Joey Molland, Badfinger Guitarist, Dead at 77

Joey Molland, the final surviving member of the iconic 1970s Welsh rock band Badfinger, has passed away at the age of 77. Paul Davie, Molland's longtime friend and social media manager, confirmed the musician's death, sharing that Molland succumbed to complications from diabetes and pneumonia on Saturday, March 1, following a three-month hospital stay.

Badfinger's official Facebook page announced the news on March 2, stating, "Well, the day we never wanted to see has arrived. Joey (Joseph Charles) Molland passed away last night, surrounded by Mary (his partner), his two sons, and other family members at 11:39pm CST." The heartfelt message continued, "Although I knew the situation was bad, it was still a shock to the system. Thank you, Joey...for keeping the band's music alive for so long and for being a friend to us all."

In the months before his death, Molland faced significant health challenges. His partner, Mary Joyce, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support his recovery efforts, revealing that he had battled a severe bacterial infection attributed to his diabetes. The infection led to septicemia, affecting multiple organs and bones and leaving him in a fragile condition.

Molland joined Badfinger in 1969, alongside Pete Ham, Tom Evans, and Mike Gibbins, propelling the band to stardom with hits like "Baby Blue," "No Matter What," "Day After Day," and "Without You." Badfinger was notably the first band signed to The Beatles' Apple Records, with Paul McCartney penning their breakout single, "Come and Get It."

Molland's contributions extended beyond Badfinger, as he collaborated on several Beatles-related projects, including George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" and "The Concert for Bangladesh," as well as John Lennon's 1971 album "Imagine." Later in life, Molland released solo albums and performed live, blending his own music with Beatles tributes.

Davie reflected on Molland's enduring legacy, saying, "He always believed in me. That's how he made you feel." He shared a touching anecdote about Molland's dedication to connecting with fans, recalling how Joey would prioritize meaningful conversations during fan signings, even when others urged him to move along.

Molland's passing marks the end of an era for Badfinger, a band whose music continues to resonate with fans worldwide. His contributions to rock history and his unwavering connection to his audience leave an indelible mark on the music world.