Free was an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The band was famed for its sensational live shows and nonstop touring. However, early studio albums did not sell very well – until the release of "Fire and Water" which featured the massive hit "All Right Now". The song helped secure them a place at the huge Isle of Wight Festival 1970 where they played to 600,000 people. By the early 1970s, Free was one of the biggest-selling British blues rock groups; by the time the band dissolved in 1973, they had sold more than 20 million albums around the world and had played more than 700 arena and festival concerts. Rolling Stone has referred to the band as "British hard rock pioneers". (Read more at Wikipedia)
Free was one of the bands Peel championed during his Top Gear era. They emerged in 1969-70 on Island Records, when the label was developing its roster of rock artists (other Island artists who appeared around the same time and met with Peel's approval includedKing Crimson, Mott the Hoople and Jethro Tull). Free soon attained an underground reputation through gigging, radio (with sessions and plays on many Sounds of the Seventies shows hosted by DJs other than Peel) and TV appearances, and coverage in the British music press. Their melange of rock and blues was appreciated by the DJ, who featured their music extensively and booked them for three sessions and two Sunday Concert appearances. Peel followed their career until their demise in 1973 and, even after that, he still played the occasional track. Additionally, in 1975, their bass player Andy Fraser recorded a Peel session.
Three sessions. "Waiting on You" from #1, entire session #2 and "Trouble on Double Time", "I'll Be Creepin" and "Mouthful of Grass" from #3 officially released on "Live at the BBC" (Island Records – 9840662, 2006).
1. Recorded: 1968-07-15. First broadcast: 21 July 1968. No repeats.
Waiting On You / Walk in My Shadow / Moonshine / Free Me
2. Recorded: 1969-03-17. First broadcast: 23 March 1969. Repeated: 26 May 1969.
Broad Daylight / I'm A Mover / Song of Yesterday / Over The Green Hills
