Paul Rodgers, the iconic voice behind Free and Bad Company, has announced that he will not attend — and will not perform at — Bad Company’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025. In a blunt but candid social-media statement, Rodgers explained: “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.”
Rodgers clarified that singing isn’t the issue: “I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else. Thanks for understanding.” He has spent recent years recovering from a series of serious health setbacks — including multiple minor strokes and two major strokes — which forced him to relearn how to walk and talk.
Drummer Simon Kirke, the other surviving original member of Bad Company, had earlier confirmed that he and Rodgers would perform two songs at the induction. “Whatever Paul chooses is fine by me,” Kirke said, adding that just playing again with Rodgers was a thrill. Kirke now plans to perform with guest musicians in Rodgers’s absence.
Bad Company will officially be inducted alongside bands like Soundgarden, Outkast and The White Stripes. While the ceremony will still go ahead, devotees of the classic lineup — which also included the late Mick Ralphs and the late Boz Burrell — will notice the absence of their legendary frontman.
In stepping back, Rodgers leaves a legacy of grit and songbook staples — from “Can’t Get Enough” to “Feel Like Makin’ Love” — and a reminder that rock legends, too, must sometimes go quieter.
