The Boomer REport - Music Fun Facts

Badfinger - 10 Fun Facts

1. They Were the First Band Signed to Apple Records (After The Beatles)
   Badfinger was one of the first non-Beatles acts signed to Apple Records. Their debut single “Come and Get It” was written and produced by Paul McCartney, who handpicked them for the label.
2. Their Original Name Was “The Iveys”
   Before becoming Badfinger, the band was called The Iveys—named after a street in their hometown. Apple Records convinced them to rebrand to better fit the rock image.
3. They Wrote “Without You”—But Harry Nilsson Made It a Hit
   “Without You” was written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger, but it didn’t blow up until Harry Nilsson covered it in 1971. Later, Mariah Carey’s version topped the charts again in the '90s. It’s one of the most covered ballads of all time.
4. “No Matter What” Was Rejected by Apple Initially
   The classic power pop anthem “No Matter What” was almost left off the album because Apple Records didn’t think it was strong enough. Thankfully, producer Mal Evans (Beatles' roadie) fought for it.
5. They Played on George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass”
   Members of Badfinger were recruited by George Harrison to play on his triple solo album, particularly the song “Isn’t It a Pity.” They also played at the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.
6. They Were Known as “The Beatles’ Baby Band”
   With their Beatles association, Apple label, and melodic style, the press dubbed Badfinger “the next Beatles”—a heavy burden that came with great expectations.
7. They Were Victims of One of the Worst Music Industry Scandals
   Their manager, Stan Polley, notoriously mismanaged their finances and embezzled millions, leaving band members broke—even when their songs were topping charts.
8. Two Members Tragically Took Their Own Lives
   Pete Ham (1975) and Tom Evans (1983) both died by suicide, largely due to financial and legal turmoil stemming from their management and record label issues. Their deaths became one of rock’s most tragic cautionary tales.
9. Their Catalog Was Tied Up in Legal Limbo for Years
   Because of contractual disputes and lawsuits, many Badfinger albums and royalties were unavailable or unpaid for decades. It wasn’t until the 1990s that their music was properly reissued.
10. They’re Now Regarded as Power Pop Pioneers
    Despite the tragedies, Badfinger is now celebrated as one of the founding bands of the power pop genre, influencing acts like Big Star, Cheap Trick, R.E.M., and even The Bangles.