Gone, Gone, Gone

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Gone, Gone, Gone" by Bad Company from their 1979 album Desolation Angels, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, written by bassist Boz Burrell, was a standout on the album, marking his first songwriting contribution to the band. Released as the second single from Desolation Angels, it peaked at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1979. Critics praised its gritty, blues-rock vibe, with Cash Box noting its "crunching bass line" and Paul Rodgers' "smokey rock delivery." Billboard highlighted the "strong guitar work," while Record World called it an "unbeatable AOR-Top 40 brew" with a "tribal beat" and "stinging guitars." Allmusic’s Mike DeGagne said the song suited Rodgers’ vocal style perfectly, and Democrat and Chronicle critic Jack Garner described it as "jazzy," pointing to its "interesting minor harmonies" as a fresh direction for the band.

One juicy piece of trivia comes from the album’s recording at Ridge Farm Studios in Surrey, England, in late 1978. Boz Burrell shared in a Melody Maker interview that the studio was right under the flight path from Gatwick Airport, forcing the band to time their takes between passing planes. Despite the unconventional setup, the song’s raw energy shone through, with a tempo of 123 BPM and a composition in the key of B minor, giving it that driving, danceable edge. Fans on X have recently celebrated Desolation Angels, with posts in 2025 reminiscing about the album’s impact, particularly citing "Gone, Gone, Gone" alongside the hit "Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy" as key tracks that defined the band’s late ‘70s sound.

Bad Company formed in 1973 in London, a supergroup born from the ashes of other legendary bands. Frontman Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke came from Free, guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople, and bassist Boz Burrell from King Crimson. Their name was inspired by a 1972 Western film, and under the management of Led Zeppelin’s Peter Grant, they quickly rose to fame. Their self-titled debut in 1974, featuring hits like "Can’t Get Enough" and "Bad Company," hit the top five in both the UK and US charts. Rodgers’ powerful vocals, often dubbed "The Voice," combined with Ralphs’ bluesy guitar riffs and the tight rhythm section of Kirke and Burrell, created a hard rock sound that became a staple of classic rock radio. The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and recording, with their first three albums—Bad Company (1974), Straight Shooter (1975), and Run with the Pack (1976)—all reaching the top five, cementing their status as rock giants.

You can keep up with Bad Company on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates, throwback photos, and tour memories. Fans, or Zoo Freaks in spirit, can dive deeper into the band’s legacy on fan-driven platforms like the Bad Company Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts swap stories, rare photos, and vinyl finds. Another great spot is Bad Company’s official fan club, offering exclusive merch and news for die-hard supporters. Whether you’re grooving to "Gone, Gone, Gone" or exploring their catalog, Bad Company’s music continues to resonate with rock fans worldwide.