Badfinger: The Rise and Fall of a Beatles-Backed Band
Badfinger, originally known as The Iveys, was one of the first bands signed to the Beatles' Apple Records. The group received a boost from Paul McCartney's songwriting skills, but their fortunes took a turn for the worse after Apple Records disbanded. Discover more about Badfinger's industry disputes and tragic demise below.
During the Beatles' final years, they established Apple Records as a platform to release their own music and support emerging artists. The label aimed to provide a free space for artists to create and record music, as envisioned by John Lennon.
Initially struggling to make an impact under their original name, The Iveys, the band was renamed Badfinger by The Beatles' road manager, Neil Aspinall. This change marked a pivotal moment for the group, as they received a hit song, "Come and Get It," written and produced by Paul McCartney.
Badfinger's success continued with Harry Nilsson's recording of their song "Without You." The band's heyday lineup of Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland, and Mike Gibbons enjoyed significant achievements during this period.
Despite their early success, Badfinger faced financial difficulties when they left Apple Records for Warner Records. Two unsuccessful albums and fraudulent management exacerbated their financial woes, leading to Pete Ham's tragic suicide in 1975.
Following Ham's death, Molland and Evans attempted to revive the band but encountered disputes over royalties. Evans also faced a $5 million lawsuit related to a tour disagreement, ultimately leading to his own suicide in the early 1980s.
Molland was the last surviving member of Badfinger until his passing in 2025, marking the end of the band's tumultuous journey. Despite their struggles, Badfinger's collaboration with The Beatles produced timeless hits that remain a testament to their musical legacy. Explore the iconic track "Come and Get It" to revisit their enduring impact.