Forgotten Fretmasters #15 - Paul Kossoff

#paulkossoff #free #paulrodgers #gibsonlespaul
LINKS TO PAUL'S PLAYING BELOW:
Kossoff playing in rehearsal with Black Cat Bones, 1967:
• PAUL KOSSOFF with BLAC...
Free Live on Beat Club 1970: Fire & Water
• Free - Fire And Water ...
Free Live at the Isle of Wight Festival, 1970: All Right Now
• Free - All Right Now
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Here on Forgotten Fretmasters, we’re getting used to examining those musicians whose lives and careers were cut tragically short. Today, we’re going to look at what might be THE most cautionary tale in rock history. The story of a bright young musician with a legion of loyal fans, including many of the most famous of his fellow guitar players at that time. A man who gained notoriety in almost every professional circle as a gifted, impassioned, and intense but troubled guitarist. And despite the fact that his fellow bandmate Paul Rodgers knew him as a “very together…, soulful, intelligent guy,” he only existed… for a quarter of a century before his shocking and unexpected death in 1976. The painfully short, influential and dynamic life and career of Paul Kossoff, next, on Forgotten Fretmasters…

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

It was pointed out already that “All Right Now” did NOT, in fact, get to #1 in the U.K. It only got to #2. It did, however, reach #1 in over 20 other countries.

[@BigSky1]

There is no denying that All Right Now is a great song and got the band wonderful exposure and fame but that success came at an awful expense. They thought they could follow it up. The Stealer in my opinion is far better but not quite as commercial. Andy Fraser and Paul Rodgers became disillusioned and pulled the band apart. A shame as they were and had a lot more to offer. Highway for me is better than Fire And Water but it did not sell due to Island records lack of promotion and the dreadful decision to only put the name FREE in tiny letters on each face. People thought this was a record by HIGHWAY. By the time they got back together in early 1972 Koss’s addiction had taken hold and he could not function as he had. It is very sad how quickly he went downhill. Free Live in my opinion is one of the great Live albums (no overdubs )and now even better with the addition of the bonus tracks. Koss’s playing on it is sublime.

[@KKTR3]

Didn’t get to number one because of Mungo Jerry in the summer time/however it continually and relentlessly up to 1991 continued to keep entering the British chat

[@johnryan3913]

The followup 'The Stealer' reached # 49 in Billboard's Hot 100...

[@johnryan3913]

@@BigSky1 must agree with you and add that imo 'Free At Last' shambolic as it may seem is like Big Star 3rd a totally original expressionist classic.

[@jeffslade1892]

@@KKTR3 Ray Dorset (Mungo Jerry) is still recycling that one ;)

[@tomtomthebear]

Not many guitarists bring me to tears..!! Paul is and will always be untouchable

[@MsDormy]

I love Paul Kossoff. I’m so happy you are bringing him to young audiences; nobody gave an electric guitar such sweet soul. ❤️God bless him.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

Most people know and care more about the guitar he played then the man himself. Thank you for this video.

[@ianhenry4046]

Paul's father (a very famous actor in the U.K) spent the rest of his life touring schools in the country giving talks on the dangers of using drugs. I had the privilege of meeting David on one such occasion and found him a very humble and gracious man who was deeply scarred by by the loss of his son, Paul. Very sad.

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

His father's been on that talking pictures lately the larkins

[@DavidHarrison-js3ji]

Well said it broke my heart to see the pain his dad was going through at the loss of the great Paul, rip both , together again

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

When they started andy frazier 15 Paul kossoff 17 Paul Rodgers 19 and Simon kirke was 19 or 20 only young really the fame and fortune came and hit them to early and they found it hard to cope with it a pure shame fantastic band died young rip 🙏 Paul and andy

[@genekersten7165]

Paul Rogers was once asked “Paul, who was the best guitar player you’ve ever played with, Jimmy Page or Brian May?”. His answer, “Paul Kossoff.”.

[@selwynkatz519]

Yes indeed man!!!!!

[@garethwonham5622]

Massive Kossoff fan, but let’s be real for a minute

[@tasosdiaforetico7377]

All the guys are amazing, kossoff only reached 25yrs, so many players these day have sth too offer. No competition just art

[@selwynkatz519]

Paul Rogers always added All right now ..at a Bad Company concert.. in alegience!!!

[@portcullis5622]

@@garethwonham5622 Paul Rodgers plays several instruments, and after 50 years, knows a thing or two about music and musicians. It really depends how you define "best". If we are looking for feeling, emotion and soul, then Kossoff is in a league of his own. It is worth remembering that Page and May have had three times the lifespan of Paul Kossoff in which to practice and improve, or maybe to bore us all senseless (depending on one's taste).

[@davidburne9477]

In 1972 I spent 24 weeks in hospital with a badly fractured femur. I was in an ortho ward with 5 other young-ish blokes. When All Right Now came on the radio we would all turn our radios up flat out with the AM radio naturally distorting at high volumes. When THAT chord is hit it would reverberate throughout the whole floor of the Royal Adelaide Hospital. To this day, when I hear it I always crank the sound system for that part of the song.

[@billvallier3852]

Paul Kossoff was one of the best.

[@itallia666]

Awww there was no one like Koss I still listen to Free most days & never tire of hearing a brilliant band of musicians who were F R E E Koss was just so amazing & irreplaceable, never been another like him RIP Koss & Andy Fraser

[@robertleslie2467]

The Kossoff vibrato is legend. Makes the hair on the nape of your neck and arms stand up and gives you chills. You know it when you hear it. Poor man couldn't help himself.

[@davisworth5114]

Good job, very professional and sensitive looks at a fine young musician who died before he figured out his identity. RIP Paul Kossoff.

[@dpmedhurst]

Paul was wonderful. Gone from us far too soon and greatly missed and mourned. God bless and keep him.

[@penshaw2]

Paul Kossoff will never be forgotten. One of those elite guitar heros that knew exactly how to make the guitar come alive with feeling.

[@rodgerhall5640]

There are good and very guitar players but to make the hearers feel your passion and ability to melt the sounds together was no doubt Paul’s gift , sounded great , great ear

[@charlesgilliver522]

well said ;he was probably the best blues guitarist in the UK with the best vibrato .Even Clapton had to ask him how to get "that vibrato".Totally unique

[@Maldoror200]

✌️💀.., An EXCELLENT Episode.., THANK YOU, (on behalf of Kossoff🎸 fans everywhere..), You did a great job on this 👏 one..!!✨️

[@Blue_3rd]

He is definitely not forgotten in the guitar community 😃✌️

[@crackerjack3359]

I was lucky to see Free circa 1969 at an all nighter in Burton Pidsey and a few weeks later in a pub in Grimsby. Happy Days

[@Khem1kal]

In the early 80's Paul's Dad, David visited my school to hand out some of his books (he had written Bible stories, but made them appealing and accessible to children) and give a talk on the dangers of drugs. He spoke at length about Paul, and did impressions of how Paul acted when he was high. It was, at once, funny, poignant and moving. At the end of the talk, he played some of Paul's music. This was my introduction to 'Free' and I've never looked back. 'Fire and Water' inspired me to take up guitar, specifically (and probably a little strangely) the haunting outro to 'Heavy Load'....anyway, Free are still in heavy rotation, for me 40 or so years later - and i'm still trying to perfect that Kossoff tone. Just thought i'd share.

[@johngarbutt]

I have always been a huge fan of Free. Truly one of the best British bands of their day. Kossoff stands out as one of the greats for me and I would urge anyone who is not familiar with Free to go check them out. His stinging guitar and vibrato is unmatched by anyone for my money. Sadly he is long gone but the music he helped create lives on. RIP Paul.

[@sventextor1309]

Paul Kossoff...rightly belongs in the realm of Page...Clapton and Peter Green as one of the greatest British guitarists of all time.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Absolutely !

[@anthonyhudson3136]

not forgetting danny kirwan who was overlooked by people who raved about peter green

[@sventextor1309]

@@anthonyhudson3136 Nice Anthony... Danny is also a forgotten fretmaster could not agree more.

[@lsu1992]

Add Iommi, Murray, Smith, and Gilmour.

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

I've been listening to Atomic Rooster and Brand X. John Goodsall should be right up there with them.

[@michaelmiletta7644]

Paul and Tommy Bolin, both gone at 25. Sad, Sad, Sad!

[@Jeff-nk5lv]

Free was such a great band. For me, Paul Kossoff's playing on Come Together In The Morning is one of the most emotional recordings in rock music. It gives me goosebumps every time.

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

How many off the tracks did he play on on the heartbreaker album hope he was on travelling in style

[@donjohn2695]

@@DavidBroadley-tw7ks he played on heartbreaker wishing well seven angels and come together in the morning on the heartbreaker album due to his weakened condition due to drug addiction

[@richardbishop7392]

Great music kossoff and Paul Rodgers Bad Company...12/14/2023/Merry Christmas too Paul Rodgers & Family....Also Happy New Year 2024/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐& Simon Kirke Awesome Drummer!!!!!

[@philipbrackpool941]

I remember when he died the new musical express said whenever anyone tells you drugs are OK just remember Paul kossoff.

[@anonymousowl72]

One of the greatest vibratos at his touch.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

I’ve played guitar 48 years, but it’s surprising how little I know about the unsung hero’s like Paul K. Thanks again for all your research and presentations. I always liked PK because, as you mentioned, in so many words...he was a phrase player; not a shredder. I want the lead player to tell a story with his guitar; not play as many notes as possible, during a solo;)

[@blueheron5232]

Some musicians call it "serving the song." Others seem more into serving their own ego. You tell me who makes better music.

[@dnews9519]

I assure you I have never forgotten him. What an incredible player and what an incredible tone he could coax out of a Gibson Les Paul. Paul was amazing.

[@Kitski365]

For me, he was the master of FEELING, Come together in the morning, and love you so, to be played at my funeral,,

[@lassesuurmunne8340]

Kossoff is and will always be my all time favorite guitarist, nobody moves me like Koss. I love so many guitarists, but for me Koss could always just hit me in the heart deeper. And he was a genius, those inversion chords of his, it was so unique. And his control was that of a great singer, like Whitney Houston but on guitar. Koss played like a singer, like a damn fine singer too which is insanely difficult. I know he didn’t write too many songs completely by himself, mostly he had the ability to elevate mediocre songs into absolute gems 💎 once Koss played on them. But the songs he did completely write by himself were Hendrix level genius in my book. Moonshine for example played a big part in starting the stoner rock genre, Oh I Wept had genius beautiful chords and use of open strings, so much more going on than you might first think. Once you sit down to play those magical chords it blows your mind that someone wrote that. The simplicity is very deceiving, and Koss is one of the hardest players to try to play like. Then there’s his masterpiece Molten Gold, which is Hendrix level genius to me. And it’s just so sad. He only kept evolving, he was even better in Back Street Crawler, he was just in very bad health, but he kept evolving. Had he lived and stayed away from the drugs, had he not leaned on them I’m so sure we’d be talking about him today amongst all the biggest names. He really should be listed amongst all the biggest names in my book 🙏💙 great video! Very very well made and researched, you put a lot of care into this episode! 🙏🙏

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

You and me and molten gold are just ace

[@Maldoror200]

💀..heyy.., Sssuch a mooving👏eulogy😢!!..& bravo

[@bbqeatinbuckeye]

Good old Paul put some 'sting' in those strings. He would grab you by the heart and soul and take that tone all the way. Deeply missed and has my respect for raising the bar with his great playing. A rock and soul brother.

[@huskvarsm]

It still breaks my heart to this day….I was 15 when he died and in him found a guitar hero his passing was devastating to me and god he was still a baby for gods sake REST IN PEACE FREE AT LAST.

[@markmiwurdz202]

Thank you sir for this informative video on Paul Kossoff. You may already know this. Back in the last century I heard Paul Rodgers being interviewed and asked about PK. Paul Rodgers said that one time during a recording session PK was in an isolated area/booth to record a solo. I"m not sure how a recording studio works, but Paul Rodgers asked the engineer to let him hear what PK was playing on guitar. Paul Rodgers said that he could "hear Koss 'singing' along to his solo". PK had the solo in his mind and heart and poured it out into his hands and fingers. And somewhere in a Jewish cemetery in North London, on the headstone at the grave of Paul Kossoff is the inscription "All Right Now". It's such a shame that PK didn't live longer so he could have shared more of his music with the World. Paul Kossoff RIP.

[@JammyGit]

For my money, Paul Kossoff had the best Les Paul tone ever, and probably the best tone of any guitar full stop. Whenever I'm judging the tone of a Les Paul guitar, Kossoff's tone is the benchmark I refer to. His vibrato and bends are second to nobody's and his playing is probably the most difficult to emulate. His soulful playing on Be My Friend, and Heavy Load bring tears to my eyes, and just like Dave Gilmour, he's another prime example of not needing to play a hundred notes a minute because his phrasing serves every Free song perfectly. Back in the early 90s we had a covers band, but we were all such Free nerds that at least 6 of their songs were on our setlist....Alright Now, Mr Big, Wishing Well, I'm a Mover, Ride on a Pony, and Fire and Water. Sometimes we'd add I'll Be Creepin and Be My Friend to those, we may as well have been a Free tribute band 😆 It's a great shame that Koss left us too soon, and there isn't a bigger catalogue of his playing. But Forgotten Fretmaster? He never has been forgotten in my mind 👍

[@mikejohnson2638]

what about page.

[@ThePedroski007]

I would say his tone is second to peter green.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@@mikejohnson2638 Page had a range of Les Paul tones throughout his long career.

[@pretorious700]

Listen to Eric Johnson, then get back to me. Kossoff was working with gigantic Marshalls, it was less "tone" and more sustain.

[@mikegray8776]

Some harsh replies below, some of which which miss the point a little - because every listener has their own idea of what is good, or great or perfect. I’m with you - Koss for my money absolutely nailed it for sheer texture, touch and emotion. I loved the “woman” tone of Clapton in the Cream era, and also Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Martin Barre and later Mark Knopfler and Joe Bonamassa amongst many others. All had (or have), in their heyday, very much their own “signature” tone for many years. But for me, nothing quite hit the spot in the way Koss did, plugged directly into an Orange or Marshall with not a pedal in sight. Just beautiful.

[@dpmedhurst]

Thank you so much for this great and sympathetic tribute to Paul. He was truly gifted and is missed beyond words. R.I.P. Paul

[@robertjohnson3855]

It wasn't his guitar that mattered, it was his talent, learned and inherent within him, and his admiration of other masters of those around his time and the blues influences ewith great singer Paul Rogers, bassist Andy Fraser, and drummer Simon Kirk.

[@BrentAdams]

Paul Kossoff and Free. Still the BEST Blues Rock guitarist ever!

[@sherrythegypsysalzman7032]

Excellent! Very well done. Paul needs to be remembered. Thank you.

[@Strimbles]

I dated Paul's niece, who is also an amazing musician.

[@usmessenger3199]

PAUL K.WAS SO GOOD PURE MUSICIANSHIP AT IT,s BEST.GREAT GUITARIST,.RIP.PAUL YOU ARE FREE NOW 😎🎸🔊🎶☮️ BOB.

[@BarryPennock]

I haven’t forgotten him. A very unique style.

[@KittchenSink]

Oh god, this man was so so good. The Free Live album was recorded at the Locarno, my own home city in Sunderland UK, when I was six years old. It wasn't called that when I was a teenager, it was then called The Mecca. A bowling alley downstairs and Sunderland Mayfair, a huge two level nightclub upstairs. It was the only place in Sunderland that did Heavy Metal nights. They were on a Saturday from 8 til 2am. Then I'd stagger 4 miles back home completely pissed and happy. It was my entire existence as a youth. I simply lived for next Saturday there. Every metalhead from miles around went there. It was the only place they'd let us in with long hair denim and leather and a patched up cut off on. I've seen bands on here that probably wouldn't even remember they'd been there, from iron maiden to ac/dc to Ozzy. I only wish I was born a few years sooner then I would have definitely been in there when Free recorded their 1st live album. Kossoff was an astounding guitarist and I've always listened to Free when I was feeling sad somehow. They just sort of resonate with me that way. Here in England (not sure about the wider world), Kossoffs father was on national TV and went all around the country if I remember correctly, preaching the ills of drug misuse. He seemed to me like a truly humble guy, very sad. But he always burnt in my mind and even today when I hear Free or see the name Kossoff mentioned, I instantly think drugs and see his father in my mind on tv. I was a bit wild in my youth, always pissed and rockin, but I never touched drugs... ever!! Still rockin here at 56 though! Thank you for this upload, it took me back there a bit to some really good times. (Then made me bore the arse off everybody probably with my nostalgia, for which I apologise). But hey... keep rockin

[@limogerry]

Bored? Love it.

[@grahambell4310]

Two words. Mr Big. Free live solo wrenches out my soul tears it up and stomps on it. I saw him with John Martyn and a few times with Back Street Crawler. To those of you wondering about his tone... old Les Paul, heavy strings, hard picking and a strong left hand. Lead from the Les Paul directly into the Marshall Amps with 2 4x12s per amp. Simple. 🙃

[@markiszak]

Agreed mate. His Mr. Big solo on free live is one of the best guitar solos I have ever heard.

[@allankhand5571]

Time away , you can hear the cry from the guitar , that was the best solo from him. There no others can put the feelings on the guitar. Miss his tone .

[@tyyip1829]

Kossoff was the one who insisted to name the band "Free"; the record company had wanted to name them "Heavy Metal Kids"!

[@Tommydat1952]

Paul Kossoff had more feeling in one note than all the shredders put together!

[@brianorakpohit]

That quote from Paul Rodgers at the end gave me goosebumps. So heartfelt and eloquent.

[@bobito8997]

His vibrato was amazing and he played with so much soul. And that's what matters. It's not about how fast you are or how many tricks you can do, it's about whether and how you move people. And Paul Kossoff really moved people with his playing.

[@Noodles_5]

Yes, absolutly his vibrato is amazing. He is for me the best in this disciplin. So sad, that he died in the age of 25😢. Drugs are dangerous.....

[@nicknordman2125]

Free Live 1971 "Moonshine." Good players can all play fast. Only the greats can play slow. Masterclass on vibrato.

[@geoffreycarson2311]

HIS Vibrato!!!!! ICONIC STYLE GENIUS LEVEL PLAYING HEART & SOUL AS ONE !!!! 😍BRILLIANT 1970 ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL !!!!!So YOUNG and BLEW EVERYONE AWAY WHAT A PLAYER What A BAND !!!FREE FOREVER 😁an OLD LIMEY BIG FAN g

[@The58stupot]

Koss was a one off. A tone king with his LP. RIP sir.

[@wasp4eva1]

He was brilliant in his simplicity & tasteful choice of notes. I can't think of any guitarists that sound like him.

[@huskvarsm]

It’s no accident that Two of my heros are Gary moore and paul kossoff they both had great vibrato and both had super accurate string and tone bending skills among a miríad of other talents.

[@kennethkeen1234]

Both badly missed.

[@chriscampbell9191]

Mr. Kossoff lives on through his music. We all still can gain something from that.

[@DocJJohnson]

Miss Paul...

[@francisauletta9172]

Mr big solos live... so many different versions but all amazing . Kos was the bollox. And andy Fraser bass virtuoso battling back and forth with kos totally utterly fantastic. RIP both legends

[@factorylad5071]

Never forgotten driving white 3 tonners up in heaven knockin out godspeed.

[@exiledoldredhadlow7136]

Mr big my fave free track f##kin the B@llocks

[@davidevans2484]

Along with Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Tony McPhee, and Gary Moore - Paul Kossoff, thank you and RIP.

[@luiz6056]

Kossoff, the best ever.

[@journstyx]

Gone but not forgotten, just like Leslie West, Paul was a 'tone' master. Thanks for this great dedication to Paul Kossoff!

[@peonwarrior]

He’s an absolute legend, king of slow rock solos

[@martintucker2825]

I'm glad that you mentioned Paul Rogers, one of the greatest voices ever

[@dcrich19]

I found Free again a couple years ago and listen to them regularly now. Paul has become one of my all time favorite players!

[@rajindersjutlla6898]

It still pains me that such a gifted person left us so soon and at such a young age. They say that you can't help someone unless they want to be helped but I wish someone could have helped him when he was at his lowest :-(

[@jeffstewart7045]

Legend has it that the name "Heavy Metal Kids" was mooted, and refused (the name used for another Brit band fronted by Gary Holton). According to Paul Rodgers in the book "Heavy Load", Alexis Korner had previously had a short-lived band on his books called 'Free At Last' , and that name was shortened to "Free" ...

[@rogerwilliamson7161]

Paul Kossoff is a legend! Greetings from Germany!

[@KKTR3]

Double album pop Chronicle German album one of the best free ones compilation

[@robjones2408]

A gifted musician, whose life was blighted and destroyed by heroin. At his short-lived peak, Paul was brilliant. "The Stealer", "I'll Be Creepin" and "Mourning Sad Morning" captures him at his best. Remember Paul this way.

[@michaellongstaff4624]

Saw Free at the Redcar Jazz Club, great band. Remember all the faces he used to pull when playing!

[@stevekane4922]

Saw them live at Guildford civic Hall just after the Free album. Magic band. Unforgettable.

[@SLAYERSWINE1]

I am a big Free fan as well as Back Street Crawler. Paul Kossoff was a great guitarist for sure. Thanks for spotlighting him.👍✌️🤘😀🤘

[@UCS0608]

He's not forgotten by me. One of my heroes!!!

[@tago69mago]

Such a tragedy that someone with such a unique talent destroyed his life with drugs.Too many great musicians have gone the same way. The fact that we're still talking about him nearly 50 years after his death is small consolation. His playing is like nobody else and is instantly recognisable and thats a legacy in itself. Shine on Koss!

[@BenDover-uy9zg]

All Right Now, inspired meto pick up the guitar 50 some years ago. Still play today even though strokes and other health problems have seriously hindered my ability...

[@azbluesdog]

Kossoff's rhythm work with Free remains as inspiring as his lead playing.

[@johnryan3913]

What has always knocked me out about Kossoff is the pure expression of emotion, pain, longing, frustration, melancholy. Love the songs seemingly about him like My Brother Jake and the one that goes 'will you take the high road/will you take the low road/or take the fast road out of town/to get back home...' Thanks so much!

[@portcullis5622]

'Goodbye' from 'Free At Last'.

[@johnryan3913]

@@portcullis5622 exactly, thanks

[@alanrudge3282]

Great retrospective - I never saw free, but I saw Back Street Crawler in Newcastle in 1976. Kossoff's playing was awesome, but he was obviously in a bad way health-wise at that time - unable to string a sentence together - best and saddest concert ever...

[@reflectiononthesea9153]

Everyone knows Koss was the Boss - when you hear him rip that verbrato with a cleanish tone you know, like Trower and Beck - in a class of his own - his sound is in his hands . I learned guitar to Free, Stones etc - but Free are my all time fav band and Koss - to be fair sometimes erratic - just the best when he gets it right..

[@derekclacton]

Incredible that Koss was a teenager when they formed Free. A troubled soul and very talented musician.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

...and Andy Fraser was two years younger than Kossoff !

[@craigthomable]

Criminal underrating here of Highway. It’s a brilliant, brilliant record: dark, tragic even, its huge quality consistent across all 9 tracks. It’s more melodic than their previous work, perhaps explaining it being somewhat overlooked but for me it’s their very best work, especially the track “Ride on Pony,” containing an absolutely magisterial solo from Kossoff, absolutely marvellous in its simplicity and sparseness of notes. I loved in when I bought it in 1972, and love it still. In fact I. Ought remastered version only last week.

[@mountabrahamunionhs]

Good to see Paul's story getting some clicks!

[@PhilORourke]

What a superb video. Thanks . Paul was the vibrato king.

[@sixbladeknife44]

Thanks for this one…Paul could say more with one note than any other shredder could say with a thousand. Maybe cliche, but very true in this case.

[@mikep5393]

Excellent tribute. Few have led a life so short and left such a lasting legacy.

[@francomartini4328]

Fifty years on I still consider "All Right Now" to be the coolest single ever. It was also the first solo that I ever learned to play. (I used to play it all on one string.) In the 1972-73 era when I was getting into bands at school, I found guitar heroes such as Hendrix, Clapton, Page, Blackmore, etc., intimidating and at a level beyond anything that I could possibly aspire to. Where I found hope was with two guitarists who played melodic solos that I could learn by listening to them on my turntable, namely Paul Kossoff and Carlos Santana. For that I will always be grateful.

[@RusstafaB]

Saw Free several times and at the IOW. Great band they were incredibly popular way before All right now. One of my favourite shows I saw them at was The Farx club in Potters Bar. I wrote to Andy Fraser many years ago and he remembered that show as well. Great band, fond memories ringing around my brain

[@chrisshill5044]

He was a legend for sure!

[@j_freed]

Kossoff’s black Strat was sold in the newspaper. This became the famed, modified guitar of a fan named Dave Murray.

[@geraldmorgan2539]

Tragedy drugs did for him immensely talented musician listened to Free constantly in 70s

[@to-ly6mt]

One of my favorite songs of all time "Magic Ship" Total Les Paul sound!

[@mikegray8776]

Me too. Some of the fills and licks were just unreal in their delicate beauty.

[@jfrancese8859]

Molten Gold and Easy on my soul also notable

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

Great track little bit off love as well off free at last only about 2 mins 80 seconds but wat a track

[@marcusnolte7476]

all Free albums are amazing and never get old to me

[@Matt-uj6jm]

Forgot never 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@rctubs3593]

He had KILLER tone

[@Katerina9256]

Criminally underrated is exactly right. Such a shame that All Right Now is the only song most people know of Free. Paul Kossof was a master riff-maker!

[@Deano_77]

And.. it was Andy Fraser that came up with the riff...

[@Katerina9256]

@@Deano_77 I wasn't particularly talking about All Right Now but after checking I see Kossoff didn't co-write as much as I had previously thought. You're right, it was a lot of Rodgers/ Fraser. I know Kossoff co-wrote Mr Big though, amongst others. That one alone is an outstanding piece of work! Maybe I should just call him a riff master-- whether he wrote the riff or not he sure had a tremendous feel and technique combined that gave him that unique sound. Such a talent! ~~Katerina

[@BigSky1]

@@Katerina9256 Koss also wrote the riff to The Stealer and co wrote Oh I Wept and Moonshine with Rodgers.

[@jasfan8247]

Fire and water is covered a few times. Not big but Pepsie and Shirley😇. Boney M's Frank Farian😁. Far corp. Many more will follow. Offcourse Andy Fraser was the tunesmith. Made off with a few millionsellers after Free ...good docu!

[@jimherleva4541]

@itsabouttheEffinmusic keep in mind that a songwriting credit only usually went to somebody if they contributed to the lyrical content - not the music. Kossoff wrote boatloads of the riffs but by his own admission preferred to play to compliment the vocalist, not necessarily riffs and solos. That’s why he loved the album “Free At Last”.

[@sonnyblu6299]

I personally believe "Highway'" to be their best, and most soulful album. Paul Kossoff was my "Juke Box Hero"

[@vintagetone22]

Paul kossoff is a legend and will never be forgotten.🎸👍👍🙏🙏🙏

[@Rush-gz9sx]

Brilliant documentary. I've been a Free fan for decades and to say they were underrated is the absolute truth. Not only Koss but Rogers vocals.

[@stevehanham9266]

One of the greatest and most underrated guitarist of all time. I was lucky enough to Free when they were promoting the Tons of Sobs album. And a couple more times after that. Thanks for this great tribute. Cheers and regards from England. 😊😎🎸

[@gedmason6387]

Im gonna make you Jake coz youve got what it takes to give a whole lotta people some Soul. God bless Paul Kossoff❤

[@JerryCarr909]

I was lucky enough to see Free open up for Blind Faith in 1969 at Madison Square Garden. I was very close to the revolving stage. I can say for sure Paul was as great as Eric the day.

[@leebowens2631]

With the Black Cat Bone Paul really developed his tone !

[@UFOS4]

Completely agree that Free was seriously underrated. Thank you for this bit of history.

[@paulsalmon610]

thanks for this video, i met koss in a friend's flat in tottenham arournd 73/74 where he turned up out of the blue to jam with our mutual friend - i would have sworn that he had a battered looking goldtop, but it's a long time ago and after watching i'm guessing that it could have been a stripped or faded burst - he was one of the greats and his passing was a tragedy. to hear just how good he was listen to "molten gold" - sublime imo. again, thanks for this.

[@portcullis5622]

He certainly isn't forgotten by me. If anyone hasn't heard of Paul Kossoff, I would recommend they listen to the Free songs such as 'Oh I Wept', 'Be My Friend', 'Moonshine' (live) (beautiful guitar solos) and, best of all, the original 1973 version of 'Come Together in the Morning' from the 'Heartbreaker' album. The latter features some spine-tingling guitar. Still the most beautiful guitar solo I have ever heard. So much feeling and emotion. Some of his playing on the two Back Street Crawler albums is also stunning. For example 'Blue Soul', 'Just For You' and 'Leaves in the Wind'.

[@KKTR3]

👍

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

+1 for Come Together in the Morning from me. I first heard the album Heartbreaker when John Peel played it all on the radio. I was round a friends house as I recall and I would have been 14. I still have the much-treasured copy of Heartbreaker I bought later. On that solo, you can almost hear Paul crying for help. Very sad.

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

Never liked be my friend and they always played it live there was better tracks than that