Brando's Badfinger Page
DAISY AD ADDITION (STRAIGHT UP FONT)
(April 22, 2002) Further down on this page you will find an advertisement featuring the same font style used on Badfinger's Straight Up album dating from the turn of the century (circa 1910 ). No we still haven't solved the Straight Up font mystery. I did purchase a disc of fonts a few months back that had similar style fonts, but not the same style used on the Straight Up back cover. Fonts named "Leary (as in Timothy Leary, I suspect)" and "Downwind" were close to the font style in question. However, Paul Nyman found an advertisement from the New Musical Express magazine from 1972 that featured the font. It is a teaser advertisement for a product that isn't mentioned in the ad. Perhaps an issue or two later the mystery of the product would have been revealed. Does this mean that there were only four times (Straight Up, Daisy ad, Without Book and mystery ad ) in the last 90 years that someone used this font for a product (or at all)? The name of the font style truly is a mystery. If you've seen it elsewhere and have a scan of it, if you send it in, we'll be glad to show it. At least until someone can identify it. Then we can work on that No Dice font.
ODDS AND ENDS
(April 4, 2002) Just a few things I wanted to mention: Please take a moment to put your name on the petition to Apple Records that is being organized by Rick Kellogg of the Badfinger Webring. If you click on the light-blue banner featuring Badfinger fan Spongebob Squarepants, you will be taken to Rick's website where you can add your name to the list. I also hope some of you folks will consider writing Apple directly as well, if you go to the menu below you can read about our write-in campaign to Apple that we are trying to tie in with the petition campaign for maximum effect.
Also, Mariah Carey's label recently released a greatest hits package. The double-CD features the classic Badfinger song, "Without You" which Mariah took to # 3 in either 1993 or 1994. The disc lists that the writers were Tommy Evans and WILLIAM PETER Ham. Ham's name was also incorrect on the original release....If you click on the BBC Radio link in the main menu below you will find an addition from March 23, that was not listed on this page. It is a song that was featured before, but now it's back in a better sounding music file. Click the link to find out more....
BOX SET / RARITIES PETITION & WRITE IN CAMPAIGN
(February 3, 2002, updated March 16, 2002) Tired of wishing for Apple to release the remaining Badfinger gems that are languishing in vaults at Apple. Would you like to hear the three remaining unreleased songs from the original unreleased Straight Up recordings, "Baby Please," "No Good at All" and "Sing For the Song", in a digitally enhanced form along with two or three dozen other unreleased or alternate recordings? Did you know there are alternate versions of "I Can't Take It," "Name of the Game," "No Matter What" "Timeless" and others at Apple? Are you interested in hearing unreleased songs such as "Regular," "Dreaming," "Rock and Roll," "Piano Red" and the demo recordings for "Day After Day"?
Wouldn't it be nice to hear a clean version of that sensual No Dice Radio Promo (along with other radio promos)?
Well, if the answer is yes to any of the above questions then please take a moment to fill out a petition to be sent to Apple Records in the summer of 2002 to make our requests known for the release of some sort of Badfinger Box Set / Rarities issue from Apple. Rick Kellogg, the webmaster of the Badfinger Web Ring, is organizing this campaign to make our requests known to Apple. Please click on the banner above this paragraph and you'll be taken to a page on Rick's website where you will find easy directions to add your name to the petition.
Speaking of making our requests known: In April through June of this year I would like to initiate a letter writing campaign to Apple to tie in with the petition campaign. If you have the energy and would like to form a letter of your own stating your reasons for acquiring a Badfinger Box Set / Rarities release, then please do so. If we send letters to Apple just prior to them receiving a petition with hopefully hundreds (thousands?) of names requesting just such a product it may just have enough impact on the officials at Apple to take a stance to quench our thirst for these unreleased gems.
Click on this Badfinger Write-In Campaign to Apple link to learn more about sending your thoughts in the form of a letter to Apple this spring.
Remember: We wrote VH-1 in 1998 requesting a Badfinger Behind the Music special, Badfinger appeared on Behind the Music in November of 2000. We wrote Apple several times requesting for them to issue a new best of disc. In September of 2000 we saw the release of Apple's "The Very Best of Badfinger" compact disc. We wrote Rykodisc and got a second batch of Pete Ham home recordings (I want more!!!). Whether you think these writing campaigns or petition campaign may or may not alter decisions made by those in power, you honestly have to accept that it surely doesn't hurt to make your requests known. I truly believe these condensed organized efforts by all of us do help by reminding the officials in charge at Apple (and other places) that there are many Badfinger fans who desire these recordings!
BBC: WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT - 45 RPM
You may be asking what this item is all about. Maybe not. But if you are, this is the name of Badfinger 45 that was issued in 1979. It is an interview 45 rpm that was issued to possibly coincide with the release of Badfinger's Airwaves LP. The interview 45 features Joey Molland and Tom Evans discussing Badfinger, Apple Records and the Beatles. The 45 also has a religious twist as the narrator, Bill Huie, ties the bands troubles with those that all men must face and endure. The interview also has 4 Badfinger songs playing in the background of the interview, "No Matter What," "Come and Get It," "Without You" and "Lost Inside Your Love." Note: This was a series of interview 45's that featured the religious commentary on each track. The flip side of the Badfinger 45 is an interview with Jennifer Warnes. If you would like to hear the interview track go to the main menu and click BBC Radio for the latest addition. Enjoy!
ODD TRIVIA # 3 - WE HAVE A WINNER!
(November 8, 2001) The drawing on the right of the young lady reading a newspaper has something to do with Badfinger. Well, it sort of has something to do with Badfinger. Actually in a very odd way it has a connection with Badfinger. See if you can read through the vague clues to make an educated guess as to what the connection is and how it affects your Badfinger listening experience.
HINTS:
1. (November 8) The young lady's baby blue eyes were not the inspiration for Pete Ham's "Baby Blue."
2. (November 8) The young lady may have been reading an article about the sinking of the Titanic
3. (November 10) She is not named "Angelique," after the Tom Evans song, her name is Daisy.
4. (November 10) The anwer to this question doesn't actually answer the "big" question. (?!?)
5. (November 13) Daisy might enjoy a drive in a Chrysler Intrepid (Thanks Dave!).
6. (November 13) The connection between the lady and Badfinger is rare. In fact, you may not have expected it to occur in the early 20th century (some 60 to 70 odd years before Badfinger).
7. (November 13) Daisy is not for sale, she is selling a product that is no longer available.
8. (November 17) Daisy could be a big fan of the BBC show Coronation Street.
9. (November 17) One of Badfinger's album covers offers another clue.
10. (November 24) Daisy is probably a fan of contemporary literature.
11. (November 24) Study all the words that are in italics in these clues.
12. (November 24) Gene Mahon may hold the key to all this.
13. (November 24) This issue was brought up in an article on one of the Badfinger websites at how, even now, it is extremely rare.
14. (November 28) Mark Perkins would find this interesting.
15. (November 28) In the song Kodachrome by Paul Simon, he sings the phrase, "I can read the writing on the wall."
We have a winner!! Doug Stalnaker (he is 3 for 3 on the odd trivia) ventured through the vague clues that were given over the past month and come up with the connection between Badfinger and the advertisement featuring Daisy. The connection is that one of the typefaces used for the advertisement is the same typeface used for Badfinger's Straight Up album and Dan Matovina's book, "Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger."
You might be thinking, "big deal?!" But actually even today it is kind of a "big deal / mystery" No one that I have communicated with over the last 5 years on the net has been able to identify the name of this typeface. I recently received an email from a website in Great Britain, that lists and displays hundreds of fonts, wanting to know if I knew the identity of the typeface / font. I asked Mark Perkins, who did the artwork for Matovina's book, if he had any insight and he mentioned that he wasn't able to identify the font and had to "reconstruct" the typeface / font from scratch for the book cover.
Because I had only ever seen this font used for Badfinger's Straight Up album, I'd always thought that perhaps this typeface was designed specifically for the Badfinger album. If not created just for Badfinger, you'd think fairly certainly that this typeface was designed in the late 1960's or early 1970's. It has a "hip / groovy" kind of look to it. That is why I thought it was odd that here is proof that the typeface actually existed some 60 to 70 years before Badfinger ever had a hit single.
Besides the "Daisy" advertisement (circa 1910) and the Badfinger Straight Up album (1971) has anybody seen this typeface used for anything else? It is extremely rare. If you have any information about the identity of this typeface / font, please let me know. Mr. Perkins is extremely curious about this as is a font website in Great Britain. Any help you can provide would be appreciated. Can anyone contact Gene Mahon, does he remember anything about discovering the typeface?
Side Notes: "Intrepid Bold" is the font used for some of the labels on Badfinger's Apple albums. "Coronation" is the font used for Badfinger's Wish You Were Here album, while "Contemporary" is a font very similar to the one used for Badfinger's debut Warner's LP. Does anybody know the name of the typeface used for the No Dice LP?
Remember, I said it was "odd" trivia.
CAPITOL'S BADFINGER WEBSITE
(August 16, 2000) Capitol Records website has just published what appears to be the liner notes from the forthcoming Very Best of Badfinger CD. Of note: Track 4, "Name of the Game" is going to be the bonus track version from Straight Up. The liner notes are exceptionally well written by Andy Davis. He tries to give the stories behind most of the tracks. The Badfinger site itself looks really good as well, it features plenty of new photos of the band. If you would like to read the potential liner and see the new photos then click here on this Badfinger at Capitol Records link. Enjoy!
MIKE GIBBINS NEW WEBSITE
(October 15) October 10, 2000 was the launching date for the new Mike Gibbins Website. The site contains information about his new CD, More Annoying Songs, which is being sold through Exile music. The CD also features Ron Griffiths on vocals on several tracks. The website has information regarding Mike's personal life and career. Badfinger's career is also covered on the site. There is a merchandise page for you to order all your Gibbins necessities such as compact discs and t-shirts! Best wishes for a great new site!
Note: The Mike Gibbins site which is located at www.mikegibbbins.com has been experiencing some technical difficulties due to no fault of their own. If the link is not working then please try their mirror site at this Mike Gibbins mirror site link.
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
(March 3) Last Sunday, VH1 premiered the Doobie Brothers Behind the Music. The show featured interview segments from Joe Smith, who also appeared in the Badfinger special. However, what seems to be causing a bit of confusion is that some of the music used in the Doobie show was very similar to the music in the Badfinger special. What follows is my own take on this "coincidence."
Of all the songs in the Badfinger special that featured a vocal line, the only song I didn't recognize was what seemed to be an Iveys tune with the line, "I'm too shy to fall in love..." I thought it sounded really good and would love to hear it in its entirety. Evidently VH1 liked the song as well, as it was the only unreleased song featured in the show. There were also roughly a half dozen moments in the show where instrumental music was used to coincide with the narration.
Example, A portion of "Sille Veb" was used when mentioning Pete's dedication to song writing. However, I do believe most of the this "incidental" music was created by VH1 / Rosenthal Productions to enhance the broadcast. I wasn't sure at the time of the Badfinger broadcast, but after watching the Doobie's show I'm relatively convinced this was the case. Similar (if not the exact same) music was used in describing the "difficult" times both bands endured. There was also some upbeat music that was used in both shows. I don't believe VH1 / R.P. would make the mistake of using Doobie music in a Badfinger show or vice versa. If I'm wrong on this, someone please let me know.
THE TINIEST WHO IN WHOVILLE
(November 5, 2000) ????? Click on this link for information regarding
The Tiniest Who in Whoville Hint: It is not so much about the elephant as it is about us.
MOVING TO WWW.BADFINGER.ORG - GUESTBOOK
(June 9, 2001)
Please adjust your bookmarks again as this site will be moving on June 21, 2001. We are currently located http://www.badfinger.org/. On June 21 our internet provider will be moving this site to http://home.uplink.net/~bfagnano/ On top of that I've been considering moving the site altogether to another company (ATT). Thus, if you simply use the address WWW.BADFINGER.ORG you will be able to access the site no matter where it is at. It also may take awhile to get all the files transfered over (to either new location), thus I hope you will be patient. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Also, please note the Guestbook is down on the new site. At this time I do not have cgi-bin access, which allows me to run the guestbook from my site. I'll try to work something out in the near future. Thanks.
PETE HAM TRIBUTE THIS SUMMER IN SWANSEA
(April 29, 2000) Between the 12th and 24th of June this year, Swansea Central Library will be presenting a celebration on the life and music of Pete Ham and Badfinger. The two-week celebration of the life of Pete Ham in Swansea will feature music, video, press cuttings, fan reflections and photographs, many of which will never have been seen before. Admission is free. Opening times are 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Anyone who requires further information, is welcome to
email Swansea's own Keith James
Swansea Central Library is situated in Alexandra Road, about a minutes walk from the Train Station, or ten minutes from the local Coach Station. Note: The timing for this event could not be better if the VH-1 information from the following news bit is correct!! Thanks to Keith James for the great news!
SPECIAL OFFER - PETE HAM LITHOGRAPH
Today I want to focus on a special item being offered by Mark V. Perkins in conjunction with Dan Matovina to raise needed funds to secure top notch quality releases of an Ivey's demo CD, the Head First CD project, Tom demo CD and for me the cream of the crop of 1999, Pete Ham's "Golders Green" (bonus tracks please!!!) CD. Mark created a beautiful lithograph of Pete Ham that will be selling for $35 (U.S). The profits are to go towards the cleaning up and ensuring the release of the afore mentioned projects and any other material that can be accessed. The purchase of a commemorative stone for Pete in his homeland is also being considered with a portion of the proceeds (a nice thought indeed). This is another opportunity on our part to contribute to the cause of releasing Badfinger and Badfinger related material to a hungry and growing Badfinger fan base (including ourselves)! Click on the Pete Ham lithograph at the right to go to an order form on Dan's web page and learn more about the Perkins creation and order your Pete Ham lithograph today! Also, to wet your appetite, you can read this 1969
interview with Peter William Ham. Enjoy!
FINGERS CROSSED
(Jan 2000) Tom Brennan's and Randy Justesen's Badfinger websites are reporting that a Badfinger box set featuring both Warners and Apple material is being compiled. What label is in charge of this major collection is not being reported at this time. Both sites also report that Apple is finally considering releasing an Apple "Singles" Anthology which will contain unreleased recordings from Badfinger as well as other Apple artists. For all of us who have been sending letters to Apple regarding just such a release, now is not the time to pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. Until such a recording is in our possession I would hope that all of us would see fit to continue to offer Apple our desires for such a collection. Constantly reminding Apple of the importance of these recordings and our desire to own them can only help to solidify their appearance on compact disc. Read forward to Campaign 2000!
PAUL McCARTNEY AND VH1
(Sept 99) During the September Badfinger Chat at Barb Alan Atkinson's
Badfinger Boogie Club website we discussed the importance of McCartney's participating in Badfinger's Behind the Music special has the deciding factor for VH-1 to finish and air the Badfinger special. Well, Jesper Vindberg's BadfingerNews is reporting that McCartney recently supplied a few minutes of interview footage concerning Badfinger. This is great news in now that it should guarantee that the show is completed.
BACK ON THE AIRWAVES!
Badfinger's Elektra Lp, Airwaves on Permanent Press Records was released on May 25, 1999. The CD contains five bonus tracks. I have added it to my collection and I am sure the multitudes of readers out there will do so as well. In honor of the release, I reached into a collection of articles that were sent to me from Dave Amara and have uploaded an article from his collection titled, "Badfinger's Back on the Airwaves". It can be found in the Newsstand Articles section. Thanks Dave for allowing us all to enjoy these difficult to find pieces of Badfinger memorabilia. If you would like to visit Permanent Press's website simply click on the cover of the CD.
MUSIKLADEN VIDEO
(Jan 99) Gary Katz, the producer the Badfinger documentary video, and his company Encore Music Entertainment have released a collection of videos entitled, "The Best of Musikladen" volumes one and two. What is of interest here is that volume two features a live video performance of Badfinger performing "Rock of All Ages" from 1970. Other artists on volume two include Alice Cooper and Free. The video is listed Music Blvd as well as CDNOW for $12.95. A great price for an extremely rare piece of Badfinger memorabilia. You can also purchase both volumes on one DVD disc
UPDATED BEST OF BADFINGER FROM BRANDO
(Aug 99) On August 16 I sent my first letter to Apple Records regarding reconstructing the Apple Best of Badfinger (I will be sending a reminder any day). I offered suggestions on a new Best of Badfinger as well as offering suggestions for an Apple Rarities (2-CD) that would feature many Apple Artists (a broader artist selection would lead to broader sales potential). Finally I suggested a disc that would feature all the Apple Radio Promos on one CD. If the No Dice promo is there, I'll buy it, the rest is extra!
With regards to the Best of Badfinger I suggested to Apple: I changed the tracking order from my original proposal back in January of 1999. I now have my new suggested track listing available for view. It is located here at Brando's Best of Badfinger Updated link. Whether you agree or are amused at some of the choices, please offer your own intentions to Apple between now and the end of the month to let Apple know the importance of changing the Apple Best of Badfinger to make it a truly superb collection.
Thanks to the folks who wrote saying that had written VH-1 or Apple with their intentions, hopefully it will all be worth it in the long run. I'm sure it will be.
FANZINES (A Brief History)
(Dec 99) This past autumn I had decided I'd try to acknowledge all the Badfinger newsletters and fanzines that came before the internet with a short paragraph or two about each (then I got sidetracked attempting to use Real Audio for the BBC Radio program). These people deserve to be remembered and acknowledged for their efforts in an era when literally no one else was doing anything to promote the band Badfinger. If you head over to the Features section you can discover a bit about promoting Badfinger in the pre-cyberspace age or go directly to the page by clicking on this Badfinger Fanzine (A Brief History) link. Enjoy!
CAMPAIGN 2000 (LETTER WRITING THAT IS)
(Jan 2000) I would like to start a letter writing campaign for January & February 2000. Inparticular, I would like people to focus on VH-1 and request the Badfinger VH-1 special, but also and perhaps more importantly to ask Gay Rosenthal to keep producer Mike McNamara's February schedule free to complete the project (remember that in November Mr. McNamara's schedule was tampered with causing another delay in completing the Badfinger project).
If you would like to send a note to VH-1 (& Apple) to encourage them to continue their efforts in producing and creating Badfinger product, then click here on this Keep Mike McNamara's schedule free to complete the Badfinger Behind the Music program link (address to VH-1 and Apple) Hopefully we can once again concentrate our letters to the VH-1 (& Apple) offices in January & February for maximum effectiveness. Thanks again for all your efforts!!
BBC RADIO ADDITION
(Jan 2000) Note: This is offline as of March 17, it should return at a latter date. The second addition to Brando's Badfinger Covers Radio is up and running. Please note: My intention is to allow listeners to hear one Badfinger covered song a month. Currently Melissa Anne's cover of No Matter What is available in wave format for everyone to hear. A second tune may appear each month that is somehow Badfinger related (in my own twisted opinion) but not necessarily a cover tune. The addition is a Badfinger related tune. In February a new Badfinger cover tune will appear. But for now, enjoy the bonus coverage (BBC Radio is now in the main menu at the bottom of this page).
BADFINGER EMAIL DISCUSSION GROUP
(1997-2000) Badfinger fan Mark Strong is attempting to put together a Badfinger email discussion group at a website called OneList. There is a link to Mark's effort on the Links page in the "Badfinger Related Web Sites" section.
GOOD NEWS...BAD NEWS
(Oct 99) It is now being reported through Jesper's BadfingerNews that Badfinger's VH-1 special is still considered a top priority (good news), but is being slightly delayed again (bad news) due to scheduling conflicts with regards to the producer. A spring 2000 airdate is now being forcasted.
It is also being reported that Dan Matovina should have an updated edition of "Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger" available by the VH-1 spring airdate (good news). Included in the new edition (hardcover I would presume) will be a 74 minute CD containing demo's from the Ham, Evans & Iveys archives as well as some other tidbits (good news again).
For further information on these items and also news on Head First click on Jesper's link at the top of this news item.
OUTSIDE PROVIDENCE
(Aug 99) On August 24 the soundtrack to the feature film Outside Providence was released. It is an excellent collection of early 70's classic rock with tracks from Steeely Dan, Yes, Paul McCartney, The Who and of course Badfinger. "No Matter What" is track number 11 on the compilation. Hopefully when the movie is released to theaters on September 3 it will be a success and increase Badfinger's profile in the eyes of those at VH-1 and Apple. Badfinger's track was featured in the movie trailer as well as in the initial television commercials for the movie. If you would like to know more about Badfinger's experience with the silver screen then click on this
Badfinger at the Movies link and find out for yourself. Note: The information concerning Outside Providence is at the bottom of the article. Enjoy!
HEAD FIRST
(Jul 99) Reports from various sites are stating that the Head First CD project on Forbidden is "slowing down". Sean's Website reported that, Dan Matovina was working with Forbidden Records to ensure the Head First CD was as attractive as possible to Badfinger fans. The result: A CD that will feature 21 tracks. The original 10 Head First tracks and 11 demo recordings taken from band members during that time period. The title of the disc may be changed (my guess is "Saville Row") For a complete track listing hit the LINKS page and link on over to Sean's pages for more details. It is also being mentioned elsewhere that Rhino may be attempting to acquire the rights to release the long lost gem as well.
UPDATE: VH1'S BEHIND THE MUSIC
(Jul 99) For those that haven't read the update on Jesper's page. VH1 is moving forward in their efforts to bring Badfinger's story to their Behind the Music series. VH1 will be back in full production in November of 1999, with an airdate scheduled for the winter of 1999-2000. Dan Matovina is to be credited for the leg work in getting this project off the ground. Hopefully everyone can do their part to encourage and support this project. We can all be "Winners (Ass or Airwaves)" with this in that if it does happen, sales of Badfinger catalog (& solos) can be expected to jump considerably, leading the way in encouraging labels to release more Badfinger and solo material!!.
Another note: I forgot to mention this before, A special thank you to everyone who wrote VH1 a letter during our letter writing campaign during the summer of 1998. While Dan Matovina was discussing the project with VH1 this past summer, the people at VH1 mentioned to Dan that they had been receiving letters regarding the project!! Whether it was the final factor in VH1 going ahead with project, we will never know. But I'm sure it pleased and reassured the folks at VH1 to know this band does have a strong and supportive (and growing) following!!!
GOLDMINE FEATURES BADFINGER
(June 99) Badfinger is featured on the cover as well as inside the June 4, 1999 issue of Goldmine Magazine. There is a multi-page article on Badfinger, as well as an article about collecting Apple records and an interview with Badfinger fan Julian Lennon. The majority of the Badfinger article focuses on the upcoming release of Airwaves. Hence the title of the article is "Badfinger: Back on the Airwaves". There are bits about the upcoming VH-1 project, Pete Ham's Golders Green, Head First and an updated version of the "Without You" book. People supplying input to the article include, Joey Molland, Mike Gibbins, Marianne Evans and Joe Tansin. The tone of the responses of those interviewed (and I haven't read it in it's entirety) seem to be on the positive side. Acknowledging some tensions do exist today, but no one gets too in-depth about it, choosing to concentrate on the positive. Joey has a very nice and respectful remark about Pete in the closing paragraph. It is a good article to take us forward towards a great summer of newly released (or re-released) material starting with Airwaves in a few days!!
Whether anyone has ever noticed: Goldmine readers and Goldmine publishers have always seemed to embrace Badfinger's talents (note the "letter from the editor" in this issue). In 1988, Goldmine readers recognized Badfinger's talents by voting their LP Straight Up as the #1 most requested LP currently not on CD format (ahead of the yet to be released Beatles' Sgt. Pepper). No Dice finished #9 in the same survey. Goldmine publishers have recognized the bands talents by featuring Badfinger numerous times over the last twelve years. The band was featured only 20 short months ago. In October 1997 an excellent article titled, "Five Short Stories About Badfinger" appeared in Goldmine. They certainly know what the readers want! I hope someone is taking a copy of the current issue of Goldmine to the powers at VH-1 to continue to prod those folks to continue their work on what will be an excellent story and show for the Behind the Music series!!
WORLD BEATLES FORUM
(June 99) The publisher / editor of the magazine The World Beatles Forum, Brad Howard is announcing that their current issue (Volume Three, Number Six) contains something very special for us Badfinger fans. It features a six-page in-depth, exclusive interview with Dan Matovina. The article would assuredly cover material concerning Dan's book as well as Dan's work with the Pete Ham demo collection. I'm eagerly awaiting my issue. If you would like a sample issue (clearly state your desire for this issue) send ONE dollar ($1 US) Canadians: send unused stamps (ONE 73 cent and TWO 10 cent stamps) to: The World Beatles Forum, 2440 Bank Street, P.O. Box 40081, Ottawa, ON, CANADA, K1V 0W8.
If you are interested in a subscription, the prices are as follows: Canada: $15 CAN - 6 issues/yr. U.S.A.: $15 US, everywhere else: $20 US. They have back issues available, including issues featuring conversations with Allan Williams, Joe Sunseri (former Tony Sheridan manager) - Parts One and Two, and Paul White (former Capitol Canada exec.), Roger McGuinn (co-founder of the Byrds), Apple artist Lon Van Eaton, and Jeff Augsburger (co-author of The Beatles Memorabilia Price Guide).
RYKODISC ON GOLDERS GREEN
(June 99) The CD of the year (at least for me) is getting itself in position for release. Rykodisc has placed a short article on their website concerning Pete Ham's Golders Green. There is a note that the first 100 people who order the CD from Rykodisc's website will receive an 8 by 10 photo of Ham. To read the initial response from Rykodisc concerning Golders Green and Ryko's commentary on 7 Park Avenue, click here on this Pete Ham on Rykodisc link and enjoy the labels take on one of our favorite artists.
I received an email from Rykodisc on June 17. They asked me to display this short advertisement for the new Ham CD on my site. I'm more than happy to do so. Click here on this message from Rykodisc regarding new Pete Ham CD Golders Green.
BADFINGER PROJECTS HONORED IN ROCK CIRCLES
(Jan 99) Two, count'em, Two Badfinger projects have been honored by major industry publications. Record Collector Magazine, in their Critics' Poll, selected Dan Matovina's Without You: The Tragic
Story of Badfinger as the number two Rock Book (of the year or of all time?, probably all-time). Second only to a book on Keith Moon. More good news: Gary Katz's Badfinger documentary "Badinger Director's Cut" was selected as one of the 25 Essential Rock n Roll DVD's by Goldmine - January 1, 1999. Also included were "The Best Of MusikLaden" series, "A Hard Days Night", "Help!", "This is Spinal Tap", "The Wizard Of Oz" and many other classic features.
WOW!
(Jan 99) Recently, I have spent a good amount of time reading the letters that were sent to Dan Matovina regarding the release of the book: Without You - The Tragic Story of Badfinger. They are listed on Dan's page under "Readers Comments" The letters are compelling and heartfelt, from new and old fans who purchased the book and felt compelled to acknowledge Dan, state their love of the band and their appreciation for Dan's efforts. These letters are an excellent and enjoyable read. Hit the LINKS page for Dan's site and a host of others.
JOEY MOLLAND'S BASIL
Joey's new solo CD titled "Basil" (the name of the Molland's canine) has been released (early November). The CD is to feature demos he made for Badfinger from 1970 - 1973 as well as recent recordings. Tentative tracks include, "Said It's All Right", "Bird Song", "Borderline", "Cadillac Blues", "Can't Stop" and "Clouds of Love "(from the Say No More era). Songs from recent sessions include "Isn't That a Dream" and "Mirrors". The disc is expected to be available this month (November) by ordering directly from the Mollands. It appears the price will be $15, plus $5 for shipping and handling. Send check or money order to: Independent Artists, 4737 South Highway 101 Suite 255, Minnetonka, MN 55345
BADFINGER FEATURED IN BEATLES UNDERCOVER BOOK
(Dec 98) Beatles Undercover, by Kristofer K. Engelhardt, explores the origins and evolution of The Beatles' contributions to other artists' music along with a brief biographical sketch of these artists. It's a
celebration of The Beatles' admiration for and generous support of their friends and
fellow musicians. If you thought John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr's music was confined to The Beatles and their solo recordings, you'll be in for a very big and
pleasant surprise when you read Beatles Undercover! (excerpt from Engelhardt's page) Joey Molland and Mike Gibbins contributed to a section of this book regarding the Beatles. Click on photo to be taken to Engelhardt's website.
STAWINSKY'S LAST STAND (?)
(Mar 99) The word "Badfinger" hasn't been mentioned in my hometown newspaper since they appeared in our town in early August of 1972. On March 10th, our local paper had a full page article concerning the history of our 73 year-old local ballpark. One of the sections of this piece was a bit about "notable" musical acts that performed in the ballpark. Badfinger was listed with only three other acts (Beach Boys, 3 Dog Night & the Four Tops). Thus, in this update I've included a news article concerning the concert. However, there is much more to this story, including a "possible" historic connection between Rob Stawinky's stint in Badfinger and our beloved local baseball park. If you'd like to learn more about this bewildering association, head over to the newsstand and read the article entitled "Coder Puts Halt to Rock Concerts".
APPLE LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN
(Jan 99) I want to thank everyone who sent a letter to Apple over the last month and a half (Feb & early March 99) making your requests for an improved Best of Badfinger and / or Rarities CD. Hopefully enough letters arrived at Apple offices during this time to persuade the powers that be to at least seriously consider these matters. As John Wetton once sang, "...only time will tell..". At least we can rest easy knowing that we have made an effort to have our voices heard on such important matters in the world of Badfinger. If you would still like to send Apple a letter, the address is Apple Records, (c/o Neil Aspinall) 27 Ovington Square, London SW3-1LJ, England. Thanks again for all your support!
HEAD FIRST
(Dec 99) There appears to be a rethinking of the Head First project on Forbidden Records. To make the project much more desirable for those who already own the bootleg or Rhino's Best of Volume 2 (which has 4 of the tracks), Dan Matovina is working with Forbidden to add an additional eight to ten bonus tracks featuring demos from Pete, Tom and possibly Bob and Mike recorded during this time period (I just want "Baby Please" from the Apple era released). The release date is being moved back to the spring 1999 to coincide with the VH1 documentary. THANK YOU AL BRODIE AND COMPANY!!! It is clearly one of the most sought after Badfinger recordings currently unavailable. Everyone who has ever put a guestbook entry on Jesper's, Russ's, Mike's and this website, along with all the other great Badfinger website webmasters should pat themselves on the back. I believe we are clearly demonstrating to Forbidden Records (and others I hope) that there is definitely an interest, affection and a market for this band that is rarely equaled with other rock'n'roll artists.
POTENTIAL MOVIE IN THE WORKS!!!
(Aug. 98) Pop a cork, pull the tab, turn the faucet and enjoy your favorite beverage, Badfinger's story is crossing major hurdles to get to the silver screen! Dan has been working overtime and his book, "Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger" is being optioned by Takoma Entertainment. Mick Garris, a screenwriter and director, has been extremely moved in reading Matovina's book and he will be working with Takoma and the CAA Agency to bring the Badfinger's story to cinema complexes all over the world. Matovina is encouraging Garris to actively pursue participation from Joey Molland, Mike Gibbins and Marianne Evans. Another plus is Garris has a deep affection for the band's music as well. Thus it appears we have someone in Hollywood who will treat this project as a labor of love which can only lead to a quality project. Everyone, from the casual fan to the band members themselves, can benefit from this project. That said, I hope we will all stand beside it and encourage it to fruition. Sean's website has more information, rather than paraphrase more, I encourage you all to check out his site for more details.
JOEY MAKES GUEST APPEARANCE ON CD
Joey is a guest artist on a new Wolfpack CD featuring a frequent guest to this site Randy Justesen. Click on this
WOLFPACK link to visit their site. Click on the title of this song, if you want to hear the track
" This Time" with Joey as a guest artist. It's a good little tune!
MIKE GIBBINS NEW CD AND UPDATE
(Apr. 98)Mike Gibbins new compact was on released on April 7, 1998 on Forbidden Records. The title of the disc is "A Place in Time". Forbidden Records has a website to allow you to access information about the disc. The Forbidden Records site has been reconfigured so you can access it without "Shockwave". If you access their site send them a thank you note. Check my "Merchandise" page for the link to Forbidden Records. Rick Kellogg has unearthed a
1992 interview with Mike Gibbins It is a timely find by Rick being in that it coincides with the release of Mike's CD.
The CD was featured at CD Jukebox. Mike was the Featured Artist of the Week at CD Jukebox for the week starting on Friday, June 12, 1998.
VH1'S BEHIND THE MUSIC
(June 98) As most of you know through Sean's website, Dan Matovina has been in contact with VH1 and has been encouraging them to feature Badfinger on their Behind the Music program. However, there are some folks at VH1 who are not convinced Badfinger is a good candidate for the show. Of course, we all know how captivating and deserving their story is, but perhaps we could let some of the people at VH1 know just how we feel. With that in mind, I asked Dan if he could get a name and address to allow us to do a write-in campaign to encourage those who support the project and persuade those who have doubts. Dan delivered a name and address immediately. It is:
Ms. Gay Rosenthal, VH-1, 2600 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica CA 90404
It was also noted, that if you write her, please do not tell her how to run her show. Let her know that you believe Badfinger has a story that deserves to be told. We can all be "Winners (Ass or Airwaves)" with this in that if it does happen, sales of Badfinger catalog (& solos) can be expected to jump considerably, leading the way in encouraging labels to release more Badfinger and solo material!!.
HAVE A NICE DAY
(May 98) I own 23 of the 25 Have a Nice Day CD's issued by Rhino. Badfinger does not appear on any of the discs. However, on August 18 Rhino is issuing Have a Nice Day - THE VIDEOS and guess what? Badfinger appears on volume 1. Badfinger performs "Come and Get It" along side other artists, such as Hall & Oates, Free, BTO, Jethro Tull and America. I do not know the version to be used by Rhino. As a possible extra bonus for Badfinger fans, Bonnie Tyler's "It's a Heartache" is also on the video. I have never seen the Tyler video, but Mike Gibbins did the drumming for the hit single. Perhaps someone could ask Mike (or Al Brodie @ Forbidden) if he recalls shooting a video for the track. Another unexpected plug for the band!
RON GRIFFITHS WAS THERE
YES! That was Ron Griffiths who chimed in on Russ Anderson's Badfinger guestbook. I hope everyone takes a moment to email Ron Griffiths and thank him for his efforts with the Iveys, early Badfinger & the Pete Ham CD and send your regards.
It also looks like Jesper may have something up his sleeve with regards to Ron!!
RYKODISC LETTER CAMPAIGN
(Summer 98) I sent my letter to Rykodisc several weeks ago encouraging them to issue a Pete Ham volume 2 and consider a Badfinger rarities disc. In case you haven't sent a letter yet and still want to, I'll leave the address up for a few more days. The following address is for Rykodisc with the name of a key individual at Ryko. Rykodisc, c/o Jeff Rougvie, Pickering Wharf, Building C, Salem MA, 01970 Also, Rykodisc has a message board that is viewed by someone at their offices named Lars, who hopefully relays the concerns of fans to the higher ups. Click here on this
Rykodisc Message Board link to go there an leave a message as well (thanks again to Rick Kellogg & Joe Pellegrino).
BADFINGER BOOKS ARE HERE!
(Dec 97) I received mine on December 27. I finished it on December 30. I enjoyed reading it and found it to be captivating and entertaining. It is clear Dan Matovina put a lot of hard work into tying together interviews and chronologically organizing the history of the band into a clear and concise book. Every fan should read and evaluate the information given. If you are a Badfinger fan, you will find much (most likely all) of this book very interesting. I believe I read somewhere that the hardcovers are sold out, but softcovers can be ordered directly from the author because.........
Mr. Matovina also has his own website. It features links to order the book as well a list of reviews for the book. Click here on this Without You - The Tragic Story of Badfinger link to read the reviews and order yourself a copy of the book. The pages also have information regarding Pete Ham's "7 Park Avenue" disc including a list of reviews for the disc. Both book and disc review sections are great reads! I have finally found some time to write about the book, these writings are featured on my Without You commentary page.
LA WEEKLY ARTICLE
I can not take credit for this one. Sean has mentioned this article on the guestbook and Pete Wehner has provided us with a link to it. Click here for
LA WEEKLY article. Thanks Sean and Pete for the news!!
PETE HAM SONG
(Apr 98) Sean Seiver's Nutopia website made available an unreleased Pete Ham track titled, "Hurry Up, Father". He made it available on April 23, 1998, the anniversary of Pete's death, and removed the recording from his website on April 27, 1998, the anniversary of Pete's birth. Perhaps Sean can "release" a recording every year at this time. If you want to read a little more about Pete and Badfinger, Dan Matovina's website is posting the excerpts of an interview Dan did with Ken Sharp of Beatlefan magazine. Go to my Links page and click on both sites and enjoy!
NEW BADFINGER BOOTLEGS
Robert Rose has unearthed a new Badfinger bootleg. It includes the Head First tracks (I believe this is better quality than the "Head Start" bootleg) along with some live tracks from 1971. Darren English has also unearthed some information regarding several more new bootlegs. For more information regarding the bootlegs go to my "Links" page and then to both Robert Rose's and Darren English's pages for more details.
BADFINGER VIDEO AND BOOK PLUGGED IN BEATLE CATALOG
From the anything to get publicity department: Gary Katz video documentary "Badfinger" (the directors cut) and Dan Matovina's book, "Without You - The Tragic Story of Badfinger" are listed for sale in the Beatle merchandise catalog "Beatlefest 98" along with pictures of both items. Katz and Matovina took two different approaches towards documenting Badfinger history and both gave us something special. Hopefully Beatle fans who collect anything "Apple" or have an appreciation for the band but didn't know about the two ventures will purchase one or both. The catalog also features Badfinger CD's along with Pete's "7 Park Avenue".
JOEY MOLLAND CHATTED AT ROCKVILLAGE
Joey chatted at Rockvillage on February 3. The transcripts are now available from Rockvillage. Most of the questions Joey responded to where posted earlier in the day and asked by a moderator. I got one question in but it was not responded to by Joey.
Click on this JOEY CHATS link to read the transcripts. NOTE: Special thanks to Rick Kellogg who posted this link in the guestbook!
BADFINGER VIDEO DOCUMENTARY ON LASER DISC AND DVD
Gary Katz video documentary of Badfinger is now on Laser Disc and DVD format. From what is being reported there are some changes from the video format. Pioneer has improved the sound quality and some other changes as well. I believe that Robert Rose's website has more information regarding this release. Thanks to the folks that emailed me about this release.
BADFINGER FEATURED IN GOLDMINE MAGAZINE
(Oct 97) Badfinger is featured in the October 10, 1997 issue of Goldmine Magazine. For those who do not know, Goldmine is a music collectors magazine that serves as a great source for those hard to find recordings of all types. The article is called "Five Short Stories about Badfinger". It features interviews with Mike Gibbins and Joey Molland. It also contains a review of the Katz documentary and the forthcoming Matovina book. The cover picture is of a country artist name Rodney Crowell with a small picture of Badfinger on the cover. Badfinger was featured in this magazine in 1989 as well. In a 1988 Goldmine survey readers were asked to list the their ten most wanted albums that were not at the time on compact disc. The number one most sought after disc was Badfinger's "Straigtht Up", even ahead of the yet to be released on disc Beatles "Sgt. Pepper". In ninth place in the survey was Badfinger's "No Dice".
PETE HAM'S - "7 PARK AVENUE" JAPANESE VERSION
One of the many fine Badfinger web sites is offering a special deal for those wishing to obtain a copy of the Japanese version of Pete Ham's soon to be grammy award winning compact disc "7 Park Avenue". It contains five songs not on the U.S. edition. The songs are: "Just a Chance", "The Heart That Can't Be Understood", "Come, Come Tomorrow", "Blessing in Disguise" and "Know One Knows". It appears to be about a 25% savings over what some of the early prices where for this disc. (To order a copy, go to my "Merchandise" page and follow the links.)
BADFINGER - BBC IN CONCERT CD
(July 97) A legitimate CD titled, Badfinger - "BBC in Concert", was released on August 11, 1997 in England. It contains 15 tracks (original reports claimed 16). The material is taken from BBC broadcasts in 1972, 1973 along with a 1970 BBC TV performance of "Come and Get It". It is released only in the U.K. (we will have to get it as an import) on the Strange Fruit label. The catalog # 405862 is a U.S. bar code number, while the official catalog number is #SFRSCD031. The compact disc is over 70 minutes in length. The track listing is as follows:
1. Better Days 9. Blind Owl 2. Only You Know and I Know 10. Constitution 3. We're For the Dark 11. Icicles 4. Sweet Tuesday Morning 12. Matted Spam 5. Feelin' Alright? 13. Suitcase 6. Take it All 14. I Can't Take It 7. Suitcase 15. Come and Get It 8. Love is Easy Tracks 1 - 7 recorded June 8, 1972 at the Paris Theatre in London Tracks 8-14 recorded August 10, 1973 at the Paris Theatre in London Track 15 Top of the Pops 1970. "Suitcase" does appear twice (not a mistake), I don't know why original reports listed "No Matter What" on this disc as well. But I'll definitely take what is here!!
I just wanted to mention a few things about the documentary. The video footage used for "Day After Day" is the same footage used in the Apple promo video for "No Matter What" minus the footage of the band singing "No Matter What". I would have liked to have seen a singing or lip syncing video of "Day After Day". Originally, the song "Ringside" from 7 Park Avenue was to be used somewhere in the documentary. I believe it was replaced by "Take it All" for the closing credits. Also: who is drumming on "Baby Blue" and why? I would have liked to have heard from Ron Griffiths, Bob Jackson, John Ham, Bev Ellis, Anne Ferguson, Marianne Evans, Stephen Evans, Petra Ham, Bill Collins and Mark Healey. They were all either there or are important parts of the Badfinger puzzle as well. The 1986 BBC documentary contained interviews with some of these people, it would have been nice to tie interviews with everyone into one neat package. All in all, I'm pleased to have a video of the band that is official and in good condition. Joey, Kathie & especially Mike seemed honest and candid with their interviews. It is informative and entertaining and well worth the price. I think the next step should be that someone rounds up as many performances of the band singing as possible (TV appearances & promo videos), and I believe there still is a lot more, and sell them at a nice price as well. (I wouldn't mind if it had 2 or 3 different versions of the hits such as "Day After Day" as well as performances of other jems such as "Suitcase" from the video documentary.)