Bad Company

Bad Company Artistfacts

  • 1973-
    Paul RodgersVocals
    Mick RalphsGuitar
    Boz BurrellBass
    Simon KirkeDrums
  • Before forming Bad Company, Rodgers and Kirke were in Free, Burrell was in King Crimson, and Ralphs was in Mott The Hoople. It was a few months before Burrell came on board, during which time they wrote most of the songs for their first album.
  • They were the first band to record for Led Zeppelin's record label, Swan Song. They recorded their first album at Headley Grange, the mansion where Zeppelin recorded many of their tracks. They also shared a manager with Led Zeppelin: Peter Grant.
  • According to Kirke and most sources, they got their name from a 1972 Western called Bad Company starring Jeff Bridges. Rodgers later refuted this, saying it came from a book he read when he was young.
  • The group temporarily disbanded in 1982 when Rodgers left to form The Firm with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. The group reformed in 1986 without Rodgers, who later rejoined them in 1999.

    While Rodgers was gone, former Ted Nugent vocalist Brian Howe filled in. He was introduced to Bad Company by Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones.
  • Their first two albums contained just eight songs each and ran about 35 minutes long. This was done, in part, for fidelity: on vinyl albums shorter run times allowed for larger grooves, which improved sound quality.
  • Kirke suggested to Don Henley and Glenn Frey that they bring Joe Walsh into the Eagles. They did.
  • While the band was disbanded in the 1980s, Ralphs toured with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.
  • Ex-King Crimson saxophonist Mel Collins played on their first album.
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Ronnie Van Zant had a boat named after the band. He was a huge Bad Company fan.
  • After a grueling 1977 tour, they took the next year off, which served two purposes:

    1) To get the "thrill" back.
    2) To flee England so they could avoid paying the very high taxes charged to high earners.
  • Kirke was the last guest musician to join Led Zeppelin on stage. He joined them for an extended rendition of "Whole Lotta Love" at their concert in Munich on July 5, 1980. This turned out to be Zeppelin's penultimate show, as drummer John Bonham died two months later.

Comments: 10

  • Thorsten from Vienna, AtDoes anyone know the story behind the album cover für Shooting Star? Why did they choose a gambling table?
  • Don from Saint Louis, MoIn July of 1991, Bad Company performed the next concert at the Riverport Amphitheatre in St. Louis following the infamous Guns N Roses riot. The "riot" started when a concert goer took a picture and Axel Rose when nuts. A local radio station (KSHE 95), with the bands approval, sponsored "Bring a Camera night".
  • Lester from New York City, NyWhen Bad Company started to perform again after Paul Rodgers left, they started doing 'Ready For Love', the Mick Ralphs song that MR brought over from Mott the Hoople, with the guitar break ending, as was the way Mott the Hoople used to do the song.
  • Robert from Tweed ValleyGood Lovin' Gone Bad!

    I've given up trying to rate Paul Rodgers, coz I need a place for Steve Marriott. They come from different angles, and I cant compare them. I just get on with enjoying there respective craft and am thankful that they rocked! Warren Haynes is another fav of mine, the mule really rock!
  • Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, ScYeah i love "Burning sky."
  • James from Schoolcraft, Mi"burning Sky" is one of my favs
  • Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, Scpaul rogers is probably one of the best vocalists in rock, if not the best! I like how his voice is so soulful nad bluesy! I think it's great that he's touring with Queen, but I with that they'd come to the U.S. and play some shows!
  • Don from Pittsburgh, PaIMHO,Paul Rodgers is the best blues/rock male vocalist ever. Listen to Free and his vocal phrasings with that band, and of course with Bad Company. Ronnie Van Zandt was a huge Free fan and also Johnny Winter.
  • Windle from Montgomery, AlI believe Headly Grange is a castle and the mobile studio was set up there....skipper B)
  • Christina from Redding, Cai cna relate to alot of bad companies music my uncle got me into it..its some good music to listen to while your drinking and trying to have a goood time...
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