By the time of their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 12, 1996, The Velvet Underground had experienced a complex career trajectory, marked by their initial innovative releases in the 1960s and a period of relative obscurity before their eventual critical re-evaluation. Their influential debut album, "The Velvet Underground & Nico," released in 1967, laid the groundwork for alternative and indie rock, but it was their later albums and legacy that solidified their iconic status. The induction ceremony took place decades after the band's breakup in 1973 and highlighted their lasting impact on music, despite their initial commercial struggles. This event brought together key members, including Lou Reed, John Cale, Maureen Tucker, and Doug Yule, to honor their artistry, showcasing the band's resurgence in popular culture during the 1990s as they were increasingly recognized as a pioneering force in music history.