Not to be confused with the recent VH-1 "Behind The Music" documentary, this one-hour release from 1997 is a superior production to the VH-1 special detailing the complete history of Badfinger, a band once signed to The Beatles' Apple Records and one of the "Godfathers of Power Pop."

The video follows the band's beginnings as The Iveys (including video performances) in the late 1960s) and takes the band through the suicides of two of its members.

Badfinger performed the music on the soundtrack to the Ringo Starr-Peter Sellers' film "The Magic Christian" in 1970. A song given them by Paul McCartney of The Beatles for the film, "Come And Get It" ("...if you want it, here it is, come and get it...") was a huge hit for them.

The tune went to # 7 in Billboard. This was followed that same year by "No Matter What" (# 8) and in 1971 by the million-seller "Day After Day" (# 4). Both were written by Pete Ham, who also wrote their final Top 40 hit, "Baby Blue" (# 14 in 1972).

The band's biggest hit, however, was performed on their album "No Dice" in 1970. It was a little tune written by Ham and bassist Tom Evans called "Without You." The band, however, didn't perform either of the hit versions of the song ("...can't live, if living means without you...").

That tune was covered for a # 1 hit by Harry Nilsson in 1971-72 (four weeks in the top spot). His version sold a million copies. More than two decades later, it was also a Top 10 hit for Mariah Carey.

Among the band's producers during its short life were Todd Rundgren and George Harrison. They performed with Harrison at The Concert For Bangla Desh. They also played backup on John Lennon's "Imagine" and Ringo Starr's "It Don't Come Easy."

As detailed in the film, problems with corrupt management and their final record label (they left the security of Apple Records after 1973 for the insecurity of Warner Brothers Records) caused a fine band to come apart.

The band's money became tied up in court. Unable to handle the pressure, lead singer Pete Ham committed suicide by hanging himself in 1975 at age 27. Eight years later, Tom Evans did the same thing, meaning that both of the writers of the heartbreaker "Without You" were now gone.

What the 60-minute film does well is remind one of just how good Badfinger truly was. Presented in VHS Hi-Fi Stereo, the film offers TV performances from the U. S. and Europe of the band performing their hits and other album tracks.

The songs: "Come And Get It," "No Matter What," "Day After Day," "Baby Blue," "Without You," "Carry On 'Til Tomorrow," "Money," "Suitcase," "I Don't Mind," "Apple Of My Eye," "Maybe Tomorrow" and "Name Of The Game."

Commenting on the video, producer Harry Maslin (David Bowie, Eric Carmen, Melissa Manchester) has said, "'Badfinger' will change the way you think about rock 'n' roll forever."

The story is sad, but the music survives and is to be enjoyed in these long lost performances. Producer-director Gary Katz has done a fine job with this release.

On the web:

Guitarist Joey Molland tours as Joey Molland's Badfinger (often listed as just "Badfinger" at local venues). I saw this version of the band in Indiana in 1993 and was very impressed (Joey hung out with fans, signing autographs and chatting with folks like me after the show; he's very much the gentleman if you get the chance to meet him).

Joey continues to record as well. His is the Official Badfinger website: http://www.joeymolland.com/badfinger/

Drummer Mike Gibbins passed away in 2005. His official solo website is at: http://www.mikegibbins.com/

Related reviews:

My review of Dan Matovina's book on the band, "Without You: The Tragic Story Of Badfinger", appears at: http://www.epinions.com/book-review-5325-3AD80BD-388EB863-prod1

Badfinger fans will probably enjoy Capitol/EMI's 24-bit digitally remastered CD "Greatest" by Raspberries which was released in May of 2005 in the U. S. and Europe. Raspberries original lineup (Eric Carmen, Wally Bryson, Dave Smalley and Jim Bonfanti) reunited in 2004 and played before sell-out crowds on tour in 2004 and 2005. "Greatest" by Raspberries features all 7 of Raspberries Hot 100 singles, has 20 tracks and runs 78:53 minutes: http://www.epinions.com/content_186044681860

Also of interest:

"Eric Carmen: Marathon Man" by Bernie Hogya and Ken Sharp: http://www.epinions.com/content_153762500228

"Overnight Sensation: The Story Of The Raspberries" by Ken Sharp: http://www.epinions.com/book-review-7ABF-5A754E8-385DC2B5-prod3

You might also enjoy these music videos:

The original Alice Cooper Group in the 2005 DVD release "Good To See You Again, Alice Cooper (Live: 1973 Billion Dollar Babies Tour)": http://www.epinions.com/content_215177793156

"Getting The Knack" by The Knack --- a DVD documentary: http://www.epinions.com/content_165075979908

"Slade In Flame" by Slade --- a DVD motion picture: http://www.epinions.com/content_136061881988

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older