There’s no denying the powerhouse that is Bad Company, a band whose songs have entranced fans of classic rock. With their signature blend of hard-hitting blues and southern rock combined with unforgettable guitar solos, this British group has influenced generations of music artists across the globe.
If you’re a fan looking to explore similar sounds or discover bands associated with Bad Company, look no further! In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 13 incredible bands like Bad Company, that will surely satisfy your craving for guitar-driven rock anthems. Read on!
1. Free
We begin with the English rock band Free, formed in London in 1968. They quickly made a name for themselves with their irresistible mix of rock music, soulful vocals, and bluesy guitar riffs.
Cited as one of the key players in the evolution of classic rock, Free set the stage for many bands that followed them in the music industry.
As a major precursor to Bad Company, Free shares two core members—vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke—who later went on to form Bad Company after Free disbanded.
Both bands boast similar musical influences, drawing from groups such as Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac while delivering powerful performances that continue to resonate with fans today.
2. Foghat
Diving into the world of classic rock, Foghat stands out as a compelling band that shares many similarities with Bad Company. Formed in the early 1970s, this English rock group is recognized for its innovative use of electric slide guitar, which set them apart in the rock music scene.
Their discography is impressive, with eight Gold records and one Platinum record to their name. They have a strong following, especially in America, where their fusion of boogie and blues found considerable success during the 1970s.
Sadly, founder Lonesome Dave Peverett passed away in 2000, followed by guitarist Rod Price in 2005. Despite these losses, the band continues to perform and create music, with original member Roger Earl working to preserve Foghat’s musical legacy.
3. Deep Purple
As a pioneer in rock music, Deep Purple holds a special place within the genre’s history. Their distinct mix of heavy metal and classic rock earned them worldwide recognition while also inspiring many other bands throughout their career.
Notable for their constant lineup changes, the band has experimented with various styles while maintaining its signature sound that appeals to passionate fans.
Since their start in 1968, they’ve released an impressive 22 albums, several of which topped music charts worldwide, like Perfect Strangers, The House of Blue Light, and Whoosh!
Their works, extensive as it is, have earned them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 2016, as well as an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement.
4. Foreigner
Emerging from the bustling cityscape of New York in 1976, Foreigner is a musical phenomenon that has been stirring souls with their compelling blend of hard rock and pop for over four decades.
Their music isn’t just catchy—it’s unforgettable. From the heartfelt plea of “I Want to Know What Love Is” to the icy sting of “Cold as Ice,” the longing in “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” and the pulsing energy of “Hot Blooded,” Foreigner’s songs are timeless anthems that continue to echo through the ages.
Throughout their illustrious career, Foreigner released nine studio albums, with seven making their mark in the top 30 of the Billboard 200. They sold over four million copies in the US alone.
And as they embark on their Farewell Tour in 2023, it’s clear that while the band may be saying goodbye, their music will forever remain a vibrant part of our shared cultural soundtrack.
5. Thin Lizzy
Emerging from the Irish music scene in 1969 came Thin Lizzy, a band that would leave a lasting legacy on rock and roll. Their hard rock sound with elements of blues and soul was largely shaped by its charismatic frontman, Phil Lynott, who served as both the bassist and primary songwriter.
The band’s journey to international fame began in earnest with their hit single “Whiskey in the Jar” in 1972. However, it was the release of their 1976 album Jailbreak, featuring the legendary track “The Boys Are Back in Town,” that truly skyrocketed their popularity. This song remains one of their most recognized and is a staple on classic rock radio stations worldwide.
Sadly, Thin Lizzy’s story took a tragic turn in 1986 with the untimely death of Phil Lynott, a loss that effectively marked the end of the band. Nonetheless, various incarnations of the band have continued to perform and tour, keeping the spirit of Thin Lizzy alive.
6. The Eagles
Known for their harmonious sound and profound lyrics, Los Angeles band The Eagles took flight in 1971 and quickly soared to the top of the charts. Their unique blend of rock and country music resulted in a string of successful albums and singles.
With six #1 albums, five #1 singles, six Grammy Awards, and five American Music Awards, The Eagles is undoubtedly a musical powerhouse. Their greatest hits include tracks like “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.” These songs not only highlight the band’s musical talent but also their storytelling abilities.
In recent news, the band announced their final tour, The Long Goodbye, in July 2023. This tour will feature surviving members Joe Walsh, Don Henley, and Timothy B. Schmit, along with Deacon Frey, son of founding member Glenn Frey, and country musician Vince Gill.
7. Boston
Another band that is similar in genre to Bad Company is the American rock band Boston. Formed in 1974 in—you guessed it!—Boston, Massachusetts, this band quickly gained popularity with their music, which combined hard rock and melodic pop.
Boston is not a one-hit-wonder either—they have several songs that are considered classics of the classic rock era. Tracks like “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Foreplay/Long Time” still get airtime on radio stations today.
Today, after 48 years of making music, Boston’s legacy remains strong. Their works continue to inspire, their debut album still stands as a milestone in rock history, and their story serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when passion, creativity, and determination come together.
8. ZZ Top
American rock band ZZ Top has been in the music industry for over five decades. The band was formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas, and composed of Billy Gibbons (vocalist-guitarist), Frank Beard (drummer), and Dusty Hill (bassist).
The longevity of ZZ Top’s career is proof of their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft. Their music transcends time, with hits like “La Grange,” “Tush,” and “Sharp Dressed Man” remaining popular even today.
The band today continues to rock. In fact, they had a massive year in 2022, rounding out a significant tour, releasing an album (Raw), and even launching a bourbon brand.
9. Lynyrd Skynyrd
The face of Southern rock is Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band’s signature sound, characterized by a mix of rebellious Southern image, overdriven blues-rock power, and hard rock swagger, has made them one of America’s seminal rock groups.
Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, Lynyrd Skynyrd produced timeless hits such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird,” which still drive crowds wild at rock concerts today.
But the band’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 1977, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of three members, including lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant. This event marked a dark period in the band’s history, leading to a hiatus that lasted a decade.
Despite such adversity, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music lived on. The surviving members regrouped in 1987, with Ronnie’s younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, taking over as the lead vocalist.
Since then, the band has continued to tour and record new music, celebrating more than 40 years of being one of America’s influential rock bands.
10. Whitesnake
Our next group like Bad Company, is Whitesnake, an English hard rock band that emerged from the London music scene in 1978. The group was originally assembled to be a backing band for David Coverdale, who would go on to become their lead singer.
Whitesnake’s breakthrough came with their 1987 self-titled album, which featured two major US hits: “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love.” These songs not only reached the top spots on the Billboard Hot 100 but also helped cement their place in rock history.
The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years but has remained popular among music lovers. In recent times, Whitesnake has been active; however, the band faced some health challenges in 2022, leading to the cancellation of their North American leg of the Farewell Tour.
11. Blue Öyster Cult
Hailing from Long Island, New York, the rock band Blue Öyster Cult (BÖC) made waves with their hard rock and heavy metal sound since their inception in 1967.
The band’s name, derived from the poetry of their manager Sandy Pearlman, refers to a group of aliens covertly guiding Earth’s history. This sense of mystery and intrigue would become a recurring theme in their music and persona.
Blue Öyster Cult gained fame with hits like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Burnin’ for You,” and “Godzilla.” The first song became their biggest hit, reaching Billboard‘s #12 spot and becoming a staple of classic rock radio.
Their album The Symbol Remains, released on October 9, 2020, marked their first new album in nearly two decades. Even today, the band’s popularity remains strong, with over 475 million Spotify streams for “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and more than 139 million streams for “Burnin’ for You.”
12. Steppenwolf
Another band that shares similarities with Bad Company is Steppenwolf. This hard rock group is known for their gritty, blues-infused sound and biker image.
The frontman of Steppenwolf, John Kay, is a German-born American musician who has contributed greatly to the band’s success as both a singer and songwriter.
In February 1972, Steppenwolf disbanded, with Kay, drummer Jerry Edmonton, and bassist George Biondo continuing to work together. However, the band reformed in early 1974 with the addition of guitarist Bobby Cochran.
If you’re looking for more music like Bad Company or Ram Jam, Steppenwolf should definitely be on your list. Check out their hits “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride.”
13. The Doobie Brothers
Last but not least, we have The Doobie Brothers. This rock band reached the height of their popularity in the 1970s. They were known for their hits “Black Water” and “Takin’ It to the Streets,” both of which made it onto Billboard charts in 1975 and 1976, respectively.
Over the decades, the band has experienced numerous lineup changes, temporary breakups, and reunions. Despite these challenges, The Doobie Brothers have continued to tour and produce new music, demonstrating their enduring appeal and resilience.
In recent news, The Doobie Brothers were finally given a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, a well-deserved recognition of their significant impact on American music history. Currently, they continue to tour, delighting audiences with their timeless hits and captivating performances.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like Bad Company
That sums up the bands that share a similar style with Band Company. From the bluesy rock of Free to the soulful sounds of The Doobie Brothers, each band offers its unique spin on a genre that has captivated audiences for decades.
We hope this journey through sound has not only entertained you but also added to your playlist—maybe even helped you discover new favorites!
Obviously, this list is far from complete. If you have a band in mind that you believe deserves a spot, do let us know so we can add them here for you!
