The power pop band Badfinger was known for their strong, melodic songs. The ballad Without You was covered with great success by both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey. The band itself was also successful, but much more bad luck.
Badfinger was the first band to sign a contract with Apple Records in 1968. This label was founded by The Beatles, who also supported the band in the studio. Despite the high… expectations not being fulfilled, Badfinger did score hits, especially in the United States. When Apple Records retired in the 1970s, the American Warner Brothers was ready with a big contract.
Badfinger made a lot of money on paper, but the members themselves were paid poorly. Their manager did walk in, however. That already created a lot of tension. In 1974, Warner Brothers sued the band for stealing at least $ 100,000. The quartet no longer received a salary and was not allowed to release any albums. A few months later, singer Pete Ham committed suicide at the age of 27. In his suicide note, he called manager Stan Polley a "soulless bastard." Polley was not convicted of fraud until years later.
Badfinger was not going to be okay anymore. Years of legal battle had thwarted a normal career. After yet another argument about money, bassist Tom Evans committed suicide in 1983.more
