Free

Free were an English rock band formed in London in 1968, active during the era that produced hard rock and early blues rock. The classic lineup featured vocalist Paul Rodgers, guitarist Paul Kossoff, bassist Andy Fraser, and drummer Simon Kirke, and the band became best known for their 1970 hit «All Right Now», a song that helped define the blues-rock sound of the period with its stripped-down riff and Rodgers' powerful voice.

Beyond their signature hit, Free built a catalog marked by tight, soulful arrangements and a restrained, groove-based approach that stood apart from the more elaborate rock productions of the time. Songs like «Wishing Well», «Fire and Water», and «Mr. Big» showcased Kossoff's expressive guitar playing alongside Fraser's melodic basslines, giving the band a distinctive sound rooted in blues but leaning toward straightforward rock songwriting.

The band disbanded in 1973 after internal tensions and Kossoff's struggles with substance abuse. Rodgers and Kirke went on to form Bad Company, one of the defining hard rock acts of the mid-1970s, while Kossoff started Back Street Crawler before his death in 1976 at age 25. Fraser later formed Sharks. Free's legacy endures largely through «All Right Now», which remains a staple of classic rock radio.