Watch Paul Rodgers Speak Out on Why He Chose Not to Attend Bad Company’s Rock Hall Induction
via Bad Company and Paul Rodgers / YouTube
Health Concerns Kept Rodgers From Attending
In a new interview with Igor Miranda of Rolling Stone Brasil, Paul Rodgers explained why he did not attend BAD COMPANY’s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Rodgers said:
“About a week prior to leaving for rehearsals for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction and TV show, my blood pressure was very high and I started to have chest pains and heart palpitations. I saw my doctor, who absolutely forbid me to get on a plane. He recommended that I stay home, rest and remain calm, and I feel that I dodged a bullet by doing that. I am in the zen phase of my life and enjoy being immersed in a peaceful and calm life. I can sing again and play daily to a crowd of one.”
Mick Fleetwood inducted the band, and founding drummer Simon Kirke performed with Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, Nancy Wilson of Heart and Joe Perry of Aerosmith on “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Bryan Adams then sang “Can’t Get Enough.” After the performance, Kirke gave a speech, followed by a recorded message from Rodgers.
Watching the Ceremony From Home
Rodgers told Rolling Stone Brasil:
“My sister-in-law prepared a wonderful dinner for six and we watched the induction of BAD COMPANY into the Rock Hall on a very large TV. Simon’s speech touched my heart and it must have been emotional for him performing as BAD COMPANY with just him.”
He continued:
“Sometimes reality hits hard. I would like to perform with him again at some point. I thought that everyone who performed — Simon, Bryan Adams, Chris Robinson, Nancy Wilson, Joe Perry, our bassist Todd Ronning and Spike Edney, QUEEN’s musical director and keyboardist for, I think, the last 45 years — did not miss a beat.”
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A Recorded Speech and Tribute to Mick Ralphs
“I was grateful that the Rock Hall allowed me to record my speech,” Paul added. “I was told that they do not usually allow that. However, I was told it was a strict two minutes, no longer. I did not give my entire thanks in just two minutes, so I put my actual speech out on social media. Our friend Mick Fleetwood did a fine job inducting the band and I was very comfortable watching from home in Canada.”
Speaking about guitarist Mick Ralphs, Rodgers said:
“Mick was such a unique player, such a unique songwriter and such a unique man. I loved everything about him and his sense of humor was with him till the very end.”
Remembering a Bandmate and Looking Ahead
“I don’t know if many fans realize this, but Mick spent the last eight and three-quarter years of his life in bed unable to walk or use his hands,” Rodgers explained. “It was no life. He had suffered a major stroke and we tried to get him to hyperbarics, attempted to get acupuncturists and reflexologists in to see him but we were met with opposition, unfortunately. Since we weren’t family, we had no control over his medical treatment. I was able to hire a solicitor and have him moved to a home that was in Henley where most of his friends and longtime love all live. Plus it was better suited to Mick’s needs.
“I spoke to him often and in fact, the last conversation I had with him was just two days before he passed,” Paul revealed. “At that point he was unable to speak, but I did manage to make him laugh one last time.
“Mick was one of those rare guitarists that you can identify by his sound within three notes; you know that it is Mick Ralphs. His tone was so rich and full. What a legacy he leaves behind in his music, his humor and in the way he treated others.”
Rodgers also discussed writing his memoir with Chris Epting, reflecting on his career and life story.
Watch the full speech below:
