Simon Kirke

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Simon Kirke

Drummer Simon Kirke kept the beat for two of the 70s most popular bluesy hard rockers -- Free and Bad Company. Born in London, England, Kirke sang in his school's choir as a teen and the Beatles perked Kirke's interest in rock music, as he picked up the drums -- leading to a gig with a local band called the Maniacs. Kirke landed a gig with a group called the Black Cat Bones. The drummer befriended the group's talented guitarist, Paul Kossoff, who in turn convinced Kirke to leave the group with him and begin a new outfit with singer Paul Rodgers. With ex-John Mayall's Bluesbreakers bassist Andy Fraser signed on as well, Free was officially formed in 1968. Mixing blues with hard rock, the group would prove to be quite influential, especially on the strength of their classic 1970 release, Fire and Water, and its strutting, anthemic hit single, "All Right Now." Although the band showed great promise, a dangerous drug habit began to hamper Kossoff, which led to tension within the group, and after several albums, its breakup in 1973. It didn't take Kirke long to find another gig as he joined Rodgers in a new band, Bad Company, which was quite similar stylistically to Free. Joined by ex-King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell and ex-Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs, Bad Company was one of the first group's signed to Led Zeppelin's record label, Swan Song. Their resulting debut album, 1974's Bad Company, would go on to become one of hard rock's all-time classics, as it birthed such long-standing rock radio standards as "Can't Get Enough," "Ready for Love," and the title track. While Bad Company never managed to top their debut, the group went on to become one of the decade's top rock outfits. Kirke has guested on a long list of recordings by other artists over the years, including albums by Jim Capaldi, Mick Jones, Mick Ralphs, Ringo Starr, John Wetton, and Ron Wood, among countless others. Kirke lives in New York City and is still touring with Bad Company while fully committed to his solo career. Kirke is touring during 2014 with the all girls group Lez Zeppelin while he also performs as The Simon Kirke Band. "Filling the Void" is featured here at WACBIZ as we anticipate some fabulous new songs to be released later this year.