The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony faces a notable attendance shortfall this year. While the inductee class boasts significant talent — most members remain active — several honorees have declined their invitations without public explanation.
British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Sade Adu announced via the band’s website that the group will not attend the ceremony. The statement expressed gratitude for the honor while offering no specific reason for their absence:
“Sorry we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. 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 those who voted for us and every single person who lets our music into their lives.”
“Thank you to our manager Roger Davies. We are indebted to the ones who’ve been with us on this road to get here.”
“Sade, Stuart, Andrew and Paul. Mike Pela, the fifth Sade… This is as much yours as ours Mike. Forever our soul mate.”
The band has maintained minimal public activity since their 2011 Abu Dhabi concert. Their recent contributions include the 2024 benefit compilation track “Young Lion,” and soundtrack appearances for A Wrinkle in Time and Widows (2018). Their last studio album, Soldier of Love, was released in 2010. Producer Mike Pela, a key collaborator, passed away in 2022.
Other notable absentees include Iron Maiden — citing Australian tour commitments — and Oasis. Noel Gallagher has a pre-scheduled solo performance, while Liam Gallagher dismissed attendance with characteristically colorful explanations ranging from holiday plans to household chores.
New Order’s Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert will also miss the event as Gilbert undergoes cancer treatment. Frontman Bernard Sumner plans to attend, though former bassist Peter Hook’s participation remains uncertain.
Posthumous inductees — including Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and legends Luther Vandross, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Gram Parsons, Linda Creed, Arif Sardin, Jimmy Miller, and Ed Sullivan — will naturally be absent.
The ceremony takes place November 14 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. With just days remaining, the Hall of Fame has yet to announce presenters or performers, raising questions about the event’s viability.
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