Badfinger: A Remarkable Journey Through Triumph and Tragedy
The Beatles Era and Badfinger’s Emergence
In the wake of Paul McCartney’s announcement in April 1970 regarding his departure from The Beatles, the landscape of rock music was irrevocably altered. This split heralded a series of significant changes not only for the Fab Four but also for bands surrounding them, including Badfinger. Known for their melodic rock tunes, Badfinger caught the attention of various Beatles members—most notably, they contributed to George Harrison’s acclaimed triple album, “All Things Must Pass”, released the same year. Additionally, members Joey Molland and Mike Evans played on John Lennon’s seminal 1971 work, “Imagine.”
Legal Challenges and Internal Strife
Despite their promising start, Badfinger’s journey was marred by tumultuous challenges. The band signed with Warner Bros., but their financial dealings quickly deteriorated. They found themselves entangled in a complex legal battle with their manager, Stan Polley, who was simultaneously involved in disputes with the record label. This situation culminated in the controversial decision by Warner Bros. to halt distribution of the band’s 1974 album, Wish You Were Here, despite its positive critical reception.
Tragedy and Loss within the Band
Tensions mounted among the band members, exacerbated by ongoing frustrations regarding their management. The situation peaked with the tragic suicide of Pete Ham in 1975, who left behind a note addressing his despair over Polley: “Stan Polley is a soulless bastard. I will take him with me.” The band’s ongoing struggles would see further tragedy, as another key member, Mike Evans, took his own life in 1983, reflecting the profound impact of their challenges on the group’s morale and stability. As of 2005, drummer Tom Gibbins had also passed away due to a brain aneurysm.
Continuing the Legacy
Following these devastating losses, Joey Molland remained a steadfast member of Badfinger, leading various iterations of the band. Throughout the years, he collaborated with Evans on albums like Airwaves (1979) and Say No More (1981), albeit under a cloud of ongoing disputes over royalties. Molland continued to tour under the name Joey Molland’s Badfinger, keeping the band’s legacy alive as he approached his later years.
Personal Reflections
Molland’s reflections on Badfinger’s tumultuous history reveal a profound sorrow intertwined with an acceptance of their complex legacy. He remarked on the tragedies that befell the band, stating, “People say things like ‘the saddest story in rock,’ and I guess they always will… Who knows what drives people to do such a thing? But I can’t think about ‘what might have been.’ You go crazy if you live your life like that.” Molland is survived by two sons, Joseph and Shaun, and carries the memories of his fallen bandmates with him.
