Liverpool, UK — Joey Molland, the iconic musician who made a significant impact on rock music through his collaborations with George Harrison and John Lennon, has passed away at the age of 77. Molland, a member of the legendary band Badfinger, died peacefully at his home after battling health issues for some time. His death marks the end of an era for fans of ’60s and ’70s rock music, with Molland’s legacy forever intertwined with the musical evolution of The Beatles and the creation of some of the most influential records in rock history.
Joey Molland, born on January 21, 1948, in Liverpool, was a key figure in the development of the British rock sound that defined the era. His name, though perhaps not as immediately recognized as some of his contemporaries, became synonymous with the gritty yet melodic elements of late 20th-century rock. Molland’s career was full of remarkable achievements, from being part of Badfinger—often touted as one of the first successful bands signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records—through to his numerous collaborations with John Lennon and George Harrison.
Badfinger: The Band That Never Was Allowed to Fully Rise
In many ways, Badfinger’s story is one of triumph and tragedy. Formed in 1969, the group was signed to Apple Records after The Beatles were introduced to their music. Initially called The Iveys, the band changed their name to Badfinger after the release of their debut album. The group’s early years were marked by their association with The Beatles, particularly with Paul McCartney, who helped them craft some of their earliest hits. Molland, as the lead guitarist and vocalist, played an instrumental role in the band’s signature sound. He lent his distinctive voice to some of Badfinger’s most enduring tracks, including “No Matter What” and “Day After Day,” songs that earned the band critical and commercial success.
However, despite this initial success, Badfinger’s journey was marred by personal struggles, business mismanagement, and, ultimately, tragedy. The band’s rise to prominence was followed by a series of financial issues, including the collapse of their relationship with Apple Records and the suicide of their lead singer, Pete Ham, in 1975. These hardships left Molland and the surviving members to grapple with the weight of their potential never fully realized.
Yet, despite these setbacks, Molland’s resilience as a musician shone through. His work with Badfinger, particularly on albums like Straight Up (1971), where he contributed heavily to the songwriting, remains a testament to his skill and passion. The album’s mix of heart-rending ballads and powerful rock anthems placed Badfinger among the best of the British rock scene, and many critics view it as a lost masterpiece of the early ’70s.
Collaborating with the Legends: George Harrison and John Lennon
Molland’s connection with The Beatles was not confined to Badfinger’s time on Apple Records. His influence extended beyond the confines of his own band, as he became an essential part of the solo careers of George Harrison and John Lennon. In particular, Molland featured prominently on several albums by the Beatles members after the band’s breakup in 1970.
Harrison’s All Things Must Pass (1970), a sprawling triple album that was a massive commercial success, saw Molland play a pivotal role. He contributed guitar and vocals to the record, which featured some of Harrison’s most famous solo work, including the monumental hit “My Sweet Lord.” It was an album that defined Harrison’s solo career and established him as an artist with his own distinct voice—separate from The Beatles. Molland’s contributions to this album were often subtle but significant, adding layers of depth to the already rich sound of the record.
In addition to his work with Harrison, Molland was also involved with John Lennon’s solo material. He performed on Some Time in New York City (1972), Lennon’s politically charged album that was released after The Beatles’ breakup. Molland’s contributions to the album demonstrated his ability to blend his musical style with Lennon’s avant-garde sensibilities, helping shape the raw, often confrontational sound of the record.
Despite the immense pressures that came with being part of such musical legends, Molland remained steadfast in his commitment to the music and to his craft. His collaborations with Harrison and Lennon earned him the respect of rock musicians worldwide and further solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile musician.
A Solo Career and a Lasting Influence
Though Molland’s work with Badfinger and his collaborations with Beatles members were the highlights of his career, he also enjoyed a notable solo career. His solo efforts, including After the Pearl (1980) and This Way Up (2013), never quite achieved the commercial success of his earlier work but garnered a loyal following of fans who appreciated his consistency as a songwriter and performer.
Throughout the years, Molland remained active in the music industry, both as a performer and a supporter of young talent. He occasionally toured with various versions of Badfinger and was involved in multiple projects that kept him connected to his roots in the Liverpool music scene. His passion for live performance remained unwavering, and he was known to pour his heart into every show, no matter how big or small.
In his later years, Molland was candid about the ups and downs of his career, acknowledging the struggles he faced and the highs he experienced. In interviews, he often spoke with warmth and humor about his time with The Beatles, remembering George Harrison’s “good vibes” and John Lennon’s “intensity” in the studio. Despite the hardships that marred much of his career, Molland’s enduring love for music shone through, and he remained a steadfast advocate for the art form that had given him so much.
The End of an Era
Joey Molland’s death marks the end of an era for rock music. He was part of a wave of British musicians who helped define the sound of the 1960s and 1970s, and his contributions to Badfinger, as well as his collaborations with Harrison and Lennon, remain deeply influential. Though Badfinger’s career was filled with heartache and struggle, Molland’s musical legacy endures, with the band’s songs still regularly featured on classic rock radio stations and in film soundtracks.
Fans and fellow musicians alike have paid tribute to Molland since news of his passing broke. His friends from The Beatles’ inner circle, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono, have all expressed their sadness at the loss of a musician who was part of the extended Beatles family. McCartney, who had worked closely with Badfinger in the early years of their career, wrote on social media, “Joey was a wonderful guy. He was part of that incredible Liverpool sound, and I’ll always remember our times working together with fondness.”
Ringo Starr, too, remembered Molland with affection. “Joey was a true rock star,” Starr said in a statement. “We shared some amazing memories, and I will always hold him in my heart.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Talent
Molland’s contributions to rock music cannot be overstated. He was not just a member of Badfinger, but a true pioneer of the genre, one whose work bridged the gap between The Beatles’ creative heyday and the new sounds of the ’70s. His guitar work, heartfelt lyrics, and unique voice added to the soundtracks of countless lives. Though his career was tinged with personal loss and tragedy, Molland’s music lived on, inspiring generations of rock fans and musicians alike.
Joey Molland is survived by his wife and children, as well as a legion of fans who continue to appreciate his contributions to the world of music. His influence will undoubtedly remain for years to come, ensuring that the Liverpool rock star who was signed by The Beatles will always be remembered for the indelible mark he left on the world of rock.