British Columbia resident Paul Rodgers has achieved one of music's highest honors as the only Canadian inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The legendary vocalist and founding member of both Free and Bad Company received this prestigious recognition during a ceremony held on November 8 at Los Angeles' Peacock Theatre.
Canadian Connection and Ceremony Highlights
Although health issues prevented the 75-year-old musician from attending in person, his close friend and fellow Canadian music icon Bryan Adams stepped in to deliver a rousing performance of the Bad Company classic "Can't Get Enough of Your Love." Rodgers prepared a taped acceptance speech that played during the event, where he expressed his admiration for Adams' performance, stating: "Bryan was amazing on so many levels — such a consummate professional. It was an absolute charge watching him perform our song."
Adams responded with equal enthusiasm, declaring: "It was an honour and a pleasure, and there's more songs to be sung, my brother!" The all-star backing ensemble featured Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke alongside notable musicians including Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson, Aerosmith's Joe Perry, and Queen keyboardist Spike Edney.
Rodgers' Remarkable Career Journey
Now living in Summerland, British Columbia, Rodgers originally came from Middlesborough, U.K. He became a Canadian citizen in 2011 and has resided in the country for many years. In 2007, he married Cynthia Kereluk, a television fitness expert and former Miss Canada winner from 1984.
Rodgers first rose to prominence fronting the blues rock band Free in 1968. The group achieved international fame with their global number one hit "All Right Now" in 1970. During their five-year existence, Free released four albums that collectively sold more than 20 million copies worldwide before disbanding in 1973.
Formation of Bad Company and Lasting Legacy
Following Free's dissolution, Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke joined forces with former Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs and ex-King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell to form Bad Company. The supergroup became the first act signed to Led Zeppelin's newly established Swan Song record label.
Throughout the 1970s, Bad Company emerged as one of the decade's most successful rock acts, producing a string of enduring hits including "Shooting Star," "Rock and Roll Fantasy," and the anthemic "Bad Company." Their straightforward, powerful rock sound, driven by Rodgers' distinctive soulful vocals, secured their place in rock history and paved the way for this ultimate recognition from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony also featured Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson as an additional guest vocalist, who opened the proceedings with a performance of the Bad Company hit "Feel Like Makin' Love." Bass duties during the tribute were handled by Todd Ronning, brother of former Vancouver Canucks forward Cliff Ronning, adding another Canadian connection to the celebratory event.
