Additional Coverage:
- Paul Rodgers of Bad Company will miss Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction to ‘prioritize health’ (latimes.com)
Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers to Miss Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Due to Health
Fans of the legendary rock group Bad Company received somber news this week as original member Paul Rodgers announced he will be unable to attend the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this Saturday. Bad Company is set to be honored as part of the 2025 class.
In a statement released Tuesday via Bad Company’s Instagram page, Rodgers expressed his disappointment, 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.” The singer had reportedly planned to reunite with former bandmate and drummer Simon Kirke on stage to perform a couple of songs at the event.
While Rodgers’ statement did not elaborate on his current health status, he revealed in a 2023 interview with CBS News that he had suffered two major strokes in 2016 and 2019, along with 11 minor strokes, which temporarily affected his ability to speak.
“I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else,” Rodgers’ statement continued. He assured fans, “Simon along with some outstanding musicians will be stepping in for me – guaranteed to rock.”
Formed in London in 1973, Bad Company rose to fame with hits like “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Ready for Love,” and the iconic “Bad Company.” The original lineup included Rodgers, Kirke (who had previously played together in the band Free), guitarist Mick Ralphs, and bassist Boz Burrell.
The band initially disbanded in 1982 but has reunited periodically for recordings and tours, though often with varying lineups. Rodgers and Kirke are the only surviving original members; Burrell passed away in 2006, followed by Ralphs this past June.
Bad Company joins a distinguished list of 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees in the performer category, including Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, and the White Stripes. Other honorees include Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye, recognized for musical influence or excellence, while Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for lifetime achievement.