On Sunday, in a surprise announcement at a concert in Des Plaines, Illinois, Chubby Checker accepted his trophy, gave a brief speech to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame cameras, then launched into "The Twist." Checker later sat down for an interview where he explained he will be skipping the induction ceremony in November because he prefers to play in front of a "live audience, not a television audience."

After 39 years of being snubbed by the Hall of Fame, Checker decided to turn away from their embrace.

Chubby Checker is skipping the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony (h/t @rockinretropod.bsky.social )

…more to come

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— Future Rock Legends (@futurerocklegends.com) July 29, 2025 at 12:17 AM

Here’s more of Chubby Checker’s explanation for skipping the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony

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— Future Rock Legends (@futurerocklegends.com) July 29, 2025 at 9:07 AM

Checker's announcement comes after he was finally nominated for the first time and inducted in his 40th year of eligibility, after spending years publicly talking about his absence. His explanation is a bit convoluted, but it sounds like after he was nominated in February, he asked his manager to book him a gig specifically on the night of the induction ceremony. Checker said, "Let's be doing a show, like I am doing today, to show that I'm alive and well… And my dream is still being fulfilled, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is happening all at the same time."

There isn't any precedent for an inductee publicly receiving their trophy away from the induction ceremony, particularly three months prior to the event. Rock Hall production cameras were on hand to record Chubby's speech from the stage after he accepted his trophy.

What a surprise! If I'm holding this, it means that Chubby Checker has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. How about that?

I thank all of my peers who have elected me, and all of my wonderful fans of all this time, I appreciate you so much. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I thank you for making me a member of the family. When I go through Cleveland in the car, I'll think totally different than before, because a light has gone on in my life. When I'll go through Cleveland, I'll just be illuminated by all the good things that have happened to me in my lifetime. I am so thankful, I appreciate it, and I can't say how wonderful it is that this has happened to me and I'm alive to enjoy it!

And it all began with this…. "C'mon baby!, Let's do the Twist!"

Checker joins Carol Kaye in deciding to skip the L.A. ceremony. Additionally, Bad Company's Mick Ralphs passed away in June leaving Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers as the last living members who are being inducted. Sadly, this year's class has seven inductees (Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, Warren Zevon, Joe Cocker, Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell, and Chris Cornell) who have died, leaving Rock Hall producers more segments to fill with tributes.

The ceremony will stream live on Disney+ on November 8th.

Credit to Nick Bambach of the Rock in Retrospect podcast for breaking this story.