Introduction
What keeps a rock band relevant for over 50 years? In this post, we dive into the legacy of Bad Company and drummer Simon Kirke as he reflects on the 50th anniversaries of two landmark albums: the self-titled debut and *Straight Shooter*. From package tours in the ’70s to sobriety and playing with legends like Ringo Starr, Simon Kirke’s story offers a front-row view into classic rock history.
The Roots of Bad Company and a Legacy in Motion
Simon Kirke began his career with the band Free before forming Bad Company alongside Paul Rodgers. After years of internal band struggles, Kirke and Rodgers joined forces with Mick Ralphs (Mott the Hoople) and Boz Burrell (King Crimson). With the blessing of Warner Bros., Bad Company was born—named after a 1972 Western film.
They were quickly signed by Peter Grant, the legendary manager of Led Zeppelin, and the band was off to the races. From the start, Bad Company embraced a no-frills, soulful, hard-rock sound that would soon define a generation.
Milestones That Shaped Bad Company’s Legacy
The Impact of the Debut Album
Released in 1974, the self-titled album *Bad Company* hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, selling over 5 million copies. Songs like “Can’t Get Enough,” “Rock Steady,” and “Ready for Love” became FM radio staples.
Simon Kirke emphasized that the band never set out to write hits—their music simply resonated with the FM radio audience at the time. Peter Grant’s anti-singles strategy aligned perfectly with the rise of full-album radio play.
Straight Shooter and Creative Momentum
Just one year later, *Straight Shooter* dropped in 1975, selling over 3 million copies and hitting No. 3 on Billboard. Tracks like “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Shooting Star,” and “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” elevated the band’s songwriting to new heights.
Simon Kirke credits the debut album’s success with pushing their creativity forward:
“We never went into the studio to write—we’d show up with cassette demos and see what stuck. *Straight Shooter* is my favorite Bad Company album.”
The Story Behind “Feel Like Makin’ Love”
According to Simon Kirke, the song came from merging two incomplete ideas—one from Paul Rodgers and one from Mick Ralphs.
“We had Mick’s little country riff and Paul’s rock part. I said, ‘Why not combine them?’ That’s how the magic happened.”
The result: Bad Company’s most streamed and requested song to this day.
Simon Kirke’s Journey Through Music and Sobriety
Simon Kirke’s personal growth is just as powerful as his musical legacy. Now over 30 years sober from drugs and 10 years alcohol-free, he channels that experience into advocacy. His work with Road Recovery helps youth struggling with mental health and addiction.
Songs like “Shooting Star” take on deeper meaning for Kirke today:
“It’s a warning song. You get fame, fortune—and if you’re not careful, it eats you alive.”
He first stepped out front to sing “Shooting Star” during a show in 1989, when then-frontman Brian Howe refused to perform it. The audience went wild.
“I grabbed an acoustic guitar, walked to the mic, and sang it. The place lit up.”
What’s Next for Simon Kirke and Bad Company’s Legacy?
Bad Company’s catalog was recently acquired by Primary Wave, a music rights firm known for reviving legacy artists and launching special campaigns.
Simon Kirke has confirmed:
- A feature segment aired on SiriusXM for the 50th anniversary of the debut album.
- More legacy-focused releases and promotions for *Straight Shooter* are in the works.
On the personal side, Simon Kirke continues to perform at small venues around New York and is actively developing a rock musical about addiction and recovery.
Conclusion
From iconic hits to hard-earned wisdom, Simon Kirke embodies what it means to survive—and thrive—in rock and roll. *Straight Shooter* and *Bad Company* still hold strong 50 years later, and Kirke’s story proves why classic rock will never die.
👉 Click on the video or download the podcast to hear the full interview with Simon Kirke:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xfB8KvYDGMX4uOFRAO9Fo?si=64510d8838494333
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