Sade Won’t Attend Rock Hall Induction Ceremony

Sade will be honored this weekend, but the band will not be in the room. In a statement posted to their official website on November 10, the group confirmed they will not attend their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in person this Saturday, November 14, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

“Sorry we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists,” the statement read. “Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us.” The band gave no reason for the absence, and thanked everyone who voted for them and everyone who lets their music into their lives.

The induction brings Sade Adu together with bandmates Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman and Andrew Hale in the Performer category, on the band’s second nomination. In their statement, they dedicated the honor to their late producer Mike Pela, calling him the fifth member of Sade. Many fans had hoped the night might bring the band’s first performance together since 2011 — that moment will have to wait.

Sade enters the Hall this year alongside Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and Oasis, who have also said they will not attend. The honor stands either way — four decades after “Smooth Operator,” Sade’s quiet, unmistakable sound is officially Hall of Fame history.

Your Station, Your Music, Your Culture.
Photo: Julio Lopes / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)