Joey Molland, Last Surviving Member of Badfinger, Dies at 77
Joey Molland, the guitarist for the iconic 1970s rock band Badfinger and the last surviving member of the group, has passed away at the age of 77. His death marks the end of an era for fans of power-pop and those who cherished Badfinger’s significant contribution to the music scene, particularly their close ties to The Beatles.
Molland died late Saturday night, surrounded by his family, according to Paul Davie, a long-time friend, backing bandmate, and the manager of Molland’s social media presence and website. Davie confirmed the news in an interview with USA TODAY, bringing a wave of sadness to the music world.
Badfinger, a Welsh pop-rock band, achieved considerable fame in the 1970s with a string of memorable hits. Their discography boasts tracks like "Baby Blue," a song forever etched in popular culture thanks to its prominent use in the television series "Breaking Bad," "No Matter What," a quintessential power-pop anthem, "Day After Day," a ballad showcasing their melodic prowess, and "Without You," a song that achieved even greater recognition through cover versions by artists such as Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey. "Without You" became a global phenomenon, solidifying Badfinger’s legacy, albeit through interpretations by others.
Badfinger’s connection to The Beatles played a significant role in their initial success and subsequent trajectory. They were among the first artists signed to Apple Records, the label founded by the Fab Four. Paul McCartney, in particular, took a keen interest in the band, even penning one of their early hits, "Come and Get It." This initial boost from McCartney and the Apple Records association catapulted Badfinger into the limelight. The band’s sound, often characterized by catchy melodies, tight harmonies, and a strong pop sensibility, resonated with audiences and critics alike, drawing comparisons to The Beatles themselves.
Beyond his work with Badfinger, Molland also contributed to several solo projects by members of The Beatles. He lent his musical talents to George Harrison’s landmark album "All Things Must Pass" and participated in the historic "The Concert for Bangladesh," a benefit concert organized by Harrison. Molland also played on John Lennon’s acclaimed 1971 album "Imagine," further cementing his place in Beatles-related history. These collaborations highlight Molland’s versatility and musicianship, as well as the respect he garnered from some of the most influential figures in music.
Following Badfinger’s dissolution, Molland embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums that showcased his songwriting abilities and distinctive guitar style. His solo discography includes "This Way Up," "After the Pearl," "The Pilgrim," and the more recent "Be True To Yourself," released in 2020. He also explored other musical avenues, joining the rock band Natural Gas, demonstrating his willingness to experiment and collaborate with different artists.
Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced throughout his career, Molland remained dedicated to performing live, captivating audiences with both his own compositions and his interpretations of Beatles classics. He continued to tour and perform until late 2024, when his health began to decline, according to Davie. His commitment to his craft and his desire to connect with fans are testaments to his enduring passion for music.
Earlier this year, Molland’s girlfriend, Mary Joyce, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his medical expenses. She revealed that he was battling pneumonia and complications related to his diabetes and had spent over a month in the hospital. The outpouring of support from fans and well-wishers was significant, with the campaign raising over $30,000 to assist with his mounting medical bills. This collective effort demonstrates the deep affection and respect that Molland had cultivated over the years.
Davie, who played a crucial role in managing Molland’s social media presence and connecting with fans, spoke fondly of his friendship with the guitarist. He recounted how they first met through Davie’s Syracuse-based Beatles tribute band, The Fab Five. Davie was organizing a show to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Beatles’ British invasion, and the two immediately "clicked." Molland’s guidance and support propelled Davie from a local musician and radio ad salesman to backing up the Badfinger singer on stages around the world. Davie had been managing Molland’s social media, including the Original Badfinger Facebook page, since 2011.
"I owe him so much," Davie told USA TODAY, emphasizing Molland’s unwavering belief in him. The news of Molland’s passing has triggered an overwhelming outpouring of love and support from fans around the globe, a testament to the impact he had on so many lives. Davie noted that even music lovers who didn’t know Molland personally felt a connection to him, referring to him as their "friend."
Davie described Molland as the kind of person who would readily share his french fries with a complete stranger, highlighting his generosity and approachable nature. He also recalled instances at music festivals where Molland’s signing line would be significantly longer than those of other prominent figures from the Beatles world. Fans were eager to have that personal interaction with him.
"Whenever they had signings (at festivals), they would have some big name stars from the Beatles world, but Joey’s line at the signing table was always five times longer than everybody else’s because they wanted that special face time," Davie explained. "In fact, he’d yell at me if I’d say, ‘Yeah, we gotta kind of move it along here.’ He’d say, ‘No man, I’m having a conversation with this guy, don’t cut me off!’" This anecdote perfectly encapsulates Molland’s genuine connection with his fans and his willingness to engage with them on a personal level.
Joey Molland’s death marks the end of an era for Badfinger fans and the music community as a whole. His contributions to the band’s iconic sound, his collaborations with The Beatles, and his enduring solo career have left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and pop music. He will be remembered not only for his musical talent but also for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his fans. His legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with music lovers for generations to come.
