Longtime rock fans and industry insiders have received a bittersweet update as Paul Rodgers, the revered frontman of Bad Company, announced that he will not take part in his band’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band is among the 2025 inductee class, yet Rodgers revealed that health considerations require him to step back from the ceremony.
Rodgers had been planning to appear on stage alongside his former bandmate Simon Kirke, with whom he co‑founded Bad Company following their tenure in Free. Their proposed performance was to serve as a capstone moment for Rodgers after decades in rock’s upper echelons. However, in a publicly shared 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.” He added that Kirke and other “outstanding musicians” will fill in for him and deliver a guaranteed rock performance.
Though this particular announcement did not detail the specifics of Rodgers’ current condition, his past health issues suggest a serious backdrop. In 2023, he revealed that he survived two major strokes (2016 and 2019) and suffered 11 minor strokes, which at one point left him unable to speak temporarily. Given his history, the decision to skip the ceremony reflects the heavy toll his body has already borne.
Bad Company’s legacy is cemented by a string of hard‑rock classics such as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Ready for Love,” and the iconically titled track “Bad Company” itself. The London‑formed band of the early 1970s—featuring Rodgers, Kirke, guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell—helped define a gritty yet melodic era of rock. In the original lineup, Rodgers and Kirke remain the only surviving members, with Burrell passing in 2006 and Ralphs in June 2025.
While Paul Rodgers’ personal presence will be absent from the ceremony, his music, influence, and the band’s induction ensure that his legacy will be celebrated. The industry and fans alike will witness Bad Company’s moment in the Hall of Fame, even as Rodgers visibly steps back to focus on his well‑being.