ARIA Hall of Fame celebrates 40 years by honouring Australian music icons on ABC – Six of Australia’s most influential artists have been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame as part of a landmark celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the ARIA Awards.
In a historic first for the Hall of Fame, the special event will air nationally on ABC Entertains and ABC iview at 9.15pm on Saturday, 13 June, bringing one of Australian music’s biggest nights to television audiences around the country.
A milestone celebration for Australian music
Hosted by Myf Warhurst at Sydney’s Carriageworks, the 2026 ARIA Hall of Fame Special Event honoured artists whose work has shaped Australia’s cultural landscape across multiple generations.
This year’s inductees are:
- Gurrumul
- Jenny Morris
- Kate Ceberano
- Spiderbait
- The Living End
- Vika & Linda
Together, the artists represent a diverse cross-section of Australian music, spanning rock, pop, First Nations storytelling and soul.
A moving tribute to Gurrumul
The evening opened with a powerful celebration of the late Gurrumul Yunupingu, whose music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Members of Gurrumul’s family performed selections from Djarimirri, sharing living culture through dance and song.
Artist and rapper Briggs reflected on Gurrumul’s enduring legacy before inviting members of his family to accept the honour on his behalf.
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains the name of a person who has died.
Iconic performances take centre stage
The Living End delivered an energetic performance featuring some of their biggest hits, including White Noise, All Torn Down and Prisoner of Society.
Kate Ceberano was inducted by Eddie Perfect, recognising a career spanning more than four decades. Later in the evening, she performed Brave alongside her daughter Gypsy Lee before closing with fan favourite Pash.
Vika & Linda showcased their celebrated harmonies with performances of Never Let Me Go, When Will You Fall For Me and Where Do You Come From.
Spiderbait brought the night to a memorable conclusion, with the audience on its feet for performances of Calypso, Black Betty and Buy Me a Pony.
Tributes from across Australia and beyond
The evening also featured heartfelt tributes from some familiar faces.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern honoured Jenny Morris, recognising her impact on audiences on both sides of the Tasman.
A special Jenny Morris medley, performed by Dan Sultan, Mia Wray and Kate Miller-Heidke, celebrated some of her best-loved songs.
Meanwhile, Claudia Karvan inducted Spiderbait, Julia Zemiro welcomed Vika & Linda into the Hall of Fame, and Jimmy Barnes delivered a recorded tribute for The Living End.
A defining moment in ARIA’s anniversary year
The standalone Hall of Fame event marks a significant addition to the ARIA Awards calendar, placing the spotlight firmly on the artists whose contributions have helped define Australian music over the past four decades.
As ARIA celebrates its 40th anniversary, the special offers viewers a chance to revisit the songs, stories and performers that continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
The ARIA Hall of Fame Special Event airs 9.15pm Saturday, 13 June on ABC Entertains and ABC iview.
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ARIA Hall of Fame celebrates 40 years by honouring Australian music icons on ABC
