Six Acts Inducted into ARIA Hall of Fame at Sydney Ceremony
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) inducted six music acts into its Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in Sydney on Thursday night. The inductees are Gurrumul (posthumously), Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, Spiderbait, The Living End, and Vika & Linda. The event is part of the ARIA Awards' 40th anniversary celebrations.
The Inductees
The six acts inducted represent a wide range of Australian musical styles and eras.
"You can't imagine the soundtrack to life in Australia without these artists." — Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke
Gurrumul
A Yolŋu singer-songwriter, member of Yothu Yindi and Saltwater Band, known for his solo work. He won 10 ARIA Awards and 16 National Indigenous Music Awards. He died in 2017 at age 46. Self-taught and born blind, he was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame with Yothu Yindi in 2012.
Jenny Morris
New Zealand-born singer who found success with The Crocodiles, QED, and as a solo artist. Her career ended in 2015 due to spasmodic dysphonia. She currently chairs the board of APRA and serves on the board of NORO.
Kate Ceberano
Singer who debuted with I'm Talking and achieved solo success. She has released nearly 30 albums and is one of few Australian artists with top 10 albums across five consecutive decades.
"It's fuelled entirely on passion, your muse and the willingness to be amongst it." — Kate Ceberano
Vika & Linda
Tongan-Australian vocal duo, known for their work with The Black Sorrows and subsequent solo albums. They were awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2022.
Spiderbait
Australian alt-rock trio consisting of Kram, Damian Whitty, and Janet English. Their 1996 album Ivy & The Big Apples achieved double-platinum sales, and the single "Buy Me A Pony" was the first Australian song to top triple j's Hottest 100.
The Living End
Rock trio of Chris Cheney, Scott Owen, and Andy Strachan. Their 1998 debut album went four times platinum. They hold the record for most consecutive entries in triple j's Hottest 100 (1997-2006).
"We don't spend a lot of time in the rear view mirror, but this has forced us to do it. It's a pretty amazing journey from when we were 15 years old." — Chris Cheney, The Living End
Statements from Officials and Artists
ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd said the inductees "have shaped how Australian music is heard and understood at home and around the world."
Kate Ceberano noted the struggle of her career, describing it as "fuelled entirely on passion, your muse and the willingness to be amongst it." She added that the Hall of Fame "places you in a small percentage of those who've worked really, really hard and have contributed a lot to culture."
Spiderbait bassist Janet English commented on the music industry's change following Nirvana's success, stating that "it went bonkers."
Future Events
The 2026 inductions are part of the ARIA Awards' 40th anniversary celebrations. The ARIA Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 18, 2026, at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion.