Podcast Summary: Something About the Beatles
Episode 304: Badfinger's Head First with Bob Jackson
Release Date: May 7, 2025

Hosted by award-winning author Robert Rodriguez, Episode 304 of "Something About the Beatles" delves deep into the tumultuous history of Badfinger, exploring their rise, struggles with management, tragic losses, and the eventual resurrection of their unreleased album "Head First." Featuring an in-depth interview with Bob Jackson, a key member of Badfinger, this episode unpacks the complexities that plagued the band and offers insightful reflections on their enduring legacy.

1. Introduction to Badfinger’s Turbulent History

Robert Rodriguez opens the episode by commemorating the passing of Joey Mullin, the last surviving member of Badfinger's classic lineup. He sets the stage by outlining Badfinger's discography, highlighting their significant albums such as "No Dice," "Straight Up," "Ass," and "Wish You Were Here."

Host (03:23): "That four-man lineup, starting with No Dice, which had No Matter What and Without You on it, followed by Straight Up, Day After Day, and Baby Blue..."

2. Badfinger’s Early Success and Apple Records Era

Badfinger, initially signed as the Ivys in 1968, became one of the first bands on Apple Records. Despite working closely with Mal Evans, their association with Apple was marred by poor management and lack of business acumen from the Beatles.

Host (04:57): "Jettisoned along the way were their ideals."

The band saw moderate success with singles like "Tomorrow" but struggled with album releases in the U.S., leading to frustration and financial strain.

3. Management Issues and Financial Struggles

The introduction of American manager Stan Polly exacerbated Badfinger's woes. Polly, allegedly connected to mob elements, mismanaged the band's finances, siphoning funds and leaving them with minimal earnings despite successful records.

Badfinger Member (02:26): "Time when we broke up, we were getting a lot of money from Warner Brothers for every record we did..."

4. The Tragic Loss of Pete Ham

Amidst financial and managerial chaos, guitarist Pete Ham succumbed to depression and committed suicide shortly after quitting the band in 1974. His death marked the beginning of Badfinger's rapid decline.

Unknown Singer (02:18): "I can't live if living is without you I can't live, can't give anymore."

5. The Rejection and Resurrection of "Head First"

Badfinger’s album "Head First," produced by Chris Thomas, was completed but swiftly rejected by Warner Brothers due to ongoing turmoil. Decades later, Bob Jackson successfully tracked down the missing master tapes, remixed, and remastered the album, leading to its long-awaited release in 2024.

Badfinger Member (72:58): "I was disappointed, but persistent. I had to look deeper."

6. In-Depth Interview with Bob Jackson

Bob Jackson shares his journey of joining Badfinger under strained circumstances. Initially auditioning without full knowledge of the band's internal issues, Jackson became an integral member, contributing significantly to the "Head First" project.

Bob Jackson (13:03): "I was like, wow, that's kind of amazing and very timely."

Joining the Band Amidst Chaos

Jackson recounts receiving an anonymous telegram inviting him to audition, leading to his seamless integration into Badfinger.

Bob Jackson (14:17): "I still don't know who sent me that email."

Creative Contributions and Musical Dynamics

As a keyboardist and vocalist, Jackson brought a fresh dynamic to the band, influencing their musical direction during the "Head First" sessions.

Bob Jackson (25:04): "I thought, yeah, this is this kind of more melodic thing. You're connecting with more people."

7. Tour Experiences and Internal Conflicts

The tour, where Badfinger opened for the Welsh band Man, was a mix of musical success and internal strife. The setlist excluded Pete Ham’s hits, hinting at underlying tensions.

Bob Jackson (28:08): "We were doing everything but Pete Ham songs. Do you remember thinking at the time, well, this is weird."

Clashing Personalities and Management Pressure

Conflicts arose between band members and management, particularly over financial discrepancies and the direction of their music, leading to Joey Mullin’s eventual departure.

Bob Jackson (33:31): "There was clearly something rotten going on with their management in Stan Polly."

8. The Making and Legacy of "Head First"

Despite the rushed and pressured recording environment, Jackson expresses satisfaction with the "Head First" album, acknowledging what could have been achieved with more time. The 2024 remastered release provided closure and a fitting tribute to Pete Ham’s legacy.

Bob Jackson (66:20): "I'm happy about the quality of it, it's great that we achieved what we did."

9. Final Reflections and Moving Forward

The episode concludes with Jackson reflecting on the band's past tragedies and his hopes for "Head First" to be a completed piece that honors the memories of lost members. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and unity in overcoming the band's historic challenges.

Bob Jackson (68:15): "I'm really proud of what we did. We pulled together and we worked hard."

Notable Quotes:

• Bob Jackson (14:44): "It's amazing, but to hear your vocals, this is like Badfinger. The harmonies, the sweetness, the much more Beatlesque."

• Bob Jackson (27:05): "It was very, very serendipitous. It was a good match."

• Badfinger Member (57:15): "Once it was like, yeah, that's it. But it was the first time I'd been approached to offer up any material and passed fast."

• Bob Jackson (82:29): "I saw him, he's not normal, that's self-harm."

Conclusion:

Episode 304 of "Something About the Beatles" offers a poignant exploration of Badfinger's legacy through Bob Jackson's firsthand experiences. From their promising beginnings and subsequent downfall to the emotional revival of "Head First," the episode underscores the resilience of musicians amidst adversity. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the band's intricate history, the personal struggles of its members, and the enduring impact of their music.

Recommended for Listeners:

If you’re fascinated by the lesser-known stories of iconic bands and wish to understand the complexities behind the music, this episode provides a rich, emotional, and insightful narrative. Whether you're a long-time Badfinger fan or new to their story, Robert Rodriguez and Bob Jackson deliver a compelling account that resonates with the timeless spirit of the Fab Four.