Copyright Parade
Following his recovery from several strokes, Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers was set to reunite with drummer Simon Kirke at the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Now, Rodgers says that reunion will need to wait as he focuses on his health. Rodgers had originally planned to take the stage with Kirke, the only other surviving member of the original Bad Company lineup, during the ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 8. Kirke recently confirmed that the two would perform together — a moment many fans were eagerly anticipating. However, Rodgers announced that he won’t be able to attend the event after all. “My hope was to be at the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritize my health,” he said in a statement. “I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else. Thanks for understanding. [Drummer] Simon [Kirke] along with some outstanding musicians will be stepping in for me — guaranteed to rock.” Just weeks ago, Rodgers hinted to Rolling Stone that the band might perform at the induction, saying they “may well” make an appearance. “Well, they want us to, and I may,” he explained. “I haven’t decided what songs to sing at this point in time. But it could be ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy. … I’m a little bit nervous. If we’ve got to make a speech, I’ll be quite honest, I’m not used to really making speeches of any nature, but I’ll be ok.” Rolling Stone reported that Rodgers experienced 11 minor strokes and two major strokes in the past ten years, forcing him to relearn basic abilities like walking and talking. “I’ve spoken to people that are in wheelchairs after a stroke,” he emphasized. “It’s not a pretty thing to go through.” Even so, Rodgers said he’s feeling stronger and healthier than he has in years. “I feel good. I feel very good. My health is great. I’m off all the drugs, no statin or Ramipril. It’s good to get off that stuff and just eat healthy and do lots of exercise.” The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony is set for Los Angeles, with inductees including Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes. After the announcement, fans took to social media to send their thoughts and well-wishes to the frontman. “Oh poor you Paul, hope you’re taking it easy now and get better real soon,” one fan wrote, while another added, “You’re doing the right thing, Paul — no stress is the way to go. We know it would have been tons of excitement and probably a lot of pressure at that event.” While fans understand that Rodgers’ health must come first, there’s hope they’ll get to see him and Kirke reunite on stage in the future.
