Paul Rodgers may have be unable to attend the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony — but that didn’t stop him from cheering on the performers.
On Monday, Nov. 10, Nancy Wilson shared the heartfelt note the Bad Company singer sent her before she went on stage via Instagram.
During the ceremony, the Heart guitarist joined Bryan Adams, Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, and Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke for a performance of “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
“Dear Nancy, Mick [Ralphs] is smiling down,” Rodgers wrote of his late bandmate. “I know you’ll do us proud!!!”
He signed the letter, “Love, Paul” with a heart.
RELATED: Paul Rodgers Delivers Emotional Message After Missing Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Rodgers was initially set the perform with the group, but on Monday, Nov. 3, he announced he would be missing the ceremony due to unspecified health issues.
“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. Simon [Kirke] along with some outstanding musicians will be stepping in for me — guaranteed to rock.”
At the ceremony, Kirke was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Mick Fleetwood. The other two original Bad Company members, Mick Ralphs and Boz Burrell, passed away in 2025 and 2006, respectively.
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Bad Company’s induction was not the only set Wilson participated in that night. Later on, she joined Toni Cornell on stage for a tribute to her late father Chris Cornell. Chris was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame with his band Soundgarden.
“What an unforgettable night,” Wilson wrote on Instagram. “Huge love to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Bad Company, Joe Perry, Bryan Adams, Chris Robinson, and Toni Cornell for the magic. Honored to share the stage”
In the comment section, Toni replied, “Will hold this night in my heart forever ❤️ thank you so much for helping me honor my father, and Soundgarden’s incredible legacy. Love you!!!!”
ABC will air a primetime special of the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, with streaming available on Hulu the next day.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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