At least three of this year’s
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
inductees are refusing to attend their own ceremony.
Sade, led by British singer
Sade Adu
, confirmed Tuesday that they won’t be attending Saturday’s
Rock Hall
induction in
Los Angeles
. The “Smooth Operator” group is part of the Class of 2026 in the performer category, including band members
Paul Spencer Denman
(bass guitar),
Andrew Hale
(keyboards) and
Stuart Matthewman
(saxophone).
“Sorry we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists,” Adu said in a statement on the band's website. “Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us.”
“Being inducted into the
Rock And Roll Hall of Fame
is both a gift and a timely reminder to give thanks, not only to those who voted for us but also every single person who lets our music into their lives.”
The news follows announcements by Oasis and Iron Maiden, who also won’t be attending the induction ceremony.
According to
Rolling Stone
, Sade, Oasis and Iron Maiden are far from the only no-shows in
Rock Hall
history. Past honorees who didn’t appear onstage include
Paul McCartney
,
Van Morrison
,
David Bowie
,
Grace Slick
, Eddie Van Halen,
Jerry Garcia
,
Levon Helm
,
Roger Waters
,
Joni Mitchell
,
Axl Rose
, the Sex Pistols,
Chubby Checker
, and members of Foreigner.
Other performers being inducted Saturday include
Phil Collins
,
Billy Idol
, Wu-Tang Clan, Joy Division/New Order and the late
Luther Vandross
, plus Early Influence award honorees
Celia Cruz
,
Fela Kuti
,
Queen Latifah
,
Gram Parsons
and MC Lyte. Collins, known for solo hits like “In the Air Tonight,” was previously inducted as a member of Genesis.
The
Rock Hall
induction ceremony will take place at the
Peacock Theater
in
Los Angeles
. Fans can watch the televised event on
ABC
and Disney+ in December.
