Joey Molland (of Badfinger) (1947-2025) R.I.P.

 

Joey Molland, songwriter-guitarist-vocalist for the classic lineup of Badfinger, passed away on March 1, 2025 from pneumonia and complications due to diabetes. He was 77 years old. Joey was the last surviving member of the band. For many years Joey proudly and admirably carried the Badfinger torch since the tragic and untimely demise of the other members of the band, keeping Badfinger music active and alive. I was in the process of compiling my list of favorite Badfinger songs as a follow-up to my recent Badfinger Album ranking post when I heard the sad news over the weekend of Joey's passing. It was surprising, because although he had been having serious health issues the past few months, recent word was that he was improving and looked to be on the road to recovery. 

Joey was a crucial and integral member of the band, contributing outstanding songs, guitar playing, vocals, and arrangements through the heyday of the band, on the albums No Dice (1970), Straight Up (1971), Ass (1973), Badfinger (1974), and Wish You Were Here (1974), as well as leading the re-formed band with Tom Evans in the late 70's and the albums Airwaves (1979) and Say No More (1981).  Although Pete Ham is often and rightly lauded for his premier songwriting, vocals, and guitar playing, Joey was also an excellent songwriter (and Tom Evans as well), which is what made Badfinger so great as a band. And during the time Joey was in the band, he actually contributed more songs for the band, either writing or co-writing, than either Pete or Tom. As with the band in general, Joey's very best songs were on Straight Up, featuring such classics as Sometimes, Sweet Tuesday Morning, I'd Die Babe, and Suitcase. The albums Ass and Wish You Were Here, in particular, also featured several great Molland compositions. Another underrated aspect of Joey was his singing. By itself Joey's voice was not all that special, but combined with Pete and/or Tom in harmony vocals, it was absolutely magical. Joey also shined on the re-formed Badfinger albums with Tom, which although less acclaimed, are still quite wonderful and underrated albums and highlight the talent of both Joey and Tom, and Joey's guitar playing especially. And in the years since, Joey has kept touring and performing with his own tribute to Badfinger, as Joey Molland's Badfinger. I was able to see Joey perform twice over the years, first as part of Joey Molland's Badfinger around 1986 (when Mike Gibbins was also in the band), and they put on a great show. More recently, I saw Joey as part of the 'It Was 50 years ago Today' tour in 2019, which honored the Beatles White Album. There he performed alongside other 70's and 80's greats, including Micky Dolenz (Monkees), Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, and Jason Scheff (Chicago), where he sang lead on a couple of White album songs (Savoy Truffle and Revolution 1) as well as the Badfinger classics No Matter What and Baby Blue. Joey continued to perform right up until his recent health issues, as recently as last fall, October 2024. 

In addition to Badfinger, Joey also released several solo albums over the years. After leaving Badfinger in the mid-70's, Joey formed the band Natural Gas, which released one album, Natural Gas, in 1976, which is also quite good. His solo albums include After The Pearl (1983), The Pilgrim (1992), Basil (1997), This Way Up (2001), Return to Memphis (2013), and his most recent work, Be True to Yourself (2020). I have recently listened to all these albums and they are good, generally a bit more laid back than the Badfinger days, but filled with great songs throughout. No, not up to the level of classic Badfinger, but quite enjoyable. 

One other thing that Joey was noted for, and that is just being a great guy. Although I never got to meet him, those that did always say how warm and kind he was, and so appreciative and giving towards his fans. He would often talk with and spend time with fans, being very generous and gracious.  

As the last surviving member, Joey's passing essentially closes the book on the great band Badfinger, an immensely talented group of musicians that produced much incredible music, endured great hardship, personal tragedies and loss. But Joey kept going for 50 years after the devastating loss of Pete, and later Tom. Joey, may you rest in peace and perhaps be reunited with your former bandmates in the afterlife.  Here's to the outstanding musical legacy of Joey, Badfinger, and all its members. The music will live on forever.