No doubt due to their direct connection to the Beatles, the band that influenced the whole genre of power pop, Badfinger is known as one of the foremost power pop bands of the late ’60s/early ’70s. Today’s classic song of the day, “Day After Day,” is one of their best. Released as a single on the Apple Records label in November of 1971 in the U.S. (and January of 1972 in their native UK), “Day After Day” was the group’s biggest hit, going all the way to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Cash Box Top 100. The track peaked at #10 on the UK charts.
“Day After Day” was written by Badfinger vocalist/guitarist Pete Ham, who also wrote or co-wrote “No Matter What” and “Baby Blue” for the group, as well as “Without You” for Harry Nilsson. The single was produced by former Beatle George Harrison and premier power popmeister Todd Rundgren; George also played slide guitar on the track. In addition to the other Badfingers (Joey Molland on acoustic guitar, Tom Evans on bass, and Mike Gibbins on drums), the track also featured Leon Russell on piano.
Badfinger was a group of Welsh musicians who first got together back in 1961 as the Iveys. They were “discovered” by Beatles assistant Mal Evans and Apple Records A&R head (and half of Peter & Gordon) Peter Asher, who sent the band’s demo tapes to each of the Beatles. The Fab Four signed the group (still known as the Iveys) to their Apple Records label in 1968, the first non-Beatle act signed to the label. Beatle Paul McCartney supplied the group with their first hit, “Come and Get It,” and things just kept rolling from there.
The group had a few more hits, then moved from Apple to Warner Bros. Records in 1973. It was all downhill from there, culminating in Pete Ham’s suicide in 1975 and the band’s subsequent break-up. The original members reformed the band several times over the years, at least once with competing factions, but the magic was long gone.
All four members of Badfinger are now gone. Pete Ham was just 27 years old when he passed. Tom Evans also committed suicide, hanging himself in 1983; he was 36 years old. Mike Gibbons pursued a semi-successful solo career but passed away in 2005, age 56. Joey Molland also pursued a semi-successful solo career, and he passed away in March of 2025, age 77.
Thus, today’s daily bonus video of the day is Pete Ham and Badfinger performing “Day After Day” live on some television program in 1972. RIP to all. It’s a great song.
