Bob Jackson on Saving Badfinger's Lost Album

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After 50 years, Badfinger's lost album 'Head First' finally sees the light of day – but the story behind its release is as compelling as the music itself.

The record, completed in just 11 days during 1974, was immediately rejected by Warner Brothers and buried. Bob Jackson, the keyboardist who joined Badfinger during their tumultuous final period, has spent decades trying to locate the master tapes. What he discovered was a web of corporate ownership disputes, and a music industry machine that chewed up one of Britain's most promising bands. Now, Jackson has not only recovered the tapes but painstakingly remixed and remastered what he calls "the oldest, newest album around."

The story of 'Head First' encapsulates everything that went wrong for Badfinger – a band that should have been massive but instead became a cautionary tale about exploitative management and industry greed.

Yet the music that emerges from this darkness is remarkably strong. Tracks such as 'Lay Me Down' and 'Keep Believing' and 'Moonshine' showcase the melodic brilliance that made Badfinger briefly the heirs apparent to The Beatles on Apple Records.

For Jackson, releasing 'Head First' is about correcting a profound injustice and ensuring that the creative legacy of his departed bandmates is properly preserved. Interview by Jason Barnard of The Strange Brew Podcast.

*Chapters*

*Introduction and Badfinger's situation before recording Head First (00:00:02)*
Bob joined Badfinger in 1974. Initially recruited to replace Pete Ham, he stayed when Pete returned as the band valued his keyboard skills. Badfinger faced complications in 1974 between their management and Warner Brothers. The five-piece band toured with Man in the UK, but Bob notes they had strategically neglected their UK audience.

*Management issues and financial problems (00:14:13)*
Joey Molland left. Manager Stan Polley improperly took money from an escrow account and pushed the band to quickly record another album for advances. This led to Warner Brothers lawsuits.

*Recording Head First under pressure (00:20:11)*
Badfinger recorded 'Head First' in just 11 days with mostly new material. Despite working with Beatles engineer Phil McDonald and producers who worked with Kiss, the band essentially produced the album themselves under difficult circumstances.

*The content and themes of Head First (00:26:20)*
The album fits well with the mid-70s music scene, with some of the song lyrics highlighting difficulties they faced. Badfinger functioned as an equal partnership with all four members contributing to songwriting and arrangements.

*The tragic aftermath and legacy (00:35:07)*
Following the album's rejection and financial pressures, Bob reflects on what might have been if the album had been accepted and if the group had been under different management.

*Finally releasing Head First and future plans (00:39:42)*
Bob obtained the master tapes after a legal battle, with it being remixed and remastered. Bob is considering next steps, acknowledging the strong worldwide fanbase that still exists for Badfinger.

*Further information*
Head First is available from
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