Sade will not be present for this week’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The English quartet, composed of Sade Adu, Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman, and Andrew Hale, are among the acts selected for enshrinement at the ceremony scheduled for Saturday at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
However, on Tuesday a spokesperson for Sade issued a statement through the band’s official site confirming their absence from the event.
“Regrettably, we can’t attend in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please understand that our absence does not diminish the significance of this recognition for us,” the message read. “Being inducted into the Rock & 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 to every listener who invites our music into their lives.”
The representative afterwards credited manager Roger Davies and paid tribute to the late Mike Pela, the engineer and co-producer who passed away in 2022.
“We’re indebted to those who’ve stood by us on this journey to reach this point,” they added, closing with: “Sade, Stuart, Andrew, and Paul. Mike Pela, the fifth Sade… This moment belongs to you as much as to us, Mike. Forever our soulmate.”
Sade is in step with Oasis in declining the annual spectacle, with Liam Gallagher posting on X that the trip was “too far” to travel “for the night.”
Other artists set to be inducted this weekend include Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, the late Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
