By Bianca Sierra
FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
Joseph Charles Molland (21 June 1947 – 1 March 2025) was an English songwriter and rock guitarist whose recording career spanned five decades. He was best known as a member of Badfinger, the most successful of the acts he performed with. Molland was the last surviving member from the band’s classic line-up before his death in 2025.
Molland joined Badfinger as guitarist in 1969. During Molland’s association with Apple, he made guest appearances on two George Harrison albums, All Things Must Pass and The Concert for Bangladesh, and the 1971 John Lennon album, Imagine, including the single “Jealous Guy” released in 1985.
Molland left Badfinger in late 1974 due to disagreements over management. In 1975, he joined with Jerry Shirley (formerly of Humble Pie) and formed a group called Natural Gas. The band released their self-titled album on Private Stock Records in 1976, and enjoyed a successful tour with Peter Frampton the following year. According to Molland, a general lack of organization led to the band’s demise late in 1977.
By late 2024, Molland faced serious health issues, with his girlfriend Mary stating on Facebook, on 8 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”. The exact details of what happened or what he was diagnosed have not been disclosed. Molland died on 1 March 2025.
