Free & Bad Company's Simon Kirke: His Rock 'n Roll Story
About this episode
Simon Kirke shares his journey as a drummer and co-founder of Free and Bad Company, detailing the challenges and successes he faced in the music industry.
Today’s guest is a true rock icon. Simon Kirke is the powerhouse drummer and co-founder of two of the most influential bands in classic rock history—Free and Bad Company. From the raw, blues-driven energy of Free to the arena-filling success of Bad Company, Simon has lived a life that most musicians only dream about. And as you’re about to hear, it all began with a simple toss of a coin. In this warm and revealing conversation, Simon takes us right back to his early days in London, chasing a dream against the odds. With a two-year ultimatum from his parents to make it as a drummer or go to university, Simon spent months doing odd jobs—until fate intervened. A chance decision led him to audition alongside the extraordinary guitarist Paul Kossoff—a meeting that would change everything. Together with Kossoff, singer Paul Rodgers and bassist Andy Fraser, Simon formed Free—a band that would go on to define an era. But success didn’t come overnight. The group toured relentlessly, playing hundreds of gigs across the UK and Europe, honing their sound and building a loyal following before finally breaking through with the global smash hit All Right Now . Simon shares the fascinating story…
People in this episode
Host: Sandy Kaye
Guest: Simon Kirke
Topics covered
- rock music
- drumming
- band history
- classic rock
- musical journey
Keywords
- Simon Kirke
- Free
- Bad Company
- rock history
- All Right Now
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Free, Bad Company
Books & works: All Right Now
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