Paul Rodgers takes Bad Company out for another spin

Bad Company, featuring original singer Paul Rodgers, is gearing up for a string of western U.S. dates that will kick off later this month. The group plans to record a live CD and DVD during the jaunt.

No release date for the live offering has been set, but the group is shooting for mid- to late spring, according to management.

In addition to Rodgers, Bad Company's lineup comprises 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 outing marks Rodgers' third with the group since its 1999 reunion tour, which featured the band's complete original lineup: Rodgers, Kirke, guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell. The members reunited in late 1998 after meeting to discuss details for 1999's "The Original Bad Company Anthology" (Elektra).

Last year, Bad Company was part of a triple-bill summer tour that also featured Styx and Billy Squier. Bassist Rick Wills replaced Burrell on that outing.

Formed in 1973, Bad Company is best known for its '70s-era hits "Can't Get Enough," "Feel Like Makin' Love," "Rock and Roll Fantasy" and others. The original incarnation disbanded following the 1982 release of "Rough Diamonds."

Ralphs and Kirke went on to form several subsequent incarnations of Bad Company that also featured former Ted Nugent singer Brian Howe, then Howe's replacement, Robert Hart, as well as Wills and Colwell.