O Free existed between 1968 and 1973, becoming a very influential band for later generations – although it never became a sales phenomenon. During this period, he released six studio albums and scored hits such as “All Right Now”, “Wishing Well” and “Fire And Water”.
Despite all the potential of those involved, the closure of activities was inevitable. The group ended in 1971, returned the following year – with Japanese bassist Tetsu Yamauchi and keyboardist John “Rabbit” Bundrick taking over Andy Fraser’s duties – but did not have a long life, being permanently closed soon afterwards.
– Advertisement –
In a 2019 interview with the “Life on the Road” series, rescued by Rock and Roll Garage, vocalist Paul Rodgers explained the failure of the attempt.
“I look back and really wonder (why we broke up), because the band really was perfect in so many ways. We loved each other and we loved the music we created. But I think what happened was Andy and I were the main driving force of the organization. He was very strong in business, in addition to the songs we wrote. We differ on the future of the band, I think. Andy wanted to take it in a more commercial direction and I wanted to go back to the blues.”
The reaction of the other Free members
According to the singer, a factor that contributed to the decision was the inertia of the other members of the group.
“I thought Kossoff (Paul, guitarist) was going to support me on this, but he kind of didn’t. Simon (Kirke, drummer) just said, ‘do whatever you want to do’. We didn’t realize what we had at the time.”
Interestingly, despite crediting Andy with the attempted commercial turnaround, it was Rodgers himself who ended up adopting a more accessible sound later, when creating Bad Company. The supergroup would become a sales phenomenon with its debut album, released in 1974. Since 2019, its activities have been interrupted.
Free never officially reunited. The only ones still alive, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke are still active, both with solo careers. Paul Kossoff died on March 19, 1976, aged 25, after suffering a pulmonary embolism during a flight to New York.
HIV-positive, Andy Fraser died on March 16, 2015, at the age of 62, due to heart problems caused by atherosclerosis. In addition to his own work, he has written hits for artists such as Robert Palmer, Joe Cocker, Chaka Khan, Rod Stewart and Paul Young.
Click to follow IgorMiranda.com.br on: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Threads.
