Bad Company
Bad Company was an English rock supergroup formed in London in 1973. The band was comprised of lead singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke, both former members of Free, guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople, and bassist Boz Burrell from King Crimson. Managed by Peter Grant, who also managed Led Zeppelin, Bad Company was the first band signed to Zeppelin's Swan Song label.
The group's debut album, "Bad Company," released in 1974, was a massive success, topping the US album charts and featuring the hit single "Can't Get Enough." Their subsequent albums, "Straight Shooter" (1975) and "Run with the Pack" (1976), continued their success, solidifying their place in rock history with hits like "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "Shooting Star." The band was known for its hard rock and blues rock sound, with Rodgers' powerful vocals and Ralphs' blues-infused guitar playing being central to their style.
After disbanding in 1982, Bad Company reformed in 1986 with a new lineup featuring vocalist Brian Howe. This era produced albums like "Holy Water" (1990), which included the Top 20 hit "If You Needed Somebody." The original lineup reunited briefly in 1998 for new recordings and a tour, marking the last time all founding members performed together.
Throughout their career, Bad Company sold 20 million RIAA-certified albums in the US and 40 million worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. Despite several lineup changes and periods of inactivity, Bad Company remained a significant influence in the rock genre, with their music continuing to be a staple on classic rock radio.