Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #149

Free Appreciation Society

Magazine Issue #149

December 2019 

Free - 'Songs From Yesterday Pt. 2'

From April 1969 to the release of 'Free' in October and up to Christmas 1969

The final Extra Large 56 Page full colour issue covering the complete history of the band from April 1969 to the end of December 1969.

This edition includes all the release information for the second album. UK, USA, Germany, France, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Japan and others. Details on first issues, first pressings, matrix numbers and more. LPs, singles, CDs, cassette and 8-track. All fully illustrated. Also the day to day diary.  Where they were and what they were doing April 1969 - December 1969. Gig ads, gig posters, contracts, set lists and more.

This is the Final part of our 'Free (No. 2)' trilogy and covers the band from the release of 'Tons Of Sobs', through the release of 'Free', and on to the end of 1969.

The most in depth look at this period of the FREE history EVER. This ends a trio of issues that look at this specific phase of the band evolution over #147, #148 and #149.

56 packed colour pages. Get it now!!

Posted out to subscribers yesterday. Happy Christmas!!

  

Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #148

Free Appreciation Society

Magazine Issue #148

December 2019 

Free - 'The Pictorial Scrapbook - 1969'

I have literally just taken these to the post office, so subscription issues are on their way.

Extra Large 56 Page full issue featuring photographs and press / gig ads for the April 1969 - December 1969 period. Over 70 photographs of FREE, 19 full page, covering the band in the studio, on stage and off. Scores of these photographs and adverts are unseen for decades, many are also previously unpublished.

The most in depth look at this period of the FREE history EVER. This is the second in a trio of issues that look at this specific phase of the band evolution over #147, #148 and #149.

56 packed pages. Available now!!

 

 

Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #147

Free Appreciation Society

Magazine Issue #147

November/December 2019 

Free - 'Songs From Yesterday Pt. 1'

From April 1969 to the release of 'Free' in October and up to Christmas 1969'

Extra Large 56 Page full colour issue covering the complete history of the band from April 1969 to the end of December 1969. This edition is the first part of our 'Free (No. 2)' trilogy and covers the band from the release of 'Tons Of Sobs', through the release of 'Free', and on to the end of 1969.

Exclusive 4 page introduction to this issue by our own Simon Kirke.

So, this magazine covers April 1969 - December 1969.

This includes the recording of the 'I'll Be Creeping' single (with the 'g'), the sessions for the second album tape by tape, the first trip abroad (to Paris), the Blind Faith American Tour, the Isle Of Wight Festival 1969, radio sessions, live recordings and more. All enhanced with lots of media and photographs from the period including press releases, reviews, tour ads, and gig posters, many never seen before.

The most in depth look at this period of the FREE history EVER. This begins a trio of issues that look at this specific phase of the band evolution over #147, #148 and #149.

  

 56 packed colour pages. Get it now!!

Bad Company 2020 Desolation Angels Expanded.

Seems Rhino have finally announced this. It was actually pretty much ready to go in May/June (2019) but it was held back for some reason. Quite funny really as it now gets a 41st anniversary re-issue, not 40th. But at least it is coming out. Available in January it is released as a 2CD, 2LP and digital download. The vinyl is 180g and all the others have been great quality, so this will be no exception. Compiled by Hugh Gilmour and myself, I also did the sleeve notes. Never my favourite Bad Company album, but it has expanded very well and there is some nice 'bonus' material on this new set.

The press release is below with the CD track listing. Interestingly it notes  "Desolation Angels was recently remastered from the original multi-track tapes" when it fact no multi-tracks were used at all. This actually all comes from the original quarter inch mix tapes. All sounding very good indeed. They'll be an FAS issue next year to go along with it.

----------------------------------------------------

Bad Company Expands ‘Desolation Angels’ For 40th Anniversary

Bad Company will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their 1979 album, Desolation Angels, with a newly expanded edition. The Dec. 6 announcement notes the release will include many previously unreleased recordings from the original studio sessions. The new edition, available on 2-CDs or 2-LPs, arrives Jan. 10 via Rhino.

Desolation Angels continued the classic rock band’s significant commercial success. The LP was the British supergroup’s fifth studio album and became a double-platinum hit, peaking at #3 on the U.S. album charts, thanks to the success of “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy,” the best-selling single of the band’s career.

Desolation Angels was recently remastered from the original multi-track tapes for Bad Company‘s The Swan Song Years 1974-1982, a boxed set that was released in 2019. That remastered version of the album is also used in this new anniversary collection.

In the late summer of 1978, Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Simon Kirke and Boz Burrell spent several weeks recording songs for Desolation Angels at Ridge Farm Studio in Surrey, England. The album – named after Jack Kerouac’s 1965 novel – was released in March 1979, and spawned two singles, “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy” and “Gone, Gone, Gone.” The album also introduced fan favorites like “Evil Wind” and “Rhythm Machine.”

The second disc that accompanies the 40th anniversary edition presents unreleased versions of seven album tracks. Highlights include alternate takes for “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy,” “Early In The Morning” and “She Brings Me Love.” Also, the version “Oh, Atlanta” included here is played at slower tempo and adds a Fender Rhodes keyboard into the mix.

In addition to alternate versions of album tracks, the new collection also features two unreleased outtakes from the sessions. The first is “Smokin’ 45.” (This version is different from the one that appeared on the 1999 compilation The Original Bad Co. Anthology.) The second outtake, “Rock Fever,” has never surfaced on any Bad Company release until now.

Desolation Angels 40th Anniversary Edition CD Track Listing

Disc One
01. Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy
02. Crazy Circles
03. Gone, Gone, Gone
04. Evil Wind
05. Early In The Morning
06. Lonely For Your Love
07. Oh, Atlanta
08. Take The Time
09. Rhythm Machine
10. She Brings Me Love

11. Smokin' 45 (Alternative Version 1)

12. Smokin' 45 (Alternative Version 2)

13. Rock Fever (Unreleased)

14. Oh, Atlanta (Slow Version with Rhodes)

15. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy (Alternative Version 1)

16. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy (Alternative Version 2)

17. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy (Alternative Version 3)

18. Crazy Circles (Alternative Version)

Disc Two
01. Gone, Gone, Gone (Alternative Take)

02. Early in the Morning (Alternative Version 1)

03. Lonely for Your Love (Alternative Version 1)

04. Take the Time (Alternative Version 1)

05. Evil Wind (Alternative Version)

06. Take the Time (Alternative Version 2)

07. Lonely for Your Love (Alternative Version 2)

08. She Brings Me Love (Alternative Version)

09. What Does It Matter (Blues Jam)

10. Rhythm Machine (Alternative Version)

11. Amen (A cappella)

Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #147.... FINALLY

FAS #147

 

Well, the new issue is finally ready to go. Overseas copies went into the mail on Saturday and all the UK copies will go into the post tomorrow. Sorry for the delay but we wanted to make sure it was right. 

Issue #148 will be out very soon with #149 to follow quickly afterwards making up our three issue 50th Anniversary overview of the 2nd album.

PHEW!!

FAS #147 Delay.

Yes, we know its a bit late but don't worry it is getting there. The magazine was in fact printed a couple of weeks ago but there were some problems with the photographs -  or rather, there were some photographs that came out as blank spaces in a black frame!! No good. So we are printing it all over again this week. Hang in there, it's coming. When they go into the mail I'll post the magazine info and the cover up here, so you'll know it's on the way.

FREE (ILPS 9104) - 50 YEARS OLD TODAY.

FREE (ILPS 9104)

Released (after a couple of delays)

50 years ago today.

Pull it out and give it a play. It's still sounding pretty fantastic really. Brilliant sleeve art if you have a vinyl copy to hand.

Sorry its been a bit silent here BUT I've been VERY busy.The new FAS issues are just about ready to print. Finally...

We are just making the final checks before we run them.

Yes, I said ISSUES, as Free 'No.2' and our historical anniversary coverage will come in three magazines over the next two months. Three seriously packed issues too.

 

FAS #147 'Songs Of Yesterday #1' (November)

The history of the band from the release of 'Tons Of Sobs', through the release of 'Free', and on to the end of 1969. April 1969 - December 1969. This includes the recording of the 'I'll Be Creeping' single (with the 'g'), the sessions for the second album, the first trip abroad (to Paris), the Blind Faith American Tour, the Isle Of Wight Festival 1969, radio sessions, live recordings and more. All enhanced with lots of media and photographs from the period including press releases, reviews, tour ads, and gig posters.

56 pages.

FAS #148  'The Pictorial Scrapbook' (December #1)

This is the pictorial scrapbook. 

Lots more period press ads and photographs from the time. Many are full page and plenty of previously unpublished images. Awesome stuff.

56 Pages.

FAS #149 'Songs Of Yesterday #2' (December #2)

All the release information. UK, USA, Germany, France, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Japan and others. Details on first issues, first pressings, matrix numbers and more. LPs, singles, CDs, cassette and 8-track. All fully illustrated. Also the day to day diary.  Where they were and what they were doing April 1969 - December 1969. Gig ads, gig posters, contracts, set lists and more.

56 Pages.

Creepin' 'round your door soon...

And blowin' your mind!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL KOSSOFF

Paul Kossoff would have been 69 today,
so Happy Birthday Paul.


We still talk about you,

We still play your music,

And we still miss you.

The playlist at FAS towers 
in Nottm today will 
include, from the
Paul Kossoff
'Back Street Crawler'
180g vinyl -
remastered beautifully
by Andy Pierce -
 
'Tuesday Morning' 

Nice and loud!!

Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #146

Free Appreciation Society

Magazine Issue #146

March / April 2019 (#3)  

Free - Green Hills Pt. 3

From the first rehearsal to 'Tons Of Sobs'

Extra Large 56 Page full colour issue covering the complete history of the band from April 1968 to March 1969. 

This edition is the final part of our 'Tons Of Sobs' trilogy and features the album itself as released world-wide, with information on pressings, matrix numbers and different editions across the globe. Included are press releases, adverts, foreign issues, albums, singles and compilations. The UK, USA, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and Canada are all represented with information and images.

Also in this fantastic magazine is the day to day diary. Covered here is the complete life of the band - gigs, recording and more - in a journal / sequentially dated format, similar to that in the back of 'Heavy Load'. This new version is updated with nineteen years worth of additional information, along with cuttings, ads, contracts and memorabilia of all kinds. 

The most in depth look at this period of the FREE history EVER. This completes a trio of issues that look at this specific phase of the band evolution over #144, #145 and #146. 'Tons Of Sobs' indeed.

The back cover of #146 features the original release advert for the 'Sobs' album in March 1969. Much more memorabilia, photographs. press and cuttings inside.

56 packed colour pages. Get it now!!

Why not subscribe?

 

Subscriptions/donations to the FAS run for three issues

The magazine is full colour and between 44 and 56 pages

For more info just email:

fasarticle@aol.com

UK £14.00 (Paypal £14.85)

Saving of around £2.65 on buying individual issues

Europe

£18.80 (Paypal £21.13)

Saving of around £2.65 on buying individual issues

Rest Of the World

£20.90 (Paypal £22.16)

Saving of around £2.65 on buying individual issues

The issues can also be found individually on Ebay but subscriptions always go out before any new magazine is made available elsewhere by a week or so.

You can also buy individual issues and back issues from the above email address. with any credit card via Paypal. Its safe and easy! 

FREE - Broad Daylight / The Worm 50 years Old

These anniversaries come around thick and fast. So here's the next from our '50 Years Old' list. Today, in March 1969, Free's first single 'Broad Daylight / The Worm' was released. It didn't rip up the charts. It didn't set the world on fire - but it does feature one of my favourite early Free songs 'The Worm' on the flipside.  

'Broad Daylight' itself has always been a bit of an oddity. Somewhat jaunty and with weird time signatures it was a one off. You can find a BBC session version of the song. Rodgers plays bass there while Andy plays rhythm guitar. Its quite rare to find the single these days but it does turn up. Here in the UK there are actually two different pressings. If you can find either for under £50 in excellent condition you'd be doing very well.

Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #145

I told you these would come at you quickly...

OUT TO SUBSCRIBERS TODAY

Free Appreciation Society

Magazine Issue #145

March 2019 (#2)  

Simon Kossoff's Photographs

Pictures taken by Paul's brother at The Marquee in 1968.

Extra Large 56 Page issue featuring the photographs taken by Simon Kossoff at the Marquee club in London October/November 1968.

Also included are 4 photographs taken at The Adelphi Cinema in Slough, where the band were supporting The Who, along with Joe Cocker, Small Faces and Arthur Brown on November 9th, 1968.

These combined represent the earliest 'live' images of the band EVER.  There are 62 photographs in total, around 6 have been used in the FAS and 'Heavy Load' in the past, the rest are previously unpublished in any form, anywhere. Of these 46 are reproduced here full page, one of those being spread over the centre of the magazine. All images are b/w and Ⓒ Simon Kossoff.

This is the second part of a trio of issues that look at this specific period of the band evolution over #144, #145 and #146. It is the most in depth look at this era of the FREE history EVER and contains information and memorabilia unseen for decades. Also a vast array of material NEVER seen before. It represents a celebration of the 50th anniversary - FREE 1969 - 2019

Back cover features the original 'Angel' advert for the forthcoming release of the 'Sobs' album in March 1969.

56 AWESOME pages. A teaser below. Get it now!!

 

Paul Kossoff. 43 Years Today.

Its not enough that we have Andy's anniversary in March but of course we also have the older one. That of Paul Kossoff. A frightening 43 years! So time again to pull something out of Paul's today and give it a whirl. I'm going to be listening to KKTR this morning and, as its my favourite album PERIOD, I'll enjoy that very much. But here's something a little different. Below for your enjoyment is the unreleased single version of 'All The Girl's Are Crazy' from a single sided test pressing I have. The flipside ('Stealing My Way') also comes on its own 1-sided 7" test disc. That's as far as it ever got.

This was due to be released by Island Records, and on the back of the sleeve the WIPX-1389-2M number is indeed Island catalogue. This test pressing, done at Sterling Sound and was made on 20th May 1975 it appears. Of course Back Street Crawler went on to be signed to Atlantic/Atco and so this never came out. Its a different mix, somewhat rougher than the one on the 'Band Plays On' album, and it has a different vocal along with some alternate guitar. Its very nice, and you won't have heard this version anywhere else before.

I've tried a number of times to get some kind of Back Street Crawler project off the ground with no success. I'm not sure what there is sitting in the Atlantic archive but certainly there are some rehearsal tapes and unreleased songs that would make for a nice set of material covering the band history, brief as it was. Anyway, Kossoff is in fine form here with some great playing. So turn it up and enjoy. We miss you Koss.

 

Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #144

AVAILABLE NOW

Free Appreciation Society

Magazine Issue #144

March 2019 (#1)  

Free - Green Hills Pt. 1

From the first rehearsal to 'Tons Of Sobs'

Extra Large 56 page issue covering the complete history of the band from April 1968 to March 1969. This includes releases by Champion Jack Dupree and Martha Velez up to the eventual release of the debut FREE album, 'Tons Of Sobs'. Featured are press releases, adverts, foreign issues, albums, singles and compilations. This history runs the day to day life of the band - including gigs and recording. The most in depth look at this period of the FREE history EVER. This is the first part of a trio of issues that look at this specific period of the band evolution over #144, #145 and #146.

Back cover features the original shop poster advertising the release of the 'Sobs' album in March 1969. Much more memorabilia, photographs. press and cuttings inside.

56 packed colour pages. Get it now!!

Email address in the right hand column for enquiries

Or buy on Ebay. Search  : Free Appreciation Society #144

Andy Fraser. Four Years. 1952 - 2015

March this year is certainly busy. With the other two 'Tons Of Sobs' anniversary issues all due to go out in the next couple of weeks I don't think I've ever done so much at one time.

Its very sad Andy didn't live to celebrate 50 years of the FREE debut. Certainly it was only in the final couple of years he really came to terms with how much FREE meant to people after a long time of dismissing what he did 'then' for what he was doing 'now'. He's been gone four years today, and while that makes me rather sad lets not dwell on it and celebrate something he did. 'Train Of Love' actually featured on Andy's second solo album, 'In Your Eyes', where it is given a very 'soul lite' treatment. Nothing wrong with that. I like the album. However the song was actually originally covered by the much more bombastic fantastic Andy Fraser Band. Fuzz Wah Bass indeed !!

I love this band. They rocked! Nick Judd and Kim Turner were great in this tough little unit and the single album they released still sounds like nothing else. They didn't record the 'Train Of Love' track in the studio but they did perform it on the tour and also here on the John Peel BBC session from April 1975. Enjoy.

Below that you'll find one of Andy's final pieces, 'The Big One'. I didn't like 'Naked.. And Finally Free' at all. I still don't. Andy knew that. We had talked about it and had a conversation about where he was then (Free) and where he was now, musically. When 'The Big One' came out, I loved it, and I still love it. Great groove, and a bit of a return to form I thought. I sent an email telling him. He shot an email back. "Yeah Dave, I knew I'd get ya!". I think that was perhaps the last time I heard from him. I'm so pleased we ended our friendship on a positive note -  because Andy was a positive guy.

Turn it up!

 

 

Tons Of Sobs - 50 Years Old Today.

Just Gone Into The Post For Subscribers - #144

Okay, here's a look at FAS #144. The first of three issues dealing with the release of, and period leading up to, 'Tons Of Sobs'. If you are a subscriber this should be dropping onto your doormat around the 14th in the UK (the actual official 1969 'TOS' release date). For those who don't subscribe the magazine will be available from the email on the right as of the 14th and on Ebay shortly thereafter.

This issue also features information on the releases of 'When You Feel The Feeling' by Champion Jack Dupree and 'Fiends And Angels' by Martha Velez, along with a blow by blow account of Free's journey from the first rehearsal up to 'Sobs' hitting the shops. Pretty Awesome.

This magazine is a monster. It has 56 colour pages and is packed with information and curiosities. Its a great read. Secure your copy now with a subscription!

In Flight Entertainment Essentials!!

Flying abroad?

You could do much worse than flying with Emirates.

Get in, put your bag in the overhead... Rest those legs...
Turn on the screen in the seat back facing you... And then...
Check out the 'Essential Albums' on the in flight entertainment.
Yeah... that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
Cool selection indeed.

Thanks to Russ for the snapshot.

50 Years Ago Today... Sounds like a good night out for five shillings!

Tons Of Sobs 50th Anniversary

Tons Of Sobs turns 50...

Yes its creeping ever closer. March 14th 1969 - 2019. Fifty years since the debut album from FREE officially hit the stores and made... well not that much of an impression at the time really. However, we know it's a great album and of course the FAS is celebrating that. Three BUMPER 56-page issues are coming and we are just about ready to go to print. Just a few more adjustments and finding those bloody typos! Here's a teaser for you. Looking good eh!

Not subscribed...? Well, maybe now is the time.

  

Subscriptions/donations to the FAS run for three issues

The magazine is full colour and between 44 and 56 pages

From issue #144 onwards (March 2019)

UK £14.00 (Paypal £14.85)

Saving of around £2.65 on buying individual issues

Europe

£18.80 (Paypal £21.13)

Saving of around £2.65 on buying individual issues

Rest Of the World

£20.90 (Paypal £22.16)

Saving of around £2.65 on buying individual issues

The issues can also be found individually on Ebay but subscriptions always go out before any new magazine is made available elsewhere.

Free Bonzo Family

50 Years Today...

 

Quite a weird one this.

I'm not sure I've have stayed until the end! 

'I'm The Urban Spaceman' had done the business for BDB of course, and having reached #5 in the UK charts had given the band a huge push up the ladder. Never was a fan myself but you gotta love Neil Innes for his work on 'The Rutles'

Valentine's Dance 1969

Valentine's Dance 1969
With Pink Floyd and FREE!!

50 Years Ago Today. The Marquee.

Bob Mortimer's Desert Island Discs

Comedian Bob Mortimer has made a name for himself, alongside partner Vic Reeves, for his surreal and eccentric brand of humour. The pair have been on our screens for over 30 years, in a treasure trove of popular programmes including Shooting Stars, House of Fools, The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

 

After undergoing a triple bypass operation in 2015, Bob has branched out and now also works on a popular football podcast Athletico Mince, and his TV series with Paul Whitehouse, Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

 He loves the rock band Free (and so does Vic Reeves)

 

While Vic and Bob only grew up about 20 miles from each other, they didn’t meet until later in life in London. They love the band Free, both name-checking bass player Andy Fraser in their respective Desert Island Discs. Bob says: “When I was about 13, I went to see this band called Free, who I’d never heard, and I just fell in love with them. I found my heroes. I stood at the front with my chin on the stage.” 

He chooses Free’s On My Way as his second track for the island. 

When Vic was cast away in 2003, he chose Mr Big by Free, claiming that his and Bob’s party piece was to mimic Andy Fraser’s bass solo with their mouths.

 

 Bob's Eight.

• 1  Ralph Vaughan Williams
  A Sea Symphony (Symphony No. 1)

   
• 2 Free
  On My Way

  
  
• 3 Joni Mitchell
  Down To You

  
  
• 4 Madness
  It Must Be Love

  
  
• 5 The Who
  The Punk And The Godfather

  
  
• 6 The Beautiful South
  Hot on the Heels of Heartbreak

  
  
• 7 Squeeze
  Some Fantastic Place

  
  
• 8 Kings of Leon
  King Of The Rodeo

 

 

January 3rd 1969

Wondering what to do with your Sunday?
50 years ago today Free recorded a single....

FAS #144 is coming....