Free Forever
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
In celebrating one the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s most influential bands, Eaglerock again digs deep within the vaults to release a two-disk DVD set of the blues-rock band Free. Although their career only lasted from ’68 to ’73, Free became one of the biggest-selling British rock groups of the time period. The music of Free was built around the guitar work of Paul Kossoff, Paul Rodger’s soulful voice and the foundational groove of bassist Andy Fraser and drummer Simon Kirke.
Gathered here on the two-disk DVD set are archival video footage and interviews of the band. DVD one features live performances from the Beat Club in Germany and UK’s Granada TV, as well as performance videos of the band. DVD two features the complete audio performance of the band from the appearance at 1970s Isle of Wright music festival. Additional filmed footage of this concert features the songs “Be My Friend,” “Mr. Big,” and “All Right Now.”
The DVD set also features in-depth interviews with the surviving members of Free. With Kossoff’s passing in ’76, his brother is interviewed in his place. Plenty of treasures are unearthed as memorabilia from the band’s past is shown. The packaging is slick, having a vintage feel of holding a newly released album of the ‘70s in hand.
After Free disbanded, both Rodgers and Kirke moved on to form Bad Company, which was managed by the legendary Peter Grant, manager of Led Zeppelin. Fraser went on his own way taking a stab at various musical projects over the years.
In the band’s short career, they sold 20 millions records and performed more than 700 arena and festival concerts. Their most famous hit “All Right Now,” is a radio staple. Free Forever shines the light on this influential British band and pays homage by showcasing them in the gathered concert film footage and interviews.
Label: Eaglerock
Band:
Paul Rodgers (v)
Paul Kossoff (g)
Andy Fraser (b)
Simon Kirke (d)
Track Listing:
Disc 1:
Beat Club – Germany, 1970
1. Mr. Big
2. Fire and Water
3. All Right Now
Doin’ Their Thing – Granada TV, July 1970
4. Ride On Pony
5. Mr. Big
6. Songs of Yesterday
7. I’ll Be Creepin’
8. All Right Now
Original Videos
9. All Right Now
10. The Stealer
11. My Brother Jake
12. Love You So
13. Wishing Well
Disc 2:
Isle of Wight Audio 1970
1. Ride On Pony
2. Woman
3. The Stealer
4. Be My Friend
5. Mr. Big
6. Fire and Water
7. I’m A Mover
8. The Hunter
9. All Right Now
10. Crossroads
Isle of Wight Videos:
1. Be My Friend
2. Mr. Big
3. All Right Now
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10