Bad Boy: Ringo Starr's 1978 Studio Venture
Released in 1978, Bad Boy stands as the seventh studio album by English rock musician Ringo Starr. Arriving during a period of declining commercial momentum, the album represents a stylistic shift for the former Beatle as he navigated the changing musical landscape of the late 1970s. Published by Polydor Records, the project is often remembered as Starr's final release for the label.
The album's journey was marked by ambitious promotion, including a prime-time television special, yet it struggled to find a foothold on the global charts. Despite these challenges, it remains a notable piece of Starr's solo discography, showcasing his collaboration with producer Vini Poncia.
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Key Facts
- Release Date: April 21, 1978 (UK); June 16, 1978 (US).
- Producer: Vini Poncia.
- Genre: Rock.
- Total Length: 34 minutes and 27 seconds.
- Chart Performance: Reached No. 129 in the US and No. 98 in Australia; failed to chart in the UK.
- Label: Polydor (UK) and Portrait (US).
Background and Recording Process
Following the lukewarm critical and commercial reception of his previous effort, Ringo the 4th (1977), Ringo Starr and his musical partner, Vini Poncia, sought a new direction. They decided to pivot away from the dance-oriented sound of the previous record in favor of a more streamlined approach. Under Poncia's production, Starr leaned heavily on covering songs by other artists.
The recording process in November 1977 was geographically diverse, largely driven by tax considerations. Sessions took place across several locations, including:
- Can-Base Studio in Vancouver and Toronto.
- Elite Recording Studio in the Bahamas.
- Redwing Studios in Tarzana, California.
The core of the album was completed within a rapid ten-day window in November 1977. Final touches, specifically orchestral overdubs, were added on March 8, 1978, conducted by James Newton Howard.
Release, Promotion, and Reception
The promotional campaign for Bad Boy was centered around a prime-time TV special titled Ringo, which aired on April 26, 1978. Recorded in Hollywood over ten days, the special featured performances of "Heart on My Sleeve," "Hard Times," and "A Man Like Me." However, the special was poorly received, ranking 53rd out of 65 network prime-time programs during its airing week.
Musically, the album struggled to gain traction. The lead US single, "Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)," and the follow-up, "Heart on My Sleeve," both failed to chart. In the UK, the single "Tonight" similarly failed to enter the charts. A second planned TV special directed by Christian Topps was initiated but never completed.
The commercial failure of the album led to significant professional shifts. Polydor dropped Starr after three consecutive non-charting releases in the UK. Similarly, his US label, Portrait, eventually canceled his contract in 1981 during the production of his subsequent album, Stop and Smell the Roses.
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Album Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recording Date | November 1977 (Overdubs March 1978) |
| Primary Personnel | Ringo's Roadside Attraction & Peaking Duck Orchestra |
| Key Singles | "Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)", "Heart on My Sleeve", "Tonight" |
| CD Reissue | March 26, 1991 (Epic, US) |
Track Listing and Personnel
The album features a mix of original compositions and covers. Notable tracks include "Who Needs a Heart," co-written by Starr and Poncia, and "A Man Like Me," which was adapted from Scouse the Mouse's "A Mouse Like Me" by changing the word "Mouse" to "Man."
The backing band, known as Ringo's Roadside Attraction, consisted of Push-a-Lone (lead guitar), Git-tar (rhythm guitar), Hamisch Bissonnette (synthesizers), Diesel (bass), and Morris Lane (keyboards), with Starr providing lead vocals and drums. The production was supported by Vini Poncia's Peaking Duck Orchestra & Chorus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Bad Boy recorded in multiple countries?
The album was recorded in Vancouver, Toronto, and the Bahamas primarily for tax purposes.
How did the album perform on the music charts?
The album had limited success, reaching No. 129 in the US and No. 98 in Australia, while failing to chart entirely in the UK.
What happened to Ringo Starr's record labels after this release?
Following the album's poor performance, Polydor dropped Starr in the UK, and Portrait eventually canceled his contract in the US in 1981.
Who provided the photography for the album?
The front cover photography was done by Nancy Lee Andrews, and the inner sleeve featured photographs by Nancy Andrews, who was Starr's fiancée at the time.
What was the significance of the song "A Man Like Me"?
The song is an adaptation of "A Mouse Like Me" by Scouse the Mouse, with the lyrics modified to replace the word "Mouse" with "Man."