Iconic 70s musician Joey Molland, star of the band Badfinger, has sadly died aged 77.
An announcement on the band’s official Facebook page read: “Well, the day we never wanted to see has arrived. Joey (Joseph Charles) Molland passed away last night, surrounded by Mary, his two sons, and other family members at 11:39pm CST.
“When I receive the information regarding arrangements, I will post them here. I was in bed when it occurred… and I woke up to this news, so I’m sorry for the delay. I’ve already seen a few posts in my personal feed, and a half dozen PMs were sent this morning. (Thank you for the sympathies.)
“Needless to say, although I knew the situation was bad, it was still a shock to the system. I’m sure if you’re reading this for the first time, it’s a shock to yours, as well. Long Live Badfinger. Thank you, Joey… for keeping the band’s music alive for so long and for being a friend to us all.”
They added a statement from the Ham estate, which read: “The Ham estate – Are sorry to hear about the death of Joey Molland. Our condolences to his family at this difficult time. Anne, Petera and Luca.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
No cause of death has been confirmed, though tributes have been pouring in for Joey.
Originally a member of Gary Walker and the Rain, he joined Badfinger – originally known as The Iveys – in 1969 and made guest appearances on two of The Beatles star George Harrison’s albums. Born in Edge Hill, Liverpool, it made sense the two musicians were close.
In 1974, Molland split from Badfinger due to disagreements over management, but later reunited with his bandmate Tom Evans for two albums. Evans sadly took his own life in 1983, while members Pete Ham and Mike Gibbins also sadly died. Only Ron Griffiths and Bob Jackson remain.
His health had been declining in recent years, and by late 2024 his girlfriend Mary confirmed via Facebook that he was “battling” from the ICU. She wrote in December: “Joey is in the ICU. A higher level ICU than when we were admitted. He is battling multiple fronts right now, but seems more comfortable. Thankfully they have not had to resort to a ventilator”.
Poignant tributes have been flooding in from fans, with one writing: “I only met Joey this once but his influence on my life goes way beyond that. I was a bad guitar player ready to give up on making music before I discovered Badfinger, and it was Joey’s songs in particular that cut deep into my soul and gave me the confidence I needed to pick my guitar back up and keep going.
“Joey was the ultimate working musician, though he never truly got the recognition and success he deserved he kept playing, writing, and performing because he loved it and because he loved showing up for his fans. You could always count on him to linger by the stage after a show, a pint in hand, willing to have a chat with everyone. I will always be grateful for the few minutes I got to talk with him, and for the unending inspiration his life and music gives me. Thanks Joe.”
Someone else echoed: “I am deeply saddened by this loss. I was an usher for the Happy Together tour show in Biloxi, Mississippi, June 1 of last year, where Joey performed. I was an usher in the front row at the front of the venue and before the show, Joey was walking across the stage with a cuppa tea. He looked at me and smiled and raised his glass, and I’ll never forget that. He was so vibrant and happy and energetic during the show, he will definitely be missed.”