Bad Company marked a significant shift in the musical landscape. While Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke faced numerous challenges with their previous band, Free, they were determined not to replicate those struggles with their new venture. Their experiences had shaped them, and they were ready to embark on a new journey filled with promise and creativity.

“I believe the pivotal figure during that transformative period was Mick Ralphs. Having collaborated with Paul for five years, I felt a strong connection with him,” Kirke shares in an enlightening interview on the UCR Podcast, which you can listen to below. “In our initial years, we encountered numerous hurdles, but we gradually ascended to a new level. Our familiarity with each other fostered a camaraderie akin to a hand fitting into a glove, creating a seamless partnership. However, with Mick, despite knowing him through Mott the Hoople and their connection to Island Records, I had never collaborated with him before.”

Humor played an essential role in their creative synergy, acting as a bridge that connected them. “He is undeniably one of the funniest individuals I’ve met,” the drummer asserts. “His light-hearted nature paired with exceptional guitar skills was refreshing. My experience with Paul Kossoff, a true musical genius, was often overshadowed by the darkness of his struggles with drug addiction. Those final years with Kos were quite challenging. Then Mick entered our lives, bringing not only his incredible songwriting abilities but also a sense of humor that was infectious. Almost immediately, Paul and I formed a bond with him. This dynamic was a stark contrast to our time in Free. The atmosphere was much more uplifting and liberating, allowing us to explore our creativity without constraints.”

The missing link in this evolving band was Bassist Boz Burrell, whose addition required some negotiation due to his previous association with King Crimson. Kirke recalls, “It was quite a journey to bring him on board, mainly because he was at the bottom of our list of 16 potential bassists. The reason? We weren’t fans of King Crimson; their style simply didn’t resonate with us — although I do enjoy some of their work.” Ultimately, it was serendipity that led us to Boz. “He was the last bassist we auditioned, and his easy-going personality made him a perfect fit for our group. It was an extraordinary match that felt right from the start.”

Creating the Iconic Self-Titled Album ‘Bad Company’

The 1974 self-titled debut album from Bad Company features eight tracks that have stood the test of time and are still celebrated as classics by fans over 50 years later. Kirke collaborated with Rodgers to craft the iconic song that opens the album’s second side. The title track, “Bad Company,” exemplifies the atmospheric and visually evocative style that the English rock band would become renowned for. “I vividly remember visiting Paul’s cottage in Surrey, just south of London. When I arrived, I was greeted by the sound of a piano,” he reflects. “At first, I thought it might be an electric piano, but to my surprise, it was a grand piano that he had somehow managed to fit into his cozy cottage, and he was already playing this captivating riff.”

READ MORE: Discover the Top 10 Bad Company Songs

“For those who appreciate music, especially keyboardists and pianists, the song is composed in E flat minor, utilizing all the black keys. [Kirke demonstrates the keyboard pattern] It possesses a haunting quality,” the drummer elaborates. “He said, ‘What do you think of this? ‘Company, always on the run.’ The inspiration came from the bounty hunters of the 1800s, those long-range drifters who pursued bandits — and we considered ourselves the bandits, embodying the spirit of Bad Company. I felt an incredible vibe from it, especially given its haunting essence [was what made it work]. We’ve experimented with ‘Bad Company’ in other keys, but it never quite captured the magic. [After he shared the initial lyric with me], I suggested, ‘What about, ‘Destiny, is the rising sun?’ and from there, the song developed rapidly. I believe we completed it in about 20 minutes.”

Listen to Bad Company’s ‘Bad Company’

Upcoming Milestones for Bad Company

The legendary rock band is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this coming November. This honor comes after their first nomination earlier this year, having been eligible since 2000. Kirke acknowledges that it will be a deeply emotional evening, especially considering Ralphs‘ current health challenges. “I hope I can maintain my composure when I mention Mick, as we plan to give him a heartfelt tribute,” he expresses. “I had a brief conversation with him [after the induction news was announced]. Due to a stroke, his speech is limited, and I just hope I can keep it together without breaking down.”

Later this year, Bad Company will also receive a tribute album titled Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company, slated for release this fall. Fans were treated to a sneak peek of the upcoming compilation through The Struts, who showcased their rendition of the iconic single “Rock & Roll Fantasy” on a limited 7″ vinyl for Record Store Day. Kirke shares with UCR that he and Rodgers are collaborating with Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, a devoted fan, to create a new version of “Seagull.”

Listen to Bad Company’s Simon Kirke on the ‘UCR Podcast’

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