Bad Company - 10 from 6 (1985) plus Bonus Tracks

(U.K 1973-1982, 1986 -1999, 2001-2002, 2008-2019)

Few groups entered the rock arena in the mid-70's with as much initial success, both critically and commercially, as Bad Company. Fewer still have been able to weather a period of rapidly shifting musical tastes and trends, much less maintain the popular base, as Bad Company has. It has been more than 50 years since the band formed in 1973 - with Paul Rodgers emerging from Free and Mick Ralphs leaving Mott The Hoople at its peak, to be joined by bass player Boz Burrell (ex Free) and drummer Simon Kirke (ex King Crimson).

The way Mick Ralphs has explained it: "People needed a band like ours. At the time there wasn't anybody doing what we were. Everybody was too much into theatrics. It was getting a bit sour, so we came in as a complete opposite to that".

From their first rehearsal at Paul's country home in September 1973, it was apparent that they shared a special chemistry. As song writers, Ralph and Rodgers complimented each other's strengths. Brightest of all was the quality of new songs both had in store. "Mick had 'Can't Get Enough' when we started the band," states Rodgers. "I remember him playing it for me. I was absolutely certain that it was a hit. It was one of the reasons why I thought we had a future together, Mott The Hoople wouldn't play it because it wasn't their style. I told him I would sing that song".

Paul-Rodgers-and-Mick-Ralphs

Determined to establish Bad Company on solid footing, Paul decided to call Led Zeppelin's manager Peter Grant. Grant said "Yes, I'm interested in managing Paul Rodgers", to which Rodgers replied "I come with a band". Peter was still interested. At the time we were a trio and were still auditioning bass players down at the village hall.

Grant recognised the group's potential and a handshake agreement between he and Rodgers secured his position as manager. Grant then signed them to Led Zeppelin's fledgling Swan Song label. With proper management in place, the trio turned its focus to securing a bassist to round out the group.

As a search for a suitable bassist continued, signature songs such as "Rock Steady","Movin' On", and "Bad Company" were developed and refined. With momentum building towards a public launch, the group finally recruited former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell to fill the position, sporting a fretless bass and an easy going personna.

Bad Company 1974

With Burrell in tow, the group prepared to record their debut album, using led Zeppelin's mobile studio at Headley Grange. The eight tracks recorded at Headley Grange clearly defined the band's sound. Rock, blues and country influences were marbled skillfully within all their songs.

"We were influenced by people like Jimi Hendrix, Cream and to a certain extent, the Beatles", explains Rodgers. "I don't think that Bad Company was particularly blues influenced as a band, although I probably brought that in. We were just trying to play what felt good and natural and I think that is what gave us our identity.

Bad Company 1975

Despite the commercial potential of their music, the group had to wage a battle with Swan Song over their name. The group chose 'Bad Company', inspired by the 1972 film of the same name directed by Robert Benton. "I had to fight to get the management and record company to accept the name 'Bad Company', explains Rodgers. "They thought it was a terrible name. Peter Grant called a meeting and the band met beforehand. I told them that I had been through this before with Free (Island had wanted to call the band the Heavy Metal Kids or something corney like that). We agreed to go in and tell them that we were called Bad Company and that was the end of the story. As soon as Grant heard how strongly I felt about the name, he became very supportive and turned the record company around".

Taking full benefit of Swan Song's visibility and Grant's press and marketing skills, Bad Company made their formal debut at Newcastle City Hall in March 1974. The rousing response they enjoyed from fans and critics in the UK propelled the group towards America brimming with confidence. "In America, we opened for Edgar Winter," remembers Rodgers. "The response to Bad Comany was overwhelming, night after night. When we started out on tour, the album 'Bad Co.' had just broken into the charts. Three months later we were number one. We were received with open arms. We were finally on our way".

Bad Company's First 6 Albums

Bad Company has enjoyed a streak of gold and platinum records, from their debut  'Bad Co.', through 'Straight Shooter', 'Run With The Pack', 'Burnin' Sky', 'Desolation Angels', 'Rough Diamonds' and the hugely successful Best Of '10 from 6' LP's.

Singles such as "Can't Get Enough","Movin On","Feel Like Makin' Love","Young Blood" and "Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy" have consistently placed the group at the top of the charts.

A Young Mick

RIP Mick Ralphs (24/06/2025)

extract from ultimateclassicrock.com

Mick Ralphs, a founding member of Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, has died. He was 81.

Paul Rodgers, his former Bad Company bandmate shared,

 "Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. He has left us with exceptional songs and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humor.

"Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won't be our last. There are many memories of Mick that will create laughter. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven."

Drummer Simon Kirke also issued a statement, noting, "He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply."

In 2016, following a tour with Bad Company, Ralphs was hospitalized with a stroke. He officially retired from performing after that. According to a press release announcing his death, "Ralphs gave his final performance with Bad Company on Oct. 29, 2016, at London’s O2 Arena. Just days later, he suffered a debilitating stroke and remained bedridden until his passing."

Ralphs was born in England in March 1944 and began playing in local bands in the early '60s. In 1969, he helped form Mott the Hoople, remaining with the band until 1973, contributing to all of the band's studio albums in some capacity.

He also played on all of Bad Company's albums, even though he didn't always tour with them.

The band's 1974 self-titled debut album included the hit single "Can't Get Enough," which was written by Ralphs. He also wrote and sang "Ready for Love" on Mott the Hoople's 1972 album, All the Young Dudes. Bad Company covered the song on their first LP.

Over the years, Ralphs played with other artists, including a spot on David Gilmour's 1984 About Face tour and as a guitarist with former Mott the Hoople bandmate Ian Hunter. He also released a handful of solo albums over the decades in addition to a couple with the Mick Ralphs Blues Band.

Ralph's death comes just months after Bad Company was finally announced as part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's induction class this year.

This post consists of FLACs ripped from my CD and includes full album artwork for both CD and Vinyl media, along with label scans.  I was tempted to rip my vinyl for this post, but I'm time poor at the moment, so digital it is.

Now, as this is a tribute to Mick Ralphs, I wanted to post a Bad Company album but couldn't make up my mind which one - becase they are all good.  So in the end, I decided to post their 'Best Of' compilation from 1985,  10 from 6

Now, while digging deeper into the track selection on this compilation, I discovered that even though the album title implies the 10 tracks were taken from their first 6 LP's, there are no tracks from their 4th LP  'Burnin' Sky'.   I understand why they couldn't fit more than 10 tracks on the LP compilation, but maybe they could have substituted one of their choices (ie. 4 tracks taken from their debut album)

So I have decided to remedy this by including a couple of bonus tracks with this post, "Everything I Need" (from Burnin' Sky) and "Young Blood" (from Run With The Pack).

And now that there are 12 tracks, perhaps the album should be titled:

'12 from 6' instead. Therefore, I'm also including additional edited CD artwork to accomodate this for those who want it.

Track Listing

01 Can’t Get Enough  4:17

02 Feel Like Makin’ Love  5:14

03 Run With the Pack  5:11

04 Shooting Star  6:12

05 Movin’ On  3:23

06 Bad Company  4:50

07 Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy  3:19

08 Electric Land  5:29

09 Ready for Love  5:02

10 Live for the Music  3:59

11 Young Blood (Bonus Track)  2:41

12 Everything I Need (Bonus Track)  3:23

Bad Company were:

Paul Rogers: Vocals, Guitar

Mick Ralphs: Guitar

Boz Burrell: Bass

Simon Kirke: Drums

Bad Company Link (332Mb)