BY LEE ZIMMERMAN

In the fickle world of rock ‘n’ roll few artists can claim even one enduring ensemble on their resume, much less any more.  Paul Rodgers can actually bank on three that can fuel his pension, not to mention a reliable solo career that’s served him well on the side.  Given his present liaison with Queen and that his first band of note was Free, one would think he wouldn’t have need to dally with a reunion of Bad Company, a sturdy but unexceptional bunch whose chief claim to fame was their penchant for producing radio-ready hits.

Unlike the hysteria that greeted Led Zeppelin’s recent regrouping, only those who listened to a lot of radio during the ‘70s and early ‘80s would find the prospect of a Bad Company reunion especially enticing. Nevertheless, they’ve managed to cling to their superstar status – a designation derived from the previous pedigrees of its members (who segued from A-list outfits like Free, Mott the Hoople and King Crimson) making a one-time reunion fit the definition of an auspicious occasion.

Of course, that’s what the band would have us believe.  Aside from a brief reunion in 1998, this marked the first time the original members -- singer Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs and drummer Simon Kirke, sans bassist Boz Burrell who passed away in 2006  -- opted to regroup. Much was made of the fact that it was only a one-time reunion, although the audience was informed at the outset that the proceedings were being recorded for a live CD and DVD.  A bit of prepping prior to the band’s appearance provided the producers with B roll, and remind those with less than the required enthusiasm, that yes, indeed this was an event of special significance.

I for one always enjoyed Bad Company’s output, but I must confess I never deemed them one of those must-see bands. They were a solid workingman outfit, blessed with a credible front man, solid musicianship and catchy tunes built on reliable rhythms and catchy choruses. And that’s exactly what they proved themselves to be in concert. Kirke still provides the perfect pacing, Ralphs still plays respectable lead guitar, and Rodgers, who arguably remains the band’s biggest asset, still retains a fine set of pipes, his bluesy growl none the worse for wear.

It’s no surprise then, that on this particular night, the band would live up to their reputation and would neither raise nor lower the bar.  Which means they proved to be entertaining, but far from what could be considered the stuff o’ legend.  Opening with “Bad Company,” their signature song and an ideal intro, Rodgers pounded out the ominous chords on piano, flanked by Kirke and Ralphs on one side, and a pair of enthusiastic stringers on the other (taking Burrell’s place was Lynn Sorenson, from Rodgers’ band). Surprisingly, the back-up players exhibited more energy than the charter members, a scenario that would repeat throughout the hour and a half set.  Given that the Rodgers, Ralphs and Kirke are all rapidly closing in on 60, they resembled more the confident old masters than the cocky young bucks that fueled their image of old.  Dressed casually – Rodgers looking especially svelte and Rock Star cool – they deliberately refrained from any sort of posing, posturing or excess communication with the crowd.  Predictably too, the set emphasized their radio wares – “Burnin’ Sky,” “Running with the Pack,” “Live for the Music,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Rock Steady,” “Shooting Star” and the inevitable “Can’t Get Enough,” before concluding with their encores “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy,” “Ready for Love,” and “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad.”  Nothing unexpected there, which again, more or less lives up to their mantra.  Personally, I would have loved to hear “All Right Now” as acknowledgement to the Free fans who were in the audience.

If this was a matter of going through the motions — and indeed, they gave that impression — the crowd response was nothing short of absolute adoration, a set-up that ought to have pleased the DVD’s producers. A glitch with Ralph’s guitar during a brief acoustic interlude not withstanding, the swooping video cameras and a big screen backdrop will hopefully make up for the lack of onstage enthusiasm.  Viewing the results in retrospect will probably bring back some fond memories, but whether or not it ignites any electricity remains to be seen.  After an evening of rote but well-aged rock ‘n’ roll, they would be wise to make sure the batteries are better charged next time.