2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony: Paul Rodgers drops out

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Okay, so the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2025 is seriously awesome. It’s got a little bit of everything – heavy rock, hip-hop, some really soulful stuff from the 60s and 70s, even some straight-up pop artists. I’m especially stoked that Bad Company is finally getting inducted this year. It’s a really diverse group, which is cool because it shows how broad ‘rock and roll’ really is!

Bad Company, formed in 1973, brought together musicians previously known from bands like Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson. A key part of their distinctive sound was the powerful voice of lead singer Paul Rodgers.

Rodgers combined the energy of classic rock with the soulful sounds of R&B. He had a knack for knowing when to pour his heart into a performance and when to simply let the music speak for itself, creating a truly immersive experience. He and the band were at their best, particularly in their early days.

Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers will miss the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Rodgers has faced several health challenges recently. He suffered major strokes in both 2016 and 2019, and revealed in a 2023 interview with CBS Mornings that he’s also experienced eleven smaller strokes. One stroke temporarily took away his ability to speak, but he’s thankfully recovered and can still sing.

The main concern is the pressure the ceremony will put on the 75-year-old. With all the travel, interviews, and performing involved, he’s decided it’s best to not participate.

I was really hoping to be at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony and play for everyone, but right now I need to focus on my health. I can still sing, but the pressure of everything else is too much. Thanks for understanding. Simon Kirke and some amazing musicians will be filling in for me – they’re sure to put on a great show!

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will induct its 2025 class on Saturday, November 8th at 5 pm Pacific Time. The ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. You can watch it live on Disney+, and it will also be shown on ABC on January 1st and Hulu on January 2nd.

The 2025 inductees in the performer category include:

  • Bad Company
  • Chubby Checker
  • Joe Cocker
  • Cyndi Lauper
  • Outkast
  • Soundgarden
  • The White Stripes

2025 Musical Influence Award:

  • Salt-N-Pepa
  • Warren Zevon

2025 Musical Excellence Award:

  • Thom Bell
  • Nicky Hopkins
  • Carol Kaye

Ahmet Ertegun Award (Non-Performer lifetime achievement award):

  • Lenny Waronker

The event will feature a fantastic lineup of special guests and presenters, including Avril Lavigne, Beck, Brandi Carlile, Bryan Adams, Chappell Roan, David Letterman, Doja Cat, Donald Glover, Elton John, En Vogue, Feist, Flea, Gina Schock, Hurby Luv Bug Azo, Janelle Monae, Jerry Cantrell, Jim Carrey, Joe Perry, Iggy Pop, J.I.D, the Killers, Killer Mike, Lisa Coleman, Maxwell, Mick Fleetwood, Mike McCready, Missy Elliott, Nancy Wilson, Nathaniel Rateliff, Olivia Rodrigo, Questlove, RAYE, Sleepy Brown, Taylor Momsen, Teddy Swims, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Twenty One Pilots.

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2025-11-06 22:00