Badfinger helped shape the sound of power pop, blending Beatlesque melodies with hard rock grit. From their early days as The Iveys to their tragic decline, the band produced hits like “Come and Get It,” “No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” and “Baby Blue.” Though commercial mismanagement and personal tragedy overshadowed their success, their musical legacy continues to inspire.
From The Iveys to Badfinger
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The roots of Badfinger trace back to 1961 in Swansea, Wales, when Pete Ham formed a local trio called The Panthers. Over time, the group changed names—The Black Velvets, The Wild Ones, and finally, The Iveys, inspired by a street in Swansea and a nod to The Hollies.
The early lineup included:
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Pete Ham (vocals, guitar, keyboards)
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Ron Griffiths (vocals, bass)
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Dai Jenkins (guitar)
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Mike Gibbins (drums, percussion, keyboards), who joined in 1965
In 1967, Jenkins was replaced by Tom Evans (vocals, bass), a key figure in the band’s future. With their songwriting improving, especially Ham’s, the Iveys caught the attention of Mal Evans, a Beatles road manager, and Peter Asher of Apple Records.
Apple Records and the Breakthrough
In 1968, The Iveys signed with Apple Records, becoming the label’s first non-Beatle act. Their debut album Maybe Tomorrow was poorly distributed due to Apple’s internal issues, despite production from Tony Visconti and Mal Evans.
Their big break came when Paul McCartney gave them the song “Come and Get It” to record for the film The Magic Christian starring Ringo Starr and Peter Sellers. McCartney also produced the track.
During recording, Griffiths fell ill and left the band. Joey Molland (vocals, guitar, keyboards) replaced him, forming the classic Badfinger lineup: Ham, Evans, Gibbins, and Molland. The band also adopted a new name—Badfinger—inspired by “Bad Finger Boogie,” a working title for The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
Hit Singles and Rising Fame
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Released in late 1969, “Come and Get It” became a hit:
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#7 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#4 in the UK
Their debut LP under the new name, Magic Christian Music, followed in 1970. While part compilation, it marked the official beginning of Badfinger.
They followed it with the album No Dice (1970), featuring “No Matter What,” which hit:
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#8 on the US charts
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#5 in the UK
No Dice showcased their distinct sound: melodic power pop with rock punch. Another standout was “Without You,” later turned into a #1 hit by Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey.
Their 1971 album Straight Up, produced by George Harrison and Todd Rundgren, became their most acclaimed:
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“Day After Day” – #4 US, #10 UK
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“Baby Blue” – #14 US
Both hits were strong examples of 1970s melodic rock at its best.
Management Woes and Internal Struggles
Despite musical success, things soured behind the scenes. In 1970, Badfinger hired Stan Polley, a New York businessman, as their manager. He promised financial stability but would become the band’s downfall.
Polley’s management led to missing escrow funds and lawsuits. His dealings, especially with Warner Bros., would result in albums being pulled from stores, worsening the group’s finances and morale.
Their 1973 album Ass, delayed due to production issues, marked the end of their time at Apple. It featured the song “Apple of My Eye”, symbolizing the group’s reluctant departure from the Beatles’ label.
Signing with Warner Bros. Records
Badfinger signed with Warner Bros. and released Wish You Were Here in 1974. Critics praised it, but legal troubles with Polley led Warner to pull the album shortly after its release.
They attempted another LP, Head First, but it was shelved due to mounting lawsuits. By early 1975, the band had no income and no label support.
On April 24, 1975, Pete Ham, emotionally devastated, took his own life at age 27. His suicide shocked the rock world and marked a turning point for the band.
Post-Ham Era and More Tragedy
After Ham’s death, Badfinger disbanded. In 1978, Evans and Molland revived the band with new members Kenny Harck and Joe Tansin. Their 1979 album Airwaves charted modestly but failed to recapture earlier glory.
Legal problems and lineup conflicts persisted. On November 19, 1983, Tom Evans also died by suicide—just like Ham. His death followed an argument with Molland and years of depression over royalties and band issues.
Later Years and Legacy
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Mike Gibbins passed away in 2005, leaving Joey Molland as the only surviving member of the classic lineup. Molland continues to perform under the Badfinger name.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Badfinger’s music gained renewed attention through reissues, compilations, and pop culture. Most notably, “Baby Blue” experienced a massive resurgence after being featured in the final scene of Breaking Bad in 2013, introducing the band to a new generation.
Notable Hits by Badfinger
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“Come and Get It” – #7 US
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“No Matter What” – #8 US
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“Day After Day” – #4 US
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“Baby Blue” – #14 US
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“Apple of My Eye” – Bubbling Under Hot 100
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“Love Is Gonna Come At Last” – Billboard Chart
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“Hold On” – Billboard Chart