Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers to Skip Rock Hall Ceremony: ‘I Must Prioritise My Health’

Bad Company’s legendary vocalist, Paul Rodgers, has announced he will not attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles this Saturday, where the band is set to be honored.

In a statement shared ahead of the event, Rodgers said that while he had hoped to appear and perform, he needed to put his health first.

“My hope was to be at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritize my health,” the former Free frontman said. “I have no problem singing — it’s the stress of everything else. Thank you for understanding.”

Rodgers added that drummer Simon Kirke, along with “some outstanding musicians,” will take the stage in his place. “Guaranteed to rock,” he promised.

Simon Kirke to Represent the Band

Kirke, who co-founded both Free and Bad Company with Rodgers, will accept the award on the band’s behalf and perform during the ceremony.

In an interview last month with Gold Darby, Kirke said he was looking forward to reuniting with his longtime bandmate at the induction.

“We’re going to play, and whatever Paul chooses is fine by me,” he said at the time. “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.”

Health Challenges and Hope for the Future

Rodgers, now 75, has been candid about his recent health struggles. Over the past decade, he has suffered two major strokes and 11 minor ones, experiences he detailed in a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone.

At that time, Rodgers said he “may well” perform at the Hall of Fame ceremony, expressing both nerves and gratitude about the honor.

“I’m a little bit nervous,” he admitted. “If we’ve got to make a speech, I’ll be quite honest — I’m not used to making speeches of any nature, but I’ll be okay.”

When asked about the possibility of a Bad Company reunion tour, Rodgers left the door open.

“I’ll never say never,” he said. “I know that’s a James Bond movie. And hell froze over for the Eagles. You never say never.”

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Bad Company have not performed live since an October 2019 show at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, while Rodgers’ last solo outing was the Stars Align Tour in 2018.

The band joins an illustrious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 that includes Joe Cocker, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Warren Zevon, Chubby Checker, and Carol Kaye.

Though Rodgers won’t be present, Kirke’s performance will mark a symbolic celebration of one of rock’s most enduring voices and the timeless music of Bad Company.