Bad Company takes to the road behind new live album
Bad Company, led by original singer Paul Rodgers, mounts a tour in late May, following the release of its new live set, “In Concert - Merchants of Cool.”
Bad Company, led by original singer Paul Rodgers, mounts a tour in late May, following the release of its new live set, “In Concert - Merchants of Cool.”
Set for release on May 21, “Merchants of Cool” features 12 classic Bad Company tracks recorded during the band’s seven-date January tour of the western U.S. The album also contains two new studio tracks, titled “Joe Fabulous” and “Saving Grace.”
The group is simultaneously releasing a companion concert video in DVD and VHS formats. The DVD houses 17 songs, as well as behind-the-scenes footage, a photo gallery, band interviews and more, according to Sanctuary Records.
The video captures guest performances from guitarists Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and Neal Schon (Journey, Planet Us).
In addition to Rodgers, Bad Company’s current lineup includes original drummer Simon Kirke, longtime guitarist David “Bucket” Colwell and new bassist Jaz Lochrie, who previously was a member of Rodgers’ solo project.
The upcoming tour marks Rodgers’ fourth with the group since 1999’s reunion outing, which featured the band’s complete original lineup: Rodgers, Kirke, guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell.
Bad Company toured the U.S. last summer as part of a triple-bill that also featured Styx and Billy Squier. Bassist Rick Wills replaced Burrell on that run.
Formed in 1973, Bad Company gained commercial success with its ‘70s-era hits “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Rock and Roll Fantasy” and others. The group’s original lineup disbanded after releasing 1982’s “Rough Diamonds.”
Ralphs and Kirke formed several subsequent incarnations of Bad Company that featured former Ted Nugent singer Brian Howe, then Howe’s replacement, Robert Hart, as well as Wills and Colwell.
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