We all wonder what it’s like to lose our favorite musician or actor, but it stings even more when you’ve had the honor of knowing them personally. Today, I want to channel my emotions into remembering the legend that was Joey Molland, who I’ve just learned passed away this morning.
Joey Molland was a key part of the best band to emerge after The Beatles—Badfinger. To me, they are one of the defining bands of power pop, right alongside Queen. (I could go on about how Jellyfish also fits that mold, but that’s a topic for another article.) My love for power pop will never fade, and Joey played a huge role in that.
Joey was special to me. He was a guest on Unlikely Places back when it was just me hosting, and he came on to talk about an upcoming Beatles tribute show he was part of. That night, I got to meet Joey, Todd Rundgren, and Jason Scheff all at once. As a songwriter and aspiring rock star in an era where the industry is not what it once was, that night reignited my passion for music.
I even started a short-lived Badfinger tribute band called Badfinger Boogie (shoutout to Charles Rosenay!!! for the name), which ended up being featured in the Hartford Courant ahead of an upcoming Beatles fest, Fab4Fest.
I never thought I’d get the chance to see Joey again, but fate had other plans. Paul Davie invited my dad and me to Syracuse for another Beatles fest, where we got to meet Joey once more. I even had the chance to chat with him at the after-party and got his number. Special thanks to Peggy F for bring my pops and I top see him. I regret never calling—I always wanted to interview him again but never quite worked up the nerve. Still, that’s okay. He meant the world to me, just like Pete, Tommy, and Mike did from Badfinger.
With a heavy heart, I send love and peace to his family, friends, and fans across the world. Rest in peace, Joey. Thank you for everything.
Love,
J.Edmond