The BAD EXaMPLeS sTory
It was almost 20 years ago today that Ralph Covert taught The Bad Examples to play... ...and play... and record... and play some more.

In the 1990's there simply was no better or more popular original rockin' pop band in the clubs of the Great Lakes region than The Bad Examples who played the great songs of Ralph Covert night after night. Album after album received both critical acclaim and substantial radio airplay which continues to this day. Their compact disc debut, Bad Is Beautiful, was named by Goldmine Magazine as one of the "50 Essential American Power Pop Albums of All-Time." Their signature anthem, "Not Dead Yet," proved prophetic as the sextet sounds better than ever with a three-guitar lineup and great harmonies. Their success also translated across the ocean where several albums and coinciding tours made them nearly a household name in Holland and the surrounding locales.

Ralph Covert leads the band through a diverse original repertoire that includes indelible hooks in high-energy blazers and literate ballads woven with sublime melodies. These days the band doesn't play as often but can lay down a three-hour concert that leaves audiences still clamoring for more. The musicians in the ensemble have all played with Ralph for over a decade now and can easily be described as one of the best bands ever with their ability to deliver any song perfectly- and then push it into pop ecstacy.

Indie label Waterdog Records has released over a dozen band and solo discs penned by Ralph Covert. This decade has also seen him create a sensation as a children's performer like ne'er before seen with six indie releases as Ralph's World and a new disc coming out this October on Disney Sound.

So the story of Ralph Covert, Terry Wathen, Tom O'Brien, Pickles Piekarski, Steve Wozny, and Steve Gerlach continues....

Click on any chapter heading below for a
chronological history!

1987-1988
The early days & the MEAT album
1988-1990
The making of Bad Is Beautiful; AEMMP Records signs the band
1991-1992
Bad Is Beautiful released, Europe, West Coast touring
1992-1993
CNR ends, Eat At Godot's
1993-1995
Landmark falls, enter Steve Gerlach, the Kisses 50 Cents band, the origins of Birthday
1995-1997
The return of Tommy O'Brien, Ralph tours Europe with the Moondogs, 1996 European tour
1997-1999
Rob Newhouse, Ron Barnes join the band; Sawdust and Spangles, Birthday come to life
1999-2000
The 5000 Days Studio sessions, The Last Show
2000-????
The Present and Future...