Author:David Roberts
The post by our very own Niall B alerted me to this excellent book on the story of Free and Bad Company, covering also Paul Rodgers solo work and his short lived collaboration with Jimmy Page, The Firm. The story is recounted through the recollections of fans, friends, fellow musicians, journalists, producers and promoters with of course contributions from over the years by the band members. For me, the first part of the book, covering the formation and rise and fall of Free is the most compelling section, with lots of schoolday and adolescent memories from their contemporaries. Free must rank as one of the greatest British bands with their bluesy rock sound showcasing Rodgers untouchable vocals and Kossoff’s emotive guitar work. Bad Company picked up where Free left off, particularly on their first two albums, but they were always more of a straight ahead rock band powered by Mick Ralphs’ playing and song writing. Personally, I feel they began to lose their way with the Burnin’ Sky album, by which time they were focusing more and more on the lucrative US market, and it was downhill from there as subsequent releases became much more predictable and, dare I say it, rather bland in their sound. However, in their heyday they were more than capable of giving any band around a run for their money. This is a beautifully presented book, produced on high quality paper with lots of great photographs and some fascinating insights and reminiscences. Compiling it was obviously a labour of love, and that really shines through in the finished product, which is a real treat for fans of these bands.
Length of Read:Medium
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
The music of Free and Bad Company – dig out those old albums and remind yourself just how good these two bands could be.
One thing you’ve learned
All good things come to an end.
I thought a response to international CAPS LOCKDOWN/wombat/random/stuttering day as apt here as anywhere else. Mr Rodgers may not have his CAP LOCKED DOWN, but we know his “hair” is.
😂😂😂👍👍👍
They didn’t travel far from home did they. Not sure a journey was involved, maybe moving next door.
I like both bands though.
The Firm – there was a band that passed me by. Was full on into African reggae and funk around then but ,on paper, a great band.
I read how they refused to play their respective bands material. That strikes me as a shame. I’d have been quite interested to hear Jimmy’s guitar slant on Free /Bad Company songs and similarly Rodgers with the LZ catalogue.