Joey Molland, the last surviving member of the classic lineup of Badfinger, died at the age of 77 on 1 March. No cause of death has been revealed yet, though the guitarist had been battling a variety of health issues since early December.
Molland joined Badfinger in 1969, completing the four-member lineup most are familiar with. His first appearance came on 1970’s ‘No Dice’, an album which contained ‘No Matter What’, and ‘Without You’, the latter of which would be famously covered by both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey. In total, Molland played across seven Badfinger albums, contributing to some of their most famous tracks, including ‘Baby Blue’, which debuted on the UK Charts in 2013 after featuring in the final moments of the Breaking Bad finale.
In December, Molland’s partner Mary Joyce revealed that the guitarist had been in intensive care due to complications from diabetes, including a bacterial infection leading to septicaemia. A GoFundMe was set up in January to help cover the spiralling medical expenses, and has raised over $30,000 as of the time of writing.
Among the donors was a ‘Richard Springfield’, possibly Rick Springfield, known for his hits ‘Jessie’s Girl’ and ‘I’ve Done Everything for You’. The pair worked together on a 2021 cover of Badfinger’s ‘Love is Gonna Come at Last’, and Springfield has never been shy on his admiration for the Welsh band. “Badfinger has always been one of my all-time favorite bands. I am often asked by journalists, ‘What is the one song you wished you had written?’ And my answer is ‘Baby Blue.’ What a perfect song! Their music was and is immortal.”
Born in Edge Hill, Lancashire, Molland contributed to Badfinger in various ways. Most commonly credited as a guitarist, he also sang and was credited as a songwriter, including on the original version of the previously mentioned ‘Love is Gonna Come at Last’. Through the band’s connection to The Beatles via Apple Records, Molland also appeared on John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ and George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass’.
Badfinger had a tumultuous history, and is one of music’s many tragic tales. Molland kept the music of the band alive through his touring act, Joey Molland’s Badfinger. That one act performed over 300 shows since 1981, including 50 in 2024, with his last live performance in September coming just months before his illness.
Very sad to hear about the passing of Badfinger’s Joey Molland. He was a great musician and good friend. #joeymolland #ripjoeymolland #badfinger #mickydolenz #whitealbumtour pic.twitter.com/wUKvnTWdTc
— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) March 2, 2025
Tributes poured in for Molland from both fans and fellow musicians. Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz shared photos of the pair together on tour and called Molland “a great musician and a great friend.” One fan on Reddit shared his own experience with the musician, recalling how he helped mentor the group and produce their demo recordings.
Comment byu/CowardiceNSandwiches from discussion inMusic
Molland’s death brings an end to one of music’s most under-appreciated bands, though offers us a chance to revisit their discography, as well as Molland’s solo work. Through his tracks with a variety of artists, including former Beatles, his music has been heard by millions around the world and is still played today.
