Badfinger
Biography
In the annals of rock history, few bands have endured such a cruel paradox as Badfinger – blessed with an abundance of melodic genius yet cursed by a series of tragic circumstances that would ultimately overshadow their considerable musical achievements. Emerging from the Welsh valleys in the late 1960s, this quartet would craft some of the most enduring pop songs of their era, only to become a cautionary tale about the music industry's darker machinations.
Originally formed in Swansea in 1961 as The Iveys, the band consisted of Pete Ham on guitar and vocals, Tom Evans on bass, Mike Gibbins on drums, and Ron Griffiths on bass and vocals. Their early incarnation showed promise, but it wasn't until they caught the attention of The Beatles' Apple Records in 1968 that their trajectory truly began. Paul McCartney himself took notice of their demo, leading to their signing and subsequent rechristening as Badfinger – a name derived from an early working title for "With a Little Help from My Friends."
The band's sound was quintessentially late-60s power pop, melding the harmonic sophistication of The Beatles with the raw energy of The Who and the melodic sensibilities of The Hollies. Their approach was deceptively simple – jangly guitars, soaring harmonies, and hooks that burrowed deep into the listener's consciousness. Yet beneath this accessibility lay a sophisticated understanding of songcraft that would influence generations of musicians to come.
Badfinger's breakthrough came with "Come and Get It," a McCartney composition that the Beatle had originally intended for the film "The Magic Christian." Released in 1970, the song became a worldwide hit, reaching the top ten in both the UK and US. This success established them as Apple Records' most commercially viable act after The Beatles themselves, a position that brought both opportunities and immense pressure.
Their 1970 album "No Dice" showcased the band's own songwriting prowess, featuring Pete Ham's masterpiece "Without You" – a track that would later become a massive hit for Harry Nilsson and subsequently for Mariah Carey, generating millions in royalties that the original writers would tragically never fully enjoy. The album perfectly encapsulated their ability to balance melancholy with euphoria, creating songs that were simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting.
The follow-up, "Straight Up" (1971), produced by George Harrison, represented their creative peak. Tracks like "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue" demonstrated a maturity in their songwriting, with Ham and Evans developing into formidable composers capable of crafting both intimate ballads and driving rockers. The album's success seemed to cement their status as major players in the rock hierarchy.
However, success bred complications. Management disputes, particularly involving Stan Polley, began to strangle the band financially. Despite their songs generating substantial income, the members found themselves increasingly impoverished, unable to access their earnings due to legal entanglements and questionable business practices. The dissolution of Apple Records in 1973 further complicated matters, leaving them in contractual limbo.
Their later albums, "Ass" (1973) and "Wish You Were Here" (1974), while containing excellent material, failed to achieve the commercial success of their earlier work. The band's morale plummeted as financial pressures mounted. The situation reached its tragic nadir in 1975 when Pete Ham, despondent over the band's circumstances and unable to support his family, took his own life at age 27.
The remaining members attempted to continue, but lightning struck twice in 1983 when Tom Evans, facing similar pressures and still battling over the rights to "Without You," also committed suicide. These devastating losses cast a permanent shadow over the band's legacy, transforming their story from one of musical triumph to industry tragedy.
Yet Badfinger's influence has proven remarkably enduring. Their melodic approach and harmonic sophistication can be heard in everyone from Cheap Trick and The Replacements to Oasis and Wilco. "Baby Blue" found new life as the closing song to "Breaking Bad," introducing their music to a new generation and demonstrating the timeless quality of their compositions.
Today, Badfinger stands as both inspiration and warning – a reminder of the transcendent power of great songwriting and the music industry's capacity for exploitation. Their brief, brilliant flame illuminated the possibilities of perfect pop, even as their story serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of artistic ambition in an unforgiving business.
