Formed 1988, U.S.A.
Albums:
1989
Bad English
1991
Backlash
1995
Greatest Hits
History:
Considered by many to be one of AOR's most spectacular super groups, Bad English provided a perfect
blend of radio-friendly rockers and powerful ballads.
Former Babys front man John Waite was enjoying a successful
solo career when he signed with Epic records in 1988. However, for his next
album he had decided he didn't want to continue as a solo artist, and instead wanted to
build another band. He recruited former Babys alumni, bassist
Ricky Phillips and keyboardist Jonathan Cain (an ex-Journey
member). Cain names the band Bad English, and invites his former
Journey colleague Neal Schon (guitar) to join. Schon brings
along session drummer Deen Castronovo and the group is solidified.
In June of 1989 the debut album is released upon the public. It slowly
reached #21 on the Billboard charts behind the #1 success of the second single,
the ballad "When I See You Smile". The album went platinum in America, and spawned
another top ten hit in "Price Of Love."
During the recording of the follow-up disc, everything began to fall apart.
Ego clashes led to dissention over which direction the band's music should take.
Waite felt he was being forced to sing songs he didn't like, and the tension
between members led to the bands dissolution shortly after the release of
Backlash. The album proved to be a major flop compared to the debut, peaking
out at #72 on the charts, with no hit singles.
Schon and Castronovo jumped ship to join the harder rocking
Hardline, with Cain and Waite pursuing solo careers.
Links:
The Official John Waite Page
The Official Neal Schon Page
The Official Ricky Phillips Page
The Official Jonathan Cain Page
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