Paul Rodgers, the iconic frontman for Bad Company, will not attend the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this Saturday, November 8. The 75-year-old singer announced his absence via Instagram, citing ongoing health concerns as the primary reason.
Rodgers' decision means he will miss the celebration of Bad Company's significant contributions to rock music at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Fans have expressed widespread support and well wishes following his announcement.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Rodgers will not attend the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 8.
- His decision stems from health concerns, though he did not specify the exact nature.
- Former bandmate Simon Kirke and other musicians will perform in Rodgers' place.
- Rodgers previously revealed he suffered two major and eleven minor strokes.
- Bad Company, formed in 1973, will still be honored at the event.
Prioritizing Health Over Performance
Rodgers made his announcement on Monday, November 3, stating, “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 prioritize my health.” He clarified that his vocal ability is not the issue.
“I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else,” Rodgers added. This statement suggests the pressures surrounding a major public event, rather than his physical capacity to perform, led to his withdrawal. He thanked fans for their understanding.
Quick Fact
Bad Company was formed in 1973 and quickly rose to prominence as one of rock's first supergroups, known for their blues-rock sound and chart-topping hits.
Bandmates to Step In
Despite Rodgers' absence, Bad Company’s music will still resonate on stage. He confirmed that former bandmate Simon Kirke, the drummer, along with “some outstanding musicians,” will perform in his stead. Rodgers assured fans the performance would be “Guaranteed to rock.”
Simon Kirke had previously expressed his excitement about reuniting with Rodgers on stage. During an October 28 podcast appearance, Kirke stated, “Just to play with him again is going to be a real thrill for me. I missed him. I missed playing with the band. I miss playing particularly with Paul. He’s such a wonderful singer.”
Paul Rodgers' Past Health Battles
Rodgers' decision to step back from the induction ceremony rekindles discussions about his health. In a 2023 interview, the rock legend openly shared his secret struggle with significant health issues. He revealed he had suffered from two major strokes and eleven minor strokes.
These health scares severely impacted his life, leaving him unable to speak and nearly costing him his singing voice. Rodgers described the profound disorientation he experienced. “I couldn’t do anything to be honest,” he recounted. “I couldn’t speak. That was the very strange thing.”
“You know, I’d prepare something in my mind and I’d say it, but that isn’t what came out and I’d go, ‘What the heck did I just say?'”
The first major stroke occurred in 2016. A second, more severe stroke followed in October 2019, necessitating major surgery. Rodgers faced the procedure with a stark understanding of the risks involved.
“They told me, they’re very clear, ‘You may not come out of this alive,'” Rodgers recalled. His recovery has been a long and challenging journey. While he did not explicitly link his current absence from the Hall of Fame to his stroke recovery, the past events undoubtedly highlight the importance of his health decisions.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognizes and archives the history of the most influential artists, producers, engineers, and other notable figures who have had a major impact on the music industry. Induction is considered one of the highest honors in rock and roll.
Bad Company's Legacy Endures
Despite Rodgers' absence, Bad Company will still be celebrated for their enduring impact on rock music. The band, which formed in 1973, is known for hits like “Feel Like Makin' Love” and “Can't Get Enough.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's official website describes Bad Company as “one of rock’s first and most successful supergroups, both live and on record.” They were noted for their ability to combine “arena-ready blues-rock swagger with Top 40 hits,” setting them apart from their contemporaries.
Rodgers and Kirke are the last two surviving original members of Bad Company. Bassist Raymond “Boz” Burrell passed away in September 2006 at age 60. Guitarist Mick Ralphs died in June of this year at 81.
The induction ceremony will proceed as planned on November 8, honoring Bad Company's rich musical heritage and their lasting influence on generations of rock fans. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support for Rodgers, wishing him a swift and full recovery.
- Original Formation: Bad Company formed in 1973.
- Key Members: Paul Rodgers (vocals), Mick Ralphs (guitar), Raymond “Boz” Burrell (bass), Simon Kirke (drums).
- Notable Hits: “Feel Like Makin' Love,” “Can't Get Enough,” “Bad Company.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony is expected to be a night of celebration, with Kirke and other musicians ensuring Bad Company's iconic sound fills the Peacock Theater.