Bad Company
Formed in England late in 1973 by the seasoned foursome of Paul
Rodgers and Simon Kirke (both ex-Free), plus Mick Ralphs
(ex-Mott The Hoople) and Boz Burrell
(ex-King Crimson). They took the name for their
power rock supergroup from a 1972 western film starring Jeff Bridges.
Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant signed the band to his new Swan Song
label in 1974 and they hit the big time almost immediately. No. 1 in
America, No. 3 in the UK, their eponymous debut album set the blueprint;
driving music par excellence with Rodger's heavy, soulful vocals set
against a rock solid musical backdrop.
Classic tracks included Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Feel
Like Makin' Love and Bad Company.
Bad Company began to tread water at the tail end of the 70s.
Nevertheless they continued to sell bucket loads of records right up
until their 1983 parting shot Rough Diamonds.
Rodgers went on to solo work, and Bad Company reformed three years
later with ex-Ted Nugent front man Brian Howe taking Rodgers'
place.
Their subsequent releases were lukewarm AOR fodder and by the 90s,
Ralphs was the only original remaining member of the line-up.
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