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This is a long overdue reply - an inexcusable omission for which we profoundly apologize. I suppose that it really stems from an inability to accept the fact that someone can even be remotely interested in the activities of an ordinary family in Wales.To us, Pete was just Pete! When he came home to visit, he simply joined in whatever we were doing at the time - from helping as a builders "labourer" when we were extending out house, to the workbench at our music store, where he would revert to helping with guitar or amp repairs as he had done before becoming a "pro" musician. In short - not exactly 'starstruck', but completely down-to-earth, and rarely mentioning the ongoing Iveys/Badfinger/Collins/Apple saga unless we pressured him into it.
When the tragedy of his death occurred I think that as a family, we were so utterly shocked and incensed by what the "pop" music business had done to "our" Pete, that the anger towards such monsters as Stan Polley and co. never ever diminished. I believe, in fact, that my parents had still not recovered from the dreadful shock when they died some years later. And neither my mother nor my father was the same person after Pete died.
Subsequently, thorough the years, as a family, we were subjected to what we came to consider as a continual invasion of our privacy by the media, and from an assortment of people, some well-meaning and genuine and others (more numerous) who were blatantly obviously "on-the-make."
All of this, coupled with the unbelievably bad and parasitic behavior of many of Pete's so-called friends - the remaining members of Badfinger and the pathetic Collins, culminating in that ridiculous scene at the Awards Ceremony in Beverly Hills. The ironic side of the event was that virtually everyone who mattered in the "business" knew the truth! So, as you can probably gather from my scribblings so far, as a family, we are not, and never have been too enamored with the music business after our personal experiences of it.
One salutary event which sticks in my memory - and which in retrospect should have served as a warning of things to come - was a Badfinger gig at the Top Rank in Swansea (1974) - when none of the other members of the band were speaking to Pete and were completely ignoring him. I can remember telling him what I thought of them, and urging him to leave Badfinger. I wish he had listened to me.
There have obviously been many exceptions to all the rather negative things mentioned above and we have been contacted by many genuine, lovely people who have obviously been profoundly affected by Peter and his music. It is interesting that this common factor keeps emerging in letters and 'phone' calls from all over the world: "I hope you don't mind me calling. but I feel that I must tell you how much Peter and his music have affected my life."
Also, we have met some real friends of Pete, like Tim Boyle (of whom Pete thought very highly!) and Bev, of course, who has been a friend for years, and Barrie Evans, who goes back to well before the Iveys days - and we always found the people at Apple absolutely honorable and all very helpful (people like Neil Aspinall, Derek Taylor, and Mal Evans).
And of course, Dan Matovina - we are honored by your friendship and we really do appreciate the fact you have consistently refrained from "pushing" yourself on to the family in the course of researching your book. I appreciate also that it must have been occasionally extremely hard work interviewing us - but maybe this goes some way towards explaining our feelings.
I must off rather belated congratulations on the book, which is an absolute marathon of detailed research and took immense dedication to produce. I think it could only have been accomplished by someone with a great affinity and affection for the music.
Thank you again for your friendship.
Hi Dan, Regarding your book and all of the work that you are doing on Pete and Petera's behalf, please realise that it is appreciated. It is especially nice to know that there are people like you in the world to balance the likes of Polley and the others who caused all of these problems (and are still causing them in this music business)…
Thanks Danny for the book. I had a wonderful time reliving those early 70's. They were really magical days. Congratulations on such a thoroughly researched book. Everything from my end was accurate. The coverage of the later years was really an eye-opener and an education for me. I am recommending your book to every young musician I know for insight and guidance in the music biz. All the best!
Having been a band member over many years, this history is very important to me. The situations we were involved in were very complex at times, so I'm very pleased that you managed to capture the Badfinger story as accurately as you did. Just wanted to say that, in my opinion, you did a great job with the book. Everything I related to you was faithfully reproduced, without error. Many thanks.
Many many congratulations on your book. I think your hard work and effort has been well rewarded in the final product. I gave the whole thing my eagle eye and found it flawless. I am in my second reading, hopefully with a more level head as I initially found the adventure very emotional. There were two occasions when I was so totally absorbed - these occasions were when the group was on a downer, for whatever reason I can't remember, then suddenly there would be good news and everybody would be lifted - I was actually there punching the air - for a second I was transported - brilliant!The other extreme, of course, was difficult to handle, the sadness, desperation, corruption, anger, and the years that have gone by didn't help. It all came thundering back. They were so vulnerable and I recall at the time thinking... being confused by their attitude, why aren't they cashing in on all these hits they're having, I mean in the sense of churning out more singles more quickly. Tommy's response was always that they were in it for the art, not the money, the songs will come out of the inspiration sort of thing. This, of course, was in an era when such philosophy was "right on." - and I still believe they meant it - trouble was, nobody else did.
Anyway Dan, I could go on for pages about the whys and wherefores and it would be futile. I think your work says it all.
Many thanks Dan
The book was written with true passion for the subject and only sent to publishing after painstaking and sometimes difficult research. It only upsets some people because it is as near to the truth as anyone could get.
You did a fantastic job, Dan. That must have been a lot of research. A couple of things really pissed off Joey and Kathie, but that's okay. It's no major problem. One of the ones was when they were picking the singles and Kathie wanted Joey's songs to be the single. In the book it said I didn't think it was one of the strongest songs for a single, which is true, but, you know, I'm going, 'No. Any minute now Kathie's going to call me.' You know what its like. You know how touchy some people can be...
It's sad. It couldn't have ended much harder. I mean Joey just, watching all these videos, Joey's just so happy in every one, you know, Why couldn't it have stayed that way...
I mean lots of times, lots of times I wanted to call Pete and say, 'You know, hey Pete.' You know. There's absolutely no bad feelings. Shit happens. I think we both handled it all wrong ... I didn't wish any ill will on anybody. Hope he's happy now...
I appreciate the book and the videos. I hope you make a big pot of money. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for writing your wonderful book. You represented faithfully what I told you and that's all that I can ask...
(2) You went into things in absolute detail and I think you wrote the best book you could've written for somebody that wasn't there. I know that you went to an enormous amount of trouble to make sure you only put things in there that more than one person told you. People's remembrances, how you managed to get all those together and write that book – I think you did amazing job. The people that know you know that you wrote that book with the very best of intentions.
Some people have guilt and they'll turn that into hatred and they'll turn that toward anyone that has upset the apple cart. They prefer everyone think it was all sweetnes and light, but life isn't all sweetness and light, yes we all had all sorts of fantastic, lovely times, but naturally there were the down times...
Dan, great job with your book. It must have been a mammoth task to collate all that information. Reading and re-reading your book gave me more insight into stuff I wasn't aware of. You have to be proud, very well done. I thought it was a very well-balanced book and that's really how it should be. You reported given the evidence that you had. I didn't sit there and go, "This guy got this wrong and that wrong." I thought it was very well-balanced.
I am so sorry it has taken me all this time to respond to the bad news you posted out on the internet, i.e. loss of all your files as a result of which you missed my inspired response to the book, which I can not replicate as I did not save it. Better late than never I am sending you this. I found it a compelling and, for myself, an accurate read. Nothing can ever take away the wonderful times I had, we shared more laughs by far, than tears.During my limited input on the Pete Ham tapes at Bob's studio hearing Pete breathing in my ears via the head-phones was a very moving experience. It only remains for me to thank you for telling the whole truth from the beginning (unlike other parties) and turning your labour of love into a "work of heart".
You put your heart and soul in that book. It's strong and it's truthful. I've turned so many people on to the book and borrowed books out, I'm down to my last book. I mean anybody who reads it is just wowed by it. I share it with my students who are early 20-year old people who weren't there. They have no idea and are just amazed by the book.
You know why the Mollands crucify you? Because it was such a good book. You didn't say the things they wanted it to say, but it was such a good and powerful book that they had to react. If it was a rag or something that had no substance they wouldn't have looked at it twice. They wouldn't have commented on it. But it's because it's so good that they are so angered by it.
I'll tell you the other thing that really bothers them, but probably just as importantly is they didn't profit by it, so it's gotta be bad. They're so simplistic in nature that really money rules the decision. This is where Joey Molland and Pete Ham are different. Pete Ham didn't do that. He was an artist. He was a romantic artist that wanted to share his feelings with the world. Joey Molland, on the other hand, wants to get up there and have all the accolades and the money that goes along with it. This is the two distinct personalities that we have.
I mean here's an honest, straightforward, person whose speaking with deep emotion and sincerity. You have this kind and gentle soul that just wanted to play his guitar and was consumed by all these bad things. I kind of had this vision of what he was like. It's like my vision of him was like this black and white newspaper which is one dimensional, and, you know, page after page of the various emotions and things… Here's what the book did to me. It made it like a 3D thing. Now it had texture, dimension and scope. You know, it really did color in the pictures for me.
You know, what I would say to those with all their disputes. I would say, "Here's one thing that you should really, really consider before blurting out your response and, either, if you knew Pete, or knew what he represented, or even a small bit of his personality, what would he do now? And I tell you, the thing that would break his heart is the disputes. That isn't what he was about. I mean, here's this giving man who, it was obvious from Day One, that he was the man who was going to write the hit songs, and he was thoughtful enough to share in everything he did, with everyone involved. He didn't have to do that, but he did. And look what happened afterwards. I mean, I would tell those people, 'What would Pete do? He'd be ashamed of you. He would absolutely be ashamed of you.'
I feel so strongly about the book and how good the book is. It's not even just for Badfnger fans, you know, its for anybody who, anybody whose had those range of emotions. The elation, the dreams, the disappointment, the tragedy, you know. Honestly, it should be a movie. I's a great book, Dan. Absolutely, a great book.
I write this letter while still tossed about by conflicting emotions after just closing the cover of your wonderful book. So many memories, so much heartache, so sad, so foreseeable, but so much worse than what anyone could have feared.When I first read the subtitle, I wondered if perhaps you were overstating the case. After all, the arts are full of has-beens and never-wases and other sad stories and not all of them took their own lives or otherwise failed to adjust to life back in the real world. Mike and Joey exemplify the more typical after-life: the one getting on with his career, old-fashioned maybe in his restraint, and the other, the opportunist, making a living out of his one moment in the sun, glossing over some uncomfortable details that would diminish his present opportunities, even when confronted on the dais with the accusing face of the heirs. I wonder what Joey saw in their eyes at that moment. I wonder if he looked.
I was struck by how so many others close to Pete reacted initially with the same words that I did: "Why did he take himself out?" With so much to gain, so much to offer. The songs that I never heard before are so revealing of Pete's torment. I replayed my records and heard the qualities that you so vividly described in his and Tommy's music. I was moved.
I was skeptical at first, but now I see because you showed to me there truly was classic tragedy in the story of Badfinger. What a cruel twist of fate. There was no one who could have been worse for them than Stan Polley. None of his artists figured out his game in time to salvage their fruits. Most of them did not in time to salvage their careers. Some turned to Jeff Franklin of ATI, who was as shrewd as they come, and who seemed to be mesmerized by Polley's brilliant business schemes, often trying to explain to me the 30 percent investment for each artist into a central fund that would return great profits. Jeff Franklin defended Polley for many years afterwards. Stan Polley was not a music business manager who was crooked. He was a crook who made music his place of business. Badfinger didn't have a chance. They were like lambs trapped in a canyon by a wolf. He would take his time for a lengthy meal. This predator had no natural enemies.
You clearly feel a great devotion to the artistry of Badfinger, you maintain throughout this book the historian's necessary discipline. Your successful balancing of these two imperatives is why the book achieves something beyond a well written narration of a sad story with a simple moral lesson or warning to other musicians. Maybe it is because I know the people - but not their story after 1974 - so well, but I believe your book transcends even that laudable achievement and provides something far more elusive and perhaps more important.
Your development of the people and their relationships enabled me as the reader to recognize how truly sad these four lads were doomed from the moment Bill Collins first expressed jealousy. I certainly do not lay all or even most of the blame at his feet. His limitations blended with a dozen others to uniquely disable Badfinger when confronted with mere mistakes, let alone pure evil. The fact that Badfinger and Bill Collins could have given in to a three-week album production demand and that years after Stan Poses warning - as of late 1975 - Bill Collins could still be hoping that "Stan will sort this all out", tells me firmly and unequivocally that this band was doomed. And to have the great talent brought to light, yet be doomed nonetheless, is indeed tragic.
I congratulate you on your achievement and I wish you great success.
… first of all I would like to say how much I enjoyed your book. Congratulations! Bev [Tucker] tells me it is selling well and long may it do so. The more people that can read about them and learn from what happened to them the better. As one of the first people to have met Badfinger (The Iveys) when they came to London and knowing exactly what went on in those days you can imagine I feel very strongly about the facts being told. I will never forget the hours spent together laughing, joking, dreaming of their success and the strong friendship that we all had. That strong friendship is proven today by the fact that Bev, Ron and myself are still so close. There is an invisible thread that keeps us all together and that is the reason why we have the desire for the truth behind Pete and Tom's untimely deaths to be told. It is comforting for us to know that you, someone who never even knew the boys personally, have that same desire. As you know I have worked tirelessly these last 3 years to put the facts across to people this side of the Atlantic - in fact I think I was a 'pain in the arse' to many people, ASCAP particularly!! What kept me going was the memories of Pete and Tom and how I wish they were still with us.
It was of course wonderful to hear that VH-1 had decided to do an hour long documentary. It keeps the story in front of the public and who knows what might come from it - I still believe a feature film would be the best vehicle to really get the emotion of it all across and of course allow their music to be heard. Fingers crossed! It was a long, tiring day last Sunday when we were all being interviewed but it was great to meet up with Bob, Ron, Bev, Tag, David (Tom's brother) and his wife Jan. The surprise was that Stephen turned up as well. It was like the 'Badfinger family' getting together again. I have said to Bev in the past that throughout this whole sad business we have met some very good people and it has supported us knowing that people who never knew the band care about what has happened. The whole thing was such a waste of two talented people and it must be a lesson to others. After we had done our interviews we were all saying, "Oh, I wish I had said this and I wish I had said that". There are obviously things that were not said but it is very difficult when you are being asked specific questions to go off and talk about other things. I can't wait to see the whole programme put together as of course it is all down to the editing as to how the end product comes across. They are certainly interviewing a cross section of people and should really have enough to make a really balanced programme.
Bev did tell me about Bill's offer to let you see the diaries. They should certainly be well worth reading. He was always meticulous in writing everything down. I understand his health is not too good at the moment, maybe he is thinking that they should be published before it is too late. I see that Mariah Carey has just released a 'Best Of' Album which obviously includes 'Without You' - more money trickling into Joey, Mike and Bill's pockets. It just doesn't seem fair does it? While other Badfinger songs may fade in time, Without You will never stop making money as it will be re-discovered as the decades go on. Oh, if only Pete and Tom were here to see what a classic it has become. They only ever knew that Harry Nilsson had that enormous hit, they would have been stunned to know of the many other artists that recorded it.
You did an excellent job on the revised edition. Indeed, it is not a book solely about Badfinger. I have often been asked by people what is was like working for The Beatles management company in the 60's. I am aware that I was in a privileged position to be employed by Peter Brown of NEMS at that time. Girls would have 'killed' to be there!! Indeed, young people today are so interested in the 60's that they just want to know what it was like growing up in London then. Obviously, The Iveys/Badfinger were a part of my growing up, so I could never miss them out, but they would just be part of the jigsaw. I have the greatest respect for you for writing your book, especially with all the negative vibes you had to put up with while doing it…
I was so sorry to miss the Swansea reunion for Pete. Ron gave me a copy of the brochure and I was so happy to be able to contribute. It would have been lovely to see Dai and Gaynor again. I think Pete would have been overwhelmed to think that all his friends had cared so much. I had to go away on business with my job and just could not get out of it - and I did ask, many times!! That's what makes it so sad, all the love that is out there for Pete and Tom and still after all these years we are still connected by it, no matter how far away from each other we may be, there is that invisible thread that connects us all. Here's to a happy and healthy 2001
Just to reiterate, Without You was absolutely superb, one of my favorite reads of all time! I didn't put it down for about a month and I'm still "dipping in" now! You did a magnificent job - couldn't be topped!The fact you finally have a book out speaks volumes for your resiliency. And "Without You" has birthed a friendship between us, which I hope will stay. On behalf of all 'Finger fanatics and friends, on behalf of Pete, on behalf of Tommy.... Thank you so much!
(2) … Thoroughly enjoyed the reprint, especially the two appendix, which make for avid reading! The CD was brilliant listening, if a little harrowing at times. Its the best mix of "Manager" I have ever heard and "She Came Out of the Cold" sounds fantastic, as does "Blind Owl" - why didn't they use it as a torch song … You managed to add the additional bits within slowing down the pace of the book, which is laudable. It's still a great, compelling read. I've thoroughly enjoyed it and am dipping in left right and centre even while we speak ! The bits about the Court case and associated events (from a first hand account) make superb reading.
It's been my experience that as you go through life just once in while you meet someone who touches your very soul. Peter Ham was one of those people and reading about him brought back so many memories. Some of which I'm kicking myself for not remembering at the time I initially 'wrote up' something for you. For example, we met two girls who we went out with for a while. The girl Peter was involved with was attractive but, unfortunatly, had both legs in 'leg irons' as she had suffered some illness and needed these to help support her legs. So she was only able to walk very slowly and awkwardly. It was quite upsetting to witness. It's a terrible thing to say Dan, but taking into account our age and immaturity a lot of people were embarrased by her deformity. But not Peter. He went out with her on many occasions…My main reason for writing you is that I have now read you book and although I ma in a slightly biased position, I have never read anything so moving. I was quite amazed at the situations they found themselves in and the people that they met and were involved with. I have to give you credit for the way it was narrated and the enormous amount of research you must have put in. Congratulations on a splendid work, Dan.
Reading the book was a pleasure - it is so well written and to us, more than the story of Badfinger - it is the history of rock music in Swansea. Con would have been so proud of you and so thrilled that he could have helped in some small way. We will treasure it always. I'm so glad he was able to read part of it before he died. You will never know how you helped being over here during Con's last sad days.Thank you once again Dan.
... I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed Geoff [Emerick]'s book. I've read your Badfinger book through a couple of times, and I have a lot of admiration for the way you researched and presented your information -- it's a thoroughly fascinating, and quite horrifying, story. I know that Geoff has always held you in high regard as well -- I remember him pulling your book from his bookshelf during one of my early visits to his home as he proudly showed me your inscription to him.
Best of luck in all of your future ventures, and kudos to you for keeping the Badfinger name alive through all these years ...
Many thanks for sending me your book. Yes, it did answer a lot of questions for me. I used to think that poor old Pete was quite a deep sort of guy, but Tommy put him in the shade. What a mixed up guy.Since reading your book I have concluded that the biggest mistake the group made was replacing the two outgoing Welsh guys with two Liverpool guys. It's a pity they did not go back to Wales to recruit.
I'm not much of a book worm, but your book made compulsive reading. It is a sad account of events and I do feel sorry for them. I'm glad in some ways I bailed out. I've been happily married for 25 years with two fine sons and a perfect partner. Anyway Dan, thanks again.
Please excuse my boldness for addressing you so personally, but having yesterday just finished your book "Without You" I feel as though I have come to know you. I must highly commend you for tackling such a complex and sensitive subject as the history of Badfinger. you succeeded well in producing a highly informative and historically valuable record of the life of that band.So tragic, so sad, and also so diabolically angering - I actually had to leave the book alone for days at a time, as it upset me so. It disturbed my sleep, left me depressed and frustrated for the sad mess they all got themselves into. It touched me so closely because I knew them all and so many of their friends. At one time I was part of their lives on Park Avenue. I was Joey Molland's girlfriend over a period of approximately six years. As sixties relationships were, also given our youth, for we were teenagers when we met. I was sixteen and he was eighteen. We both had other relationships, but they were never spoken of. We always wanted to see each other when the time was right. That mostly meant when he was in London and not playing or recording. Joey was so very shy and nervous in those early days. He hated me going to his gigs and always wanted me to stand in the back of the hall, so he couldn't see me. He said it distracted him. Joey used to get along well with Tom. He thought Mike was a pretty funny guy, but he didn't like Pete Ham very much.
It was when Joey came back from Badfinger's first tour of America that our relationship ended. He sent Brian Slater, his best friend, over to tell me he had met a girl in America and he wanted to marry her! I was furious - the little worm couldn't even tell me himself. Both Brian and I agreed, that was typical and nasty.
I saw him again before I left to live in America in 1972, I ran into him at a clothing store and he told me I had to leave right away because Kathie was with him and he couldn't be seen with me. That upset me, too.
I then saw him again, after twenty-six years, in January of 1998. I saw an ad in the Village Voice to say "Joey Molland's Badfinger" was playing at Flipside, a new club in Manhattan. So I went with my boyfriend. Had no plans to talk to him, just wanted to see what he was doing. Well, Kathie wasn't here and he hugged and kissed me as never before - certainly not in public. I was delighted, as I always had a soft spot for him. I knew him for so long, you just can't wipe those feelings away completely. My, how he has changed. Confident, chatty, warm. He was a different Joey to the young man I knew.
Enough of Joey. I wanted simply to tell you how much I admire you for writing the book and that I "enjoyed" it immensely. I lived with every page. Again, thank you for writing such a wonderful, unbiased book, for if Mike or Joey ever publish one, it will be a very different story.
I recently completed your excellent biography of Badfinger and found it thorough, engaging and difficult to put down. Haven't seen it in the shops in Canada yet, but a friend in Wales sent me a copy (he's from Swansea and wrote me a detailed tour of the various local spots mentioned in the early chapters). By way of introduction, my name is John Einarson, and I am a rock music history writer. I've done features for Goldmine, Record Collector, Mojo, Rock Express as well as authoring books on Neil Young, John Kay & Steppenwolf, the Guess Who, Buffalo Springfield and have a new book entitled Desperadoes: The Origins Of Country Rock due out this fall.
Through a mutual acquaintance from Liverpool days I contacted Joey Molland several years ago about the idea of a Badfinger book. He was interested in telling HIS version of their story (as was Kathie) and put me onto his manager, someone who used to be a honcho at Apple (the name escapes me right now). This particular fellow was most unappealing however I thought I'd test the waters through my agent at the time with several publishers. I was, at the time, unaware you were pursuing a book (though Joey did tell me later about your project and his refusal to cooperate). Although several of the majors (Hyperion, S&S, Viking etc.) thought it an intriguing story, they felt that the Badfinger name had insufficient name recognition to warrant a book. So I passed on it. I'm very pleased you proceeded with your book and presented such a thorough documenting of the story.
After the idea fell through, Mojo's Jim Irvin contacted me about interviewing Joey and Mike for a Badfinger piece to coincide with the release of the Apple Best Of CD. This would have been around 1995. I did a couple of lengthy sessions via phone with Joey, Kathie (no surprise) and a shorter one with Mike. I found Joey very charming and forthright in our conversations though I see he had his particular position to defend. I wrote the piece but Mojo ran it by their lawyers and deemed to too potentially litigious to run. They paid me anyway but retained it for future use. Joey had named names - Polley, Collins, Silver etc. - and figures and was rather matter of fact, though certainly not to the extent you managed to in your book. When Mojo ran a Badfinger feature to coincide with your book's release earlier this year they borrowed liberally from my original piece. I guess they figured it was safer now.
Frankly, after reading your book I'm very glad I didn't pursue the project as you have done a wonderful job and I may have ended up leaning on the Molland's rather skewed version of history a bit too much. As well, I'm also aware after reading your book just how potentially litigious their story remains. I'm curious, have you had any legal action threatened by, say, Polley or the Mollands? I know that most people don't like to see their dirty linen aired in public. In a couple of my books I've laid out some pretty nasty and bitter scenarios and have incurred some wrath from those on the black side of these particular events. It seems like a recurring theme in bands: when there's money involved things can get (and remain) ugly. The members of the Guess Who, for example, are still suing each other. A Canadian production company is trying to make a movie of my Guess Who book but is coming to realize the legal entanglements among the members. John Kay and his former Steppenwolf mates went through years of legal battles. Several members of the Springfield have taken legal action against the others over the years as well. I was approached to consider doing a Moby Grape biography recently but there are still some heavy legal issues outstanding that scared me off. Anyway, just thought I'd pass on my congratulations and I hope your book does well for you.
(2) … Have you heard any rumors of how the Mollands have responded to the book? I would be curious to see how they address it on their internet site. I haven't checked it out. I did pick up their video retrospective last year in the States and although I enjoyed seeing the various clips of the group performing, was disappointed with the story line, interviews, production quality and the way it sort of ended abruptly.
I remember Joey's manager's name at the time we talked, it was Pete Bennett who apparently was involved with Apple in the USA. He sounded like a thug to me. When I first broached the book idea to Joey he was keen and didn't say anything about your project which obviously was already well in progress. But when we spoke again at the time of the Mojo article, he told me about you and your book. He wasn't very flattering about you, I must say, but obviously that was tempered by his concern about how he would be portrayed and he had much to hide. He said things like how you were deceiving Pete and Tommy's families and using them. Sour grapes and paranoia, I guess. I recall thinking it odd that Kathie wanted to talk with me during the second interview session. In my previous research I've met other strong-willed wives, John Kay's wife Jutta for example, who have often been the driving force behind their men, though Kathie seems the extreme.
A friend in Knoxville saw Joey's Badfinger last year and said they were terrible. Bottom of an oldies bill. Joey's voice was apparently just shot. By the way, since both Tommy and Joey launched Badfinger groups in the latter years, who actually owns the copyright on the name? That kind of circumstance was behind heavy litigation and much strife with the Guess Who, Steppenwolf, the Buffalo Springfield and the Byrds among many others. Dennis LaCorriere of Dr. Hook fame has been in contact with me several times to compare notes from my research in this area with the above artists as he is currently battling another ex member who is going out under the Dr. Hook name.
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the book. (It was a Christmas present from Bev). Having read it, I can understand some of the frustration and sadness that Beverley [Tucker)], Denice [Peter's wife] and other friends of the band still experience when faced with the injustice and misrepresentation of people they regarded as friends (almost family). Reading the book made me wish I had been able to meet Pete. Day after Day was the first single I ever bought. Strange that at the time I had no idea I would be lucky enough to have Bev as my sister. I was delighted to hear from Bev that Ron and Mike will be playing together at a charity gig. Ron [Griffiths] is a nice bloke and it would be great to see him get the recognition he deserves. Having seen the work and careful research you put into the book it deserves to be a success. ( I remember retiring to bed at approx 1.00 a.m. leaving you, Bev and Den still talking, with scraps of paper, photographs and draft lyrics scattered around the floor), 'Without You' is a valued documentary record of the Badfinger story. Let's hope it leads to an even wider appreciation of Peter and Tommy's compositions.
I've been looking through you book naturally for inspiration and details for the liner notes [The Very Best Of Badfinger]. I know we've spoken before about the book and, of course, I've been involved in its gestation for coming on ten years now remember that epochal moment in Clapham when you arrived back from Swansea, rang my doorbell, and said that you've heard something amazing… But I've never really had the chance to say how great I think the book really is. I've always been impressed by your diligence and attention to detail. I always assumed that the book would be great, of course; and knew as much. But I've never actually had the opportunity to sit down and read it cover-to-cover. I still haven't: life moves so fast at Record Collector, what with the monthly deadlines and the constant pressure to produce 'the goods'… I've started to get into the book. If you don't do it already, consider your book to be the most complete analysis of a rock band, in one original volume, ever. (Lewisohn may have published the Chronicle, but his work offers little insight into the Beatles on a human level.) You left no stone unturned. I checked the index for the songs on the new Best Of, and every single one is mentioned. That's amazing, Dan! Even when there wasn't much to say about a particular title (because Pete and Tommy are dead and no one else remembers) you made an effort to mention it. Your book is brilliant. I think Pete and Tom would have been proud of it. Your efforts will go a long way to ensure that Badfinger will always remain special…
I was so excited to come across your book in the library here in Swansea. It brought back so many memories I had tucked away. The pain I felt from Pete Ham's death was so intense and I could share it with so few. I first knew Pete from going to Jack George's shop in the early Sixties. Even then, Pete was like an older brother to me. You could not forget Pete if you met him. He was just a terrific guy. I always wanted to play in a band, but was too shy to get onstage. He gave me advice even then, but I could never break through the barrier of my insecurity...
When The Iveys went to London and were signed to Apple Records, I was so proud. I followed Badfinger as best one could. I couldn't believe the Straight Up album wasn't taken more seriously in the U.K. I met up with Pete a few times, and he was always great. The last time is what struck me. He was back in Swansea, not too long before he died, and I ran into him in Neath. He told me things were not going so well and he looked weary. He said Badfinger had changed personnel and explained about some problems he'd had with Joey Molland and his wife. Why I remembered this particularly was because of the funeral service and the gathering at the Ham's home, I was so struck by the sickening attitudes of Joey Molland and his wife, Kathie. And then to read it in your book about that brought it all back. I had totally put that away. They were extraordinarily callous in their remarks and Pete's family was visibly shaken by it. Pete's mother was so devastated. And I know she died shortly after this. Probably from a broken heart. I didn't dare say much to John in the later years. It wasall too sad. It really crushed me, Dan....
You brought back my tears with this book, Dan. But I needed to let them go. I wanted to know the truth and I am so grateful you wrote it. God bless you, Dan. It's an amazing accomplishment.
I just finished your book for the second time. Adam (Allen) [guitarist of Tom Evans Badfinger tour in 1982] was right, you sure captured the personalities, your books description of Tom was so much like the way Adam always describes him. Nice to see someone tell it like it was, would have liked to hear more about the good times though, the book made me cry, both times.
You book is compelling and heartbreaking. These musicians who gave their souls and--quoting one of their songs--had the industry "Take It All". Many stories and half-truths have circulated for years about Badfinger, but you brought this unbelievable story into focus. I was impressed with all the first-hand accounts with surviving band members, family, friends, management, roadies and girlfriends. Your exhaustive research on the band makes this pretty much the final word on what really happened to these four talented men that many hailed as successors to the Beatles throne. Anyone with even a passing interest in the band will find themselves immersed in your reverent telling of their story. I would recommend this to anybody.
The book is everything I expected... thoroughly researched and extremely impartial. I could tell it was a labour of love for you. Well done, man. I would also like to thank you for personalizing the book.. .it was quite a thrill!!... I've been a fan of the band since the summer of 1975. Our family had recently moved to a new town as I was about to start high school. It was rough. I was kinda lonely and I completely lost myself in music, discovering that music was not just "hits" but whole albums. My neighbour sold me albums for $2 a pop... and one of my first was STRAIGHT UP and I just adored the record.(and still do) I've been chasing down your book since 2000 so it was great to not only finally get a copy but from the author. Awesome. Around the same time as I was discovering the magic of Badfinger, I also started to play the drums...and still do to this day. As a quick side note, I was playing a bar in Toronto the night you sent me this reply. I also sing in the band (talk about multi-tasking!!) and one of the songs I insisted the band learn so I could sing it is NO MATTER WHAT. That song always gets a great response and I've been doing it steady for 4 years.
I just adored the book and could not put the damn thing down until completed. It's such a sad tale. I don't remember reading any quotes from Blair (Dennis)...I would have been interested in hearing what he remembers about Pete. The reason I said you were impartial was because I really learned to dislike Joey... but any obvious feelings by you toward him in the book were never shown and anything written by you was always very fair. Ah, the summer of '75...a turbulent year for me but I was completely blown away by STRAIGHT UP. From the first chord of TAKE IT ALL to the last chord of IT'S OVER...actually, I played That album so much that I wore it out and had to purchase another...still have it... near pristine on Apple label. Anyhoo, I'm bagged and heading to beddy-by.
Read your book that you sent me on Badfinger. It was very tragic and also an eye opener on the importance of paying attention to who you get to be your manager and also who you get to promote you and handle your money. It would seem to be very important to check around and see who are the trustworthy people and who are the crooks. What happened to Badfinger is a good guide to future rock bands and individual artists on what not to do. It is very important to be involved in your business dealings along with whomever is your manager and anyone else whomever is involved in your business interactions.
Their manager seemed to be trying to be a teenager and act their age [I mean the bands age] and have a good time instead of acting his age and looking after the bands best interests. He was also to trusting. Pete seemed to be a very nice guy. I believe he was his own worst enemy. He took things to seriously and worried about other people too much, trying to make everything and everybody feel better. Pete also was to trusting and didn't keep involved enough in the financial part of the bands business dealings. I believe if he had been less trusting and more involved in the business, none of this would have gotten so bad. You cannot change people from the way that they are. Pete was the way he was, trying to see the best in all people. That is a very admirable trait to have but in this day and age. I'm not so sure it applies to everyone that one meets in today's world.
Tom, on the other hand, seemed to generally really miss his friend Pete. Imagine finding your best friend hanging from the neck dead and having to get him down. That would be an image that would haunt a lot of people for the rest of their lives. In Tom's case, I think he didn't seem to take things to serious and liked to party a lot. In those days were talking about four young guys who just wanted to play rock and roll for a living. In the end, it seemed that Tom just couldn't go on living without his good friend Pete. If someone makes up their mind, whatever is going on in their head at the time that their life has no meaning or purpose and that there is no light at the end of that lonely and dark tunnel, whether it may be conscious or fueled with alcohol and or drugs there is not much one can do to stop another one from taking his or her life. It is very tragic what happened to Pete and Tom.
Your book was the most enjoyable book that I have ever read. I can tell from the way you have gathered your information and the hard work and long hours that you have put into this project that it was a labour of love for you. Congratulations on capturing the life and tragic times of one of the most misunderstood and underrated bands of our times, Badfinger
Your avid fan, Halsey
I just finished your book today. I want to thank you. I have no professional association to Badfinger in any way, but always had a special place in my heart for the band's music. I appreciate your hard work in documenting the complexities of what happened.
I have been in a few bands, and now, like you, work a lot with recording, producing and the like. So I really understand how situations can arise. I can relate to being in those band meetings, placing the trust, feeling so betrayed, and the feeling of elation when you complete a song you can be proud of.
It’s a side few people ever know about. The bizness is all about hype, hyperbole and a certain megalomania. It dwarfs the dialogue about songcraft and skill. Your book helps people to see through it. To see the struggles, the human drama… Its different for every band, but there are common things (The bossy girlfriend, the artistic differences, commerce versus art, etc. etc.)
I can’t tell you what a great service you did writing the book. Not just for Badfinger fans, but all people who wonder what really goes on and what can happen etc.
A very heartfelt Thank you,
And I would guess that Pete Ham and Tom Evans would be pleased that you got their story out. Maybe I presume too much, but I think great artists have a reverence for truth and I think you have served it well.
Just thought that I would drop you a note to tell you that I enjoyed your book. I've only recently become a fan of Badfinger's music and I find the tragedy of the band's story compelling. I admire your objectivity and the thoroughness with which you treated the subject matter.
From the descriptions of Pete Ham's character and just from the sound of his voice on the accompanying phone call recordings, I really think I would liked to have known him. He really seemed like a nice guy, and there is always a shortage of such people in the world. In any case, good job on the research. A good read.
Just thought that I would drop you a note to tell you that I enjoyed your book. I've only recently become a fan of Badfinger's music and I find the tragedy of the band's story compelling. I admire your objectivity and the thoroughness with which you treated the subject matter.
From the descriptions of Pete Ham's character and just from the sound of his voice on the accompanying phone call recordings, I really think I would liked to have known him. He really seemed like a nice guy, and there is always a shortage of such people in the world. In any case, good job on the research. A good read.
Being a baby boomer and living thru the tumultuous years of the 60s and 70s I can understand why certain events go unnoticed during those heady times. It's hard to put into words though how the tragic deaths of Pete and Tom can be so obscured from the public like these were. Each person's life has it's owns twists and turns which no one except for God can take note of and list in His book of life. Each has his/hers own road to travel and whomever happens to be hitching a ride along the way will be a memory, regardless that it may be short or long, a memory none the less. It can have an everlasting affect that can be a joyous experience or tremendous tragedy. It must be understood that people can have a tremendous impact on other peoples lives, enough so that the mind has to re-learn and adjust to what he/she has witnessed and decide if this revelation will take one down the right path to that always un-reachable goal of peace of mind and eternal happiness.
Having read 'Without You' I wish I could go back in time and change the course of events which took place that led to Pete's and Tom's undoing. I wish I could be the person that made the difference that would have prevented all those that were close, families and friends, to feel such great pain and heartache having to try to recover from not being able to see Pete and Tom live normal lives. I wish I could have been the person to stay by them in times of trouble. I know each and everyone one of us has the ability to make a difference to those we meet everyday, be it the building maintenance man, the girl behind the drug store counter or a nephew. But it's easy to say this once you know what the outcome will be. Would I have felt the same way as those close to Pete and Tom during there times of trouble? And would I have reacted any differently before their deaths?
All I can say is we're only human. And the fallacies that come with it, greed; selfishness; lust; egotism, etc. are our undoing. Dan, your book exposed all of these traits of humankind and more. It will forever remind me that we are all human and do indeed make mistakes that we may or may not regret. It's the mistakes that affect others deeply, that we should all have a conscience for and find a way to repent. True stories, tragic or joyful, have a way of reaching one's inner soul and have a strong enough influence to make a difference and change one's thought process. Your book fits into this category and would recommend it to anyone willing to see what happens when people's lives are affected by others.
I was very impressed with the book. The amount of extensive research that went into it is obvious. I finished reading it in two days and have since gone back and re-read portions of it. A definitive overview of the band's history was long overdue.As I mentioned to you in our brief phone conversation last fall, I did meet all the band members with the exception of Pete Ham. I talked to Tommy Evans on three occasions in the fall and winter of 1982 when he was on tour with Mike, Bob Jackson, Reed Kailing, and Donnie Dacus.
The first Badfinger gig I saw was in November of 1982 at a club called Boston Magees in Wallingford, Connecticut. The place was packed and the band got an ecstatic reaction from the crowd. I remember the encores were "Back In The USSR" and "Money". I had the songbooks for both Magic Christian Music and Straight Up and passed them backstage. Everyone signed their name (including the American replacement members).
I saw two other gigs that winter in Rome and Rochester, New York. My friends and I were calling ourselves "Fingerheads" and Tom and Bob picked up on this. Mike was a little on the curt side but answered all of my questions (such as why Pete Ham sang "It Had To Be" on No Dice - "I preferred his voice"). He kept pretty close to the road manager and apart from Tom and Bob Jackson.
Tom was quiet and soft-spoken and, though a fair amount of drinking was going on, he certainly never revealed any negative aspects of his personality. He scrawled a ribald message on the cover of my Iveys Maybe Tomorrow album, signed an Apple cassette of Straight Up, and revisited the songbooks, blackening the teeth and an eye on a full-page photo of himself and writing "Wish He Was Here" on Pete Ham's picture.
At one of the New York gigs I asked him whether he thought Joey would rejoin the band. He said he didn't think so, but mentioned that Joey had "visited them" the night before (this must have been the episode where Reed's and Donnie's guitars were doused with beer). I had heard this anecdote from someone else. The way I heard it is that Reed said "Those are vintage guitars!" with Joey responding "Well, if they're vintage, then they've already had a lot of beer spilled on them."
Bob Jackson could not have been nicer. I recognized his name from a Trouser Press article so I knew that he had joined the original band for the final tour and had played on the unreleased Warner Brothers album. After reading the book I can't believe the kind of stress the band was under at that time. While some of the shows on the tour may have had lapses in professionalism, the three I saw were great. I remember an audience member standing next to me at the Connecticut show saying that he had never seen anything like it before. He was clearly referring to the combination of the vocals which were in great shape, the musicianship, and the songs. The crowd honestly could not get enough of the band.
I've seen Joey several times over the years, both with and without Mike. He has always been happy to talk with the fans after shows. At one point I told him that Jellyfish had recorded a live version of "No Matter What" as a track on a CD single. Joey had been aware that the band did a cover live but was unaware that it had been recorded and released. He rubbed his hands together and said "That means money."
Once again I have to congratulate you on the book. It's great to finally have something like this out there. The Pete Ham CD is great... best of luck with future projects.
Hi from Australia I recently received a letter from you regarding the limited edition lithograph and was blown away by the excellent lifelike drawing of Pete Ham. As I have just got back onto the net, first, let me give you some background of how I became a Badfinger fan and I take you back to 1971 when I was 15 years old.
That year as far as I can remember two songs stuck in my mind and I needed to buy the records as soon as I heard them. One was "No Matter What" and the other was "I Hear You Knocking" by another Welsh singer Dave Edmunds. Well, I bought the album of No Dice and was blown away by the harmonies of this band and songs such as Midnight Caller and We're For The Dark introduced me to the rock ballad. After that album I bought the rest and except for such songs as Day After Day could not understand why the band got no airplay (only limited airplay over here for Baby Blue) People that heard these albums while at my place always asked who was that band after hearing the album Straight Up. After I purchased the Warners album around late 1974 that was all I heard from and about the band until 1980 and I saw a film clip of Joey and Tom singing a song from Airwaves "Love Is Gonna Come At Last." Well I went out and bought the record and couldn't understand why Pete didn't feature on the album until I learned of his tragic death about 6 months after so as you can see I never knew of such records like Head First and Say No More and when I got onto the net in 1996 my world changed for the better when I found all this new music and I just had to update all my albums to CD'S which I have done all except for Ass and including the lost classic which I got from Germany "Wish You Were Here" which I must say showed me what a loss Pete and Tom were to rock music.
After that I kept in touch with all websites on Badfinger but something was missing until your book which I got from you early 1998. It filled in all the missing gaps and also filled me with emotion and anger at how this wonderful talented band got taken for a ride and I placed myself the night Pete took his life and wished I could have been there to save this wonderful musician and gifted songwriter I am not a book reader but I couldn't put it down and this book gave me a tremendous lift even in the tragic events of the book when my own life was also in crisis. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me an insight into this amazing band which changed my passion into a hunger for their wonderful songs.
I would have hoped Mike and Joey would have learned from Paul McCartney and John Lennon's feud which in the end they reconciled shortly before John's tragic death. Badfinger were Pete Tom Mike and Joey at their best. That is how I will remember them and I cannot wait until Head First and other material to be released. Please keep me informed once again thank you for a superb book.
(2) … I have spoken to you a few times before regarding your book, which I thought was fantastic! Thanks once again for your concerted efforts in getting this wonderful music out to a very grateful fan base and I look forward to when you can say "that is all folks" when all of Badfinger's music is finally released and we all know Badfinger music is TIMELESS … I guess I always will be interested in anything Badfinger as their music touched my soul as a teenager and still today brings me a lot of pleasure and I still have friends who ask who is playing that song when they hear songs such as Midnight Caller, Timeless, etc.
I am the writer editor/publisher of a Russian Beatles fanzine, Beatlesbeat. It is the one and only Beatles publication in Russia. And of course, I am a huge Badfinger fan! From the moment I learned about your book it was my dream to get it. I have a wonderful friend in England who (knowing how much I love Badfinger) ordered a book for me. And when it arrived I was virtually shocked! It was stunning! Beautiful design, lots of information, nice pictures and precious, unbelievable CD. I had never dreamed to hear something like this!Being a music fan, I've read quite a few books on rock music. I have many books about The Beatles, some books about Led Zeppelin, Blues, The Rolling Stones, etc. so I think I am able to work an opinion.
I think your book is excellent - in fact, the best book on rock music I've ever read. You are precious in details, you managed to discover facts so obscure I can only open my eyes wider in amazement! I learned more about Paul McCartney and George Harrison from your book than from half a dozen "definitive biographies" Your style is well-balanced, if not pure entertainment, nor scientific research. Your story about writing the song "Without You" and the two heart-stopping demos of the song - it's one of the most impressive pieces of rock history ever brought forth....
(2) …For me, a new year started with a nice surprise. I received a fantastic parcel from you, containing the additional book and your message for Russian fans. Thank you very much! It's possibly the best Christmas present I ever got in all my life!
Thank you also for your message - it's exactly what I wanted for Russian Beatlefans. I'll translate it to Russian and put into "Beatlesbeat" N. 19, it will be an issue dedicated to the Beatles as a group and Badfinger. Your words are the perfect introduction of the band.
I have already read your book twice. It's not only the best book on rock music I ever read, it also has strong dramatic lines as a novel and even some philosophical charge. It's obvious, your book will make a great film (but be prepared Apple won't let anyone use Badfinger tracks! Who can handle Badfinger's music? I can think of Cheap Trick or members of Jellyfish - in my humble opinion, they'd make a good soundtrack.
I'm amazed to learn there are so many Badfinger CD's in the making! In particular, I'm absolutely excited at the prospect of a second volume of Pete Ham demos. I have some friends in England and I hope they'll be able to get "Golders Green" for me when it's released. I'm also looking forward to hear "Airwaves" and what about "Say No More"? It's a shame these albums are not issued on CD yet!
In my opinion, putting together the story behind one of the greatest songs ever, "Without You", and beautiful demos of the song on the accompanying CD is an unparalleled feat in the history of rock music. Simply there's no analogies!
But my favorite Badfinger demo is "No Matter What" The demo and the finished version of "No Matter What" is very much like the demo and the finished version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps": the stunning, fragile beauty of the demo and the perfection of the finished version.
After re-reading your book I became even more devoted to Badfinger. I'll do everything possible to turn the readers of my fanzines on to Badfinger! Dan, do you know anyone in America who could help me to swap Badfinger bootleg CD's for anything Russian? I'm dying to hear more of Badfinger's unreleased material.
Thanks again for your excellent book and the fantastic efforts you undertake to spread the word on Badfinger.
I received your book a few days ago, and I can't put it down. I find it spellbinding... great writing! I'm trying to "enjoy the ride, here," (as you put it), but it is tragic. It's tough reading as a musician, you well know. I had known about the suicides of Pete and Tommy, and had heard stories about management and corruption, but the book really helps resolve the questions I have had in my head for a long time…
I can't understand how people like Stan Polley can live with themselves, although I know from personal experience that they still exist and thrive. It's sad. Also, one would think that a first signing by a label like Apple, (whose intentions were to help artists like Badfinger), would have supported the band more after Straight Up. But, there was Polley again, negotiating with WB while Badfinger was still under contract to Apple. Obviously, there were bad feelings all around
(2) I finished your book a couple of days ago... fantastic! It was obviously a labour of love. The reader really senses your emotional ties in it. So many bio's are flat, perhaps factual, but boring. Yours is quite the opposite. I also can't believe the depth of information, from performances, (including most of the Iveys') to the Badfinger recordings, and so much more. Truly remarkable! Thank you. I also realise that you've been instrumental in the recovery and production of Ham's posthumous cds and Head First, so as a fan of Badfinger, and a musician, I'd like to thank you for that, too.
I just logged on to this site and read all the wonderful comments on your book (including my husbands) I was only around 10 years old during Badfinger's heyday, but I do remember hearing their music. I didn't know their "history" until a few years ago. I had asked my husband (a musician and know-it-all on music) who the group was that did "No Matter What". When he told me who it was, I thought that they would be an interesting group to listen to. Sadly, I find myself looking for older music now, a sign of old age I'm told. Anyway, I love their music. When my husband read your book, he told me just about everything as he was reading it. However, a few days ago, it was laying on the coffee table. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. I went through every emotion reading it. I mostly wanted to hit somebody. I felt so bad for Pete and Tom's children. I thought that Toms son, Stephen, had the saddest look on his face at the ASCAP awards. I wanted to do something. Of course I didn't know what, but all I could think was that it takes a very good book to bring out such emotions in me and you definitely did it with this book. Badfinger is a wonderful "discovery" for me and I only hope that Pete Ham's and Tom Evans' families will or do realize that there are many people in the world that appreciate their talents and hope that they will have the recognition they so rightly deserve. Thank you so much for such a wonderful book.
You did a masterful job in researching and writing the book. You’ve also done tremendous work in keeping their musical legacy alive. Its such a tragic story and seems so unfair that even today, there seem to be so many barriers, legal and otherwise, to getting their music heard.
I agree with what you’ve done – focusing on keeping Pete Ham’s music alive for future generations is probably the best tribute for him. Awards, etc. are great, but he would probably want to keep entertaining and reaching out to people through his songs. And they are wonderful, wonderful songs. Your book allowed Pete’s friends and family to show what a kind and caring person wrote them.
Learning more about Pete make his songs all the more poignant, but they also made me grieve for his loss all the more. I developed a crush on him when I first saw him in the Concert for Bangladesh movie and I wish there had been a way to know him better before he was gone.
Please let me know what I can do to help keep his music going and bring him and the others the credit they deserve for their work. I’m willing to do all I can. I’ll definitely sign up for the next Badfinger reunion!
Thank you for making your book "Without You: The Tragic Story Of Badfinger" available on Amazon.com and especially for writing such an informative and enlightening text regarding this talented group of musicians that, unfortunately, due to circumstances at the hands of Stan Polley, never received the financial or historical/cultural rewards they should have received in the annals of Rock History.
I am a longtime fan of The Beatles and have only recently discovered the story and music that was Badfinger( and especially the genius that was reflected by Pete Ham and Tommy Evans reminiscent of the relationshi[ of John Lennon and Paul McCartney). I was also saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Gibbins in 2005. (His drumming style very close to that of Ringo Starr - extremely solid and underrrated).The brilliance of Straight Up and the tragedy that befell Wish You Were Here (possibly the greatest album that never received its due and public recognition that it really deserves).
Reading your work and account, your passion for the subject is reflected in your words and is a true testament to the memory and talent of the gifted individuals. I'm sure Pete and Tommy would be touched and very happy and satisfied to be remembered and honored by your words. Thank you and best wishes.
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed "Without You". I had purchased it off Amazon.com last week,and I could not put it down. I've always been a fan of this band, (I have to admit because of their initial ties to the Beatles and Apple), and I always wondered why they never got bigger than they did. Now I know. After reading the book I was able to locate and purchase the '97 dvd by Gary Katz off from ebay (I can't believe what they're going for!). Best thing about it are the vid's from their tv appearances (the midnight special clip was awesome, those guys could play), and the interviews with Mike Gibbins. Have you ever considered doing your own documentary? Just a thought, I think if anyone is qualified to tell their story in that format, you are. The VH1 segment of "Behind the Music" was good, but did not get in depth enough. I don't know if you've ever considered it, but I hope you do. I don't think I would trust Joey's(and Kathie's) take on the band's story, too revisionist.
I'm a 1st generation Beatles fan, and like a lot of other kids at the time, the first time I heard "Come and get it", I thought it was the Beatles. I continued to buy their singles and albums, even though at the time I really did'nt know much about the band's history. About the most information you could find on them was either in publications like Rolling Stone, or similar rock fanzines of that time, though Rich DiLello did give some early history of them in his book, which was great. He seemed to really be a fan of the band. Even when Pete, and then Tommy died, their was very little information out there until your book came out, the VH1 "Behind the Music" segment, and Gary Katz's dvd. The closest I ever came to seeing any of the members was several years ago. Joey came to the town where I live (Muskegon,Mich), and played (solo) as Joey Molland of Badfinger at a local summer festival (very small). I did'nt even know he was here until I read the review in the local paper. It seems no one knew who he was, (it was a much younger crowd), and most of them did not know who Badfinger was. Apparently, it was an all accoustic set, he played their hits plus some of his own stuff. Really sad when you think about it. Anyway, the bottom line is, it was their music that got me hooked, and made me a lifelong fan of this band.Again I want to say thanks for your effort and hard work. It has made a difference, and it has had an impact on original fans like myself, and future generations of new fans. I've got 2 daughters and a niece who are huge Beatle fans because of me. Now, they are becoming huge Badfinger fans as well.
These guys all deserved so much more than what they got, thanks for helping to get them (especially Pete and Tommy), the recognition they so richly deserved, and for helping to keep their legacy alive.I know that as a fan. I appreciate all the effort and hard work you put into the book. Its a great story and you've told it well. Thanks again, Dan.
Hope you don't mind that I address you by your first name. I want to apologize for my lack in an early response to let you know that I thought "Without You- The Tragic Story of Badfinger" was one of the best books I ever read. It was entertaining yet also sad to see how great musicians get taken advantage of. Of course much the same happened with black musicians in the 50s. In any case I often recommend this book to friends who might be interested. I had gotten a Japanese version of the Pete Ham CD from you awhile ago and enjoy the extras along with the CD that came with the book.
Dan; I just want to thank you for your book; my good friend and drummer James Rehn received the new version (autographed as well) and immediately parlayed it into my hot little hands, as I has heard so much about it from all of my power pop allies (and they are numerous). Like all good tomes, Without You made me go out and acquire any and/or all of the proper catalogue that I already didn't have, including the Pete Ham demos and the WB stuff. I feel as if I lived with the lads for the week it took me to devour the book. I also feel an urge to pop a cap in Stan Polleys' ass, thank you. Seriously though, you have shed some serious light on one of rock/pop musics' greatest offerings and loss, and you are to be congratulated for it. Also, the demos included with the book, as well as the supplementary cd you sent James, are priceless. Every time I hear Pete sing "How Lucky We Are", it's all I can do not to cry. Thanks again..
I ordered the book from you over a week ago, and just finished it the other night. You did a magnificent job giving me an inside look at one of my most favorite bands. It was also a very gut-wrenching story. I knew what happened, I did not know all the horrible events leading up to Pete and Tom's suicides. I ordered the Badfinger documentary over a year ago. I must say that it seemed lacking after reading this book.
What I learned from your book:
Pete comes across as the gentle, warm human being cast into a sea of sharks - just as I'd always suspected. Listening to his music gave me that impression. I saw Tom as the tortured artist type, but your book gave me many insights on him, especially the guilt he felt over Pete. The situation with him, Joey, and Mike after Pete's death was a pitiful mess. I could not believe some of the stuff I was reading. Your treatment of Mike Gibbins was good, too. No surprises there, based on all the other info I've read and heard. He seems to want to forget the whole mess. Joey and Kathie Molland. Seems to me things might not have went so bad if Kathie had never darkened his doorstep.
Thank you so much for writing this book. It was needed. It's the best book of it's kind I've ever read.
I recently finished reading your "Without You; The Tragic Story of Badfinger" book and was very depressed with the story, but also very satisfied with the excellent reading! The bonus 19 track c.d. was also very enthralling! I'm almost ashamed to say it,but, I was almost unaware of Badfinger's existance! (I had vaguely remembered hearing older fellows speak reverently of them, in the past.) That is until the early nineties came, and I finally seen those two remasters of the"Straight Up" and "No Dice" c.d.'s in my local shopping center. I felt compelled to buy them both, and was soon blown away by song's like "Take It All", I Don't Mind", "Believe Me," "Day After Day" (which was about the only one I had ever heard before!) and etc... And of course the monster's "Baby Blue" and "No Matter What"! I was stunned when I heard those two!
In my day's of youth, I was strictly, and sadly, interested mainly in Kiss,Aerosmith and Boston and that's about it. But, in my defense, I had to basically listen to whatever my older brother's said we were going to listen to. That was just that way it was, and I had to like it. Until, I discovered The Beatles, on the very day Lennon was murdered! (That was all they were playing on the T.V. and the radio stations!) I immediately went out to the local record store,with my sister, and bought both the Capitol "red" complilation, and the "blue" compilation, on cassette tapes and turned everyone in my family, and all the other kids in my neighborhood, on to the Beatles! I couldn't get enough of them. I was a second generation Beatle's fan, to the hilt! I guess maybe that planted the Badfinger seed in my mind. But Badfinger stuff was much harder to come by! Especially, in my rural area. (London Kentucky!) You're lucky if you even find Beatles' stuff around here!
I really feel sorry for all the young people these days! All this rap bullshit, and all this popular "musuck" they're being force fed! But, you know what the real shame of it is? Two members of Badfinger died at their own hands, in two seperate decades, and you heard virtually nothing, on the radio or television or news media! A disgrace! And even now, in the year 2006, Badfinger is still nearly impossible to find anywhere!? Why? What has happened? Sure you can go on ebay, and get ripped off, or price gouged by inflated shipping charges! But you still can't find any Badfinger video footage whatsoever, to my knowledge! I've looked on ebay many times. I have even bought alot of Badfinger c.d.'s off of ebay, but I have been seldomly satisfied with any of the prices that I've had to pay for them. I bought your "Without You" book off of ebay, only after I had tried several times to special order it at my local bookstore. I think I ended up paying about forty bucks for it. The book was well worth it though, I've enjoyed it immensely! It's such a shame that two God-gifted, and genuinely nice people like Pete and Tom,had to go out like they did! I feel like if they had simply shunned "Asshole" Polley and listened to Poses, and thrown Bill Collins and Joey"pussy whip" Molland's asses out of the fold, everything would have turned out fine! I thought the Bob Jackson recollections were very good, and quite entertaining! (I thought his "John Cass" story was very frightening and his story about the roadie who couldn't drive just killed me! Ha!) And the stuff from Reed Kailing was also excellent.
Thank you again for writing this book! I appreciate all your hard work and research!
P.S. I think the Mollands' both need their asses kicked! Also, Mr. Polley and Mr. Collins should both be strung up and shot,if they're not dead already! Just my opinion, sorry!
Hi, I just got through reading Without You... I'd been meaning to buy it, but Santa brought me it instead. I found it to be fascinating and haunting at the same time. I was in high school when I first heard Badfinger. Come And Get It was a bit too poppy for me, cause I like guitars. I flipped when I heard Baby Blue and No Matter What. I eventually got into little garage bands as a drummer, and then as time progressed made it to North Hollywood in late 78, had a heroin addict Beverly Hills rich kid manager and a con advisor, much like a few of the characters in your book. I started writing lyrics, and in the meantime have written for Eric Martin, Mr. Big, Triumph. I've never been bigtime, although I've had gold album success... but I've seen enough and been directly involved on the business side of the music scene to know of all that can go wrong. I've had songs rejected of major releases right before press, I've had labels fire complete staffing... so when an album was released, no one in new power cared... and the album would die a quick death... disputes over royalties, publishing, administration.... I've seen a lot of what can happen. It was oftentimes painful reading it for these reasons, but the book is brilliant. Congratulations on capturing what can and does go wrong in the music business. Of course, to me the ultimate loss is the deaths of Pete and Tom. Anyway, thank you for a great read and much continued success!
I wrote and spoke to you on several occasions prior to your hard drive crash of May 1998 and I thought I would summarize some of my feelings about your wonderful book, Pete Ham CD and efforts to bring honor to the Ham and Evans families. First, I have read many books about the music business and no other had such depth and emotional feel as yours. Being 40 years old, Badfinger was my band!!! Your book brought back the ups and downs of my adolescent years. The highs of anticipation of unveiling "No Dice", "Straight Up", "Ass", and especially "Wish You Were Here" and the devastation of reading about Pete Ham's death. The innocence of my youth was lost. It always seemed as though the band (especially Pete) was always writing from their heart. This was a rare quality even back then and especially now. Life should not have turned out as it did for Pete, Tommy, Joey and Mike.
The hardcover book and CD which arrived on 12/31/98 helped not only fill in all the missing pieces, but was such a good read it brought back many of the good times of youth. I am very grateful that you stuck with it through all the hard times over the past 6 years or so to bring forth the truth unbiased story that needed to be told. My heart still is full of sadness of what happened at the awards dinner (Collins and Joey) and the misfortune that Tommy's son experienced then and recently. My thoughts and prayers are with the survivors and their daily struggles to deal with what happened to their loved ones and what continue to occur today. I can only hope the upcoming release of "Head First" and "Golders Green" are pulled off with not too much bad blood. I hope VH1 does a good job in presenting their story so that others can be touched by their music as I have. I am happy your book and other projects are going well. Thanks for always taking time to respond to letters and calls. Much continued success.
(2) … It has been a long time since I sent you a note, but I had to say something about the work you did on "Golders Green". I purchased the domestic version yesterday and just loved it! I especially enjoyed the song "Dawn" and thought "Richard" was very funny. It seems like I can't stop listening to it. I like it better than "7 Park Avenue"! I hope sales of the album as well as your other projects are going well. I am about to re-read your wonderful book again in anticipation of the release of the VH-1 special (whenever that will occur). In any case I know what you have been doing for the Ham and Evans estates has not made you rich, but you sure have helped all of us long suffering Badfinger/Ham & Evans fans a great service. Again thank you for endless pursuit to keep Pete and Tommy's and Badfinger's work alive and fresh.
(3) … I am counting down the hours until the VH-1 Badfinger special is on Sunday, November 5th. Thank you for the countless hours you spent in getting this much deserved tribute off the ground. I am also very pleased the "Head First" with your demos are being released on November 6th on the Snapper label. The odds were not in your favor to get out of the Forbidden mess. I also noticed that Mike's long delayed album is also being released on Snapper. How were you able to accomplish all of this? It takes great dedication and love of the Badfinger name and lives of both the living and the dead in order to carry on against great odds. I am sure both Pete and Tommy are very pleased with your efforts. What is next on you agenda? Will there be more demos on the horizon? I only hope you are happy with all that has come about recently. Thanks again for being the voice and action of Badfinger fans all over the world.
Thanks for all the info you sent regarding web-sites and compact disc releases. I am excited to hear that a second Pete Ham demo disc is coming out. Now if only someone would release the Say No More LP on CD and perhaps Airwaves. It really is great that you put together such an exhaustive text on Badfinger. Again, we all would like to believe our heroes are all superhuman and are disappointed to learn that they are all too human. Perhaps the biggest disappointment was to learn that Badfinger were not all the best of friends with Joey's wife acting as "the wicked witch". Certainly one wishes that Stan Polley would also have been held more accountable for what he did to a brilliant group and more specifically an incredible talent in Pete Ham.
Just wanted to let you know how much I love your book. it was very kind of you to autograph it for me as well. I know you must have put an incredible amount of energy into writing it. The CD of tunes and interviews are a fantastic addition. It's both gratifying and sad to finally get the true story about the band I loved as a kid. I didn't have a proper record player for years when I was young and only had a cheap little 45 player I inherited from a cousin. It was one of those you could start and it would just keep playing until you turned it off. It's no exaggeration to say I'd play 'Baby Blue' about 40 times in a row. I was thrilled when they finally released Straight Up on CD.
I have read without you at least 6 times since I've gotten it... I am a Pete Ham fan... and Pete has made a big impact on my life... I remember hearing Baby Blue for the first time in 1978... just as airwaves was coming out.... then I discovered that he was the guy who killed himself.... here was a brilliant talent laid to waste... then I started buying all the albums... and of course found every Pete ham song to be more than I could hope for.... but Pete has influenced me musically {I'm a musician/songwriter... currently having a song recorded by Frankie Laine}... his guitar playing {like the little leads behind choruses} was truly a great little trademark of his I admired.... unfortunately... we'll never know what Pete and Tommy could have been.... its so sad and tragic..... I do have one question bothering me tho... Pete complained about his lung..... did they ever find anything at the autopsy???..... but thanks soooo much for a great book... and keep those Pete and Tommy projects rolling ... I know I'll be the first one on line at the record store waiting for it...... P.S. I've spoken to Joey about playing with Badfinger {well not Joey... Kathie} [I've been told that my music has a Pete Ham quality to it} and she was kind of rude... and of course thinks Joey can still do it with him singing " No Matter What." and his bass player mark Healey screeching "We're For The Dark"... I think he needed some one to do Tommy and Pete's roll... but... I think I would decline.... I think I gig more than he does ... and make a more lucrative living at it too... Well, thanks for the book. I'll be reading it again … and again… Dan thanks again for bringing some great Pete and Tommy back to the fans… We do appreciate it… and unfortunately… someday it will run out… but, I'll try and be grateful for what you brought to us… Thanks.
I received your book and was delighted with it, particularly that superb, beautiful priceless CD. I have since given away four copies of your book to boost sales and to get more people to know the Badfinger story. I gave the books under the excuses of Birthdays, late Xmas gifts, etc!! One small quibble on such a quality item/labour of love - a sturdier laminated slipcover would have been better - cost being not that important to those dedicated enough to want the special edition - also I was sorry that the shot used to promote the book in Beatlefan was not included. Aside from that, the book was a gripping atmospheric extremely well documented tribute to Badfinger that does the band and their fans enormous credit. I always wanted to get more deeply involved in promoting the band, their music, and finding out more about their lives, ideas, - them as people. Lack of finance, contacts, and experience, and (a little laziness!) held me back. I am thrilled with all your sterling work for the band - its unbelievable what you have achieved so far. The Pete CD/The Book/CD and now a documentary on the cards! I was saddened to read how Joey got bigheaded and put himself and his talent (comparatively limited compared to Pete) ahead of Pete's genius and supreme gift. However, Joey also very kindly sent me a very humorous autograph in 1991. That's more than any of The Beatles ever did (take the money and run!!)I am thrilled with the Pete Memorial idea - I always wanted to pay tribute in a more valid way than a poem to this wonderfully gifted musician.
I finally was lucky to get a copy of your book, which opens up a door for me to get to know what kind of a person Peter Ham was! I cry just thinking about the pain he must have felt. I was eight years old when he died, but I still can enjoy his music! I know in my household I will keep Pete Ham and Badfinger alive!I just wanted to thank you for making it possible for "us" fans of Pete Ham to be able to hear his (hidden music) as I call it! I love every song on Park Avenue, but there's one on the bonus tracks that touched me so deeply - (and that is "The Heart That Can't Be Understood) tears come to my eyes when I hear Pete's sweet voice and the tone in which he sings this song). I know you put so much time, care, and love into producing these lost tapes (I'm so glad) because who knows what state they would have been in longer down the road? I've only heard that any tape deteriorates when it plays or if it sits locked away. (am I right?) Well, I just wanted to thank you! I'm looking forward to hearing more of his demos. You are an awesome man - thank you again!
(2) … Your second edition is the best! I love the new photos, especially of Pete! The CD is the greatest. I love it. I finally got to hear Pete's speaking voice. He's so happy! I love hearing Pete's demos and the other demos, too. The phone calls by Tom are very sad. I could feel his pain and devastation in his voice on the recordings and it made me cry. It made me want to reach through the phone and give him a hug. I love to hear the Iveys work. I can't wait to hear more. This is great!
I had enjoyed the band from the very early days. I'm sort of incurable pop fan, you know, Third Eye Blind, and all these bands that are attempting to recreate that sound that these guys did so well a long time ago. I had purchased Wish You Were Here in 1975 and I thought it was great. I thought "This is it, they're going to be my dream band. They're coming back."
I remember when I found out Pete Ham had died. I read this interview with Paul McCartney where he mentioned Pete was dead and I was blown away. I went and played everything I had and cried my eyes out because they had been such a big part of my life - my first concert, one my first favorite bands… The only worse day in my musical memory is December 8, 1980.
I had spoken to Kathie Molland before that Katz documentary in the late 90s, because I was renewing my interest in the band around the time they were reissuing all these Badfinger albums. She had told me they were doing some sort of documentary about the band. But she pissed me off because she was like "Oh, that's what's so exciting about the band is that there were TWO suicides…" like it was a marketing tool. That really turned me off. I'm thinking "Well, it might not have been so good for them." I thought she was odd.
You've put such a large amount of work into resurrecting this band for a lot of us hardcore fans. I work as a writer myself and I appreciated the distance you were able to give to the subject. You were able to present everybody in what I thought was a pretty fair light - good-and-bad. Everybody will have their different take on the situation.
I think you wrote a remarkable book. One of the best kind of those kinds of books I've ever read. I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a marvelous piece of work and very inspiring because one always heard the songs, and they're obviously good, but you didn't really know what had happened.
I had no idea that Pete Ham's songs, which I consider really great, had such a personal meaning to him. When Kurt Cobain had killed himself, I turned to my wife and said, "Hey, anyone could see that coming. The guy hated his life." But you heard Pete Ham's songs and you don't pick that up. But I read your book and revisited them and I realized, "Hey, they really did show a deep sensitivity." They were actually more deep than I had given them credit for. When I read what "Midnight Caller" was about, now, when I hear it, it resonates on a deeper level. And then those comments by Pete on "Baby Blue," where he said he was never going to put someone's name he knew in a song again because he had to sing "Baby Blue" every night, and he's thinking "It may be your favorite pop song, but it's my freakin' life!" And those poignant moments in the book where he's writing notes to himself. I really could feel his pain. You did a fantastic job. And his demos CD's are just fantastic.
Again, thank you so much. I'll be looking forward to your next project.
Thank you Dan. Your book has deeply affected me. What a sad story. I too, am not much of a book reader, but I read your book in three days! My children were asking what happened to daddy. I could not put it down.
(2) … I've just gotten "Online", and the first thing I wanted to do was bee-line for your website & resoundingly applaud all your heartfelt & loving efforts with the Book, CD's, VH-1, etc… Like many of the letters and e-mails I've read on the web re: Badfinger, I have experienced the same sort of things. I became aware of Badfinger in '69 with Come and Get It, (I was 10 years old), and only knew of them via what was released by Apple on 45 rpm, (LP's !! Too much $$$). At the time, The Beatles ruled supreme over my soul and disloyalty was unthinkable !! However, Badfinger harmonically resonated in the same way that I heard Beatle music. By 1971, I had picked up the Bass Gtr., and started that long and often lonely road to becoming a musician. Remarkably, it seemed , I had an opportunity to see them at the Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, CT. near my home. Day After Day was all over the radio, I bought tickets pronto. The day of the show was rapidly approaching when suddenly, it was announced that the gig was canceled !! The first of many times left in the dark wondering… In 1974, my hopes were raised again and dashed when Badfinger was scheduled to appear in Bridgeport, CT. at the Sheraton Hotel. Canceled. Then the short blip in Rolling Stone about Pete, and then… nothing, Zip , Nada for years. Confused? Sad? Frustrated?
In 1977, my new best friend - a fellow musician - had all the Badfinger LP's, and he turned me on to what has become my only best friend at times - their music. I still remember walking into the record stores and looking under B for Badfinger. Nothing. Suddenly, Airwaves appeared !!! Then Say No More !!! Then… nothing… .In the summer of 1983 Badfinger was coming to town !! I had to go, they had to play this time… Joey has to be there, maybe Mike Gibbins too… Hey, why wasn't he on any of the albums???
I got to the club early - surely it would be packed - with much anticipation, the place is empty. I walk over to the bar to order a drink, I look to my right and leaning against the bar watching the TV is Tom Evans !!!! He looked as if he'd stepped right out of the gatefold of No Dice!! I introduced myself and fumbled through some small talk, he seemed preoccupied, but friendly enough, all the same. I offered to buy him a drink, he refused." Nah, Joey or Mike wont be here". " Well, Some old stuff, some new stuff ". Hey, Tom. Good luck man." Thanks ". About 15 people showed up, they soldiered on and played like the place was packed though!!! As for me: It broke my heart. A couple of months later the news about Tommy got round, I was crushed. What happened to this band???? So many questions.
A few years go by, Badfinger Hits Vol.2 is released with bonus tracks. "Keep Believing" blows me away, nothing short of genius, and worth the price of the whole CD. A treasure which is bittersweet to realize once again that Pete is gone. He had a soul. Meanwhile, bootleg videos and tapes surface now and again. Sad, Sad, Sad…
Suddenly, like those days rifling through record bins, 7 Park Avenue is staring up at me, I am transfixed. I rush to the counter, throw the money down and high tail it back home. It is the Christmas of my youth (I am forty now) , and I am not disappointed, like when I was a boy and the prized Hofner Bass was not under the tree. Every detail is of the highest integrity and care, and cries out … LOVE… and the music… breathtaking… I can't thank you and Pete's family enough for this.
I must apologize for my ramblings, but I really needed to share my thoughts. Your book was/is a blessing that helps to resolve all the nagging questions I've had for so many years. I look forward to anything forthcoming. Thank you Dan. Your book has deeply affected me. What a sad story. I too, am not much of a book reader, but I read your book in three days! My children were asking what happened to daddy. I could not put it down.
Just want to thank you, I am enjoying the book and all of the insight so much. It's amazing what those 'agents' were able to do to the artists at that time. I am about 3/4 through the book, and am amazed at what transpired in those days. Bought the book originally because I heard it had a lot of Lou Christie in it, which I'm thrilled that it does, but it has so much more of our history, so much Beatles, etc. It has so much insight into those days that we were not aware of, we always assumed that all the artists became millionaires instantly. Had no idea what they had to deal with. Thanks again, for a truly great product, can't wait to finish it, so sorry to know that it ends so tragically. But you are doing a great service, to let people know what was done to those 'kids' back then.
Thank you Dan for a fine and moving book. I would have missed it if not for hearing No Matter What on The Mountain (our local sometimes interesting, mostly dreadfully boring FM station). That clued me in to 7 Park Avenue which clued me in to your book. I just really appreciate the time you must have taken to put together a nuanced view into the life and times of this group.
I enjoyed the book (if those are the right words) and was rather disgusted by the behavior of some of the principals involved. In my various web travels, I noticed the Mollands have obtained the services of a biographer for a book on "their own story of Badfinger" and are getting involved in the upcoming VH1 "Behind The Music" special on Badfinger. I can only assume the goals here are for some publicity, damage control, and to milk a proud name dry.To me, Badfinger died with Pete Ham and Tom Evans.
I just finished "Without You" yesterday, and I must say I was more than a little impressed. As a former (real) journalist, I can see that you spent an enormous amount of time researching it. I got the softcover version of the book as a Christmas gift. The husband of a friend of mine is agonizing over the final stages of a Neil Young biography, so I have some idea what you must have gone through to get this done…Without You is a sterling achievement. It seems to me that you wrote it for guys like me (Anglophile American Rock fan), but is really something that has appeal far beyond me and my type. Your presentation had me engaged, from beginning to end. I certainly hope someone picks up an option to use your book for a film. Not only do you and the band deserve this type of recognition, it would make a most engaging film. Your extremely liberal use of photos was an excellent choice. The pictures really enhanced the text. At times I felt like I was reading a family history.
If I ever see Stan Polley, I will be sure to rip a molar out of his mouth.
The decline of Tom Evans struck me in particular. I still ache a little thinking about it. Tom was a great voice and excellent songwriter. He is missed. I was sickened at the bickering over the use of the band name and the ASCAP award fiasco. It was the first I'd heard of it and it really saddened me...
I have been a Badfinger fan since the first time I heard "Baby Blue" played on WLS-AM in Chicago. I was able to buy every album before learning they no longer existed and that Pete Ham had taken his life. I was privileged to meet Tom and Mike and Bob at The Charlie Club in Joliet, IL on one of their tours. I pretended to be a reporter to interview them after their gig. I later saw them at the Thirsty Whale bar in River Grove, IL, this time without Mike but with Tony Kaye.
Tom was ever the gentleman and feigned recollection of me and even invited me to party with the band afterwards, an offer, I know regret, I didn't accept. I was stunned to hear that Tom had also taken his life.
(2) … Without You is a classic book. Anything I can do to help spread the word, I would do. Please keep me posted on your next project, and for God's sake, keep up the excellent work. I just bought 7 Park Avenue last weekend, as a matter of fact. Of course, the notes were excellent, but I was really struck at how much care and thought was put into the whole project. Pete definitely deserves that, right down to the careful, clear and thoughtful use of overdubs. Even the people used to do those dubs makes perfect sense. I hope Tom's project comes off equally well....
Thanks Dan, I thought I may have left it a bit late to order 7 Park Avenue. It's OK, I can wait on the CD, I just got particularly fired up after reading your book. I've only just read the section on Pete Hams sad demise and I must say it's really affected me quite deeply. I'm a musician/songwriter myself and have an affinity with Pete as a person, I think I know the sort of character he was (well maybe) so I find the book has hit home on a particular level. Anyway, I should say congratulations on a well written and strikingly unbiased account of a band I've had an appreciation of for many years. May Pete and Tom rock on in another plane.
I wanted to write to tell you how much I enjoyed your book, Without You: The Tragic Story Of Badfinger! I saw it on the shelf at the gift shop in the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame. I was so surprised to see a book on Badfinger and even more surprised when I saw the author. This book had so many details about what happened. I had always wondered what the real story was (you can never find much info on Badfinger). It must of been incredibly interesting doing the research when writing this book. Your book made it easy to understand the feelings and hardships of Tom and Pete especially. I found myself crying while reading parts of the book. It really is such a tragedy. I still listen to Badfinger music quite often. Wouldn't Badfinger be a good Behind The Music for VH-1?... Anyway, I am so glad you wrote the book. It answered many questions I had for years. I only wish everybody could know the Badfinger story. Many people that I've talked with who have some interest in the band - have no idea of the tragedy that has occurred. Thank you for writing this book. I just treasure it.
It's been a while since I last contacted you. In the meantime, I've received your beautiful Badfinger book. You have done a lot of work to compile all the information and put it out this way. I really enjoyed it, although the death of both Pete and Tom always makes me sad, it has enough funny moments, too. From my point of view, Pete and Tom are the heart of Badfinger and real artists/musicians. It's funny how time goes on while these guys never grow old. But that's always the case with people who leave too soon. It's strange to realize that we are already older than they ever got.I drift away, back to the book. For instance, the time between Pete and Tom's passing was highly interesting. I hardly knew anything about that period! Also, their touring history was a treat. The silence from the Beatles about their relationship with the band still makes me wonder. Really, these are only a few of the highlights I mention and I can imagine that the story is fit for a movie. Well, I think you got a of great reviews in the press anyway, and that must be flattering, too. I hope that the book will attract some new fans. Thanks again for investing so much effort in a group of musicians that all other rock writers have overlooked!
I am writing to thank you for the hardback edition of your wonderful book "Without You: The Tragic Story Of Badfinger," I was extremely impressed by it. I have read many rock biographies (Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc.) but none have been as informative or well-written as this book. It told me all I wanted to know - and a lot more! It's impossible to find fault with - the presentation is excellent and the amount of research which must have gone into writing this, must have been tremendous! It's really nice to see a band such as Badfinger, being paid such a tribute - I feel it couldn't have been done better. The enormous list of credits and the chapter about Wales and its people is very respectful. The sensitivity with which the book is written is amazing and rather than emphasizing Pete and Tom's deaths all the time (as magazine articles do), the group's music was celebrated, too.The bonus CD was a real joy, too - it presents even more evidence in favour of the fact that Pete. He and Tom Evans were the writers of "Without You."
The other thing that impressed me so much, was the insight your book gave into the music industry. I have just recently joined a band and I write material for us to use - after reading your book I think twice about who I play this material to - I was horrified at how Badfinger were treated. I knew very little about the group prior to reading your book and I was surprised at how many other musicians they were associated with, and how popular they really were.
I was born in 1978, so unfortunately, I was never around to know of the band when they were at their peak in the early 70s. I've only recently completed my collection of their albums and its been hard work trying to find anything. Every record shop owner I came across spoke nothing but highly of the band and they all owned at least one cherished Badfinger LP in their own collections - and they were not willing to part with them!
I think anyone, whether they're a Badfinger fan or not, could pick up this book and find it interesting, because it is so well-written.
At last, it seems Badfinger have got some justice in the sense that Stan Polley has been exposed (amongst others, who conned the group and wrecked lives just to fill their wallets.) I knew the group had troubles - but I never really knew why and to what extent. It's a real shame because it seems these guys didn't write songs simply for the money - they did it because they were real musicians - it was second nature to them - and that's what it makes their story worse.
It's also ironic they're remembered for "Come And Get It" by McCartney - and their most famous song "Without You" as recorded by Nilsson. I've had plenty of arguments with people over the years whereby people insist the original "Without You" was written by Harry Nilsson - I even heard a DJ say it on the local radio station. I think your book might help to clear things up.
Finally, I'd like to say thank you once again for the book, and your dedication and hard work is very much appreciated and does not go unnoticed.
It's been well worth the wait.
Re: Your masterpiece, Without YouI do not exaggerate when I refer to your book as a masterpiece. My wife knows that your book was exceptional for I could not put it down. I read it in about one week (my usual time is months, due to lack of interest). I was born in Townhill, Swansea in 1947 and although I saw the Iveys many times I didn't know Pete. My sister tells me she sat next to John Ham at school but Pete and I must have gone to different ones. I played drums in a couple of local bands, we were never up to Iveys standard, before moving away in 1969 to follow a teaching career. During the holiday I went to visit Park Avenue, just to be there really, as your book persuaded me to dig out my old Badfinger vinyl and listen to it for the first time in years. I have also bought the Park Ave.CD and find it fascinating...
I always liked the Badfinger singles, but never listened to LP's until the CD revolution. I had obtained six CD's so I was getting into Badfinger. Then your book has got me well and truly hooked. Your book gave me inspiration to write a song (my first ever) about Iveys/Badfinger.
I love the book! I could hardly put the book down once I started reading. Your book was written with such compassion & understanding… I'm hoping to go someday & see all the sites. I can't wait to see the new Badfinger project's!! . I hope someday someone will release concert footage of them in the 70's with Pete… That would be super cool! … This has to be one of the most tragic stories in rock'n'roll. It makes me sick how they got ripped off and treated. I really feel sorry for Pete, Tom, and their families. My sister also died of suicide, so this story really hits home for me. I love the CD that came with the book. "I Won't Forget You" is especially beautiful. That was really nice of Tom to send you a tape of him singing "Lost Inside Your Love." That is so great to listen to! ... I'm glad you wrote the book, now everyone will know what really happened!
Let me say without hyperbole that your Badfinger bio is absolutely the best rock biography I've read. One thing I've learned about biographies in general is that interesting lives do not always make interesting reading. That is not the case here's a fascinating story, thoroughly researched, and written with such keen insight into the personalities and recordings. Unlike other biographies, every significant event seems to have gotten sufficient attention - and it goes a long way in pointing out just how deficient the recent Badfinger documentary was. It is both a fans book as well as a damn fine piece of professional journalism. It's a real page-turner. It's excellent.
(2) … Upon re-reading this work, I am again struck at the amazing depth of research that went into this, as well as the engaging narrative. I've said it before, but this is an incredible book. Also, you had updates as late as June, yet still had the book out by July, which is "warp-speed" in the publishing biz, so kudos to your company for that.
The Badfinger book was so worth the wait! It is so informative and well written, and I love seeing all those photos! The CD is such a bonus - hearing previously unreleased music from them is such a treat.