New York ? Three decades after forming in a Dublin high school and still on top of the music world, U2 was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, joined by the O’Jays, Percy Sledge, The Pretenders and Buddy Guy.

Appearing after the true rock ‘n’ roll hour of midnight, U2 was inducted by Bruce Springsteen, who recalled going with the Who’s Pete Townshend to check out the competition in a club when U2 was coming up.

“This was a band that wanted to lay claim to this world and the next one, too,” Springsteen said.

When he’s not haggling with politicians over Third World debt, U2’s Bono can sing a pretty mean rock ‘n’ roll song. The Irish quartet, which is quickly selling out arenas for a fall concert tour, is one of those rare acts still at the forefront of the music scene at the time of its induction.

The O’Jays are best know for their work with Philly soul producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, but the gospel-styled singers are actually from Canton, Ohio. “Back Stabbers” was a big hit in 1972, with “Love Train” and “For the Love of Money” other well-known songs.

After film clips showed them in wild tuxes during the 1970s, the quartet wore simple black suits to perform a medley including each of those songs. They were inducted by singer Justin Timberlake.

Original members Eddie Levert and Walt Williams are still active, and they were to be inducted with the late William Powell, retiree Bobby Massey and Sammy Strain.

If nothing else, Sledge’s voice has been the backdrop to countless romantic encounters. The Southern soul singer is best known for “When a Man Loves a Woman.”

Singer Rod Stewart called it “one of the best performances I’ve ever heard and I’m sure you’ve ever heard.”

Neil Young, left, joins Chrissie Hynde, center, and Martin Chambers of The Pretenders as Chambers accepts their award during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York.

The Pretenders came from the same rock generation as U2. Ohio native Chrissie Hynde was a tough but tender role model for women, singing “Brass in Pocket,” “Precious” and “Back on the Chain Gang.”

The band formed after Hynde moved to London to be part of its fertile music scene. She’s soldiered on, with drummer Martin Chambers, after guitarists James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon died as drug casualties.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of rock ‘n’ roll, the hall brought Bo Diddley in to perform the Bo Diddley beat with fellow guitarists Eric Clapton and Robbie Robertson.

Now a stooped old man, Jerry Lee Lewis moved slowly to the stage to perform “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” But he still managed to kick over his stool and sit on the piano keys.

Guy dominated the Chicago blues guitar scene, and he was ushered into the hall by some pretty decent guitar players themselves — Eric Clapton and B.B. King.

Clapton recalled seeing Guy perform as a teenager in England. “He was for me what Elvis was probably like for other people,” he said. “My course was set and he was my pilot.”

Highlights of the induction ceremony, held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, will be televised 9 p.m. Saturday on VH1.

Percy Sledge, left, and Buddy Guy were among this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.