Bad Company

Bad Company are a British blues-rock supergroup formed in London in 1973. The original line-up brings together 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 remains the only member to stay with the group throughout its full active span, and he and Ralphs appear on every studio album.

Early success and classic line-up

The band’s first period is their most commercially successful. Their debut album, Bad Company, reaches number one on the Billboard 200 and number three on the UK Albums Chart, and is certified five times platinum in the US. The next albums, Straight Shooter and Run with the Pack, also reach the top five in both the UK and US. Other albums from this era include Burnin' Sky, Desolation Angels and Rough Diamonds. The group is managed by Peter Grant until 1982, and releases in this period come out on Swan Song Records and Atlantic Records in North America, and Island Records elsewhere.

Key songs and releases

Bad Company’s best-known songs include “Bad Company”, “Can’t Get Enough”, “Feel Like Makin’ Love”, “Shooting Star”, “Burnin’ Sky” and “Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy”. The band is associated with a large catalogue of studio and live recordings, including bootlegs and live albums such as Live in Albuquerque 1976, which documents performances from the original era.

Later line-ups and activity

The group initially disbands in 1982 after Rough Diamonds, then resumes activity in 1986 without Rodgers. During this period Brian Howe becomes lead vocalist, with Steve Price on bass and Greg Dechert on keyboards. Albums from this era include Fame and Fortune, Dangerous Age, Holy Water and Here Comes Trouble, and the band adopts a more pop-rock direction. Touring is supported by musicians including Geoff Whitehorn, Dave “Bucket” Colwell and Rick Wills, and live material appears on What You Hear Is What You Get: The Best of Bad Company.

In 1994, Robert Hart replaces Howe as lead vocalist. This line-up records Company of Strangers and Stories Told & Untold, though Mick Ralphs and other members are sometimes absent from touring because of health concerns. The original members briefly reunite in 1998 to record new tracks for The 'Original' Bad Co. Anthology, followed by a US reunion tour. Later touring runs include 2001–2002, with Rodgers and Kirke joined by Dave Colwell, Jaz Lochrie, and guest musicians including Slash and Neal Schon.

Final years and recognition

From 2008 to 2023, Bad Company perform with a mix of original and later members including Rodgers, Kirke, Colwell, Todd Ronning and Howard Leese. They tour with acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and reissue remastered versions of their early albums. Rodgers suffers a major stroke in 2019, and the group later stops continuing as an active unit. Burrell dies in 2006, Brian Howe dies in 2020, and Ralphs dies in 2025. Bad Company are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.