313: The Iveys with Ron Griffiths
Show notes
The story of Badfinger is bookended with The Iveys as prequel and the Head First album on the other end, months before the tragic suicide of Pete Ham. We explored the latter with Bob Jackson earlier this year (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/304-badfingers-head-first-with-bob-jackson/id1483392342?i=1000706620569 ) but this time it's the pre-history we examine, with Ron Griffiths, bassist and vocalist. He was recruited by Pete Ham and in turn was responsible for the addition of drummer Mike Gibbins. Tom Evans joined in 1967 and within a year, they were signed to Apple.
Ron was there as a witness to the band's development, and interactions with Ray Davies of The Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles' Mal Evans, who led them to the start-up label. It was directly because of Ron that Paul offered them "Come and Get It" as what became the first Badfinger single and a worldwide smash, but Griffiths did not make the transition to Badfinger. He remains a lucid witness to their history even after being sidelined, and his connections remain to the present day and performances with Bob Jackson and the current Iveys reissue program. Tune in and hear his unique perspective on the triumphs and tragedies of this mightily talented band. Episode playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWJwXBl8_fsfzV0dB-9cLPbUZC9_Js0rD&si=Oh_KxNaVUZJn5qK9
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