News

Bad Company Bassist Dead at 60

Raymond "Boz" Burrell, founding member and bass player for Bad Company, died Thursday (September 21st) at his home in Spain, according to an announcement by Led Zeppelin's Swang Song Records, the band's label during its '70s heyday. He was 60 years old.

Burrell began his rock career as a vocalist, singing in a series of little-known British bands before he landed a gig with King Crimson in 1971, where guitarist Robert Fripp taught him to play bass. His time with King Crimson was short-lived, however, and after paying more dues in another unsuccessful band called Snape, Burrell finally got his big break in late 1972 when he co-founded Bad Company with a group of musicians that included the charismatic ex-Free singer-guitarist Paul Rodgers. Led by Rodgers' distinctive, bluesy vocals, the band had a string of hit singles and albums throughout the '70s, including "Can't Get Enough" and "Feel Like Makin' Love."

Burrell participated in several Bad Company reunion tours in recent years and did occasional session work, but mostly lived a quiet life in Spain. The cause of his death was not announced.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
09.22.06