Carol Kaye Declines Rock Hall Induction Over 'Wrecking Crew' Label

Carol Kaye, the legendary session bassist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025, has declined to attend the induction ceremony, expressing dissatisfaction with how studio musicians' contributions are represented. She rejected the label "Wrecking Crew," a name given by drummer Hal Blaine, emphasizing that studio musicians in the 1960s were part of a large, collaborative team rather than a small group, and found the term insulting. Kaye, who has over 10,000 recording credits with artists like The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and Stevie Wonder, stated the ceremony and related processes do not reflect the true work of studio musicians during the golden era of recording hits. Despite her absence, she will still be inducted and honored at the ceremony scheduled for November 8 in Los Angeles. Kaye's decision highlights the ongoing tension between individual recognition and the collective nature of studio musicianship during the 1960s and '70s. Other inductees this year include OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.