Singer Sade Adu & Her Legendary Band Will Skip Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction-Dedicates Honor To Late Producer

Singer Sade Adu & Her Legendary Band Will Skip Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction-Dedicates Honor To Late Producer

While many fans know Sade as the iconic singer behind hits like “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love,” the name also represents the British soul band she fronts. Now, the group is preparing for a major honor, but none of its members will attend their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

On Tuesday, November 10, the band confirmed it will miss the November 14 celebration at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.

“Sorry we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists,” the group stated.

“Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us,” the statement continued.

The band consists of lead vocalist Sade Adu, bassist Paul Denman, saxophonist Stuart Matthewman, and keyboardist Andrew Hale.

Reflecting on the honor, the musicians shared:

“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… we are indebted to the ones who’ve been with us on this road to get here.”

The group also thanked longtime manager Roger Davis and dedicated the recognition to late producer Mike Pela, affectionately known as the “fifth Sade,” who died following a sudden illness in 2022.

“This is as much yours as ours Mike forever our soul mate,” they wrote.

Formed in London in 1982, Sade has released six studio albums and sold more than 81.5 million equivalent units worldwide.

The band joins the 2026 Rock Hall class alongside Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Oasis, and other legendary acts.