Badfinger -

Badfinger was a Welsh pop-rock band first called The Iveys, which released the 1969 album Maybe Tomorrow on Apple Records. As Badfinger, they released the 1970–71 albums Magic Christian Music, No Dice, and Straight Up and scored hits with “Come and Get It,” “No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” and “Baby Blue.” After their 1973 album Ass, they signed to Warner for the 1974 albums Badfinger and Wish You Were Here. They paused after the 1975 suicide of guitarist Pete Ham but reconvened for the 1979–81 albums Airwaves and Say No More.

Members: Tom Evans (vocals, guitar, bass, 1969-75, 1978-83), Mike Gibbins (drums, vocals, keyboards, 1969-75, 1978, 1982, 1984), Pete Ham (guitar, vocals, 1969-75), Ron Griffiths (bass, vocals, 1969), Joey Molland (vocals, guitar, 1969-74, 1978-81, 1984), Bob Jackson (keyboards, vocals, guitar, 1974-75, 1982-84), Joe Tansin (guitar, vocals, 1978), Ken Harck (drums, 1978), Tony Kaye (keyboards, 1979-81, 1983), Bob Schell (guitar, 1979), Peter Clarke (drums, 1979), Ian Wallace (drums, 1979-80), Richard Bryans (drums, 1980-81), Rod Roach (guitar, 1980), Glen Sherba (guitar, 1980-81, 1983), Bob Evans (vocals, keyboards, guitar, 1982), Jimmy McCulloch (guitar, 1982), Steve Johns (keyboards, 1982), Fred Girard (guitar, vocals, 1982), Adam Allen (guitar, vocals, 1982), Reed Kailing (vocals, guitar, 1982), Donnie Dacus (vocals, guitar, 1982), Lenny Campanero (drums, 1983), Randy Anderson (vocals, guitar, 1984), Al Wodtke (vocals, bass, 1984)

Background

Badfinger’s history traces back to The Panthers, a beat group formed in 1961 in Swansea, Wales, by guitarist Pete Ham, bassist Ron Griffiths, drummer Roy Anderson, and rhythm guitarist Dai” Jenkins. They gigged under assorted names (The Black Velvets, The Wild Ones) before 1964, when they chose The Iveys, named after Swansea’s Ivey Place. In March 1965, Anderson cleared for drummer Mike Gibbons.

Maybe Tomorrow

Badfinger (as The Iveys) released their debut album, Maybe Tomorrow , on July 4, 1969, on Apple. This was their only album under the Iveys moniker.

The album alternates orchestral ballads with brisk, guitar-framed songs recorded across separate sessions, resulting in a set that ranges from string-laden pieces to tighter, rhythm-focused tracks. Multiple producers oversaw the material, creating a sequence that documents the group’s early studio approaches before their later lineup changes and stylistic consolidation.

Tom Evans wrote five songs; Pete Ham wrote five; Mike Gibbins contributed one; and Ron Griffiths wrote one. Evans and Ham co-wrote two titles, and Bill Collins and Nicky Hopkins appear as guest pianists on select tracks. Evans sings lead on his material and part of Ham’s; Griffiths takes lead on “Dear Angie.”

The reflective songs emphasize Evans’ contoured vocal lines against orchestral settings, while the faster numbers press forward with compact guitar figures, short phrases, and punctual rhythmic turns. “Maybe Tomorrow” centers on Evans’ rising phrases against a swelling string arrangement, and “See-Saw Granpa” uses abrupt shifts between verse and chorus figures. “I’ve Been Waiting” stretches into a longer form with alternating instrumental passages and widened vocal phrasing.

A1. “See-Saw Granpa” (3:33) – Ham
A2. “Beautiful and Blue” (2:38) – Evans
A3. “Dear Angie” (2:39) – Griffiths
A4. “Think About the Good Times” (2:21) – Gibbins
A5. “Yesterday Ain’t Coming Back” (2:57) – Ham, Evans
A6. “Fisherman” (3:09) – Evans

B1. “Maybe Tomorrow” (2:52) – Evans
B2. “Sali Bloo” (2:35) – Ham
B3. “Angelique” (2:26) – Evans
B4. “I’m in Love” (2:28) – Ham
B5. “They’re Knocking Down Our Home” (3:41) – Ham
B6. “I’ve Been Waiting” (5:15) – Ham

Sessions occurred across 1968–69 at Trident, Olympic, and Morgan Studios in London with Tony Visconti and Mal Evans producing.

Record label promoted Maybe Tomorrow with “Maybe Tomorrow” (b/w “And Her Daddy’s a Millionaire”) on November 15, 1968. “Dear Angie” followed on July 18, 1969 (b/w “No Escaping Your Love”).

Magic Christian Music

Badfinger released their second album, Magic Christian Music, on January 9, 1970, on Apple.

It was their first album under the Badfinger name, following their debut as The Iveys. The album blends material newly recorded for the release with remixed tracks from Maybe Tomorrow, including three songs commissioned for the film The Magic Christian.

The album opens with their international breakthrough, “Come and Get It,” produced and written by Paul McCartney. The remaining material alternates between upbeat, piano-driven rockers and reflective, acoustic-tinged ballads. Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and string arrangements, highlighting the band’s evolving musical identity.

Pete Ham wrote or co-wrote the majority of the songs, contributing to nine tracks. Tom Evans co-wrote six tracks and Ron Griffiths co-wrote one. The album includes covers or contributions from outside writers, notably Paul McCartney (“Come and Get It”) and George Martin (string arrangement on “Carry on Till Tomorrow”).

Musically, the album splits between energetic rockers like “Rock of All Ages,” built around brisk piano and guitar riffs, and introspective numbers such as “Midnight Sun” and “Carry on Till Tomorrow,” which feature gentle acoustic textures complemented by string swells. Tracks from Maybe Tomorrow were reworked with improved mixes, giving previously obscure songs greater clarity.

A1. “Come and Get It” (2:21) — Paul McCartney
A2. “Crimson Ship” (3:42) — Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Mike Gibbins
A3. “Dear Angie” (2:39) — Ron Griffiths
A4. “Fisherman” (2:24) — Tom Evans
A5. “Midnight Sun” (2:46) — Pete Ham
A6. “Beautiful and Blue” (2:40) — Tom Evans
A7. “Rock of All Ages” (3:16) — Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Mike Gibbins

B1. “Carry on Till Tomorrow” (4:47) — Pete Ham, Tom Evans
B2. “I’m in Love” (2:26) — Tom Evans
B3. “Walk Out in the Rain” (3:27) — Pete Ham
B4. “Angelique” (2:28) — Tom Evans
B5. “Knocking Down Our Home” (3:40) — Pete Ham
B6. “Give It a Try” (2:31) — Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Mike Gibbins, Ron Griffiths
B7. “Maybe Tomorrow” (2:51) — Tom Evans

Sessions occurred between 1968 and 1969 at EMI, Trident, IBC, and Olympic Studios in London with producers Paul McCartney, Tony Visconti, and Mal Evans.

Magic Christian Music features cover artwork showing the three photographed band members—Pete Ham, Tom Evans, and Mike Gibbins—at the forefront, with a colorful, abstract backdrop reflecting the psychedelic era.

Apple promoted the album with the single “Come and Get It” (b/w “Rock of All Ages”), which reached No. 4 in the UK and No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Carry on Till Tomorrow” later appeared as the B-side to “No Matter What” in the US.

No Dice

Badfinger released their third album, No Dice, on November 9, 1970, on Apple.

It is their second album under the Badfinger name, but the first recorded with guitarist Joey Molland, whose addition shifted Tom Evans from rhythm guitar to bass.

The album continues Badfinger’s signature approach, blending layered harmonies, tight instrumentation, and dynamic shifts between upbeat tracks and reflective ballads. It features both the single “No Matter What” and the original version of “Without You,” which would later become major hits for other artists.

Pete Ham wrote six songs, including “I Can’t Take It,” “Midnight Caller,” “No Matter What,” “Without You” (co-written with Tom Evans), “Blodwyn,” and “We’re for the Dark.” Tom Evans and Joey Molland co-wrote two tracks, “I Don’t Mind” and “Better Days,” while drummer Mike Gibbins contributed “It Had to Be.” The album also includes “Love Me Do,” written by Molland, and group collaboration “Watford John.”

Musically, the album balances concise, high-energy numbers with expansive ballads. “No Matter What” opens with dense, gripping guitar chords and a false ending that repeats the final line. “Without You” builds from tender piano to a soaring chorus. Ham’s acoustic-led tracks like “We’re for the Dark” combine intricate chord work with layered orchestration, while mid-tempo numbers such as “Blodwyn” and “Better Days” move through rhythmic shifts and textured vocal harmonies.

A1. “I Can’t Take It” (2:57) – Ham
A2. “I Don’t Mind” (3:15) – Evans, Molland
A3. “Love Me Do” (3:00) – Molland
A4. “Midnight Caller” (2:50) – Ham
A5. “No Matter What” (3:01) – Ham — written and sung by Ham; false ending repeats final line twice; expresses a pledge of enduring love
A6. “Without You” (4:43) – Ham, Evans — builds from soft piano to full arrangement; expresses loss and longing

B1. “Blodwyn” (3:26) – Ham
B2. “Better Days” (4:01) – Evans, Molland
B3. “It Had to Be” (2:29) – Gibbins
B4. “Watford John” (3:23) – Evans, Gibbins, Ham, Molland
B5. “Believe Me” (3:01) – Evans
B6. “We’re for the Dark” (3:55) – Ham — Ham on acoustic guitar; features orchestral and horn layers arranged by Harry Robinson; lyrics drawn from Shakespeare

Sessions occurred from 18 April to 26 August 1970 at EMI and Trident Studios in London with producers Geoff Emerick and Mal Evans. Mike Jarratt and Richard Lush engineered, with additional mixing by Emerick.

No Dice features cover photography and design by Richard DiLello and Gene Mahon, depicting model Kathy.

Apple promoted the album with the single “No Matter What” (b/w “Better Days” in the UK; b/w “Carry on Till Tomorrow” in the US), which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 in the UK.

1992 CD bonus tracks
13. “Get Down” (3:43) – Evans, Gibbins, Ham, Molland
14. “Friends Are Hard to Find” (2:28) – Molland
15. “Mean, Mean Jemima” (3:41) – Molland
16. “Loving You” (2:51) – Gibbins
17. “I’ll Be the One” (2:54) – Evans, Gibbins, Ham, Molland

In February 1972, Harry Nilsson scored a transatlantic No. 1 with his cover of “Without You,” included on his 1971 album Nilsson Schmilsson.

Straight Up

Badfinger released their fourth album, Straight Up, on December 13, 1971, on US Apple. In the UK, it appeared on February 11, 1972.

It contains their signature harmonized vocals and guitar interplay, with several tracks reflecting recent US tour experiences and collaborations with George Harrison and Todd Rundgren.

Pete Ham wrote seven of the album’s songs. Tom Evans contributed “Money” and “It’s Over”, Joey Molland wrote “I’d Die Babe”, “Sweet Tuesday Morning” and “Sometimes”, and Molland co-wrote “Flying” with Evans. “Suitcase” was written by Molland. The album includes no covers. Ham performs lead vocals and guitar, Evans handles bass and backing vocals, Molland provides guitar and vocals, and Mike Gibbins plays drums and percussion. Harrison added guitars and arrangements on select tracks, with Leon Russell on piano and Klaus Voormann on electric piano.

The music alternates between contemplative ballads and uptempo tracks. “Day After Day” pairs tender vocals with slide guitar and layered piano. “Baby Blue” features interlocking acoustic and electric guitar lines, reflecting tour experiences. Molland’s contributions, like “Sometimes” and “I’d Die Babe”, introduce rhythmic angularity, while Evans’ “It’s Over” closes the album with reflective pacing. “Take It All” opens the album with harmonized vocals and shifting tempo.

A1. “Take It All” (4:25) — Ham
A2. “Baby Blue” (3:37) — Ham
A3. “Money” (3:29) — Evans
A4. “Flying” (2:38) — Evans, Molland
A5. “I’d Die Babe” (2:33) — Molland
A6. “Name of the Game” (5:19) — Ham

B1. “Suitcase” (2:53) — Molland
B2. “Sweet Tuesday Morning” (2:31) — Molland
B3. “Day After Day” (3:11) — Ham
B4. “Sometimes” (2:56) — Molland
B5. “Perfection” (5:07) — Ham
B6. “It’s Over” (3:34) — Evans

Sessions occurred from May to October 1971 at EMI, AIR, and Command Studios in London, with George Harrison initially producing four tracks and Todd Rundgren completing the rest.

Straight Up features photography and design by Richard DiLello and Gene Mahon.

Apple promoted the album with the single “Day After Day” (b/w “Money”) in November 1971 (US) and January 1972 (UK), reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Baby Blue” followed in March 1972 (US), peaking at No. 14.

Ass

Badfinger released their fifth album, Ass, on November 26, 1973, on US Apple. In the UK, it appeared on March 8, 1974. It marks their final Apple Records release and the last before their Warner Bros. contract.

The album blends concise rock numbers with expansive, layered tracks, sustaining the band’s signature vocal harmonies and guitar interplay. Tracks shift between reflective, mid-tempo ballads and more urgent, rhythm-driven songs. Joey Molland wrote half the material, with Tom Evans and Pete Ham contributing individually; the album also includes a track by Mike Gibbins.

Musically, the album opens with the reflective “Apple of My Eye” and continues with punchy, driving pieces like “Get Away” and “Icicles.” Mid-tempo ballads and contemplative songs such as “Blind Owl” and “Timeless” provide contrast, while “Constitution” and “I Can Love You” explore subtle rhythmic variations and vocal layering.

A1. “Apple of My Eye” (3:06) — Ham
A2. “Get Away” (3:59) — Molland
A3. “Icicles” (2:32) — Molland
A4. “The Winner” (3:18) — Molland
A5. “Blind Owl” (3:00) — Evans

B1. “Constitution” (2:58) — Molland
B2. “When I Say” (3:05) — Evans
B3. “Cowboy” (2:37) — Gibbins
B4. “I Can Love You” (3:33) — Molland
B5. “Timeless” (7:39) — Ham

1992 CD bonus
11. “Do You Mind” (3:36) — Molland

Pete Ham performs guitars, keyboards, and vocals; Tom Evans handles bass and vocals; Joey Molland contributes guitars, keyboards, and vocals; Mike Gibbins plays drums and sings.

Sessions occurred September 1972–May 1973 at EMI, Olympic, and Morgan Studios in London, with additional work at The Manor in Oxfordshire. Chris Thomas and Badfinger produced the album, with Todd Rundgren credited on two tracks.

Ass features cover artwork by Peter Corriston, depicting a donkey chasing a distant carrot, symbolizing the band’s departure from Apple Records.

Apple released “Apple of My Eye” (b/w “Blind Owl”) in December 1973, which reached No. 102 on Billboard’s “Bubbling Under” chart and No. 11 in South Africa. In Japan, it was backed with “Cowboy,” and in the Philippines with “When I Say.”

2010 remaster bonus
“Regular” (2:39) — Molland
Supplementary digital download
“Piano Red” [previously unreleased] (3:31) — Ham

Badfinger

Badfinger released their self-titled sixth album in February 1974 on Warner Bros.

It was the first of two albums the group issued on the label and was recorded shortly after completing work on Ass.

The album sustains Badfinger’s mix of reflective ballads and rhythm-driven rock, emphasizing layered guitars, piano, and vocal harmonies. Pete Ham wrote the majority of the tracks, with contributions from Tom Evans, Joey Molland, Mike Gibbins, and one co-write by Kathie Molland.

Songs range from tender, piano-centered ballads like “I Miss You” and “Lonely You” to buoyant, mid-tempo tracks such as “Love Is Easy” and “Island.” The material alternates between introspective lyricism and energetic rhythmic sections, with occasional harmonic layering providing contrast.

A1. “I Miss You” (2:36) – Ham
A2. “Shine On” (2:52) – Ham, Evans
A3. “Love Is Easy” (3:08) – Molland
A4. “Song for a Lost Friend” (2:52) – Ham
A5. “Why Don’t We Talk?” (3:45) – Evans
A6. “Island” (3:40) – Molland

B1. “Matted Spam” (3:09) – Ham
B2. “Where Do We Go from Here?” (3:25) – Evans
B3. “My Heart Goes Out” (3:16) – Gibbins
B4. “Lonely You” (3:48) – Ham
B5. “Give It Up” (4:34) – Molland
B6. “Andy Norris” (2:59) – Joey and Kathie Molland

2018 Expanded bonus tracks include previously unreleased and work-in-progress mixes of album tracks plus “Love My Lady” (Evans).

Pete Ham performs guitar, piano, ARP 2600, harmonium, and vocals; Tom Evans plays bass and provides vocals; Joey Molland handles guitar and vocals; Mike Gibbins plays drums and sings.

Sessions occurred 21 June–21 November 1973 at Olympic and AIR Studios in London, with Chris Thomas producing. Badfinger features cover art by John Kosh.

Warner Bros. promoted the album with “Love Is Easy” (b/w “My Heart Goes Out”) in October 1973 in the UK and other markets, followed by “I Miss You” (b/w “Shine On”) in February 1974 in the US and Japan.

Wish You Were Here

Badfinger released their seventh album, Wish You Were Here, on November 15, 1974, on Warner Bros.

It was the second and final album the band issued for the label and their third consecutive collaboration with producer Chris Thomas.

The album balances reflective ballads with more expansive, rhythm-driven tracks, featuring layered guitars, keyboards, and harmonized vocals. Pete Ham wrote the majority of the songs, with contributions from Joey Molland, Mike Gibbins, and Tom Evans, and occasional co-writes between Ham and Molland.

Songs range from mid-tempo rockers such as “Just a Chance” and “Got to Get Out of Here” to introspective compositions like “Dennis” and the medley “Meanwhile Back at the Ranch/Should I Smoke.” The material alternates between tense rhythmic sections and expansive instrumental passages, with occasional horn and vocal layering providing contrast.

A1. “Just a Chance” (2:58) – Ham
A2. “Your So Fine” (3:03) – Gibbins
A3. “Got to Get Out of Here” (3:31) – Molland
A4. “Know One Knows” (3:17) – Ham
A5. “Dennis” (5:15) – Ham

B1. “In the Meantime/Some Other Time” (6:46) – Gibbins, Molland
B2. “Love Time” (2:20) – Molland
B3. “King of the Load (T)” (3:32) – Evans
B4. “Meanwhile Back at the Ranch/Should I Smoke” (5:18) – Ham, Molland

2018 Expanded bonus tracks include “Queen of Darkness” (Evans) and alternate mixes of album tracks.

Pete Ham performs vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Joey Molland handles vocals and guitar; Mike Gibbins plays drums and keyboards and sings lead on “In the Meantime”; Tom Evans contributes bass and vocals. Additional horns appear on “Just a Chance” and “Should I Smoke,” performed by Average White Horns, with Mika Fukui providing vocals on “Know One Knows.”

Sessions occurred 9 April–7 May 1974 at Caribou Ranch, Nederland, Colorado, and AIR Studios, London, with Chris Thomas producing.

Wish You Were Here features cover art depicting the band dressed in sailor outfits, photographed by John Kosh.

“Meanwhile Back at the Ranch/Should I Smoke” has since been highlighted as a pinnacle of the band’s recorded work, combining two separate compositions into a hard-rocking medley with orchestral guitar and horn arrangements, praised for its extended instrumental passages and structural cohesion.

Airwaves

Badfinger released their eighth album, Airwaves, in March 1979 (May in the UK) on Elektra.

It features the duo of Tom Evans and Joey Molland joined by guitarist Joe Tansin and various session musicians.

The album leans on concise, rhythm-driven songs with layered guitars, piano, and occasional synthesizer, maintaining harmonic vocals across tracks. Evans and Molland wrote the majority of the material, with Tansin contributing two compositions.

Airwaves alternates between brisk, uptempo numbers like “Look Out California” and “Lost Inside Your Love” and more expansive, emotive songs such as “The Dreamer” and “Love Is Gonna Come at Last,” with piano, Hammond organ, and strings adding tonal contrast.

A1. “Airwaves” (0:29) – Evans, Molland
A2. “Look Out California” (3:27) – Evans
A3. “Lost Inside Your Love” (2:42) – Evans
A4. “Love Is Gonna Come at Last” (3:37) – Molland
A5. “Sympathy” (4:28) – Tansin

B1. “The Winner” (3:26) – Tansin
B2. “The Dreamer” (5:20) – Molland
B3. “Come Down Hard” (3:48) – Molland
B4. “Sail Away” (3:31) – Evans

Sessions occurred October–December 1978 in Los Angeles with David Malloy producing.

Elektra promoted Airwaves with “Love Is Gonna Come at Last” (b/w “Sail Away”), which reached No. 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Lost Inside Your Love” followed in April 1979 in the UK (b/w “Come Down Hard”) but did not chart.

Say No More

Badfinger released their ninth album, Say No More, on January 17, 1981, on Radio Records.

It was the second and final reunion of Tom Evans and Joey Molland following Pete Ham’s death and features keyboardist Tony Kaye (organ, piano), guitarist Glenn Sherba, and drummer Richard Bryans.

The album emphasizes tighter, more rock-oriented arrangements than Airwaves, with layered guitars, piano, and organ underpinning Evans’ and Molland’s harmonic vocals. Several tracks revisit material originally written during the Head First sessions, and cover a range of brisk, rhythm-driven songs alongside reflective ballads.

Evans wrote four tracks and co-wrote “Hold On” with Joe Tansin; Molland wrote five tracks. Evans and Molland divide vocal duties, supported by Kaye’s keyboards and Sherba’s guitar. The material alternates between driving numbers like “I Got You” and “Three Time Loser” and slower, introspective pieces such as “No More” and “Because I Love You.”

A1. “I Got You” (3:39) – Molland
A2. “Come On” (3:24) – Evans
A3. “Hold On” (3:24) – Evans, Tansin
A4. “Because I Love You” (2:49) – Molland
A5. “Rock ‘N’ Roll Contract” (5:37) – Evans

B1. “Passin’ Time” (3:30) – Molland
B2. “Three Time Loser” (3:30) – Molland
B3. “Too Hung Up on You” (3:21) – Evans
B4. “Crocadillo” (3:21) – Evans, Roach
B5. “No More” (4:29) – Molland

Sessions occurred November 1979 and October–November 1980 in Miami, Florida, with Jack Richardson and Steve Wittmack producing. Say No More features cover art by Peter Max.

Radio promoted Say No More with “Hold On” (b/w “Passin’ Time”), which reached No. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 67 on Cashbox. “I Got You” followed in April 1981 (b/w “Rock ‘N’ Roll Contract”) and “Because I Love You” in July 1981 (b/w “Too Hung Up on You”).

Head First

In 2000, Artisan Recordings released Head First, the eighth-recorded Badfinger studio album, recorded in December 1974 and slated for a 1975 release on Warner Bros.

Head First documents the final sessions to feature guitarist/pianist Pete Ham and drummer Mike Gibbins and the only studio album with Bob Jackson.

The album alternates brisk, rhythm-driven tracks with introspective ballads, highlighting Ham and bassist Tony Evans’ songwriting alongside Jackson’s keyboards. Several songs reflect the band’s turmoil over missing funds and managerial disputes, contributing tension and urgency to the performances.

A1. “Lay Me Down” (3:46) – Ham
A2. “Hey Mr. Manager” (3:35) – Evans
A3. “Turn Around” (4:21) – Jackson
A4. “Back Again” (2:52) – Gibbins
A5. “Rock ’N’ Roll Contract” (4:48) – Evans
B1. “Keep Believing” (4:12) – Ham
B2. “Moonshine” (3:51) – Evans, Jackson, Gibbins
B3. “Rockin’ Machine” (1:35) – Gibbins
B4. “Passed Fast” (4:17) – Evans, Jackson
B5. “Savile Row (2024)” (1:50) – Ham, Badfinger

Sessions occurred 1–7 and 9–15 December 1974 at Apple Studios, London, with Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise producing and Phil McDonald engineering. The original rough mixes were prepared immediately after the sessions, with further remixes in Los Angeles in January 1975.

Head First included cover art concept sketches by Peter Corriston, featuring a roaring lion.

Discography: