Joseph "Joey" Molland

JOEY MOLLAND
Musician, songwriter, Pop/Rock icon, Joseph Charles Molland II, 77, of Hopkins MN passed peacefully away on March 1, 2025 following a valiant health battle. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Jane (Green) Molland; wife, Katherine (Wiggins) Molland; and brothers, Frank, Tony, Chris, and Gordon.
Survived by sons, Joseph Charles Molland III, Shaun Michael Molland; brother, Doug (Elizabeth) Molland; cherished partner, Mary Joyce and her son Will; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Thomas and Lynn Wiggins; many nieces, nephews, and so many dear friends from around the world.
Born in Liverpool, England, Joey spent his life writing and recording countless songs and touring all over the world. His last released album of all original songs entitled Be True To Yourself is a masterclass in great pop/rock music and was produced by Mark Hudson in New York. In a full circle moment, John Lennon's son, Julian Lennon, photographed the front and back covers, and sang on that album.
Heavily influenced by American rock and roll, Joey often told of the first time he heard Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly on British radio. He was stunned. He dreamed of coming to the USA, and during one American Badfinger tour, the band was booked to play in Minneapolis where he met the lovely Katherine- who was to become his wife. They were wed in a private ceremony in London in 1972. The newlyweds moved to California, followed by a brief residence in the UK. The young couple ultimately decided to settle in Minnesota where they raised their two sons, but Joey never lost his British roots, or his love for a great shepherd's pie and a pint! As of late, Joey was touring the USA with Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Jason Scheff, and Mickey Dolenz for the Beatles White Album Tribute, as well as touring with his own band, Original Badfinger. Joey loved performing and he was still writing, recording and collaborating. Joey, a self-taught musician, always wrote from his heart rather than goals of seeking commercial success.
Joey was in many bands throughout his prolific career. From 1967-1969 he played in Gary Walker & the Rain, touring Japan. His first real international fame came from joining the British band Badfinger on the Beatles Apple label. Badfinger had many hit records, and many of these songs are an enduring part of both American and British culture. Joey played on George Harrison's albums All Things Must Pass, and the live album The Concert For Bangladesh, which, by 1985, had raised 12 million dollars (and counting) for famine relief. There are too many accolades to list in his vast career, but a few are playing guitar on John Lennon's album Imagine, the song Day After Day, produced by George Harrison as well as Badfinger's many other hit songs in which Joey played lead guitar including Without You, No Matter What, and Baby Blue produced by Todd Rundgren. Baby Blue found a whole new audience as it was featured in the series finale of the popular tv series Breaking Bad. In 1992, Joey released The Pilgrim album. It is considered a hidden gem and was produced by Joey and recorded at the famed Paisley Park Studios with many top Twin Cities musicians, and on which his wife, Kathie, and his sons sang backing vocals and harmony. In 2013, he released his acclaimed album Return To Memphis. There were so many great songs and albums in his career with gold records and Hall of Fame awards along the way.
Prior to becoming ill, Joey was in the middle of finishing a dream project he always wanted to do -recording an album of Chuck Berry songs in Nashville with his dear friend, producer and artist Phil Solem of the Rembrandts.
But mostly, Joey loved being a Dad and was so extremely proud of his sons. Besides performing, Joey had a real zest for life. He loved hanging out with his many musician friends, and he always said yes to any fundraiser, generously giving up his performance fee for a worthy cause. He was kind, funny, talented, and smart. Joey was also generous with his time, never turning down his patiently waiting fans. He will be so dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him, or create music with him. Whenever you hear his music, smile and dance with abandon. He would want it that way.
Funeral service Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 1PM at Living Word Christian Center, 9201 75th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 with visitation one hour prior. Friends and fans are welcome to attend. To view the service virtually, please visit https://youtube.com/live/o9cJe1z0uyI
Memorials in Joey's name may be made to the Diabetes Foundation, the Down Syndrome Association, the ASPCA. www.Washburn-McReavy.com
Edina Chapel 952-920-3996