Paul Rodgers made rock history as the co-founder and lead singer of Bad Company, but decades after helping launch the band, he made a major decision about its musical legacy. In 2022, Rodgers sold the rights to Bad Company’s catalog to music publishing company Primary Wave in a deal reportedly worth $20 million.
“Primary Wave has acquired a stake in his music publishing catalog for Free and Bad Company, as well as master recording income streams for both bands,” the private music publishing and talent management company wrote in a statement. “Terms of the deal will also see Paul create an imprint to be distributed by Sun Records where he will not only co-sign new artists, but also curate compilations for the legendary record label.”
Brian Howe performing with Bad Company at The Ritz in New York City on June 23, 1987.Michael Uhll / Getty Images
Why did Paul Rodgers do this?
If one is an established artist, usually, they want to own the masters and catalog. But, instead, part of the agreement, Rodgers partnered with Primary Wave to create a new label imprint distributed through Sun Records. Through this, Rodgers gained full access to Primary Wave’s dedicated marketing, digital, branding, and licensing teams to push sync and commercial opportunities for classic tracks like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Shooting Star”, as well as sign new artists.
Of the partnership, Rodgers says that “innovative, hardworking, cutting edge and courageous are just some of the adjectives that define Primary Wave.”
“Given their deep knowledge of my catalogue, joining forces with them seems a natural progression, to ensure that the messages and the music live on for the fans,” he continued.
Paul Rodgers performs onstage during the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas.Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images
Who is Bad Company?
Formed as a supergroup in London in 1973 by Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke, guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell. Bad Company combined blues-rock influences with hard-rock, and became one of the defining acts of 1970s classic rock. Managed by Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant, Bad Company was the first band signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song record label.
The group achieved immediate success with its self-titled 1974 debut album, which topped the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and eventually earned five-times platinum certification. Its follow-up albums, Straight Shooter (1975) and Run With the Pack (1976), also reached the Top 5 in the US and UK. The band became known for enduring rock hits including “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Shooting Star” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy.”
After releasing six albums with the original lineup, the band disbanded in 1982, with Rodgers later rejoining for reunions and tours. Bad Company remained a band with different lineups until 2023, with Kirke remaining as the only original member. The drummer revealed that they would not continue as a band following the development of Rodgers’ health issues, three years ago.
Throughout their tenure as a group, Bad Company sold tens of millions of records worldwide and influenced generations of rock musicians. In 2025, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing its lasting contribution to rock music.
Mick Ralphs, Larry Oakes of rock band Bad Company performs at the Roy Wilkins Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 28, 1989.Jim Steinfeldt / Getty Images
Before forming Bad Company, Rodgers was a part of a band titled Free, alongside Kirke, Paul Kossoff and Andy Fraser. Free released six studio albums during its run. Despite its success thanks to its hit song “All Right Now,” the band experienced internal tensions and struggles related to Kossoff’s health, and ultimately disbanded in 1973.
“We were four separate guys at the beginning of the afternoon, and by the end of the evening we were a band,” Rodgers told Louder when asked about Free and its first jam sessions.
“We suffered a lot because we didn’t have the correct management,” the 76-year-old musician continued. “I told everyone I didn’t want to go back to America again until we had the right management and we were ready. But they booked America anyway, and that’s when I split. At the time, I thought that was it – it was over.”
The catalog of Free was also given to Primary Wave Records.
What is Paul Rodgers doing now?
Despite Bad Company ending three years ago, the musician is still booked and busy. Currently living in England, Rodgers is working on his memoir with a co-writer and recently appeared on the single “Mr. Midnight” with Hillbilly Vegas this past May. In addition, archival and special live projects continue to come out, including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy live release from March 2026 and the upcoming Bad Company: Live in London album dropping next month.
“Both the fans and the band were in great form that night in London,” Rodgers said in a statement released in September. “The rapport with the audience was deeply felt, and they sang their hearts out.”
Bad Company: Live in London is available for pre-order, and will be out on Nov. 13.
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