Thomas Evans (5 June 1947 – 19 November 1983) was an English musician. He is best known for his work as the bassist of the band Badfinger. He also co-wrote their 1970 song "Without You," which has been recorded by over 180 artists — most notably Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey. Evans died by suicide in 1983, one of two members to do so (the first being Pete Ham in 1975).
In November 1969, the Iveys changed their name to Badfinger, and Paul McCartney of the Beatles gave the group a boost by offering them his song "Come and Get It", which he produced for the band. It became a featured track for the film The Magic Christian, which starred Ringo Starr and Peter Sellers. A third Magic Christian song, "Carry On Till Tomorrow" was co-written by Evans and Ham.[2]
Alongside Joey Molland, Evans played acoustic guitar on the 1971 John Lennon album, Imagine, including the single "Jealous Guy" released in 1985.[3]
Evans' high-career moment was with his composition "Without You", a song co-written with bandmate Ham. The song became a No. 1 hit worldwide for Harry Nilsson and has since become a standard in the music industry.[2]
Evans and Molland went their separate ways after this second album[clarification needed] was released, and the two put together rival Badfinger touring bands in the US.[when?][2]
In 1982, Jackson rejoined Evans in the latter's version of Badfinger. Original Badfinger drummer Gibbins was also enlisted for Evans' band for one tour. After returning to Britain, Evans was sued for $5 million in damages for abandoning his touring contract.[2]
Personal life and death
Evans was married to Marianne Evans,[4] and together they had a son, Stephen.[2]
Evans hanged himself in his garden on 19 November 1983, at the age of 36. He got into a dispute with former bandmate Joey Molland over royalties for the song "Without You" the previous evening.[5]
