Badfinger were one of the most respected songwriting bands to have come out of
the UK, on the heels of the British invasion. Writing songs used by the likes of
Mariah Carey, Nilsson and even having the top 10 hit: "Come and Get It"
penned by arguably the
greatest songwriter ever known: ex Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.
Badfinger always
moved in the biggest musical circles. Performing live on stage with George
Harrison at the Bangladesh concert, or sharing the stage with The Who,
Badfinger were famous for bringing subtlety and soul to their music, while
always retaining the hard edge that made them a firm favorite with musicians and
fans alike. So respected were they that their very first record deal was
to be the first band handpicked by the Beatles for their new "Apple"
label.
However Badfinger will mostly be
known for the events after the music. Badfinger often lived in poverty,
living one day to the next, believing that there were royalties and
finances waiting for them at the end of their grueling touring and recording
work. There were none.
Due to forces seemingly out of their control, Badfinger were exploited every step
of the way.
This exploitation took it's
toll, and manifested itself in the very worst way. Badfinger's soulful
songwriter, and Mikes best friend and fellow Welshman Pete Ham, took his life
as he bent to the pressures of the worst face of the music scene. Leaving
behind Petera, his daughter who he would never get to see, as his death preceded
her birth.
And the story does
not end there. Horrified by his soul mate's death, Tommy Evans, suffering
from a deep depression and alcoholism, took his own life years later. He left
behind wife Marianne and son Steven.
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