Free-'Heartbreaker'-1973

[@sharontalley2155]

Paul Rodgers is the best rock/blues vocalist of all. Love this guy and love Free.

[@dianafab4096]

Paul Rodgers Is The Voice Of Rock&Roll! Simply The Best! Way Better Than Robert Plant! Free Are A Underrated Band!

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@jetviser]

Let's not leave out John Lennon.

[@chrisb1953]

Some claim for Freddie who was a great frontman and showman but PR had the voice.

[@Charles-km3ol]

Free is one of the best bands ever.

[@dianafab4096]

Simply The Best! Paul Rodgers Is Simply The Best Rock&Roll Singer! The Voice! And Free Are Underrated!

[@CliveAdlam-yn8uz]

​@@dianafab4096With respect, how are they underated? When well over50 years down the road we are still appreciating there unique sound .Make a new start .Respect.

[@dianafab4096]

I Love Free! I Just Think They Are Hardly Mentioned In General!

[@olly8]

Those of us who are fans of FREE remember! Many of those who know him- PR from Bad Co and with Queen are more from the following generations. We are just lucky enough to have lived longer. Paul Rogers will be remembered by ANY Gen who listens to him. UNFORGETTABLE!! Truly a Great singer ❤❤❤

[@taylorham9532]

@@CliveAdlam-yn8uzcause out of 100 people (randomly) who would know this group. i’d bet my ligaments it’s below 30% which would place them in the minority aka underrated

[@vintagetone22]

Kossoff was and still a monster rock guitarist ever .

[@kentzuchowski9989]

Paul Kossoff taken before his time. Unrealized Prime. Always to be remembered, never to be forgotten. His Vibrato echoes throughout eternity... A legend in his time... Well my Maker, must have been a HARD HEARTBREAKER.

[@stevedevinney4939]

Even after almost 50 years, this track still sounds great.

[@peterthrower9724]

First band I saw live in oct 69. I spoke to Koss as he was standing at the bar of the queens head in bp Auckland. It was a small back room maybe 200 ppl. Didn't know at the time who he was but 15 mins later I did !!. Fraser was maybe 16 !!, KOSS 18, kirke 19 and rodgers 2 mths off his 20 th birthday. God they blew me away. Played tracks off tons of sobs, and couple of new ones, I'll be creeping and woman as I remember. Favourite band ever I'm 68 yrs old now Saw bad company, many times, go to see Rodgers &kirke whenever they your. Followed them for over 50 yrs incredible.

[@jerzybecik1120]

The Free, no doubt the best blues-rock band in the history of the genre.

[@jpsmith9200]

Just Free my friend , they have never been The Free, just Free ;-)

[@cliffords2315]

Nobody can touch thier soulful blues sound, nobody close

[@donjohn2695]

I agree FREE was the greatest blues/ rock band of there generation and have never been bettered

[@dianafab4096]

​I 💘 Free! Free Are Way Better Than Led Zeppelin! Paul Rodgers Is The Greatest Rock&Roll Singer! Simply The Best!

[@khop9140]

Best British Blues band ever!!

[@timbraman2658]

nah that's Cream but this band has their own niche

[@alsleet442]

@@timbraman2658 Jack Bruce said CREAM was a jazz band they just didn't tell Eric

[@chrismack3327]

There is no second because 2nd place is so so far down the ladder! Screw Zeppelin or any other pretender. The throne belongs to the mighty FREE!!!

[@donjohn2695]

@@timbraman2658 free was better than cream free had a superior vocalist and a better guitarist

[@Melvinsfreak]

@@donjohn2695 Cream had the great Jack Bruce & Ginger Baker!

[@davisongavindavison9401]

Paul Kossof was an absolute monster on that Gibson. One of my all time favourite guitarists.

[@grumpyofleighuncle5665]

No-one ever played "Agony Les Paul" like Koss (as no-one ever played "Set That Strat Neck On Fire" Like Ritchie)...what a golden age.

[@michaelspastorius8177]

Paul Rodgers is still my all-time favorite lead vocalist.

[@walisabode9506]

Bad Company too...

[@govtom4]

Mine, too. Cheers from Texas.

[@johnpaton2851]

Almost 50 years later Paul Kossof still makes my heart ❤ brake.

[@garykcarpenter]

Thank you Paul,Paul,Andy and Simon. when i listen,i am free too. RIP Koss.

[@Oialca]

Juke Joint ahhh man

[@KimTebrok]

Gary Carpenter Free always until we die😰

[@wayneblanchard97]

Fantastic tune and performance. To clarify, Andy Fraser was gone from the band by the time the 'Heartbreaker' album was recorded. Tetsu Yamauchi took his place, and when Free disbanded, Tetsu took Ronnie Lane's spot in the Faces.

[@lirazel2001]

@@wayneblanchard97 thank you

[@noelvanniekerk6168]

I cannot do a roadtrip without FREE in my car. Traffic congestion becomes a great pleasure. FREE forever!!!!!

[@taepoongtkd]

One of my, if not my favourite tracks by Free, the sound Paul Kossoff gets from his Les Paul is amazing.

[@nickkatiforis9017]

They rarely bands like this anymore.. just magnificent.... shear class!

[@roconnor01]

When I hear this beautiful song, I get a little bit emotional because, their music meant everything to me when I was 16/17 years old. It brings back so many happy and some sad memories of the wonderful 1970's.

[@brennenlancashire2465]

roconnor01 I think that we all feel like that, I was in a biker gang in the 60s we used to listen to Free at full blast in the bars 🎤🎵🎶😎🤘🏼 I’m 68 now but like yourself still rocking 😎👍🏻

[@martinvann906]

With you all the way, I was 20 when this was released and knowing a little about Kossoff's demise it made me intensely sad. I love most of their tracks but this and be my friend resonate

[@harlownicoll914]

He'll yes. Just home from the Vietnam War it touched my soul and never left it....

[@mikejackson3885]

We are all blessed to have this stunning band and their music to listen to.

[@GinjaNinja01]

Classic, classy...rock/blues...there was a lot that wasn't great about growing up in the 60's, 70's but the soundtrack...was flawless.

[@johnknottenbelt2727]

What a brilliant hand they were & will remain. Blues straight from the core of their souls, bled from their hearts. Often without equal, never without the true spirit to say it as it is. They remain one of my most loved Brit Blues exponents, from 'Tons of Sobs', a great title for a Blues explosion blast off, with their average age, still 'teenagers' & what collective talent. Some may pass away, but never actually depart. ❤ Much like their legacy 🎉😊

[@andrekuhr8036]

Paul Kossoff man love yur style REST IN PEACE to BROTHER. 💓💓💓.

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@peterluundgren36]

The guitar solo in the middle is a great example of how not being flashy but making every note count is the way to do it.

[@yvore1]

YOU 'RE SO RIGHT PETER

[@KayZee1957]

@@yvore1 The whole band was an example of this. In the pantheon of the gods of "simple" drummers. Ringo, Watts, Doug Clifford, Levon Helm et. al, Simon Kirke lives on Mt. Olympus.

[@SpeedKingHighwayStar]

In fact Wendell Richardson did NOT "play on the record" as incorrectly stated by the uploader. Wendell-Richardson was only hired for the tour. It was Snuffy Walden that played on parts of the Heartbreaker album, although Kossoff did play on most of the tracks including the Heartbreaker title track.

[@wayneblanchard97]

@@SpeedKingHighwayStar Yes, Walden played on 'Easy On My Soul', with Kossoff getting credited with all the rest except 'Muddy Water' and 'Wishing Well'. I've always wondered about the the later, as it was a band writing effort and has that wicked solo. So who played that? Was it Rodgers? He has a general credit for acoustic and electric guitars? Overall this is a killer album with some tremendously effective albeit minimal playing from players who understood the power of less is more.

[@antimimoniakos]

@@KayZee1957 Jupiter is Keith Moon.

[@Jehannesman]

Most remarkable about the birth of Free was the young age of the band members who came together to rehearse and play their first gig on the evening of 19 April 1968 at the Nag's Head pub, which was at the junction of York Road and Lavender Road in Battersea, London.[10] Bass player Andy Fraser was 15 years old, lead guitarist Paul Kossoff was 17, and both lead singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke were 18.

[@leond4994]

Most remarkable about the birth of Free

[@johnriley7088]

Thanks Richard. That's awesome! !!

[@thebigcountryjesus]

Most remarkable

[@PhilDanielsStorr]

And curiously, Andy Fraser was the most experienced of the four

[@675268]

@@PhilDanielsStorr Yes I saw Andy with John Mayall Bluesbreakers. He was not quite 15 years old then.

[@henkpaulich1545]

The best time in my life, 15 till 21................Hippie time.............

[@randystallard8079]

I hear ya my friend ~ The best of times for me too, indeed ~ I grew up in Kent Ohio, and at that time Joe Walsh & The James Gang were just gettin' cranked up and playing at a small bar in downtown Kent called JB'S ~ still there to this day ~ anyway, I was young but used to go in for a few minutes at a time and stand right in front of Joe Walsh playin' away on that little grungy, dirty stage, utterly amazing ~ elbow to elbow hippie heaven, reefer and cigarette smoke filled the air ~ then someone would notice me and point towards the door ~ exit~ stage left ~ And the music of Free was, and still is, to me, some of the very best ever composed ~ Great "daze" indeed ~ Peace Henk Paulich ~ ✌

[@raygarcia4468]

When I think of hippies I think of dirty human beings Today we call them bums or homeless 😲

[@kennethkeen1234]

@@raygarcia4468 who the fuck is "we"?

[@robertshaefer7760]

I remember Paul Kossoff being blown away when he was approached by Clapton and asked how he achieved the sustain he had!!! Quite a complement.

[@johnkelly2663]

Koss answer= you're kidding me, right. 👍

[@guyseabrook3735]

The last thing Kossoff needs is anyone's compliment. This cat is otherworldly.

[@geoffreycarson2311]

NUFF SAID !!!PAUL WAS THE BOLLOX 😁g

[@donjohn2695]

Paul had alot of issues with his confidence he never believed he was as good as alot of the great guitarist's of his era

[@ottowes]

Free, Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, truly gods amongst mere mortals.

[@floydzepplin1218]

Nailed it!!!!

[@robertphelps1574]

And Peter Green

[@chrisfamoo5729]

Agree. Rory could wipe the floor with "The so called greatest guitarist ". Damn shame Kossoff died so young. He was a incredible guitarist with lots of tone and soul.

[@spmoran4703]

That's the truth.

[@ronalda.saname396]

@@chrisfamoo5729 Gary Moore, best guitarist to ever come out of Ireland, no mistake, the best guitarist born on this planet.

[@shawnoneill7274]

When rock and roll rocked!!! Paul Rogers is one of the greatest front men!

[@carloseugeniocarlos4287]

Rodgers have a incredible powerful voice! Paul kossof is a awesome guitarrist! R.ip Paul(1950-1976)!

[@diverdrag]

Woooowww , the sweetest voice, the most emotional guitars solo.. hats off.

[@arthurblackhistoric]

This song, with its soaring melodic composition, stands as a testament to the creativity of Free. In just four years they matured unbelievably, much like the Beatles had done before them. The power of the suspended fourth chord to finish off a line is exploited to the max here to incredible effect. The whole Heartbreaker album is fantastic. Common Mortal Man makes my hair stand up as well, even after all these decades!

[@guyperry4010]

Gorgeous. Brilliant. Loved it for 43 years.

[@TheGrabsplatter]

Thanks Guy!!

[@BogusawRutkowskiBodzio]

It is wonderful to rediscover the music of his youth.

[@markdignam3525]

Yeah, the Heartbreaker album has been one of my favs of all time for 40 odd years. I was in high school when it was released. Even learned to play some of the songs on this album.

[@LAURAMOONSHADOW]

43 years here too...bloody fantastic band. Got me started down the right road musically!

[@user-Aleks-Gush]

44 years. =)

[@gammarays666]

Now Imagine if Paul Kossoff is still alive today, and imagine the simple yet full of feels guitar solo.

[@RichardBond-dn2fi]

Snuffy Weldon

[@jimpardoen7794]

This song had a tremendous impact when I was 20. I still play their music and it never lost its power and sincerity. Iconic band. Most underrated.

[@kevinkurtz4194]

these are the true rockers, great band, will never be another like um

[@pammy3514]

Well Bad Company still has Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirk the lead singer and drummer fro Free

[@edwardkane149]

Best band of the '70s. Cream killers. Nobody could touch them.

[@ЄвгенФаддєєв]

The best comment!

[@taepoongtkd]

This is undoubtedly one of my favourite Free tracks, especially the lead guitar solo in it, RIP Paul Kossoff you are greatly missed by those that love and know the true sound of rock.

[@roytaylor6559]

I have to ask. I am aware not everybody has the same taste in music, but how can anyone give this band a thumbs down!!!

[@tonyfarina6775]

My favorite , heart and soul, how about that singer, still sounds fabulous

[@marygaleac]

Fantastic pics of a legendary band and what music we as teenager grew up with in the early ‘70s. Sabbath Zep Purple Humble Pie the list goes on. If only there was a Time Machine. Kids today have no idea!

[@curtismoff]

Make said time machine turn us back to 20 as well. Not much use going back 55 years old now is there? Lord knows I'd stay there do this life thing over again maybe get it right lol

[@ramonalujan5889]

Alvin Lee TYA

[@Katsem]

That band was one of the best ever.

[@frankstecker3198]

The Best Rock Band forever..😎

[@angelea2184]

Loved this band in my early to mid teens, Played it constantly. Paul Rogers' voice is one of the best in rock history, in my opinion, and he's still singing. One of those bands that evokes all the emotions of being engulfed in something new and seductive. A world all it's own.

[@hardstuff57]

First LP I went and bought after resuming an analog hifi system recently. My original, bought when it was first released, was long gone, given away when I got swept up in the beginnings of the digital revolution. I was overjoyed to find an original pressing in an used record store. I’m 62 now, and the dark music of this bleak album followed me and helped define my growing up years. What a ride. Thank you, Free.

[@fabioseibezzi631]

Do not make any comparison ,this Is really a masterpiece.

[@francisseow1554]

Best blues band ever Unique absolutely soothing play it again Paul

[@steveo2165]

Big regret to never see Free play , I saw Bad Co, Back Street Crawler and Kossoff Kirk,Tetsu and Rabbit and later Paul Rodgers projects

[@bmphil3400]

Sorry.....but Free was way better than Bad Company.....more grit, more edge, more inventive, darker.....just better....more hungry sound.

[@christopherarnett2851]

1:41 1:48 you got that right 😊 Free is Better than Bad Company.

[@edmcglinn9027]

I love both but Free has that edge. More raw, more of that First band to do this.

[@carrie82853]

Free - unsurpassable, the real deal ❤

[@nashobasipokni3628]

KOSS.

[@lanemendenhall7664]

I agree, I just wish we had more to listen to

[@railwaystationmaster]

One of my biggest regrets in this life , that i never saw these boys L I V E , clearly missed a real treat , even though by the time of this recording , that only surfaced on the excellent compilation THE FREE STORY , the band were in their final stages of existance , RIP KOSS

[@Declare57]

Mac man, I saw them play in support for this album in New Orleans at the Loyola Field House on a double bill with Stevie Winwood but the memory is creased and faded like and old Polaroid...but I remember the feeling, the soaring freedom high it brought into my young life. Rabbit Bundrick, a short Japanese bassist and the three original Free members. So glad I caught that butterfly moment. I can't believe I was there!!!

[@judithclinton7730]

One of the best rock singer ever along with Paul and john

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@johnkomosa4089]

When I was a very little boy. I heard these sounds this band and I heard my older brothers and sisters talk about this band and it shaped my music to the foundational level. To this day, a strong influence in my song writing and my creative juices come from those early days and the music of Free, Legendary.

[@jax1moi8]

Forty years on and it's still great!

[@richj011]

Why would it sound anything less than great? Does Mozart?

[@billmorris1670]

Fantastic band much underrated

[@timkirkpatrick7888]

Paul Kossoff gone way too young , one of the best guitars ever !!

[@ronalda.saname396]

Yes, Yes and YES. A true genius.

[@maryhayes3177]

His dad was an actor in the UK and read bible stories on a Sunday night on TV. When Paul died he said the drug-takers didn't bother him so much - he was after the pushers and he became a prominent figure in the war against drugs

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

Fucking drugs I hate them 25 gone

[@matsellah]

Kossoff was amazing.

[@zepgirl6489]

Love, love, love.......that soulful sound is like no other! Thank you Free for all of your music, never tire of listening.

[@frankstecker5675]

Great FREE.. vinil...great song....the best britischen Band all time...rock on..

[@stapleton6]

I went to see Paul Kossoff in Back Street Crawler in June 1975, Southend Kursaal, UK. I managed to get right near the stage and watched his every move. Brilliant guitarist, he was dead within the year.

[@timmmyj]

Glad to have grown up listening Free, cheers dad!

[@gregwilliams4201]

Paul Koss a pure guitar player not many out there these days RIP KOSS

[@kissandra]

One of my favorite Free songs. May be my favorite. Free is one of about seven bands and artists that I feel shouldn't be covered. No one does Free songs better than Free or even comes close.

[@kennethkeen1234]

Sadly no one has ever equaled Koss.

[@martintaper7997]

Everything just fits together perfectly in this song.

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Best band I never saw live!

[@geoffreycarson2311]

YOU AINT WRONG brother 😁g

[@RobCole-c8x]

Had the privilidge to see Free live at 'Mothers' Erdington, Brum. Never forget.

[@summer18ca]

Ritchie Blackmore said in an interview that he got inspired by this song when he composed his song Mistreated.

[@thomasfallaeriksen5646]

The guitar parts in the chorus of Tearin' out my heart (from Straight between the eyes) is also very similar to the riff in Heartbreaker.

[@paulfuller8985]

Exactly right . The difference is that Rogers is a much better singer than Coverdale. Think if Paul Rgers had sung "Mistreated "

[@chrisb1953]

I can believe that. The resources of youtube have uncovered a lot of Blackmore's other "inspirations" from the oddest sources. For starters try Ricky Nelson's "Summertime" or War Pig's "Rockstar".

[@paulfuller8985]

Hi Chris . Yes , Paul Rogers was Ritchie's fave singer . When Gillan quit Deep Purple in 1973 RB wanted Paul Rogers to join Deep Purple . Free and Purple had toured together , so they were "friends ". Anyway , the Rogers with Purple thing did not work out . Rogers formed Bad Co. and Purple got Coverdale and Glenn Hughes . In my opinion , and I must stress that I don't want to piss anyone off , of the three , Rogers has the best voice , Hughes a close second and Coverdale a very distant third .That is just my choice . Anyway " Heartbreaker " is one of the best Free songs ever. On the record ( pun intended ) the guitar on the record is Paul Kossoff . Maybe Paul Rogers did some overdubs . Tetsu ( bass ) and Rabbit ( keyboards ) were bona fide members of the band , not session players . Wendle Richardson only played live on their last British tour . To my knowledge , he never recorded in the studio with Free. He is not on the "Heartbreaker " album. Yes , the argument is , and has been concluded I hope , that "Heartbreaker " influenced Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple to compose "Mistreated " with lyrics by David Coverdale . Amen

[@miguelbarahona6636]

IMHO the version of Mistreated in Rainbow On Stage is simply the best.

[@sometimeworld1]

One of those heavy, bleak records that really struck a chord with me in my youth and have stayed with me throughout the intervening years. Timeless.

[@thetruth156real3]

I couldn’t regret seeing Free, I wasn’t old enough, if they had carried on from this album they would have been a true super group.

[@stevenprice6957]

How bloody good is that. 1973 rocking blues with Mr Rogers doing what he does best. Love it 👌

[@darrenlloyd9303]

Free untouchable band 70s best rock .free was on a magical journey sad that things at to end that way that's rock and roll for you long live Rogers

[@larryklawiter9168]

What a glorious noise these young lads made. Thanks boys, from my younger self, and from this old guy almost 50 years on.

[@allanmacbadger5692]

Fraser, Kirke, Kossoff and Rogers were the sound of my mid teens.

[@Redgiraffe1965]

Best Free song of all time.

[@saundrahillinger1951]

I remember them then. I graduated at 17 yrs old in 1973. Great times back then and great music!

[@ianmcnaught9119]

My favourite band growing up. Got tickets to see them at the Greens Playhouse in Glasgow 1972. Couldn't go as I broke my arm the day before the gig. Never got to see them live as they broke up not long after. Saw Rodgers & Kirke with Bad Co, Kossoff with Back Street Crawler & Andy Fraser's Sharks. All brilliant bands & musicians.

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

From Glesga live in shef now seen mott in 73 at the apollo mick Ralph's bad co was playing but everybody was going on about queen and the rest is history but mick went on to history with bad co and free s Paul Rodgers but if u aske d Paul who's the greatest guitarist he wud say Mr kossoff every time

[@tinchurch]

music of the gods!!!

[@TheGrabsplatter]

Amen Brother!

[@miken2213]

bro do u have the info on the tabs for this badass tune? it would be appreciated or where to find it? for guitar I play also, thank you very much.

[@StephenSmall-sf5um]

Well said they have shaped my music life for the last 50yrs

[@timothygrayson]

The raw talent of Paul Kossof was tangible. Emotional guitarist of magnitude what a perfect band.

[@rambamboom]

My Favorite band & favorite song they ever did.

[@Filmpilot]

When I listen to free, so does the entire block and I flat don’t care.

[@kenmillwall1885]

Thats the way it should be everyone needs to listen to Free

[@kennethkeen1234]

@@kenmillwall1885 People from far away came out to see what was going on when I played Free at full blast a few days ago. Soldier Boy from Bracknell came up after Child and they looked down at me accusing, but i let it howl on. Later I heard it was illegal to play ANY loud music where I am now. I went fishing a day or two later at the harbour, yesterday I heard that fishing is also illegal with a big fine. I'm taking my Les Paul and amp down to the cliffs to play to the Atlantic before the end of the week. Who's gonna stop me? 2021 02 17

[@keithholt9350]

Fantastic Band Free were.their music is stunning

[@graemeyetts3465]

Just sublime, then and now.

[@mojojojojuniper6122]

FREE till I die and beyond💘💘💘

[@Seansaighdeoir]

Phenomenal for a band to be able to create such a rich sound from 3 distinct instrumentalists. Rogers was I think the greatest soulful blues vocalist equall of Marriott and Terry Reid and probably in terms of Free the greater. The average age of the band at its peak was under 20 which sums up the talent and creativity which has really gone under the radar. In terms of achievement fantastic especially at such a young age. Has survived the test of time says it all.

[@harrykiatjananto1449]

After doing my GCE O'level exam. ...went home did a joint n this was the band...Free...

[@alanscott7798]

Kossoff - bloody amazing.

[@learner2020]

Grew up on a heavy dose of Free. Comparatively Bad Company was merely a commercial vehicle whereas Free was an artistic endeavor.

[@benblenkiron3837]

You nailed it

[@arlenespencer7196]

THat "commercial vehicle" made tons of money which equaled a long career

[@stratmagic6893]

When Bad Company got together they had no idea they would be that big.They were a Different band with new songwriters in the mix. Comparing them is foolish and attributing art to one and commercialism to another is missing the fact that the market controls success . Some bands are just more fortunate than others. I love both bands.

[@stevetobin7495]

Just glad we had both.

[@genepharo7549]

Best description ever.. of my second fav band. only behind Gilmore and Pink Floyd.

[@ke6319]

I really regret I discovered this gem that late in my life. It's perfect for driving at night. I wish I could put on a helmet and ride a highway , just me, the road, and this

[@floydzepplin1218]

Kossoff, Top 10 all time greatest IMO

[@mixaliskokkinos1496]

MY FAVORITE SOUND DRUM SET (RAINBOW 1st,STEPPENWOLF?,ect..GREETINGS FROM GREECE "SOUL FOOD"ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΟΚΚΙΝΟΣ

[@Jehannesman]

Paul Kossoff and Simon Kirke first became friends in the R&B band Black Cat Bones but they wanted to move on. Paul Kossoff saw vocalist Paul Rodgers singing with Brown Sugar while visiting the Fickle Pickle, an R&B club in London's Finsbury Park. He was immediately impressed and asked if he could jam with Rodgers onstage. Along with Kirke, they began the search for a fourth member. Alexis Korner recommended Andy Fraser to the band, who at the age of 15 had already been playing with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Korner also provided the name "Free" the newly formed band

[@jeffstewart7045]

Apparently Chris Blackwell of Island Records wanted to call them 'The Heavy Metal Kids', but he was told to 'F**k Off' by Paul Rodgers; the band wanted to be called 'Free at Last', and Alexis Korner persuaded then to shorten it to 'Free' ...

[@KebabMusicLtd]

The Highway Album remains my favourite of theirs... Ride On Pony, Love You So, and the immaculate 'Soon I Will Be Gone' just a few examples of the strength of that album

[@Jehannesman]

Most remarkable about the birth of Free is that NME, fail to list them in the Top 50, but let in secondary acts like The White Stripes, The Flaming Lips, etc; while some of these influence their decade it's the past they are built on and in Free you can hear some of the bands that came after them

[@clipicslee1872]

+Richard Leslie Wise Jack white has quoted not just free but Koss himself as having a major effect on him whilst learning to play and yes it does show NME is a crock as they are all about "Trendy" and rarely acknowledge the reality

[@leond4994]

Most remarkable about the birth of Free

[@robharding5345]

Free ! Great band, few bands could match their talent.

[@VijayKumar-xg7cf]

Classic... My God! Still stands there after all these years.

[@KimTebrok]

One of the finest bands of all time, just an opinion from a rock fan.

[@mikeengland8449]

It doesn't get better than this. And it never will.

[@jackdefoy2319]

what a swan you cannot leave out the artists who made this album such a heartbreaker to begin with everybody made this work they hard too brilliant album my all time fave koss I just wish you could have beat the dragon one more time

[@magiccat4316]

Some lovely keyboards behind the last truly great Kossoff guitar. Showed a direction that Free weren't able to follow.

[@johnfleming3535]

This song is raw and stripped down to most primal images, what blues based rock should be. Free was too short, at least we had Paul Rodgers carry the mantle

[@elsalisa146]

Don’t forget about Simon Kirke. They’ve been together forever.

[@Forsaken1s]

The most addictive music that I have on my iPOD - can't stop...oh yea-he-ya

[@danfromhobart]

I never knew of this song's existence before Joe Bonamassa covered it on " Dust Bowl" The original is phenomenal as well!!!

[@akammak6062]

thank you so much, this is my favorite song, in 1973 I was 17 years old, but I still love it. thanx!!!

[@miken2213]

im sitting here at 230am tonite and I never heard this song before'' and im a free fan , I just kicked junk after battling it for 28 years and I was smoking a cigarette and I shit u not the ash flew off it when the part says my house is on fire and I cant reach the door, if im lying god strike me dead'' weeeeew' just got chills down my spine, please don't ever pick it up anybody''

[@VarunStream]

I'd swap Free for any band alive today.

[@gilesglossop5071]

Too right. Greatest band ever (followed by Little Feat)

[@675268]

I would swap any band alive today for free.

[@m42tyn]

Oh yes definitely. What an amazing sound. My favourite band. I have a numbered copy of the Free Story (within the first 40,000 a treasured possession).

[@jpsmith9200]

@@m42tyn Oddly enough when it was originally released they limited it to 10,000 copies , i was ill at the time so my dear old Mum went to the record shop and ordered it, i got it 3 weeks later !

[@waynethera2712]

THE OUTLAW, check out Free’s song Woman and then Skynyrd’s Cheatin’ Woman. So similarly funky. Not hard to see why Free was Ronnie’s favourite band.