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Band Timeline

1968

Formation and First Gig of Free

Free was formed in London in 1968 by Paul Rodgers (vocals), Paul Kossoff (guitar), Andy Fraser (bass, piano), and Simon Kirke (drums, percussion). The band members were all teenagers at the time, with Fraser aged 15, Kossoff 17, and Rodgers and Kirke 18. Their first performance took place on April 19, 1968, at the Nag's Head pub in Battersea, London. The band was named Free on the advice of Alexis Korner, who also recommended Fraser join them. They were determined to forge a blues rock sound and began their journey as one of the emerging British rock bands.
1969

Debut Albums and Early Touring

Free recorded their debut album, Tons of Sobs, which was released in March 1969 on Island Records. This album documented their first six months together and included studio versions of the songs from their early live sets. Later that year, they released their second album, Free, also on Island Records. The band started to establish their reputation through relentless touring and by opening for notable acts, including The Who on a short theater tour at the end of 1968. Despite critical attention, their albums did not immediately achieve commercial success.
1970

Breakthrough with Fire and Water and "All Right Now"

In 1970, Free released their third studio album Fire and Water, which became a major commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 17 in the US. This album featured their hit single "All Right Now," which reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming a number one hit in over 20 countries. The song is considered a classic rock anthem and earned Free widespread recognition. They performed at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival before an audience of 600,000, solidifying their status as one of the best-selling British blues rock groups of the era.
1971

Release of Highway and Continued Success

Free released their fourth studio album, Highway, in 1971. Although it did not match the massive commercial success of Fire and Water, the album was well received and reflected the band's blues rock style and musical sophistication. The band continued to tour extensively, building their reputation with live performances. However, internal tensions were beginning to surface, partly related to the pressures of fame and relentless touring.
1972

Lineup Changes and Fraser's Departure

In 1972, bassist Andy Fraser left the band due to growing tensions within the group and his desire for new creative directions. Fraser went on to form the band Sharks. Despite this significant change, Free recorded another album, Free at Last, with bassist Tetsu Yamauchi and other guest musicians. The band's dynamic was shifting as members grappled with personal and professional challenges, yet they remained committed to their music.
1973

Final Album and Disbandment

Free released their sixth and final studio album, Heartbreaker, in 1973. This album was recorded with new bassist Rick Grech. However, the group disbanded shortly after the release amid ongoing personal difficulties and creative differences. Following the breakup, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke co-founded the successful rock supergroup Bad Company. Meanwhile, Paul Kossoff formed Back Street Crawler but tragically died in 1976 at the age of 25.
1976

Death of Guitarist Paul Kossoff

Paul Kossoff, the highly regarded lead guitarist of Free, died in 1976 from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 25. His premature death was a significant loss to the rock music community, as his guitar playing had been widely influential and praised. Kossoff's contributions helped define Free's distinctive blues rock sound and his legacy remains influential in guitar circles.
2015

Death of Bassist Andy Fraser

Andy Fraser, the original bassist and key songwriter for Free, passed away in 2015 at the age of 62. Fraser contributed significantly to the band's sound and success, co-writing many of their hit songs including "All Right Now." His death marked the loss of another foundational member of Free, prompting reflections on the band's enduring influence in rock music history.

Albums

free_1st_album
Tons of Sobs
18 tracks
1969
free_2nd_album
Free
9 tracks
1969
free_3rd_album
Fire and Water
7 tracks
1970
free_4th_album
Highway
9 tracks
1970
free_5th_album
Free at Last
9 tracks
1972
free_6th_album
Heartbreaker
8 tracks
1973
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Paul Rodgers and Company

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Simon Kirke

1968
1973

山内テツ

1973
1973

John “Rabbit” Bundrick

1972
1973

Paul Kossoff

1968
1973

Andy Fraser

1968
1973

Paul Rodgers

1968
1973

Story of Free

Free: A Rock 'n' Roll Story of Passion, Tragedy, and Lasting Impact

Born in the crucible of London's 1968 music scene, Free were a force of nature. Led by the powerhouse vocals of Paul Rodgers, the band ignited stages with the fiery guitar work of Paul Kossoff, the thunderous rhythm section of Simon Kirke on drums and Andy Fraser on bass (who also contributed soulful piano), they quickly became a cornerstone of the British blues-rock explosion.

Free's early days were a whirlwind of raw energy and relentless touring. Their music, a potent blend of blues, rock, and hard rock, resonated with audiences, but commercial success eluded them until their third album, Fire and Water, dropped in 1970. "All Right Now," the album's iconic anthem, became a global sensation, propelling Free to headlining slots at iconic events like the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, where they captivated a massive audience of 600,000.

Their momentum was undeniable, and Free became one of Britain's biggest blues-rock acts. By the time they disbanded in 1973, they had sold over 20 million records worldwide and played to millions of fans in over 700 shows, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. "All Right Now" remains a timeless classic, a staple of rock and R&B playlists, solidifying its place in ASCAP's "One Million" airplay singles club.

Their journey, however, was tragically cut short by internal tensions and the untimely demise of several members. Andy Fraser left the band in 1972 to form Sharks, while Free soldiered on with one final album, Heartbreaker. In 1973, Free disbanded, with Rodgers and Kirke forming the highly successful supergroup Bad Company.

Kossoff, a guitar virtuoso whose raw talent captivated fans, tragically passed away from a pulmonary embolism in 1976 at the young age of 25. Fraser, the band's bassist and keyboardist, died in 2015 at the age of 62.

Despite their short lifespan, Free left an immeasurable legacy. Their music continues to inspire generations of musicians, and their passionate live performances remain legendary. They are forever etched in the annals of rock history, a testament to the raw power of blues-rock and the enduring impact of a band that burned brightly, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable music and a bittersweet memory.

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