The phrase “underrated” is belabored in music journalism, however Joey Molland was simply that. As co-guitarist in Badfinger, he was a part of a quartet signed to the Beatles’ Apple Information, yielding superb AM hits like “Come and Get It,” “Day After Day,” and “No Matter What.” The foursome fell into obscurity and tragedy a number of years later, however Badfinger is now considered one of many best power-pop acts. Molland, the band’s sole-surviving member, died March 1 from issues of diabetes. He was 77.

On guitar, Molland developed a slide type impressed by George Harrison’s progressive strategy – devoid of blues and as an alternative emphasizing melody. Whereas the Quiet Beatle performed the multi-tracked slide on the #4 single “Day After Day,” Molland delivered hook-laden bottleneck to “No Matter What.”

Badfinger additional appeared on landmark albums like George Harrison’s All Issues Should Cross and John Lennon’s Think about, in addition to the famed Live performance for Bangladesh in 1971. Molland relocated to Minnesota after getting married and lived there for many years, working as a solo artist, with numerous Badfinger reconfigurations, and different tasks.

In a 2020 interview with VG, Molland mirrored on how his guitar type complemented that of Badfinger co-guitarist Pete Ham, saying, “We soloed on every others’ songs, so I performed lead on ‘No Matter What’ and ‘Child Blue,’ whereas Pete performed lead on ‘Higher Days’ and ‘Love Me Do.’ Pete was good at these little filler licks off the highest of his head; I used to be good at these arpeggio chord licks, like ‘Child Blue.’”

A humble and well-liked musician, Molland was an avid VG reader.

“I really like this journal,” he enthused. “I’ve learn a variety of very attention-grabbing articles and love the pictures. The truth is, I’ve realized fairly a bit about my very own guitars and amps – so thanks!” – Pete Prown

This text initially appeared in VG’s Could 2025 challenge. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.