The IES Rock Honors took place in North Hollywood, Calif. Wednesday night (Aug. 5), saluting some of the legends in the music industry. But while they each have storied histories, they also have history with being independent music artists.

A packed hall watched on as The Runaways accepted their honor on the 40th anniversary of the day that the band was formed. Cherie Currie was on hand to accept for the band, while Joan Jett and Lita Ford sent statements. Jett's comments read, "I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since that day in Sandy West’s basement that we called up Kim Fowley & said ‘We ARE the RUNAWAYS.' Thanks so much to IES Rock Honors!“ Ford added, "Thanks for remembering us and keeping the music and legacy alive. Hard to believe it’s 40 years later since we met right there in North Hollywood and our lives forever changed from that day on. This is truly a great honor and thanks IES Rock Honors for inducting the Runaways!" Currie then led an all-star band through a performance of "Cherry Bomb."

Next up was Slash, who was inducted into the IES Rock Honors by Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler and his childhood friend and author Marc Canter. Slash accepted the honor via a video speech. The guitarist also used the occasion to provide a speech inducting Motorhead on the 40th anniversary of their band. After the inductions of Slash and Motorhead, Adler led an all-star band performing versions of Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Rocket Queen."

The fourth major induction of the night went to The Ramones. The punk icons were represented at the ceremony by drummer Richie Ramone. Before the induction, a number of testimonials were given, including one from the Runaways' Cherie Currie. The performance found Ramone singing and playing drums during a set that included "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker," "Blitzkrieg Bop," "I Wanna Be Sedated," "Cretin Hop" and "Teenage Lobotomy."

Other highlights from the eventing included an interactive Skype presentation by drum legend Dave Lombardo and a video presentation from Metallica's Robert Trujillo.

“The Ramones, Runaways and Motorhead are three of the most influential bands of our time,” states IES Founder Jay Warsinske. “And add one of the most iconic musicians on the planet -- Slash -- and you have an epic 2015 IES ROCK HONORS Inductions – thanks to those that came and shared that indie spirit!”

Check out photos from the 2015 IES Rock Honors below.

2015 IES Rock Honors

Runaways Cherie Currie
Kevin Estrada, IES
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Richie Ramone
Kevin Estrada, IES
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Richie Ramone
Kevin Estrada, IES
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Steven Adler
Kevin Estrada, IES
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Steven Adler
Kevin Estrada, IES
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