COVENTRY Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
BADFINGER were probably most well-known for being on the Beatles Apple label and having a hat-trick of superb hit singles in the 1970s ‘Come and Get It’, ‘No Matter What’ and ‘Day after Day’ as well as being the originators of the classic song ‘Without You’.
Originally formed in Swansea, the band took on a Coventry Edge when Bob Jackson joined of course.
Bob had been a member of the prog rock band Indian Summer and later The Mob and much more recently The Fortunes.
The Badfinger story is usually a sad one with the financial defrauding of the band and the consequential suicide of two members Ham and Evans. So thankfully this is something of a joyful story in
the history of this wonderful and iconic band.
Now in an exhilarating announcement for music aficionados and rock historians, the iconic British band Badfinger are proud to unveil the forthcoming release of their long-lost album, ‘Head
First’, exactly 50 years after its original recording.
This historic release features Peter Ham’s final studio recordings and marks a significant milestone in the band’s legacy, bringing forth an album that has been shrouded in mystery for decades.
Originally laid down in 1974 at The Beatles’ renowned Apple Recording Studio on Savile Row, London, ‘Head First’ encapsulates a transformative era in Badfinger’s storied career.
The sessions for ‘Head First’ took place during a tumultuous period for the band, marked by personal struggles and external challenges, which ultimately led to the album being shelved.
For years, only a rough mix survived, with the master tapes thought to be lost.
However, the recent rediscovery of the original multi-tracks has allowed for a meticulous mixing and mastering process, breathing new life into this long-hidden masterpiece.
The release promises to provide fans with an authentic glimpse into the creative spirit of Badfinger during one of their most artistically rich periods.
The official release of ‘Head First’ is not just an addition to Badfinger’s discography – it represents a rediscovery of a pivotal moment in rock history.
The album features tracks that showcase the band’s raw energy and emotive songwriting, resonating with both long-time fans and a new generation of listeners. The newly-mastered sound
highlights the band’s musicianship in an unprecedented way, revitalising their enduring legacy.
Bob Jackson, the sole surviving member of the line up, expressed his excitement.
He said: “On behalf of my band mates – Pete, Tommy, and Mike – I am thrilled to say: ‘We did it, guys!’
“This marks the culmination of a 50-year journey.
“It’s an honour to complete the vision we had all those years ago.
“The last piece of the puzzle is finally in place.”
