LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul Rodgers, lead singer of Bad Company, will not attend this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony due to health issues, he announced Monday.
Rodgers, 75, posted a statement on the band’s social media accounts saying, “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 did not provide further details about his condition.
“I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else. Thanks for understanding. Simon [Kirke] along with some outstanding musicians will be stepping in for me — guaranteed to rock,” Rodgers said.
Bad Company is set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this weekend at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, joining fellow Performer category inductees Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will be honored for Musical Influence.
Earlier, drummer Simon Kirke, the band’s other surviving original member, said he and Rodgers planned to reunite and perform two songs at the ceremony. Rodgers’ withdrawal comes just days before the event.
Rodgers, Kirke, the late guitarist Mick Ralphs, and late bassist Boz Burrell will be recognized for their roles in the 1970s rock band, which produced hits such as “Bad Company” and “Can’t Get Enough” (1974), “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Shooting Star” (1975), and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” (1979).
Bad Company originally disbanded in 1982 but has reunited several times with various lineups, most recently performing together in 2019. In 2023, Kirke told reporters the band was likely finished due to Rodgers’ health problems. That year, Rodgers told “CBS Mornings” he had suffered two major strokes, in 2016 and 2019, as well as 11 minor strokes.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will stream live nationwide on Disney+ Saturday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. Eastern. A primetime special featuring highlights will air Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC, and will be available the next day on Hulu.
Performers and presenters at this year’s event will include Beck, Brandi Carlile, David Letterman, Doja Cat, Elton John, Flea, Iggy Pop, J.I.D, Killer Mike, Maxwell, Missy Elliott, Olivia Rodrigo, Questlove, RAYE, Sleepy Brown, Taylor Momsen, Teddy Swims and Twenty One Pilots.