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Bad Company - Bad Company (CD)
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BAD COMPANY History
Bad Company formed in England in 1973, bringing together vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke from Free, guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople, and bassist Boz Burrell from King Crimson. The quartet combined blues-based singing and guitar playing with concise songs and strong choruses.
The group signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records. Their debut became an early success for the label, establishing Bad Company alongside the individual members’ previous bands.
Their self-titled debut album, Bad Company, was released in 1974 and reached number one in the United States. It included Can’t Get Enough, Movin’ On, Rock Steady, Ready for Love and the title track, introducing the blend of guitar riffs, piano and blues vocals that shaped their early records.
Paul Rodgers was Bad Company’s original lead singer. His work with Free preceded the group, and he later recorded with The Firm and toured and recorded with Queen. His voice is central to Bad Company’s 1970s studio catalogue.
Following the success of their debut, Bad Company continued their remarkable run with albums including Straight Shooter, Run with the Pack, Burnin’ Sky and Desolation Angels. Songs such as Feel Like Makin’ Love, Good Lovin’ Gone Bad, Shooting Star, Run with the Pack and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy became staples of classic rock radio and remain among the band’s most popular recordings.
Can’t Get Enough and Feel Like Makin’ Love show two sides of the band’s songwriting: direct, riff-driven rock and a quieter verse building into a heavier chorus. Both remain useful introductions to the original line-up’s sound.
The original line-up’s first run ended after Rough Diamonds in 1982. The musicians subsequently pursued separate projects before later reunions and changes of personnel.
Rodgers formed The Firm with Jimmy Page during the 1980s and also developed his solo career. These projects sit alongside the later chapters of Bad Company’s history rather than belonging to its original run of albums.
Bad Company reunited several times over the following decades, although various line-up changes meant the classic quartet rarely performed together. Paul Rodgers later rejoined the band for reunion tours, returning his voice to the earlier repertoire.
Guitarist Mick Ralphs died in June 2025, after the band’s induction had been announced. Bad Company were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later that year. The inducted members were Boz Burrell, Simon Kirke, Mick Ralphs and Paul Rodgers.
Bad Company, Straight Shooter and Desolation Angels offer different entry points into the original quartet’s catalogue. With live albums and later releases, the recording date and credited singer help identify the line-up. Compare track lists and edition details as well as sleeve artwork when choosing a vinyl release.
The group signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records. Their debut became an early success for the label, establishing Bad Company alongside the individual members’ previous bands.
Their self-titled debut album, Bad Company, was released in 1974 and reached number one in the United States. It included Can’t Get Enough, Movin’ On, Rock Steady, Ready for Love and the title track, introducing the blend of guitar riffs, piano and blues vocals that shaped their early records.
Paul Rodgers was Bad Company’s original lead singer. His work with Free preceded the group, and he later recorded with The Firm and toured and recorded with Queen. His voice is central to Bad Company’s 1970s studio catalogue.
Following the success of their debut, Bad Company continued their remarkable run with albums including Straight Shooter, Run with the Pack, Burnin’ Sky and Desolation Angels. Songs such as Feel Like Makin’ Love, Good Lovin’ Gone Bad, Shooting Star, Run with the Pack and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy became staples of classic rock radio and remain among the band’s most popular recordings.
Can’t Get Enough and Feel Like Makin’ Love show two sides of the band’s songwriting: direct, riff-driven rock and a quieter verse building into a heavier chorus. Both remain useful introductions to the original line-up’s sound.
The original line-up’s first run ended after Rough Diamonds in 1982. The musicians subsequently pursued separate projects before later reunions and changes of personnel.
Rodgers formed The Firm with Jimmy Page during the 1980s and also developed his solo career. These projects sit alongside the later chapters of Bad Company’s history rather than belonging to its original run of albums.
Bad Company reunited several times over the following decades, although various line-up changes meant the classic quartet rarely performed together. Paul Rodgers later rejoined the band for reunion tours, returning his voice to the earlier repertoire.
Guitarist Mick Ralphs died in June 2025, after the band’s induction had been announced. Bad Company were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later that year. The inducted members were Boz Burrell, Simon Kirke, Mick Ralphs and Paul Rodgers.
Bad Company, Straight Shooter and Desolation Angels offer different entry points into the original quartet’s catalogue. With live albums and later releases, the recording date and credited singer help identify the line-up. Compare track lists and edition details as well as sleeve artwork when choosing a vinyl release.
