BAD ENGLISH
Bad English were an American rock band in 1988 formed by Jonathan Cain (keyboards), John Waite (singer) and Ricky Philips (bass). The members decided on a name for the band while playing pool. John Waite missed a shot and Jonathan Cain made a comment on how bad his ‘English’ was (referring to the spin a player puts on the cue ball) and the band decided to use the phrase. Jonathan Cain and guitarist Neal Schon, who had enjoyed huge success in Journey, formed Bad English with Waite after Journey disbanded.
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The first album entitled, ‘Bad English’ was a big seller with hit singles, including the number one power ballad hit ‘When I See You Smile’ written by Diane Warren. The track "Best of What I Got", was featured in the soundtrack to 1989's ‘Tango and Cash’. The album enjoyed platinum status and rocketed the band to the top of the soft rock scene.
The band's second album in 1991, ‘Backlash’ was a flop and did not make much impression. The only single, ‘Straight To Your Heart,’ just missed the Top 40, peaking at number 42. Ricky Phillips claimed that the group had parted company before the second album had been finalized. Both Phillips and Schon expressed frustration with the ‘pop’ side of the band’s songs and wanted a harder edge. In the end, it proved to be the band's undoing as everyone left to pursue other projects.
Waite revealed that although he loved playing to stadium audiences, he was uncomfortable with the corporate rock image that he felt the band had presented and has been a solo artist ever since. The band released a compilation album, ‘The Lost Tapes’ in 2002, however it failed to make any serious impression, as it did not reach the top 40 by a long way.
Bad English drummer Deen Castronovo later went on to join a reformed Journey with singer Steve Augeri, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Ross Valory. Castrovono also featured on Ozzy Osbourne's album, ‘Ozzmosis’ in 1995.
Discography:
Bad English, 1989
Backlash, 1991
Source: Mathew Jones
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