Legendary vocalist Paul Rodgers has unfortunately announced he will not be present for Bad Company’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this weekend, citing the need to “prioritise my health.”
The 75-year-old singer was scheduled to perform two songs with his co-founding bandmate, drummer Simon Kirke, at the ceremony this Saturday, November 8, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. In a statement released on Monday, Rodgers confirmed he must step back from the event.
“My hope was to be at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritise my health,” Rodgers stated. “I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else. Thank you for understanding.”
Rodgers assured fans that the band’s music would still be represented: “Simon along with some outstanding musicians will be stepping in for me – guaranteed to rock.”
The Middlesbrough-born singer has faced significant health challenges in recent years. He suffered a major stroke in 2016 and a second, more serious stroke in 2019. The second incident required him to undergo a carotid endarterectomy to remove plaque from the artery that supplies blood to the brain.
Bad Company is being inducted into the 2025 performer’s category alongside Soundgarden, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and The White Stripes.
Additionally, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon are set to receive the Musical Influence Award.
Bad Company, which has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 1999, received its inaugural nomination this year. The induction ceremony will be streamed live on Disney+, with an edited version airing later on ABC.
Kirke told Defenders Of The Faith this past August about the induction into the Rock Hall. “We’re very pleased. We’re very honored. Quite honestly, I think it’s about time, but I don’t want to appear ungrateful.”
