Simon recalls confrontation where he told Rodgers to hit him

Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke found success in two bands, Free and Bad Company. However, Bad Company’s demise was marked by an altercation between the two during the making of a disappointing album. In interviews with MOJO magazine, Rodgers and Kirke recount the band’s rise, fall, and resurgence.

The beginning of Bad Company can be traced back to the breakup of Free due to guitarist Paul Kossoff’s struggles with drug addiction leading to his untimely death at 25. Free achieved commercial success in the early ’70s, releasing hit singles like “My Brother Jake,” “Wishing Well,” and the iconic anthem “All Right Now.” By 1973, Free had disbanded for the final time, paving the way for the birth of Bad Company.

According to Rodgers, Bad Company was envisioned as a tight-knit and cohesive unit following the disbandment of Free. Both Rodgers and Kirke believe that without Free, there would not have been a Bad Company. The band lineup included Rodgers, Kirke, guitarist Mick Ralphs, and bassist Raymond ‘Boz’ Burrell.

Ralphs and Rodgers had a longstanding friendship that predates their time in Bad Company, dating back to 1971. Bad Company enjoyed immense success in the ’70s with a string of acclaimed albums and hits, showcasing their rock prowess and musical collaboration.

However, tensions within the band came to a head during the making of an ill-fated album, culminating in Rodgers punching Kirke. This incident marked a turning point in the band’s trajectory, leading to their eventual breakup in the early ’80s. Despite the internal strife, Rodgers and Kirke reflect on the highs and lows of their time in Bad Company, acknowledging the band’s impact on their musical careers.

Looking back on their journey, Rodgers and Kirke express gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned during their tenure in Bad Company. Their story serves as a reminder of the complexities and dynamics that fuel creative partnerships within the music industry.

As Bad Company’s legacy endures through their timeless music, the band’s tumultuous history remains a testament to the highs and lows of rock ‘n’ roll stardom. Rodgers and Kirke’s shared memories offer insights into the inner workings of a band that defined an era and left an indelible mark on the music industry.