Bad Company – Hard Rock Live (Image Entertainment) ****1/2

Bad Company returns, and this time it’s only three out of the original four. Bassist Boz Burrell passed away in 2006. This live record comes from the U. S. tour the band did last year. Actually, the recording is from a single concert the band played in Hollywood, Florida last summer. As expected, we get the best of Bad Company on stage.

The performance is really top notch, the crowd is enthusiastic, and the energy here can be felt. It was one hot night for the band, and the audience as well. Paul Rodgers, freshly off the tour with Queen, is singing great and not missing one note. His voice is still powerful and full of soulful emotion. The band is well rehearsed, and knows these songs inside out, but it’s the magic of the night that elevates this show to be so special.

The material is well known, and almost anticipated to be performed. There is something about these songs; they just don’t get old, and probably never will. The band is obviously being helped by some outside players, but the end result is just superb.

This package consists of two discs. One disc is an audio CD of the shows. The second disc is a DVD of the performance. The CD is great, it is full of energy, but it’s the DVD that allows to the whole experience to become a reality. Watching the DVD gives a small chance to be part of the experience. In other words, you get the whole picture here. Bad Company comes to your speakers, and your screen.

Mark Kadzielawa