Breaking Bad’s Finale Song by Badfinger
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- In today’s livestream I break down several songs of the great Welsh Band “Badfinger”, including the Breaking Bad Finale song.
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'Baby Blue' is one of those songs where every note, every cymbal crash, every harmony is perfect.
It is. It's a perfect song. While I'm here, I'm puzzled by the fact that Apple hasn't released an obvious box set that should have been released years ago: "Badfinger: The Apple Years".
The most spot-on assessment of one of my favorite songs of all time. Perfection. Ear candy from start to finish!
The Beatles themselves would be proud to do this song.
@@toddkurzbard Same goes for "No Matter What" and "Day After Day." My favorite album though is Wish You Were Here. No hits came from it, but I think it's their strongest record.
@@toddkurzbard Pete Ham & Badfinger managed to set a different tone/mood than any of the individual Beatles did in solo, and different than the Beatles as a group. They pulled off an amazing feat of sounding like the Beatles, but not being apish or clones.
Badfinger is probably the most under-appreciated band in classic rock.
Agreed. 👍
Chart toppers and signed by the Beatles…. Not under rated.
And if memory serves, very unlucky, too.
@@pipkingdom under-appreciated not under rated.
Those guys deserved better. It sucks what happened to them.
"Baby Blue", "Day After Day" and "No Matter What" are three of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. They are all simply musical perfection. And all three produced by three different men, Todd Rundgren, George Harrison and Mal Evans.
You are so right, John...couldn't agree more. They should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame without question.
"Without You" by Pete Ham & the Badfinger..
Don’t forget Without You. That’s one of the greatest compositions of the 20th Century. It’s gut wrenching.
If there's a playlist at my funeral, "No Matter What" will be the last song played.
No matter what was written by Paul McCartney
Such a great band. Such a tragic story. It is a shame that Pete Ham and Tom Evans will never know how much we love their music even all these years later.
Trust me, they know! As long as their music is alive in our hearts, it keeps them "alive," they know. The tragic part of the story is the POS, criminal, fraudster, ganef "manager," and the very sad aftermath of his despicable actions.
@@bartonone2005 I think because of what happened to them a lot of bands are very wary, and rightfully so, about record labels, managers, etc, and they have contracts which give the artists more control.
They know, friend
In my top ten of favorite songs.
Peter Ham is in fact John Lennon. John also played Robin Gibb and Monkey Michael Nesmith.
When Breaking Bad played Baby Blue in the final scene it was a true goosebumps moment.They couldn't have picked a more poignant song.Genius !
I was hoping for Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” But that’s just me 😃.
@@donfette5301 Could've worked but Badfinger was so "out of the blue" to me.
Bravo Vince
@@donfette5301 I thought the same -Van morrisons version maybe
Not really because the song has nothing to do with meth and crystal meth isnt naturally blue either. If its blue its been artificially colored blue but it could be pink or any color for that matter.
In my humble opinion, Baby Blue is quite possibly one of the most incredible rock songs ever written. Rick is spot-on when he states that the chords "surprise" you.
“Guess I got what I deserve…”,perfect opening line for finale of this series
Yes, the great part is what exactly his he referring to? His death or his wealth and "fame"?
And The Replacements?😊
@@williammaroney8591 death obviously, or rather his downfall
the funny thing is walt got a lot better than what he deserved…
Indeed.
Greatest ending to a show ever! Vince Gilligan nailed it. I worked on every episode of Breaking Bad as a driver and I know everybody on the cast and crew very well. It was such a pleasure to be a part of such an iconic show. Thank you Rick for doing this, brings back a lot of memories!
So cool! I’m not a TV watcher at all these days. But I got hooked on Breaking Bad. Greatest show in television history IMO.
@@johnwilliams1223 The prequel, "Better Call Saul" is equally good, IMHO.
@@Terry-lh8cn Yes, hardly a humble proposition! Enjoyed Breaking Bad, awesome storylines. Love BCS!
@@Terry-lh8cn
I watched BCS religiously as well. Then after they took that really long pause, I kinda lost interest. I watched it now and again, but ultimately never finished the series.
Wow what a cool job!
People back then actually had talent. No pitch correction...no auto tune...they actually sang and actually played. Talent. Something missing in almost all todays music.
I was beginning to think the entire show was written just so this song could be used. 🤣 My favorite show of all time.
I’d like to know when and how they decided this song was right for the finale - it’s perfect.
Same here. My favorite show of all time. Just perfection on every level. And this song was the perfect icing on the Bad cake.
I have watched the entire series 7 times and more to come. Better Call Saul 3 times. Lol
@@davidflint12 User name checks out.
@@nirmalsuki thank you Mr Obvious.
Every day, I feel so blessed that I grew up in the era that I did. This is the reason. I am 67 years old. There were so many bands and artists that operated at such a high level I cannot even count them all. And I, lucky girl, saw many of them. There is nothing today that compares to what we had in the past.
Yep. Tom and I were part of the Liverpool heritage
You are SO right Patty... there is nothing I've heard today that even comes close to the class and virtuosity of the bands we grew up with. It was truly a special time.
I turn 67 next month. The Beatles were the reason I took up the guitar at 7 and never looked back. At first I genuinely entertained the idea that Badfinger was the recently broken up Beatles having repackaged themselves and their sound. Was a neat thought anyway. Anyway, well said Patti. If I could pick an era to come back to this would be it.
I’m the same age and I couldn’t agree with you more. We experienced amazing music and incredible talent. Will always be grateful for that.
I'm 66 and totally agree! Today's youths have....Justin Bieber?
Badfinger were a very talented band with a tragic end.Thank you,Rick,for bringing them back into the light.
When they first appeared I thought they WERE the Beatles playing under a different name.
was? they still are!
great ID logo. I have the black 'glow in the dark ' T-shirt of it. the double LP 'GRATEFUL DEAD' is my favorite of their's along w/ 'American Beauty'.
Rick, my jaw just dropped. I never ever imagined you would do a video on Badfinger! Thank you! 🙏
Same.
That song was so perfect for the ending, its like Vince Gilligan listened to the song, and wrote Breaking Bad around it
Ironically, I believe that Vince had to be convinced to use the song!
Years earlier, Vince was given a copy of a CD titled "Perfection" that Pete Ham estate representative Dan Matovina remastered the tracks and distributed for song placement opportunities.
Vince referenced that disc when working with Matovina on getting the licensing arrangements
When I lived in Anchorage Alaska in the 1980's the classic rock station used to play whole albums after midnight and one night they played Badfinger's 3 albums back to back to back and I recorded them all. I found out they were much more than just No Matter What and Come and Get it. Baby Blue really stood out.
This song being used to close a masterful series was the moment that placed Pete Ham and Badfinger in the limelight where they always belonged
The Badfinger vocal harmonies are fantastic.
Tommy blended so well with Pete.
@@patrickcasey357 Tom blended with me in our Liverpool band pre-Iveys
@@heath-7567 Them Calderstones?
After watching that finale first thing I did was immediately learn this song and added it to my acoustic set list that I would perform. Didn’t care if no one knew it or wanted to hear it. I was obsessed.
It is absolutely criminal that Badfinger is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That was a super group. Every member was incredibly talented. One of the best rock bands ever.
Are you absolutely sure about this? They may have gotten awards somewhere but I don't watch award shows I don't have any clue as to who wins and who loses because music is not a competition.
Their money ripped off by a New York crooked lawyer manager - they were penniless so one hung himself.
Many musicians don't care about the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Maybe the ones that do not get in lol.@@flyonwall360
Unfortunately, yes...they are not in. It took the Moody Blues, another super group, until 2018 to be inducted. That organization is really clueless...@@heavnnnsent
I'm just about exactly Rick's age, and remember vividly both "Baby Blue" and "Day After Day" songs playing on the AM radio when I was a kid. I have never stopped loving these songs.
I’m lucky, my dad introduced me to them long ago. I’ll be 30 next month and I’ve love them my whole life. No Matter What is also a great one.
@@Jdub54 "No Matter What" is impossible for me to listen to and not sing along.
Me either great great great 👍
Likewise!! ❤
Me too! I was about 8 yrs old and it totally moved me!?!!!
Don't forget they wrote Without You for Harry Nilsson - one of the all time greatest songs. And don't forget their other single 'No Matter What' ... Plus Day After Day and Baby Blue - truly great songwriting.
I don't think Pete and Tom wrote it specifically for Nilsson, considering they did their own version first.
Prefer Badfinger version
You've destroyed me with your superior musical knowledge.
For a lifetime (63) I thought Nilsson wrote 1 of my favourite songs "Without You".
If anyone was an equal to Lennon/McCartney as a songwriter it is Pete Ham
no they didnt write it for nielsson, harry heard that song and ask them if he can record it too, they gave him permition. unfortunately ham/evens never got royalitys, thats one reason their lifes ended in such a bad way. there is a badfinger documentary here on yt were these circumstances are explained
It's funny, I came so close to singing that song to put on my channel and thought "surely no one is going to watch this" and I love the fact that you put it on your channel and get zillions of views! You rock Rick! Thank you so much for bringing this kind of music to everyone's attention. I sincerely mean that
I’ll watch anything and everything Badfinger you put on your channel too.
Ken Tamplin, with your awesome voice, you would KILL these amazing Badfinger songs!
I'd love to hear you do this!
This is just one of many awesome bad Finger songs. Every song they ever did was in my mind fantastic. I loved Badfinger. And was heartbroken when I learned of the alleged to suicides. As well as bad management, and trusting a crook. Heartbreaking
I think if they had been patient they would have been huge after the Grunge years
I think day after day is one of the most perfect songs ever written. Simple and sweet. ❤
Somehow their songs break my heart and fills me with joy at the same time.
Excellent observation!
It breaks my heart because the song is a powerful lament of a man who could not appreciate the love he had been given and also because you can't help thinking of the literal tragedy of what happened to this band.
But, it also makes me joyful because they created it, and it exists even all these years later as a testament to their talents.
Thank you for including Badfinger on your brilliant channel. I saw Badfinger live as the opening act for the Faces and what struck me was how great their stage sound was back then…. In tune and crystal clear. I was stunned by their ability to play their songs live nearly identical to their studio recordings.
@@andrew66862 Lol, yep. They were, but we get to call them what we want at this point. I guess you're right about Foo Fighters, but we had to put up with bands being announced as 'The Cream' back in the day. The other group 'The Who' definitely meant to include The in the name, and also The 'Guess Who. But if people know who you're talking about, it doesn't matter, unless you're the band's lawyer.
B D -- yes I saw Badfinger open for Rod Stewart and Faces on that tour and it was magical... so glad The Beatles signed them.
@@christopherprim1973 Beatles agree
@@baltimoraclehdeg4270 The Silver Beatles?
I’ve been a hardcore Badfinger fan for 25 years. Love it when guys like Rick acknowledge them.
The tragedy that visited upon Badfinger is heartwrenching. One of the GOATs in rock history.
Masonic goats.
13:51 It's good to hear Mike Gibbins get the recognition he deserves. His drumming provided such a solid rhythmic foundation for Badfinger.
Absolutely. Mike was one of the best.
I always felt that this song is basically perfect. Perfect melody, bridge, lead vocal harmony on the 3rd verse, ending…wow…
Great to see you mention Badfinger. The band formed in Swansea in Wales. Peter's brother ran a local music shop here in Swansea until the 1990s, My mother's friend in school was the drummer's sister and I worked with the bass player in the earlier incarnation of the band. John, Peter's brother offered me a knock on Peter's SG that was given to him by the Beatles... I turned him down, I didn't have a clue who they were as a youngster.
I'm sorry to ask it, Mr. Burton Shaw. But, how did they were like (Personalities, etc)? Pete seemed a bit depressed since his early days, Tommy and Mike looked like they were the funny ones and Joey was the one who tried to look attractive to every girl (I think everyone also did this in some period of its life, but it is cool).
@@cavaleiro747I think Peter was very determined to be a success in the music business. From what I understand the band were held completely accountable for the money taken from them that the record company had given them for recording expenses. I think they were told or under the impression that nobody would touch them after the loss of the money, therefore stopping any chance of them becoming successful. This was the end of Peter’s world. Not sure about the other chap who took his own life
@@MisterBurtonshaw Thank you for your explanation, this certainly helped me pretty much. Really, thank you.
@@cavaleiro747 My pleasure. I worked with a chap who knew Peter very well and played in his band until they became The Iveys. He told me Peter was absolutely focused on a musical career, which explains in some part as to why he took their money problems and rejection by Warner? Apple? so seriously. Ironically, Mickey's sister(?I think) went on to work for Apple.
@@MisterBurtonshaw Good morning, sir. Well, their financial problems happened while they were in Warner. I understand how Pete must have felt when all of his dreams and plans were absolutely crushed. Poor man, the worst part is that Stan Polley (Their manager and the one who stole all of their money), lived happily until his passing in 2009.
Also, Tommy commited suicide because of his depression (Specially after Peter's death), issues regarding to royalties and the use of the name "Badfinger" (Where some fool prohibited him to use the name) and he was fearing he had a cancer in his throat (Because there was a lump in there). His life was miserable, very sad...
This is the Rick Beato video nobody thought of but everyone wanted
When I first heard this as it ended the show I couldn’t believe how beautifully perfect it was
i felt the same way . . . so unbelievable perfect. Made me cry.
Same, they couldn't find a song that fit the end better, it was kind of sad too.
When I heard the first line of the song, I thought, “Oh, this is masterful”.
What is Breaking Bad?
@@helmutsecke3529 A television series that ran from 2008-2013 on the AMC channel.
I’m sure your local library probably has it.
Highly recommended
Rick one can only dream of where Badfinger would be now had they had the guidance and management they needed. Such a talented group of guys who really came together as a unit.
Baby Blue was and still is my favorite song. It was my anthem. So when I watched the final scene on Breaking Bad, you could hear my jaw drop and hit the floor. I almost did a cartwheel right then and there! Thank you for playing and honoring the song to perfection.
My love of music and specifically this band, as well as my age (I'll be 60 in December), is what guided by path to your channel. I have always known that Badfinger was basically robbed of their livelihood and their dreams, which is why I faithfully listen to your channel. You have taught me a lot about music, but also the industry. You have truly opened my eyes to so much. Thank you Rick for tirelessly carrying the torch!!!
Right on. They got so screwed over. It’s a really heartbreaking story. I love Badfinger so deeply. I thought the Iveys were great, too. “Maybe Tomorrow” kills me every time. Cheers, Birdie! 🕊
Love this song, the show and everything Rick does with this channel. My 60th in December too!
@@ldello1 Happy Birthday in advance! The big 6-0! I’m not too far behind you guys. Have a great day. 🤘
I’m turning 60 in December as well. We should form a club!
@@tetedur377 I'm older than all you whippersnappers lol
Baby Blue is my absolute favorite Badfinger song, it is such a beautifully constructed song. I love the slight sense of melancholy to it. To my untrained ear it seems to have elements of folk and classical in the incredible phrasing. And the rhythm guitar melody has a wonderful energy on the electric guitar versus the more delicate way it sounds on the acoustic. So happy that Rick broke down this song.
My favorite also. The live version on their album "Day After Day -- Live" is especially kickass.
Thank you for featuring Badfinger. They are a really good band that never really got the recognition they deserved.
Really good? Great!!!
Peter Hamm was a gifted, yet troubled person who deserves much more notoriety for his brilliant work.
Praise surely, why notoriety?
An absolute brilliant song choice for the final scene. The tears flowed as soon as I heard the first note of "Baby Blue" It was a perfect storm of emotion. The sadness for Walt's ending, the song Baby Blue and the tragic history of Bad Finger all came together. A wonderful moment of appreciation, joy and sadness. Thank you Rick for this episode!
too true
We are the the same age and the the music we were listening to back then was such a treasure. Hardly any effects and no auto tune. And this sounds Soo good.
Appreciate BADFINGER being spotlighted. Big fan here - I've studied every song in their catalog. Pete Ham was truly a songwriting genius with a fabulous voice and a beautiful heart. This music must live on.
Badfinger released 5 albums from the late 1960s to 1975, and there was not ONE filler or bad song on any of them! Really a terrific, terrific band with an over abundance of talent And we all know the horrific story so we don't need to get into that. RIP Pete, Tom, and Mike.
Nov 19 will be the 39th anniversary om Tom's passing. We were bandmates for almost 4 years in Liverpool😪
@@heath-7567
I remember watching the end of Breaking Bad. As soon as that song started playing, the hair on my arms and legs started to stand on end. “Brilliant” is the thee word for that moment in TV history. If there’s a better TV show/song selection combo in the history of television, I sure as hell don’t know it.
Pete Ham was such a talented song writer and guitarist. Without you was one of his most famous songs. A shame he made so little money for his efforts. RIP
Although credited to 6 writers, WITHOUT YOU was a collar just between Tom & Pete. A product of 2 songs.Tom was my ex-Liver[pool bandmate.
One of the things I love about Badfinger is the beautiful melodies of their songs. That's what's missing in a lot of songwriting these days: a great melody that you replay in your head long after hearing the song. Love that Mr. Beato did this!
I agree, it was brilliant to choose this song for the end. I was 11 yrs old when that song came out. It was the perfect choice to a perfect show that I think is the greatest show of all time. You can't beat the writing.
I’ve been listening to this song continuously since the 70’s. It never gets old.
Me too. Listen to their songs regularly. Reminds me of happy times in my late teens.
Takes me back in time, to South Central LA as a 7 year old kid !!!!
All their songs have the undeniable influence of George Harrison, his combinations of chord progression, use of augmented and diminished chords and slide guitars are his signature. Day After Day has everything in it that's on
most of the tunes in "All Things Must Pass"
This music is genius... these guys were rare. Great video, lots of interesting history, thank you Rick.
I love every song Pete Ham wrote for Badfinger, he was a very gifted pop craftsman.
With George Harrison live at Concert for Bangladesh at MSG 1971!
Harrison's own songs were perfectly formed, the chords seem to go round in a circle to the start again, for the verse and the chorus, soooo delicately complete.
For a band that was steeped in sorrow, they recorded some of the happiest and uplifting tunes ever! Badfinger epitomized taste and NEVER ventured into overplaying or pretentiousness.
One of your best Rick.... Badfinger a Welsh Group plagued by a shyster manager and ending in two suicides of band members... Thank you for highlighting a lovely song...
Yep their manager sucked
Bad Finger’s Straight Up, is one of my all time favorites! The first time I heard it in ‘71 or ‘72, I was completely blown away!
My guitar teacher *loved* this solo. He always used to emphasize singing what you're playing in your head while playing it (or, ideally, immediately before playing it), because it a) develops your ear and b) ensures that what you're playing is at least melodic. He used to say "why would you bother playing something that you wouldn't want to sing?"
I bought "Straight Up" when it first came out on vinyl, then bought it again on CD and still listen to it and other Badfinger albums several times a year.
Sometimes I think the early 70s were my favorite era of music.
My buddy Gray and I drove from Fla to Ca in Feb '73 to surf. We stayed there over a month. The only 8 -track we had in the car was this Badfinger album. We listened to it hundreds of times and never got tired of it. Badfinger wrote absolutely beautiful songs, but they had great distortions too! Fantastic.
Fun fact: Badfinger and Three Dog Night played at my secondary school when I was twelve... First rock concert!
WOW!
Wow again!!
Damn! ❤
Two of my favorite bands. So cool!
So much of what you talked about strikes me, I’m 63 and wanted so badly to figure out how everyone was playing the songs I listened to! I ended up going a different direction than musician, but it stays with you. I just bought two bundles, one for me and one for my 13-year old daughter, who is showing much talent and interest in music. Thank you, Rick!
The scene with "Crystal Blue Persuasion" when Walt and Jessie are cooking inside a house that is supposedly being rid of pests is priceless too.
Vamonos Pest
Rick should do a video on Tommy James and the Shondells. They had so many great hits and it’s unfortunate that the younger kid (those whipper snappers) don’t know many of their songs.
@@tugginalong I agree. They have been covered a lot, which says something too.
I can't believe it took that many seasons to use the song...lol.
Breaking Bad was perhaps the all time best series out in many decades. I have all the DVDs. I lent them to my grandson who is old enough to appreciate the story. X-files is another great collection. I lent one of the books of DVDs to my grandson's friend and he lost one of the discs. I could probably get it replaced, but it is not worth the hassle.
Rick, you need to do a video on how Badfinger was totally screwed by the entire music industry, management and even The Beatles. How could that ever happen when you are the first artist signed to The Beatles label? They wrote one of the best selling ballads/love songs ever in the history of music and were screwed over by shady management, record company ownership, music lawyers and even their peers who were the most successful artist in the history of the music biz by not sharing experiences with them to prevent bad deals from being signed. There needs to be a criminal investigation into the whole thing so surviving members and families can collect some of the millions of dollars in royalty payments.
James Taylor was the first artist signed to Apple Records. Although Badfinger was the first act (band/group).
Sadly, Joey is the only surviving member. Pete and Tom took their own lives, and Mike passed in 2005.
There is a special place in Hell for Stan Polly
@@Scott_6666...and he didn't hang around for long!
You're badly misinformed if you think the Beatles "screwed" Badfinger. Badfinger were eternally grateful to the Beatles for what they did for them. Have you never heard Apple Of My Eye?
Yes, George Harrison, I'll leave you with one of the best guitar solos ever, but I have to go lads and do the first aid concert ever. I love Badfinger, I worship the Beatles. Pete Ham and Tod Evans harmonies were phenomenal also. Glad you mentioned the drumming which is exceptional and such a groove.
And 3/4 of😂 Badfinger sang backups & played acoustic guitars @ the concert for Bangladesh. Pete Ham plays behind George during HERE COMES THE SUN. “I don’t know if they’re coming through, but there’s an Apple band, Badfinger, on acoustic guitars.”
Pete (and maybe Joey?) went with George and performed with George at the Concert for Bangladesh. That’s Pete on guitar with George playing “Here Comes the Sun.
Badfinger was an amazing band, just amazing! Also a video on them would be great I think, their tragic story should be heard by more people, and they deserve so much more recognition.
A video was made. I have it on VHS.
The slide part on Day After Day wasn’t just George. It was played by both He and Pete Ham. It took them a few hours to get it so tight that it sounded like one guitar.
It makes sense now I always thought it was a Beatles or member song. There are songs you know...but doesn't stick with you who the artist actually is...this is one of those for me. To he fair it is also 2 years older than me. ;-)
Read a Joey Molland account of the process nearly verbatim to Patrick's description.
Ham's part was actually favored in the mix, according to Dan Matovina, Badfinger chronicler.
You are absolutely correct.
Pete ham was as much a great guitarist as George was…… maybe better.
@@bobcaygeon4533Amen to that.
Bless you, Rick, for giving it up for Badfinger. One of the more underrated bands of the 70s with a tragic ending.
For me Badfinger was The Other Beatles, which is not a bad thing. Badfinger's good stuff is what you listened to when you needed a fresh Beatles fix.
Who are they rated under?
Always loved hearing this song come on the local oldies station which was my fav to walk to ea night. All I knew was it was by Badfinger...until many yrs later, learning their story and demise via the internet.
It is common knowledge that the song was written about a girl from Wichita Kansas the the band meet while playing a gig in that town. The girl was Dixie Armstrong. If you listen closely you hear a reference to her. Hamm refers to her by name in the later part of the tune.
Maan Rick, you’ve been killing it lately with these. Badfinger means so much to me, I go down that rabbit hole at least once a year. Pete Ham was such a good soul, much too good for this world. Thank you for shining a light on them and helping keep the legacy they deserve alive 👏
“Stan Polley is a soulless bastard. I will take him with me.”
RIP Pete Ham, Tommy Evans & Mike Gibbons
Great welsh band 🏴 and much loved here in their home town Swansea. Such a tragic story- heartbreaking. At least we have the songs.
...and after many years a blue plaque at the railway station
Tom was a fellow scouser! Born & bred in Liverpool! We were band mates
So glad I ran across this tonight...it made my week! Such an amazing song...and amazing band. I remember hearing "Baby Blue" on a college road trip in the middle of the country during the mid-90's, never heard the song before in my life and immediately had to know who it was...but the DJ didn't say. I wrote down a few of the lyrics, got back from my trip and found out it was Badfinger and immediately bought the Straight Up CD. That album is still one of my all-time classic rock albums and "Baby Blue" is by far one of the best written and performed songs ever. I was so excited on finale night to hear it kick into this song. I was so glad so many people could experience this song the way I did. The riffs, the walkdowns, the solo, the harmonies, the drums...all still gives me chills. I love that 12:24 mark...ahhh...I get that exact same feeling every time I hear that part....and the solo...and the outro. Triggers such an amazing feelings. Thank you for this presentation...I really enjoyed it!!
Baby Blue and Day After Day were two songs strongly connected to events in my life. For a long time the only records I could find were prohibitively expensive Japanese imports, so I spent hours thumbing through row after row of 45 singles trying to find them.
The Music on Demand generation will never know the pain...
yes!!!!!!!!!
They will also never get the high/rush of finally getting your hands on a copy! Everything is so instant and sterile these days. Not complaining, I’m glad to have my extensive playlist that I can play wirelessly through my car stereo, but I do miss the days of wandering record store aisles and digging through the bins.
Rick - if you have not, Phil Keaggy. Brilliant musician, Beatles fanatic, and he really does a bang-up job on this tune.
The story behind the song was fascinating to me as well, the apology to the real life Dixie with who Pete had a relationship. Badfinger is criminally underrated and Pete Ham should be more recognized as the genius he was. He also was an amazing guitarist. Joey Molland said Pete could play circles around him. I bet Joey would do a Badfinger video with you. Loved this video!
I would LOVE to see a Beato interview with Joey Molland
Hell yeah.
Ham is in fact John Lennon in disguise.
Thank you Rick for shining a light on one of the best bands of all-time. What beautiful music they left for us.
Also totally agree on George’s slide tone and Leon’s piano on Day After Day. That is as perfect a pop song and production as any.
Baby Blue was the absolute perfect song to end Breaking Bad. It was as though the lyrics were written by Walter White himself…simply incredible given how old this song is! And the feel of the song fit the final moments of the show perfectly as well. Whomever identified and chose Baby Blue for the last episode deserves a raise or an Emmy. We’ll done!!
Like Rick said, an absolutely brilliant choice.
I agree. It was such a perfect choice lyrically. and it suited Walter. Whoever made that song choice for the ending rocks!
Close 2nd for apropos: TV on the Radio song while Walt was leaving Home Depot
I read somewhere that George and Pete Ham played the slide in “Day after day” in unison.
I don’t know whether that is true or not, but in the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, George and Pete played “Here comes the sun” together on acoustic guitars in unison - note perfect. That performance is available on RUclips.
When I saw the last scene in breaking bad and baby blue came on, I ran to the bathroom and cried for a few minutes. I cried because I was so amazed and so captivated by using baby blue in that scene. It was PERFECT. Unbelievable how choosing this classic song meant so much to the scene. Brilliant, period. 😃
You are absolutely right! It was perfect!! And I still get chills every time I hear it!!
Congratulations I just got tears in my eyes again reading that and remembering the perfecting scene ending the series again.
All you have to do is say "slide guitar solo in 'Day After Day'" and I feel the goosebumps pop up on my arms as it plays on my mental jukebox. One of the best songs ever. Thank you for giving this wonderful band more recognition!
Badfingers Baby Blue and No Matter What are 2 of my all time favorite songs
Me too. Fins Up!
Still have my Baby Blue 45 that I bought in 1972. Desert island song # 1 for me. I'm glad a new generation gets to discover this incredible song.
Rick- I just love your enthusiasm for this song and the band! Badfinger has been a guilty pleasure of me since '70- I'm really happy to have your company!
"Baby Blue", "Day after Day" and "No Matter What" - just such fantastic songs! Each one deserves a breakdown, Rick! Pete Ham was a terrific writer and singer. Such a terrible tragedy about them.
They also wrote 'Without You.
Rick, thank you for this. You shine a spotlight on the most brilliant music of previous generations for current and future generations of songwriters.
So cool to hear you talk about Harrison’s slide playing. So pure and beautifully melodic.
Using Baby Blue for the grand finale of Breaking Bad was brilliant. It added real emotional impact to the ending of Walt's story. I love Badfinger's musical creativity so much (not to mention what talented musicians they were), their tragic ending really hurts whenever I think about them.
Love watching you play this simultaneously with the song.....I consider you an ultimate "pro", Rick, and know you could probably play all and any of the parts of most songs....
I am 100% with you on the love of this band’s music. Badfinger is badass. My neighbors may not agree. Someday they’ll come around.
This brought me so much joy to see someone else who feels the same way as me about this song and BadFinger period!!
When I saw the ending of BB with all the anticipation and build up, my friend Sammy and I were silent, it was Perfect when the song began, there was so much emotion,the air was thick with the acknowledgement of brilliance. I had tears running down my cheeks, knowing the sad history of Pete Ham and Pete Evans, and the ending of Walt's story that we spent so much time watching together,the feeling of lost was profound.
I revisit this song along with all the others a few times a year. I lost my friend song Sammy to a fentanyl 6 years ago, 2 years into my recovery, one of our favorite songs to sing( we played together since we were kids, I'm 53 now)was "It's All Over Now Baby Blue", it's also always been my favorite color (I even bought a bb 10 cylinder van once), though it's now tinged with sadness. Seeing you get so excited, I get it. It's beautiful, nothing comes close to that magic of certain bands anymore, the Beatles were MAGIC and it makes perfect sense that Badfinger were signed to Apple, that Pete played with George at the Bangladesh concert, Paul writing "Come and Get It"..... they also had that same magic. I've been watching you all these years,If I could, I'd be sitting there playing along, freaking out with you over the sheer awesomeness of "Baby Blue". Bless you Rick 😊
I too was extremely emotional watching the ending of Breaking Bad. Reading your post brought it all back. I have watched the series twice and was stunned by the sheer brilliance of it. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and sending you some healing vibes from San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA. xoxo
One of my all time favorite songs along with Day After Day. As a kid Straight Up was out of print and I would scour used record stores to no avail. I discovered Todd Rundgren and became obsessed with him and his music. What an amazing experience when in the early 90’s Straight Up gets released on CD and I joyfully grab a copy. Imagine my shock when I flipped the jewel case over and saw the words “Produced by Todd Rundgren”. My whole life suddenly made sense in that one moment.
Yes, mine was altered when I once met and chatted with Todd.
One of the best tracks in the Badfinger catalog is “No Matter What”. The way the Leslie sound gets increasingly more intense between the vocal lines as the song moves along is just such a great listen.
Evans back up singing with Pete Ham’s lead vocals are perfect together. The tragic ending of the two of them is majorly sad! I remember when this song was a hit and played on the radio a lot. I was 11 years old and milking cows on our dairy farm and this song played every day while I was milking cows.
Back in the 70s when they came to Syracuse New York to play, I met them at the airport and they invited me to their hotel room. So I got to spend an afternoon with the band. It was a blast. They were very kind.
I can remember my dad playing guitar in a band and my mom singing back up vocals at rehersal at some house and also at a gig at some outdoor festival style concert. The only song I remember from any of this was Day After Day by Badfinger. I think I was about 4 years old. It's really the only thing I remember from that far back.
Badfinger is such an incredibly talented band, and at the same time, one of the most tragic stories of rock history.
Thx for this!
Badfinger shouldn't ever be forgotten⭐⭐
Badfinger was awesome. No Matter What, Day After Day, Baby Blue, Come And Get It. I loved them when they hit the AM radio 1969-1970.
Amazing songs
Without You, is also amazing wish it was produced better
I love your appreciation for Mike Gibbons...fantastic drummer. Yes, it was Leon Russell on keys on several tracks of "Straight Up", incl. "Day After Day".
Pete Ham is one of the most underrated guitarists and a fantastic songwriter and singer.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Badfinger! 52 years in love with every last bit of this song. Glad we all agree on it’s brilliance, and then we got to see it’s revival with Breaking Bad! The coolest song ever. thank you Rick!
So glad you finally talk in depth about Badfinger. They wrote and recorded some amazing, awesome and beautiful songs. I think they tend to get overlooked because the band’s tragic history cut short what could have been a brilliant career.
One of my favorite bands, especially when AM was all we had. Harrison's slide work was always stunning!
Bet you had a transistor radio. I hung mine from my handlebars. The 60s/70s were the best, musically.
Good one. I actually liked the fact that the bass guitar work never gets mentioned. Because it did exactly what the instrument is meant for. A solid foundation that everything is built on, nothing more. Those juicy simple walks to the next chord's root adding a discord that resolves nicely. So nice it's simply transparent while still being absolutely necessary. And yeah, he had to tune along with them.
Pleasantly surprised with Rundgren being on these, I guess he hadn't gotten in to his overproduction kick yet.
Pete Ham and George Harrison played the slide guitar break in harmony. The amazing thing about the solo is that they stay perfectly in time with one another.
Great analysis and a treat to see Badfinger featured. A number of songs mentioned in the comments - I would add Apple Of My Eye which is utterly sublime.
I've watched the entire Breaking Bad series 7 times and each time the song plays in the finale, it just about tears my heart out. It seems to condense the series into just a couple of minutes.