Simon Kirke Advocates for Free’s Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Simon Kirke, the renowned drummer who recently celebrated his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bad Company, is not shy about expressing his belief that his earlier band, Free, deserves the same recognition. In a candid discussion with UCR’s Matt Wardlaw, Kirke shared his thoughts on Free’s omission from the Hall of Fame.
The Case for Free’s Induction
Kirke reflected on the longstanding question posed by fans: “Why isn’t Free inducted?” He admitted, “Quite honestly, I don’t know why.” His concern lies in the passage of time since Free’s active years from 1968 to 1973, which he fears may affect the band’s chances of induction. “The majority of the committee, the voting committee… you got to be in your 70s to remember Free,” he remarked, expressing a hope that the band won’t be forgotten.
To underscore his point, Kirke referenced the upcoming induction of Chubby Checker in 2025, highlighting that time does not always diminish an artist’s relevance in the Hall of Fame conversation.
A Look Back at Free’s Legacy
One of Free’s most iconic contributions to music is the hit single “All Right Now,” released in 1970. Kirke reminisced about the creation of this classic track during his conversation with Wardlaw. “The story is that ‘All Right Now’ came from a bad gig, and we needed a song that was up tempo and people could dance to,” he explained.
Capturing the Magic of “All Right Now”
Kirke and his bandmates recognized the special quality of “All Right Now” even as they recorded it. “The caliber of the song is measured by how many times you can play it without getting sick of it,” he noted. Their enthusiasm for the track remained high, despite the challenges they faced during recording sessions.
In an intriguing anecdote, Kirke shared that they finished the song around 1 AM at Island Records in London. Eager to share their creation, they woke Chris Blackwell, the CEO of Island Records, from his sleep to listen to the new track. “He came down… and said, ‘This better be good.’ And yeah, it was, it was great,” Kirke recalled, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the song.
Conclusion
As Simon Kirke continues to celebrate his recent honor with Bad Company, his advocacy for Free’s recognition in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame highlights the enduring legacy of the band. With timeless hits like “All Right Now,” Free’s impact on rock music is undeniable, and Kirke’s hopes for their induction reflect a desire to see their contributions acknowledged by future generations.
FAQs
Why hasn’t Free been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Simon Kirke has expressed uncertainty about Free’s omission, suggesting that the passage of time may affect the committee’s voting decisions.
What is Free’s most famous song?
Free’s most iconic track is “All Right Now,” released in 1970, which became a worldwide hit and is still celebrated today.
What was the inspiration behind “All Right Now”?
The song was created in response to a less-than-stellar performance, with the band seeking an upbeat track that would engage audiences and encourage dancing.
