Paul Rodgers says he “dodged a bullet” missing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony
Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers has claimed he “dodged a bullet” by missing the band’s Rock and Roll induction ceremony last month.
Just days before their induction, Rodgers took to Instagram to share his disappointment at missing the ceremony for health reasons.
He shared with fans, “My hope was to be at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritise my health. I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else. Thank you for understanding.”
At the ceremony, Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke held the fort. He was joined by special guests Bryan Adams, Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, Heart’s Nancy Wilson, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry for a performance of the band’s biggest hits.
Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood had the honour of inducting the group.
Now, in a new interview with Rolling Stone Brazil, Rodgers detailed the health conditions that caused him to pull out of the show, explaining, “About a week prior to leaving for rehearsals for the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame induction and TV show, my blood pressure was very high and I started to have chest pains and heart palpitations.”
However, Rodgers, with the benefit of hindsight, sees it as a blessing in disguise, adding, “I saw my doctor, who absolutely forbid me to get on a plane. He recommended that I stay home, rest and remain calm, and I feel that I dodged a bullet by doing that.”
Rodgers continued, “I am in the zen phase of my life and enjoy being immersed in a peaceful and calm life. I can sing again and play daily to a crowd of one.”
The rock icon previously suffered major strokes in 2016, 2019, and 2024, which is why he now remains focused on his health rather than returning to touring.
Speaking to Forbes in June, he explained, “I’ve had 11 TIA’s [Transient Ischemic Attacks], and three major strokes, the last one just last year. It’s hereditary, runs in my family unfortunately. My father passed at 60, likely due to a stroke. I’m 75, so I’ve had a lot more life than he did.”
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