked Up Warren Zevon’s Midnight Calls
• The Best and Funniest of Warren Zevon, According to David Letterman