Quarto Valley RecordsEarlier this summer, Paul Rodgers released a live album and home video titled Free Spirit, which documents a sold-out April 2017 concert at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall that was part of his U.K. tour celebrating his old band Free‘s 50th anniversary.
During the show, Rodgers and his backing group played a 16-song set culled from Free’s back catalog that included the band’s enduring hit “All Right Now.”
Rodgers tells ABC Radio that revisiting the Free material “was a joy,” noting, “I rediscovered how I so much enjoyed these songs, played with the right band, who understand how to hit it just right together.”
That band — guitarist Pete Bullick, bassist Ian Rowley, drummer Rich Newman and keyboardist Gerard “G” Louis — also happens to be the backing group for his friend Deborah Bonham, late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham‘s sister.
Asked to pick some highlights from the concert, Rodgers says, “I particularly liked ‘Be My Friend’ for its passion and Pete’s solo…’Mr. Big’ for Ian’s bass solo…’Fire and Water’ for Rich’s drum break, and the little classical vignette from Gerard ‘G’ Louis in ‘My Brother Jake.'”
Another exciting moment in the concert was Paul’s performance of “All Right Now,” which he turned into a sing-along with the audience.
“It’s fabulous when the whole crowd comes together to sing without any inhibitions,” Rodgers notes.
Free Spirit is available as a CD/DVD set, a vinyl LP, a Blu-ray and digitally. The DVD and Blu-ray boasts bonus footage of Paul’s opening acts at the show, his daughter Jasmine and Deborah Bonham.
Rodgers recently wrapped up the Stars Align Tour with Jeff Beck and Heart‘s Ann Wilson. Paul’s upcoming schedule includes several Bad Company concerts and one solo headlining show. Visit PaulRodgers.com for his full itinerary.
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