🎸 Bad Company is one of those legendary names that echoes through the halls of classic rock history. Formed in 1973 in London, they were a supergroup made up of seasoned musicians from other iconic bands:

• Paul Rodgers (vocals) and Simon Kirke (drums) came from Free
• Mick Ralphs (guitar) was from Mott the Hoople
• Boz Burrell (bass) had played with King Crimson

They were the first band signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records, and their debut album Bad Company (1974) was a smash hit, featuring timeless tracks like:

• “Can’t Get Enough”
• “Movin’ On”
• “Bad Company” (yes, the song named after the band, on the album named after the band—very meta)

Their sound? A gritty, bluesy, no-frills brand of hard rock that helped define the genre in the ’70s. They followed up with hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Shooting Star,” and their first three albums all hit the top five in both the UK and US charts.

🕊️ Sadly, founding guitarist Mick Ralphs passed away in June 2025 at the age of 81. He left behind a powerful legacy, having penned many of the band’s biggest hits. The band is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year—a fitting tribute to their enduring influence.

Bad Company’s discography is a journey through classic rock history, with 12 studio albums, 6 live albums, and a slew of compilations and singles that showcase their evolution from gritty blues-rock to polished arena anthems. Here’s a breakdown of their most notable studio albums:

🎶 Classic Era (1974–1982)

These albums featured the original lineup and defined their signature sound:

• Bad Company (1974): Their debut and biggest hit, featuring “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On.” It hit No. 1 in the US and went 5× Platinum.
• Straight Shooter (1975): Includes “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Shooting Star.” Another multi-platinum success.
• Run with the Pack (1976): Known for “Silver, Blue & Gold” and the title track.
• Burnin’ Sky (1977): A bit more experimental, but still packed with bluesy swagger.
• Desolation Angels (1979): Features “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy.” Went 2× Platinum in the US.
• Rough Diamonds (1982): Their last album with the original lineup before a brief hiatus.

⚡ Reinvention Era (1986–1996)

With new members and a more radio-friendly sound:

• Fame and Fortune (1986): Marked a shift toward AOR (album-oriented rock).
• Dangerous Age (1988): Featured Brian Howe on vocals and a slicker production.
• Holy Water (1990): A commercial comeback with hits like “If You Needed Somebody.”
• Here Comes Trouble (1992): Continued their success into the early ’90s.
• Company of Strangers (1995): Introduced yet another lineup.
• Stories Told & Untold (1996): A mix of re-recorded classics and new material.

🔥 Live Albums & Legacy

They’ve also released several live albums, including:

• Live in Albuquerque 1976
• Live at Wembley (2011)
• Live at Red Rocks (2018)

Their music has aged like fine whisky—bold, smooth, and still packing a punch.

Bad Company definitely had their share of rock ’n’ roll mayhem on the road—though they were a bit more low-key than some of their wilder contemporaries like Led Zeppelin or Mötley Crüe. Still, a few tales have become part of their legend:

🎤 Tales from the Road

• The “No Frills” Tour Life: Despite their fame, Bad Company was known for keeping things relatively grounded. Paul Rodgers once said they preferred “music over madness”, but that didn’t stop the occasional hotel-trashing or impromptu jam sessions that lasted until sunrise.
• Mick Ralphs’ Fear of Flying: One of the more unusual stories is that guitarist Mick Ralphs eventually refused to fly, which made touring a logistical nightmare. He once opted out of a major tour entirely because of it, forcing the band to find creative ways to get him to shows—or play without him.
• The 1970s U.S. Invasion: During their first U.S. tours, they played massive venues like Madison Square Garden and The Forum in LA. They were often mistaken for an American band because of their gritty, outlaw image. Fans would tail their tour buses, and after-parties sometimes got so wild that hotel managers banned them from returning.
• The Lynyrd Skynyrd Tour (2013–2014): When they toured with Skynyrd, it was a clash of two Southern-tinged rock titans. There were reports of on-stage pranks, like switching out guitars mid-song or sneaking into each other’s dressing rooms to leave “gifts” (read: chaos).
• The 2016 Tour Drama: Mick Ralphs rejoined the band for a U.S. tour with Joe Walsh, but after the final show in London, he suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. It was a sobering end to what had been a triumphant return to the stage.

Bad Company’s most iconic live moments and their long-overdue Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction—a bittersweet celebration this year.

🔥 Legendary Live Performances

• 1974 U.S. Debut Tour: Their first American tour was electric. Playing venues like Madison Square Garden, they stunned audiences with raw, bluesy power. Fans were floored by Paul Rodgers’ vocals and Mick Ralphs’ searing guitar solos.
• Live at Wembley (2010): A triumphant return to the UK stage. The band sounded tight and energized, with Rodgers still belting out “Shooting Star” like it was 1975.
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre (2018): This show was a fan favorite—set against the stunning Colorado backdrop, they delivered a thunderous set that proved their music still resonates across generations.
• Final Show with Mick Ralphs (2016): Their performance at London’s O2 Arena was Ralphs’ last. Just days later, he suffered a stroke that ended his touring days. That show is now remembered as a poignant farewell to a founding legend.

🏆 Rock Hall Induction 2025

After years of being overlooked, Bad Company is finally being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November. Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke will attend and are expected to perform at the ceremony. Mick Ralphs, who passed away in June 2025 at age 81, will be honored posthumously.

Rodgers called the induction “pretty amazing and very cool,” while Kirke said, “It’s been a long time coming”. Ralphs had expressed his excitement earlier this year, saying he was “elated” about the honor.

Their induction is not just a nod to their chart-topping hits, but to their influence on generations of rock musicians.