BAD COMPANY

BAD COMPANY

Genres: classic rock, hard rock, rock, blues rock, Drum and bass

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About BAD COMPANY

Bad Company were an English rock supergroup formed in London in 1973 by singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke, both formerly of Free, guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople, and bassist Boz Burrell, formerly of King Crimson. Kirke was the only member to remain throughout the band's entire run, while he and Ralphs were the only members to appear on every studio album. The band was managed by Peter Grant, known for managing Led Zeppelin, until 1982. Burrell died in 2006 and Ralphs in 2025, leaving Kirke and Rodgers as the surviving original members. Bad Company achieved commercial success in the 1970s. Their first three albums, "Bad Company" (1974), "Straight Shooter" (1975), and "Run with the Pack" (1976), reached the top five on the album charts in both the UK and US. Popular songs include "Bad Company", "Can't Get Enough", "Feel Like Makin' Love", "Shooting Star", "Burnin' Sky", and "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy". The band has sold 20 million RIAA-certified albums in the US and 40 million worldwide. Initially disbanding in 1982, they reunited intermittently to record and tour until 2019, when Rodgers suffered a major stroke. In 2023, Kirke stated the band would not continue due to Rodgers' health issues. Bad Company were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. The original Paul Rodgers era (1973–1982) saw the band signed to Swan Song Records/Atlantic Records in North America and Island Records elsewhere. Their 1974 debut album, "Bad Company", reached number one on the Billboard 200 and number three on the UK Albums Chart. It was certified five times platinum in the US. Subsequent albums included "Straight Shooter" (1975), "Run with the Pack" (1976), "Burnin' Sky" (1977), and "Desolation Angels" (1979). The band took a three-year hiatus before releasing "Rough Diamonds" (1982), after which they disbanded. Bootlegs and later live albums, such as "Live in Albuquerque 1976" (2006), documented performances from this period. During the Brian Howe era (1986–1994), the band resumed activity without Rodgers, adding Howe as lead vocalist, Steve Price on bass, and Greg Dechert on keyboards. Albums included "Fame and Fortune" (1986), "Dangerous Age" (1988), "Holy Water" (1990), and "Here Comes Trouble" (1992). Howe's tenure introduced a more pop-rock sound. The band toured extensively with supporting musicians, including Geoff Whitehorn, Dave "Bucket" Colwell, and Rick Wills. Live recordings from this period were released in "What You Hear Is What You Get: The Best of Bad Company" (1993). Howe left in 1994, citing creative and performance issues. The Robert Hart era (1994–1998) featured Hart as lead vocalist. Albums released included "Company of Strangers" (1995) and "Stories Told & Untold" (1996). Mick Ralphs and other members were occasionally absent from tours due to health concerns. The original members reunited briefly in 1998 to record new tracks for "The 'Original' Bad Co. Anthology" (1999), followed by a US reunion tour. Subsequent touring periods included 2001–2002, with Rodgers and Kirke as the only original members, supported by Dave Colwell, Jaz Lochrie, and guest performers including Slash and Neal Schon. Releases from this era included live albums and DVDs such as "Merchants of Cool". From 2008 to 2023, Bad Company performed with a combination of original and later members, including Rodgers, Kirke, Colwell, Todd Ronning, and Howard Leese. They toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd and other acts, and re-released remastered editions of their early albums. Health issues affected Ralphs and Rodgers in later years, limiting participation in tours. Former lead singer Brian Howe died in 2020. In 2023, Kirke confirmed the band had effectively ended. Bad Company were formally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025, with Mick Fleetwood presenting the induction. Studio albums Bad Company (1974) Straight Shooter (1975) Run with the Pack (1976) Burnin' Sky (1977) Desolation Angels (1979) Rough Diamonds (1982) Fame and Fortune (1986) Dangerous Age (1988) Holy Water (1990) Here Comes Trouble (1992) Company of Strangers (1995) Stories Told & Untold (1996) For the drum and bass collective, see: Bad Company UK.

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