Bad Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 in London, England |
| Founder | Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Rock music albums and live performances |
Number of employees | Band members (varied over time) |
Bad Company emerged as a British rock supergroup in London in 1973, founded by vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke, both formerly of Free, alongside guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople and bassist Boz Burrell, previously with King Crimson. Of the original lineup, Kirke was the sole constant member throughout the band's lifespan, with both he and Ralphs contributing to every studio release. The group was managed by Peter Grant, also known for managing Led Zeppelin, until 1982. Following the deaths of Burrell in 2006 and Ralphs in 2025, Kirke and Rodgers remain the surviving founding members.
During the 1970s, Bad Company enjoyed substantial commercial success. Their initial trio of albums—Bad Company (1974), Straight Shooter (1975), and Run with the Pack (1976)—all secured top-five positions on both UK and US album charts. Timeless rock anthems such as "Bad Company", "Can't Get Enough" (1974), "Feel Like Makin' Love" (1975), "Shooting Star" (1975), "Burnin' Sky" (1977), and "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" (1979) have become staples of classic rock radio. The band boasts sales of 20 million RIAA-certified albums in the United States and 40 million worldwide. After disbanding in 1982, Bad Company periodically reunited for recording sessions and tours until 2019. In 2023, Kirke announced that ongoing health concerns affecting Rodgers would prevent further continuation of the band.
In 2025, Bad Company received induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Original Paul Rodgers era (1973–1982)
Formed in Westminster, London, Bad Company brought together experienced musicians: vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke from Free; guitarist Mick Ralphs formerly of Mott the Hoople; and bassist Boz Burrell who had played with King Crimson. They secured a recording contract with Swan Song Records/Atlantic Records for North America and signed with Island Records elsewhere. Subsequently, Atlantic/Warner Music acquired rights to their catalogue outside North America.
Contrary to popular belief, Paul Rodgers chose the band’s name inspired by a Victorian-era warning label titled "beware of bad company," rather than from the 1972 motion picture.
Their debut album released in 1974, Bad Company, recorded at Headley Grange, topped the US Billboard 200 chart and reached number three on the UK Albums Chart, maintaining a presence for 25 weeks. It earned five times platinum certification in the US and ranked as the 46th best-selling album of that decade. Singles such as "Can't Get Enough" and "Movin' On" peaked at No. 5 and No. 19 respectively on the Billboard Hot 100.
The follow-up album Straight Shooter (1975) achieved No. 3 positions on both UK and US charts and attained platinum status in the United States. It featured successful tracks including "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" (No. 36) and "Feel Like Makin' Love" (No. 10).
Run with the Pack released in 1976 climbed to No. 4 in the UK and No. 5 in the US charts. Plans for a UK tour alongside Back Street Crawler were canceled following guitarist Paul Kossoff’s passing. The subsequent album, Burnin' Sky (1977), did not meet expectations commercially, peaking at No. 15 US and No. 17 UK, whereas Desolation Angels (1979) marked an improvement by reaching No. 3 in the US and No. 10 in the UK while incorporating synthesizers and string arrangements. Singles from this period included "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" which reached No. 13, along with "Gone Gone Gone" at No. 56.
By the late seventies, dissatisfaction with large stadium tours had grown within the band. Manager Peter Grant’s enthusiasm waned following Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham’s death in 1980, contributing to diminished group unity.
After a three-year break from studio work, Rough Diamonds was released in 1982 but became their least commercially successful album during Paul Rodgers’ tenure, peaking at No. 15 UK and No. 26 US, which precipitated their breakup. Mick Ralphs later remarked that despite financial risks involved, taking a hiatus was essential to avoid exhaustion.
Although celebrated for their live shows, Bad Company did not issue an official live album from this initial era until What You Hear Is What You Get: The Best of Bad Company appeared in 1993, containing live performances from both Paul Rodgers’ and Brian Howe’s periods with the band. In 2006, Live in Albuquerque 1976 was released featuring recordings from Mick Ralphs’ personal archive. Additionally, bootleg recordings such as "Boblingen Live" (1974), "Live in Japan" (1975), and "Shooting Star Live at the L.A. Forum" (1975) circulated among fans during this time.
Brian Howe period (1986–1994)
Following Paul Rodgers' departure to form The Firm in 1986, Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke reactivated Bad Company under new management and enlisted Brian Howe, formerly of Ted Nugent and introduced by Foreigner's Mick Jones, as their new frontman. The lineup was completed with Steve Price on bass and Greg Dechert handling keyboards. Howe's melodic pop-rock vocal approach aligned with Atlantic Records' plan to restore the band's arena appeal after the disappointing performance of Rough Diamonds.
The 1986 release Fame and Fortune, produced by Foreigner's Keith Olsen, showcased a keyboard-heavy sound but achieved limited commercial impact; its single "This Love" reached only No. 85 on the charts. Although Boz Burrell briefly returned, he departed before the subsequent tour, with Price reclaiming bass duties. In 1987, Dechert was dismissed as the band minimized keyboard elements, supporting Deep Purple on tour that year.
For the 1988 album Dangerous Age, Terry Thomas took over production from Olsen, steering the band toward a more guitar-centric style while also contributing keyboards and backing vocals. This release marked improved commercial results, producing AOR radio successes such as "No Smoke Without a Fire" (No. 4) and "Shake It Up" (No. 9), earning gold certification and peaking within the Top 60. Larry Oakes joined for touring but exited afterward along with Price.
Released in 1990 on Atlantic's Atco label, Holy Water, primarily penned by Howe and Thomas, became a significant commercial achievement for the band, attaining platinum sales and entering the Top 40 charts. Key singles included "If You Needed Somebody" (No. 16) and "Walk Through Fire" (No. 28), both receiving extensive radio rotation that elevated the band's exposure. Felix Krish played bass on the record while Paul Cullen handled live performances.
During much of the Holy Water tour, Ralphs was absent due to personal matters; Geoff Whitehorn filled in on guitar, with Thomas providing additional rhythm guitar and keyboard support. Ralphs rejoined in April 1991, after which Whitehorn moved on to Procol Harum. Dave "Bucket" Colwell also came aboard as a second guitarist. Their 1991 tour, supported by Damn Yankees, ranked among the highest-grossing tours of the year.
The last studio album featuring Howe, released in 1992 as Here Comes Trouble, achieved gold status and included the Top 40 single "How About That" (No. 38). Prior to touring, former Foreigner and Roxy Music bassist Rick Wills joined alongside full-time guitarist Colwell. The band toured with acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and issued the live compilation What You Hear Is What You Get: The Best of Bad Company in 1993, which combined hits from both Rodgers’ and Howe’s tenures.
Howe exited the group in 1994, expressing dissatisfaction with his limited songwriting input and concerns about live show quality: "I quite simply, along with Terry Thomas, got tired of doing all the work and then getting nothing but resentment for it from Mick and Simon."
Robert Hart period (1994–1998)
In 1994, Bad Company introduced Robert Hart, formerly of Distance, as their third lead vocalist following Paul Rodgers and Brian Howe. Hart embarked on extensive tours across the United States and Canada alongside Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke. In July of that year, a contract signed by Ralphs, Kirke, Hart, Dave Colwell, and Rick Wills granted Hart full rights to perform with the band, contribute to songwriting and recording sessions, and receive royalties as an official member.
The self-produced album Company of Strangers was released in 1995, featuring five tracks co-written by Hart and Ralphs. Partly recorded in Nashville, it included guest contributions from country musicians such as Vince Gill. The band toured throughout the US supporting Bon Jovi, while Griffin Music reissued Ralphs' solo effort Take This! on CD format. In 1996, Stories Told & Untold blended seven new songs by Hart with seven acoustic renditions of classic Bad Company tracks like "Can't Get Enough" and "Ready For Love". The accompanying tour featured Kirke, Hart, Wills, and Colwell; Ralphs was absent due to health concerns.
Paul Rodgers' Return, Touring, and Hiatus (1998–2008)
In November 1998, Paul Rodgers briefly reunited with original members Kirke, Ralphs, and Burrell to record four new tracks for the compilation The 'Original' Bad Co. Anthology, which was released in March 1999. The album peaked at No. 189 on the charts and featured AOR hits "Hey Hey" (reaching No. 15) and "Hammer of Love" (No. 23).
During spring and summer of 1999, the original quartet embarked on a 32-date US reunion tour, with David Lee Roth as the opening act. This tour included a pay-per-view event at Orlando's Hard Rock Live but concluded after Ralphs retired from live shows and Burrell left once more. The final concert took place at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. In the band's 40th Anniversary DVD (2014), Kirke disclosed that lifestyle differences among members played a significant role in ending the reunion.
Rodgers teamed up again with Kirke in 2001 for a US tour that featured co-headlining performances alongside Styx and Billy Squier. Guitarist Dave Colwell and bassist Jaz Lochrie filled in for Ralphs and Burrell. In January 2002, they recorded the live album/DVD Merchants of Cool, which included the radio-friendly track "Joe Fabulous". The tour also saw guest appearances from Slash and Neal Schon. Following this period, Bad Company went on hiatus as Rodgers resumed his solo endeavors.
An unauthorized DVD titled Inside Bad Company 1974–1982 was released in 2005, presenting live footage and interviews with Kirke. In 2006, a limited edition gold CD remaster of their debut album was issued utilizing original master tapes to improve sound fidelity. Boz Burrell passed away from a heart attack in September 2006 at age 60.
On May 6, 2007, Robert Hart, Dave Colwell, Jaz Lochrie, and Mick Ralphs performed Bad Company songs under the name Rock and Roll Fantasy during a charity event benefiting The Macmillan Cancer Trust in Surbiton.
Reunion Era (2008–2023)
In 2008, "Mick Ralphs' Bad Company" toured featuring Robert Hart, Mick Ralphs, Dave "Bucket" Colwell, Jaz Lochrie, and Gary "Harry" James. On August 8, 2008, the remaining original members of Bad Company reunited for a one-off performance at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, joined by Howard Leese (formerly of Heart) and bassist Lynn Sorenson. Paul Rodgers explained this show was intended to "protect the legacy" and secure trademark rights for future touring activities. This performance was later released on Blu-ray, DVD, and CD in February 2010, showcasing seventeen hits with a tribute to original bassist Boz Burrell.
The lineup of Rodgers, Ralphs, and Kirke (along with Leese and Sorenson) toured the United States during summer 2009, followed by UK dates in April 2010 and tours across North America and Japan from July through October. Due to hip surgery, Ralphs missed the Japanese shows; Howard Leese stepped in as lead guitarist.
The live album Extended Versions, recorded during the 2010 UK tour, debuted at No. 139 on the Billboard 200 in March 2011 before climbing to No. 84—marking Bad Company's first charting album in twelve years. In 2012, the band announced European festival appearances beginning with Sweden Rock Festival—their first performance on continental Europe in thirty-seven years—although some German shows were canceled. Todd Ronning joined as bassist alongside Leese.
In 2013, Bad Company co-headlined a North American 40th Anniversary Tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd. They promoted this tour with an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The joint summer tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd was repeated in 2014. Their first two studio albums underwent remastering and were reissued across CD, digital formats, and vinyl in 2015 featuring previously unreleased tracks.
Bad Company announced a U.S. tour alongside Joe Walsh in 2016; Mick Ralphs initially did not participate and was replaced by Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes. Later that year, Ralphs returned for a UK arena tour supported by Richie Sambora and Orianthi but suffered a stroke following the final London performance and did not rejoin thereafter. Lead guitar responsibilities were assumed by Howard Leese while Rodgers took over keyboard duties. The band resumed touring activities in 2017 with Rodgers, Kirke, Ronning, and Leese.
Beginning May 2018, Bad Company joined Lynyrd Skynyrd for The Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour. Former lead vocalist Brian Howe died in May 2020 at age 66. In November 2023, Simon Kirke suggested that the band was "pretty much over," citing health challenges faced by Rodgers.
In 2025, Bad Company was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Mick Fleetwood. Rodgers had previously declined induction invitations stating that rock 'n' roll "doesn't belong in a museum." Mick Ralphs passed away due to complications from a stroke in June 2025 at age 81, leaving Kirke and Rodgers as the sole surviving original members.
Original line-up
- Simon Kirke – drums, percussion, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals and guitar
- Mick Ralphs – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
- Paul Rodgers – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, harmonica
- Boz Burrell – bass guitar, backing vocals
Discography
- Bad Company (1974)
- Straight Shooter (1975)
- Run with the Pack (1976)
- Burnin' Sky (1977)
- Desolation Angels (1979)
- Rough Diamonds (1982)
- Fame and Fortune (1986)
- Dangerous Age (1988)
- Holy Water (1990)
- Here Comes Trouble (1992)
- Company of Strangers (1995)
- Stories Told & Untold (1996)