The legendary Welsh rockstar, Pete Ham, was born in Abertawe (Swansea) on 27 of April in 1947.
Ham was the lead vocalist, composer and guitarist for the 1970s Abertawe rock band Badfinger. I have mentioned Badfinger previously in relation to their hit song “Baby Blue”, which featured in the final scene of the cult classic TV series “Breaking Bad”.

The man was also a co-writer for the monster hit ballad ‘I Can’t Live (If Living Is Without You)’. This song would go on to not only be a worldwide mega hit for Harry Nilsson but later for Mariah Carey, also (her version was number one on the day I was born… thought you might be interested in this useless bit of information).

The story of Badfinger is one of terrible tragedy and it ultimately culminated in Ham’s suicide following the fraudulent actions of their manager, Stan Polley, on 24 April 1975 – Ham’s suicide note pointed a finger directly at Polley, whose actions financially crippled the band and its members. Band co-member, Tom Evans, would also take his life for the same reasons 8 years later.
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DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – November 2025
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.

