Paul Rodgers discusses Bad Company’s name and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
Paul Rodgers has made a mark as one of rock’s most exceptional vocalists, prominently known for his roles in several iconic bands over the years. From his beginnings in the ’70s with Free and later his tenure with Bad Company, to collaborations with Jimmy Page in the Firm during the ’80s, and his revered time with Queen, Rodgers has stamped his authority in the music world. One standout moment in his illustrious career will soon come to fruition with Bad Company’s inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, following their inception in 1973 and quick rise to fame with hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
Having been pivotal in the creation of Bad Company, Rodgers was not only the distinguished vocalist but also a multi-talented musician, handling rhythm guitar and keyboards. The band’s lineup was further fortified by Boz Burrell on bass, drummer Simon Kirke, and the expressive lead guitar prowess of Mick Ralphs, notable for his skillful performances with a 1958 Gibson Les Paul. Bad Company swiftly ascended the ranks of ’70s rock bands with Ralphs’ remarkable guitar work and the band’s timeless compositions.
In a recent interview, Rodgers shed light on the band’s rock solid foundation and shared an intriguing anecdote about how the group landed on its iconic name. During Bad Company’s nascent stage in early 1973, Rodgers unveiled to Mick Ralphs that he was working on a song titled “Bad Company.” Astonished by the revelation, Ralphs championed the name, insisting it was fit to lend to the band. Despite Rodgers’ initial assertion that it was merely a song in progress, Ralphs’ fervor won him over, leading to the band adopting the moniker Bad Company.
Reflecting on the tremendous impact of their eponymous track “Bad Company,” Rodgers emphasized its lasting impression, describing it as a brooding, atmospheric piece with a Western undertone, evoking a lawless, almost biblical aura. Although the song never made it as a single, it received substantial airplay on FM radio channels at the time, becoming an enduring emblem of the band’s musical identity and inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its evocative storytelling.
Mick Ralphs, a cornerstone of Bad Company’s legacy, has continued to captivate audiences with his distinctive sound and unmatched versatility. Despite suffering a stroke in 2016 and residing in a nursing facility, Ralphs’s impact on the band’s signature sound remains indelible. Rodgers, with immense gratitude and admiration, revealed Ralphs’ pivotal role in Bad Company’s formative years and expressed his joy in informing the guitarist of the band’s impending Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
As Bad Company’s transcendent musical journey continues to resonate with fans across generations, the band’s legacy stands immortalized in their timeless hits and enduring impact on rock music. Rodgers, Ralphs, and the entire band have etched their names in the annals of music history, and their forthcoming recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame serves as a befitting tribute to their enduring contributions to the rock genre.