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Bad Company’s Long-Awaited Nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
After years of anticipation, Bad Company, the iconic British rock band, has finally received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2025. This nomination marks a significant recognition for the band, which has been eligible for induction for decades.
Frontman Paul Rodgers expressed gratitude towards the devoted fans who have advocated for the band’s inclusion. “Bad Company fans and friends have been lobbying for this nomination persistently for years and they never gave up, so big thanks to them,” he conveyed to Billboard. Drummer Simon Kirke echoed this sentiment, suggesting it was high time the band received the honor.
Kirke noted, “I think it’s been a long time coming. It has rankled me a bit. We’ve been around a long time and we’ve influenced a lot of bands, and I think it’s a place that we deserve. I’m just pleased that we’re at least on the ballot. I’m happy and I’m honored, and fingers crossed that we make it.”
Bad Company was founded in London in 1973, bringing together prominent musicians such as Rodgers and Kirke from Free, guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople, and bassist Boz Burrell from King Crimson. The band was managed by the legendary Peter Grant and was signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label. Their self-titled debut album in 1974 topped the Billboard 200, achieving five-times platinum status, and produced classic rock anthems like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On.”
Throughout their career, Bad Company released 11 studio albums, with four achieving platinum status or better. Their body of work has sold over 40 million records globally, with other notable hits including “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Shooting Star.”
Reflecting on the origins of Bad Company, Kirke shared, “Leaving behind those three bands that had become a bit of a millstone around our necks, there was certainly an element of hope and a fresh start. We just basically wanted a fresh start from our old bands, so it was like a phoenix rising from the ashes.” He recalled the excitement of their early songwriting process, particularly when Rodgers began performing Ralphs’ compositions like “Can’t Get Enough.”
Interestingly, Rodgers noted that he and Ralphs initially had differing visions for the band. “(Ralphs) recently told me that he thought that we would form a duo like the Everly Brothers. This was a surprise to me,” he confessed. He emphasized the importance of having strong management, crediting Peter Grant for much of their success and expressing hope that emerging musicians find similar support in their careers.
The original lineup of Bad Company disbanded in 1982, but Kirke and Ralphs regrouped with various musicians until 1999, achieving success with the album Holy Water. The original members reunited for a period from 1989 to 1999, releasing new material and touring. However, after the passing of Burrell in 1999, the band experienced further changes, with Rodgers and Kirke reforming the group in 2001. Ralphs returned in 2008 but stepped back in 2016 due to health issues.
As of now, Kirke has indicated that further touring appears unlikely. “I think it’s safe to say (the band’s) playing days are pretty much over,” he stated. However, he and Rodgers remain active in their respective musical pursuits. Despite facing health challenges, including several strokes, Rodgers released a solo album titled Midnight Rose in 2023, while Kirke is working on a stage musical and plans to record a new solo album.
Both Rodgers and Kirke, along with Ralphs, will be closely following the developments of the Rock Hall voting process. “My hope,” Rodgers reflected, “is if we are going to be inducted, let it be while Mick is still here. I do hope that the induction happens while Mick can experience it too.”
Source
www.billboard.com