Chubby Checker is set to be honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8. However, the iconic singer has made it clear that he will not be present for the ceremony. This decision has been acknowledged by the Rock Hall, which presented him with his induction trophy earlier during his concert on July 27 in Des Plaines, Illinois. During that performance, Checker elaborated in an interview that he intentionally arranged for his manager to schedule a concert on the same night as the induction ceremony.

Checker stated from the stage, “I told my manager, ‘Make sure when we go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the induction that I’m doing what I love doing the most, being in front of an audience. A live audience, not a television audience.’” His manager has reportedly followed through with this request, although the exact location of Checker’s performance on that evening has yet to be disclosed.

He did inform the Rock Hall, “We’re not coming. We have a gig.” This remark underscores his commitment to performing live for his fans rather than attending a ceremony that he feels does not align with his current career path.

In explaining his absence from the November ceremony, Checker expressed a strong preference for performing to his loyal fans instead of attending the Hall of Fame event. “If Chubby goes to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he’s an old guy, he’s probably retired, he’s not doing anything. Maybe he has crutches and he’s coming to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to get his little award and go back home,” he remarked. “I said, ‘No. Let’s be doing a show like I’m doing today.’ This shows that I’m alive and well, the audience is wonderful, and my dream is still being fulfilled, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is happening all at the same time.”

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Checker is not the only esteemed inductee this year to turn down the invitation. Veteran bassist Carol Kaye, who is set to be recognized in the Musical Excellence category, has also stated that she will not be attending. At the age of 90, Kaye has expressed her discontent with the ceremony in a Facebook post, stating that she feels the event does not accurately represent the contributions of studio musicians during the golden era of the 1960s, when countless hits were recorded.

Kaye elaborated, “I refuse to be part of a process that is something else rather than what I believe in, for others’ benefit and not reflecting on the truth. We all enjoyed working with EACH OTHER. Thank you for understanding.” Her statement reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and recognition of the collaborative spirit that characterized the era.