You’d be hard pressed to find a rock and roll tale more tragic and convoluted than that of Badfinger. The ’60s and ’70s Welsh power-pop band enjoyed incredible highs—timeless hit records, a close association with The Beatles—and devastating lows—soul-crushing business deals, untimely deaths. Various diminished versions of the band soldiered on into the ’80s; the last founding member of Badfinger died in 2025. At least incredible songs like “No Matter What,” “Baby Blue,” “Day After Day,” and “Without You” survive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4NXero2HGQ
Speaking of convoluted, how about this: On Tuesday, April 28, a Badfinger tribute show will take place at Beatles/Cavern Club-themed Waukesha venue Let It Be (716 Clinton St.) Oh, and it’ll be fundraiser for a recently announced youth music program from Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. Oh, and it’ll be co-chaired by Chad Smith’s brother, Brad Smith, who lives in Wauwatosa. Oh, and Badfinger’s official curator these days is Milwaukee native Mark Strothmann. And yes, one of the chapters in Badfinger’s sad story involves an extended/forced stay in Milwaukee playing crummy gigs on local horror-host shows and getting swindled by shady local promoters. (Read THIS jaw-dropping Milwaukee Magazine story for more.)
ANYWAY, here are the details, which somehow make the whole thing even more convoluted (and intriguing). Get your tickets NOW.
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