Bad Company Singer Paul Rodgers Sworn In As Canadian Citizen

At a public ceremony in Surrey, British Columbia, on October 21, the British-born Paul Rodgers -- lead singer of Free, Bad Company and The Firm (not to mention Queen) -- was sworn in as a Canadian citizen.

Here's a statement from Rodgers:

"It may not be my native land but Canada is surely now my home. While I'll always be an Englishman, Canada has given me so much for which I am grateful. My wife, your former Miss Canada Cynthia Kereluk, a new and extended family and the chance to be truly free in a country that with its quiet strength combines the best of so many worlds.

I'm proud to be a Canuck.

Thank you, Merci.

-- Paul Rodgers"

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Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.