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Our Complete List Of Bad Company Band Members presents the various musicians who have played in the legendary band Bad Company. The band was first formed in 1973, hailing from the area of Albury, Surrey, England. They have always been one of the most loved rock bands to come out of the classic rock era. I fell in love with them the moment I heard Paul Rodgers sing “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love,” from their debut album.
Paul Rodgers
Paul Rodgers, renowned as the lead vocalist and a primary songwriter for Bad Company, has been a pivotal figure in the band since its inception in 1973. His tenure with the band was continuous until 1982, and then he rejoined from 1998 to 2002, and again from 2008 to the present day. Rodgers’ distinctive voice and songwriting skills are evident on classic albums like “Bad Company” (1974), “Straight Shooter” (1975), “Run With the Pack” (1976), and “Burnin’ Sky” (1977), contributing to hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough.” Outside Bad Company, Rodgers has had a successful career, notably with Free, where he co-wrote the hit “All Right Now.” He also worked with Queen as Queen + Paul Rodgers, releasing the album “The Cosmos Rocks” in 2008.
Mick Ralphs
Mick Ralphs, the original guitarist and a key songwriter for Bad Company, joined the band at its formation in 1973 and was a consistent member until 1982. He returned to the fold from 1986 to 1998 and again from 2008 to 2016. Ralphs’ guitar work and songwriting were instrumental on albums like “Bad Company” and “Straight Shooter,” including the classic “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Before Bad Company, Ralphs was a founding member of Mott the Hoople, contributing significantly to their sound and success. Post-Bad Company, he formed The Mick Ralphs Blues Band, where he explored his blues influences.
Simon Kirke
As the drummer for Bad Company from its beginning in 1973, Simon Kirke has been a consistent presence in the band, remaining through various lineup changes up to the present day. Kirke’s solid, unobtrusive drumming style is a backbone of the band’s sound on albums such as “Bad Company,” “Straight Shooter,” and “Desolation Angels” (1979). Before Bad Company, Kirke was a member of Free alongside Paul Rodgers. Beyond Bad Company, he has released solo albums, including “Seven Rays of Hope” in 2005.
Boz Burrell
Raymond “Boz” Burrell, the original bassist for Bad Company, played with the band from 1973 until 1982. His bass playing provided a firm foundation for albums like “Bad Company” and “Straight Shooter.” Prior to joining Bad Company, Burrell was a member of King Crimson, showcasing his versatility as a musician. After leaving Bad Company, he briefly played with Tam White and then largely retired from music, focusing on golf. Burrell passed away in 2006.
Brian Howe
Brian Howe, a key vocalist for Bad Company, joined the band in 1986 and stayed until 1994. His tenure marked a shift in the band’s sound, evident in albums like “Holy Water” (1990) and “Here Comes Trouble” (1992). Howe’s era with the band is known for more melodic and polished production. Before Bad Company, Howe worked with Ted Nugent, contributing vocals on the album “Penetrator” (1984). Post-Bad Company, he pursued a solo career, releasing several albums before his untimely death in 2020.
Steve Price
Bassist Steve Price was part of Bad Company during the Brian Howe era, from 1986 to 1992. During his time with the band, Price contributed to albums like “Fame and Fortune” (1986) and “Dangerous Age” (1988). His bass playing supported the band’s more AOR-oriented sound during this period. Before joining Bad Company, Price was known for his work with the band Wild Turkey. His career after Bad Company is less documented, with Price keeping a relatively low profile in the music industry.
Gregg Dechert
Keyboardist Gregg Dechert briefly joined Bad Company in the early 1980s, participating in the band’s transition period after the departure of the original members. His time with the band was relatively short, and he is not credited on any major studio albums. Before his stint with Bad Company, Dechert was a part of Uriah Heep, contributing to the album “Abominog” (1982). Post-Bad Company, Dechert continued working as a session musician and in various music projects.
Dave Colwell
Guitarist Dave Colwell joined Bad Company in 1991, becoming a part of the lineup during the Brian Howe era and continuing with the band in its various incarnations until 2008. Colwell played on albums such as “Here Comes Trouble” and “Company of Strangers” (1995). His guitar work contributed to the band’s sound as it evolved in the 1990s. Before Bad Company, Colwell had played with ASAP (Adrian Smith and Project), led by Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith. After his time with Bad Company, Colwell continued his music career with various projects, including his own band, Bucket & Co.
Jaz Lochrie
Jaz Lochrie, a bassist, was part of Bad Company during the mid-1990s, contributing to the band’s sound on albums like “Company of Strangers” and “Stories Told & Untold” (1996). Lochrie’s tenure with the band was a part of its later phase, where they experimented with different styles. Prior to joining Bad Company, Lochrie was known for his work with the band Go West.
Howard Leese
Howard Leese, primarily known as the guitarist and keyboardist for Heart, joined Bad Company in 2008 and has been a part of the band since then. His contribution to Bad Company includes both live performances and studio work. Leese’s experience with Heart, where he played from 1975 to 1997, significantly influenced his style and added a new dimension to Bad Company’s sound. Besides his work with Heart and Bad Company, Leese released a solo album, “Secret Weapon,” in 2009.
Todd Ronning
Todd Ronning, a bassist, joined Bad Company in 2011 and has been with the band up to the present day. His role in the band primarily revolves around live performances, contributing to the band’s current sound and stage presence. Before joining Bad Company, Ronning was a part of the Canadian band Harlequin. His career has been marked by a strong live performance presence and contributions to various musical projects outside of Bad Company.
