Paul Rodgers Confirms He Won’t Attend Bad Company’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Photo by Florian Stangl from Bayern, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Rodgers Prioritizes His Health
Bad Company’s legendary frontman Paul Rodgers has confirmed he will not attend the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction on November 8. The announcement came as a surprise after both Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke had expressed excitement about reuniting for the long-awaited performance.
On November 3, the band’s official Instagram shared Rodgers’ statement: “My hope was to be at the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritize my health. I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else. Thanks for understanding. Simon along with some outstanding musicians will be stepping in for me – guaranteed to rock.”
Rodgers’ decision comes after years of health challenges. Over the past decade, he has suffered 11 minor strokes and two major ones. His planned appearance with Kirke would have marked their first time performing together since 2019.
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Kirke Shares His Excitement
Just days before Rodgers’ announcement, Kirke expressed enthusiasm for the reunion. Speaking to Gold Derby on October 28, he revealed that plans for a performance were already in motion. “I think the secret is out that we will perform,” Kirke said, before adding, “I’m not at liberty to say which songs. I mean, quite honestly, I don’t give a s–t. We’re going to play, and whatever Paul chooses is fine by me! Just to play with him again is going to be a real thrill for me. I missed him.”
Rodgers also hinted at the possibility of performing when he spoke to Rolling Stone. “Well, we may well. We’ll see how we go,” he said. “They want us to, and I may. I haven’t decided what songs to sing at this point in time. But it could be ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.’”
Rock Hall Lineup and Honorees
This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will feature appearances by Iggy Pop, Olivia Rodrigo, Elton John, David Letterman, and Beck. Honorees include Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, the White Stripes, Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, Carol Kaye, and Lenny Waronker.
