Sade Will Not Attend Rock Hall Induction Ceremony

The Official Announcement

The iconic British act, fronted by singer Sade Adu, confirmed their absence through a statement published on the band’s official website. Despite the high-profile nature of the event, the group will not be on hand to accept the honor in person. The band, which also features bassist Paul Spencer Denman, keyboardist Andrew Hale, and saxophonist Stuart Matthewman, is being inducted in the performer category as part of the Class of 2026.

"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."

— Sade Adu

This induction marks a significant milestone for the group, occurring after their second nomination; their first nomination for the Hall of Fame took place in 2024. In their public message, the band expressed that the induction serves as a "timely reminder to give thanks" to their supporters and voters.

"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."

— Sade

Tributes and Collaborators

In addition to thanking their fans, the group used their statement to pay tribute to the key figures who supported their career. They specifically acknowledged Australian artist manager Roger Davies and the late record producer Mike Pela. Pela, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 72, was described by the band as a "soul mate" and a fundamental part of their creative unit.

"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."

— Sade

A Class of Notable Absentees

Sade is not the only high-profile act skipping this year's festivities. They are joined on the sidelines by fellow inductees Oasis. According to reports from Monday, November 9, the Gallagher brothers will not be attending or performing at the Los Angeles event. Noel Gallagher is scheduled to perform at Goldie’s EFG Jazz Festival at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Saturday, while Liam Gallagher cited the distance and the upcoming holiday season as reasons for his absence on social media.

"It’s too far to be going for the night I got s–t to do it’s Christmas."

— Liam Gallagher

The absence of these artists places them in a long historical lineage of musicians who have declined to attend their own Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions. Previous no-shows include legendary figures such as Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, and the Sex Pistols, as well as Van Morrison, Jerry Garcia, Levon Helm, Roger Waters, Grace Slick, Eddie Van Halen, and Axl Rose. The rest of the performer category for the Class of 2026 includes Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.

Career Legacy and Global Impact

Formed in London in 1982, the group became a defining force in the Smooth Jazz and contemporary R&B genres. They were leading figures in the "second British invasion," achieving massive success without conforming to the era's trends of teased hair or tabloid headlines. The band earned a reputation for being enigmatic, often taking long hiatuses between projects. Their most recent studio album, Soldier of Love, was released in 2010, appearing a full decade after its predecessor, the 2000 album Lovers Rock.

Throughout their career, the group has achieved significant commercial and critical milestones, including:

• Four Grammy Awards, including the award for Best New Artist in 1986.

• Two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200: Promise (1985) and Soldier of Love (2010).

• Two Top 5 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985: "Smooth Operator" and "Sweetest Taboo."

• Royal honors for Sade Adu, including an OBE in 2002 and a CBE in the 2017 Birthday Honours.

While the band did not disclose the specific reasons for their absence from the Peacock Theatre this weekend, their statement emphasized that the honor remains deeply meaningful to all four members.