Review | Various Artists – Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute To Bad Company

Primary Wave Music / Virgin

Just a few months ago the iconic rockers of Bad Company were finally admitted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Completely justified of course but in my (humble) opinion years too late. During the ceremony famous musicians such as Bryan Adams and Heart’s Nancy Wilson took the stage to pay tribute to singer Paul Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke and the deceased members Mick Ralphs (guitar-died in 2025) and Boz Burrell (bass-passed away in 2006). They formed the original line-up that wrote rock history with albums such as ‘Bad Company, ‘Straight Shooter’, ‘Run With The Pack’, ‘Burnin’ Sky’ and ‘Desolation Angels’.

HALL OF FAME

At the presentation only Simon Kirke was present. Paul Rodgers (who lives in Canada) had to cancel as his health at the time did not permit him to fly. But the man with that characteristic voice recorded an impressive speech while also Simon Kirke spoke at the happening. I am not so familiar with the criteria that gives a band or artist a spot in that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but in the case of Bad Company the jury must have been vast asleep. This band should have been inducted years ago! It seems though that the group had been nominated earlier but Paul Rodgers was a bit reluctant to accept. Anyway, justice has been served!

AN OVERDUE TRIBUTE

A tribute to Bad Company has been overdue as well. Plenty of artists and groups have covered Bad Co. songs throughout the years but a real tribute…. Well, that has finally happened as well. Late October 2025 ‘Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute To Back Company’ finally saw the light of day, featuring ten of the best-known songs. Eh, no, not really as album closer ,,All Right Now’’ was officially recorded and released by Free, the band that Rodgers and Kirke had with bass player Andy Fraser and the superb guitarist Paul Kossoff before they started Bad Company.

INFLUENCE

Do not underestimate how many musicians have been influenced by Free and Bad Company. I am pretty sure that the groups and individual artists that have made contributions to this record have learned a thing or two from this British rock institute. Not only was Bad Company an influence for rock musicians, there are also a few artists here with a contribution that have earned their laurels in country, blues and Americana. Hardy and Charley Crockett are not familiar names for genuine rockers.  

Crockett performing ,,Bad Company’’ certainly has its moments although the track is not that heavy and certainly has a slight country feel. Hardy performs ,,Ready For Love’’ but there I miss a real bite in the vocals. But then, singing a Paul Rodgers song is not for everyone, is it? But the fact that country artists like these two are on this album just shows that the reach of Bad Company went a lot further then you might have thought.

FAMILIAR NAMES

The rest of the participants are more or less familiar names. Blackberry Smoke has put on a stunning version of ,,Run With The Pack’’, Slash, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators recorded a great version of ,,Feel Like Making Love’’, Joe Elliott and Phil Collen of Def Leppard tackle the semi-acoustic track ,,Seagull’’, Halestorm kicks ass with a thundering version of ,,Shooting Star’’ while Dirty Honey for me steals the show with their interpretation of ,,Rock Steady’’. Black Stone Cherry and The Struts complete the list of participants. And as you might have expected Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke make guest appearances as well with Rodgers showing on ,,Seagull’’ how good he still is.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH: A TRIBUTE TO BAD COMPANY – THE CONCLUSION

What is there to conclude about this record? It is a flawless adventure. No, not one artist manages to improve the original version, but that is not what this record is all about. This is about honoring one of the finest bands that ever came out of England ever with a singer and drummer that are today something like living legends. Bad Company and Free are rock and roll institutes. I cannot imagine any of our readers not being familiar with the music of Bad Company. But if you are not, this record and the original albums are there to redeem yourself!

Release date: 24 October 2025