Badfinger, "Airwaves" And That VH-1 Documentary

Badfinger Documentary Update

Fellow Badfinger fans, I wanted to find out what was happening with the long-anticipated VH-1 "Behind The Music" special on Badfinger and Ray Paul of Permanent Press Records (the good people behind the recent reissue of "Airwaves" on CD) was kind enough to answer a few questions on the subject.---Don Krider.

The Q&A follows:

Power Pop Music News: What is the current status of VH-1's "Behind The Music" Badfinger documentary that was reportedly to air in May or June 1999?

Ray Paul: I received a call from VH-1 last week and it now looks like the special will not air until late October(at the earliest) or November. The producers of this show were put on assignment to do a show on THIN LIZZY, and will be finishing up production on it when they come back in October. Last December, we were told by VH-1 that the BADFINGER show would air in late May or early June. So, we scurried to get the "Airwaves" reissue together so that it would be released and promoted in conjunction with the VH-1 Behind The Music show.

In April, I was told by VH-1 (off the record) that the show was finished but that they were trying to get McCartney and Harrison to say a few things on tape and be interviewed for it. Paul was running around all over with his art show, R&R Hall of Fame, etc...and George declined also for whatever reasons. When VH-1 found out that they would be taping a special this summer with Paul for his new album, they felt that they could possibly get some comments from him to use during a break in the taping or while on the set somehow. For some reason, VH-1 seems to feel that having the Beatles say something is essential to the show. And of course, it would be very nice to have Paul, George or Ringo comment on one of their first Apple artists... but for Badfinger, it seems that they still can't escape the shadow of The Beatles even today.

Power Pop Music News: Permanent Press has done a fantastic job with the just released re-issue of Badfinger's "Airwaves" album. That release, combined with the recent Goldmine cover story on the band and that album in particular, certainly should have generated even more interest in the documentary. What can Badfinger fans do to encourage VH-1 to finally air the documentary?

Ray Paul: Your kind words are very much appreciated. You know, a lot of people seem to think that the Badfinger era ended when Pete Ham died. I think BADFINGER fans are going to rediscover what a wonderful album "Airwaves" is and how under appreciated it was when it came out in 1979. Gillian Gaar did a terrific job in compiling all the interviews for the Goldmine article. In setting up the Goldmine cover story, we tried to coordinate everything with the timeline given to us by VH-1. The interview/cover story hit the streets the same week that the album hit the stores. All that was missing was the BEHIND THE MUSIC SPECIAL. Well, we did our part but I'm sure the show will be well worth the wait. I have to say that Chrissy Shannon, one of the producers of the Badfinger VH-1 show, has been absolutely wonderful in returning calls and keeping the flow of information coming to us. However, the final air date decision goes higher than her.

The only thing I can suggest is to try to contact VH-1 by phone, fax, or e-mail... and let them know your opinions. Tell them you've read that there is a special, that you've seen ads to watch for it. And now you want to know what the hold up is?... and when they plan to air it. After all, they do seem to thrive on tragedy and the BADFINGER saga has to be one of the most if not THE MOST tragic story in rock history. They seem to really react to public opinion. And if enough people keep pestering them (nicely, of course), maybe VH-1 will air this Badfinger show sooner than later. Joe Tansin, Joey Molland, Marianne Evans, and Mike Gibbins were all
interviewed for the show among others.

Power Pop Music News: Since "Airwaves" may not be easy to find in retail stores, what's the best way for fans to order a copy?

Ray Paul: Well, let me start by saying that "Airwaves" should be very easy to find in retail stores across the country. Permanent Press has been a nationally distributed independent label for over 5 years now. Our distributor is M.S. Distributing and if any retailers or wholesalers wish to stock this title, please call M.S. to order it at 1-800-688-3383 in Chicago. This is for retailers and wholesale one-stops only. The only reason "Airwaves" might not be easy to find in some stores is that it seemed to be selling out everywhere during the first few weeks and the buyers at some chains and retail locations either under-ordered or didn't anticipate the strong initial reaction to this never before released album on CD. There are also some younger buyers now in place at some retailers who don't really know the meaning of the name Badfinger nor do they probably care. Although those situations are probably just here and there, it is indeed a factor as we grow older. Just as radio cannot hear a good song anymore, some retailers need a history lesson also.

If you would like to mail order "Airwaves" from us, please send a personal check or money order for $15.00 (includes shipping) made payable to:
PERMANENT PRESS RECORDINGS
14431 Ventura Blvd., #311
Sherman Oaks,CA 91423

This is for U.S. orders only. Please e-mail us for International rates. And, all of our titles are available from Amazon,com, CDnow.com, musicblvd.com, and all the major web-site stores. Also... the brand new PERMANENT PRESS web-site will be up & running around August 1st. You can reach us after that date at: www.permanentpress.net

e-mail us at: permpress@earthlink.net

I hope my reply to your questions was helpful. Thanks very much for the opportunity to talk about the "Airwaves" reissue and the upcoming (PLEASE CONTACT THEM!!!) VH-1 BEHIND THE MUSIC SPECIAL.