Bad Company

Expectations were high from day one for the classic-rock supergroup Bad Company—after all, their chart-topping 1974 self-titled debut was the first LP issued by Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records—but the London-formed band never disappointed. Fronted by former Free singer Paul Rodgers, who led the way with a soulful, empathetic voice, the quartet found great success in America with a combination of bluesy British hard rock (their self-titled theme song “Bad Company”) and harmony-driven electrified folk (“Feel Like Makin’ Love”). Bad Company initially coalesced in 1973, with Rodgers and a fellow Free bandmate, drummer Simon Kirke, teaming up with ex-Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs and former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell. They quickly found their footing and became one of the most successful bands of the ’70s, thanks to a string of multiplatinum LPs (including 1975’s Straight Shooter and 1979’s Desolation Angels) and a sound that evolved as trends changed; for example, the polished production and groove-heavy riffage of “Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy” fit right in with the decade’s roller-rink disco rock. Although Bad Company experienced multiple lineup shifts throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Rodgers and Kirke toured with a modern incarnation of the group well into the 21st century. Over the years, their songs have transcended classic-rock radio and inspired artists across genres: Americana star Alison Krauss covered “Oh, Atlanta” in 1995, and Five Finger Death Punch had a major hit on rock radio in 2010 with their take on “Bad Company.”