I was dismayed over the weekend to learn that former Free and Faces bassist Tetsu Yamauchi has died. He was 79. He played a vital part in the forming of 'Kossoff Kirke Tetsu Rabbit', and was a solid foundation in the final days of Free, and on the 'Heartbreaker' album. He then went on to fill the gap left by Ronnie Lane when he quit (The) Faces. He filled two sets of very big boots. Andy Fraser, and then Ronnie Lane, fitting into both units perfectly.
Tetsu retired from the 'music business lifestyle' in
the 1990s. We were very lucky that he agreed to be
interviewed for 'Heavy Load', as he generally avoided speaking to the
music press, and never had any interest in the reunions by (The) Faces. He moved to the Japanese countryside, and lived quietly, without a
computer, or email, and played Jazz with friends, which he enjoyed. A very sad loss.
