Be My Friend

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful vibes of Be My Friend by Free from their 1970 album Highway, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving along. This track, a deep cut from the British rock band’s catalog, carries a raw emotional weight, with Paul Rodgers’ pleading vocals and Paul Kossoff’s searing guitar work. One piece of trivia that stands out is how the song captures the band’s struggles during the Highway era. In a 2008 interview with Classic Rock magazine, drummer Simon Kirke reflected on the album’s recording, noting that tensions were high as the band felt pressure to replicate the success of their hit All Right Now. Be My Friend, with its introspective lyrics, was reportedly a personal outlet for Rodgers, who was grappling with feelings of isolation on tour. The song’s slow-burning intensity, clocking in at over six minutes, showcases Free’s ability to blend bluesy vulnerability with rock heft, making it a fan favorite among diehard Zoo Freaks.

Another tidbit comes from fan discussions on platforms like the Free - All Right Now (Fan Group) on Facebook, where members often cite Be My Friend as a live performance highlight. Vintage concert reviews from 1970, archived on fan sites like Free Discography, describe Kossoff’s extended solos during the song as mesmerizing, with audiences at venues like the Isle of Wight Festival reportedly falling silent, captivated by the band’s chemistry. A lesser-known story involves the song’s B-side status; it was released as the flip to the single The Stealer in some markets, which frustrated the band, as shared by bassist Andy Fraser in a 1997 interview with Mojo. Fraser felt the label undervalued Be My Friend’s emotional depth, prioritizing more radio-friendly tracks. For the Zoo Crew, spinning this track is a nod to Free’s underappreciated artistry, perfect for their hippie vibe.

Free’s journey began in London in 1968, when four young musicians—Paul Rodgers (vocals), Paul Kossoff (guitar), Andy Fraser (bass), and Simon Kirke (drums)—came together with a shared love for blues and rock. Rodgers, barely 19, was spotted by Kossoff at a club gig, singing with a raw power that floored the guitarist. As Kirke recalled in a 2011 TeamRock interview, the band’s formation was almost accidental: “Paul [Kossoff] dragged me to see this singer, and we just clicked.” Fraser, a teenage prodigy who’d already played with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, brought a melodic sensibility, while Kossoff’s emotive guitar style drew from blues legends like B.B. King. Naming themselves Free to reflect their unpolished, free-spirited approach, they honed their sound in sweaty club gigs across London. By 1969, their debut album Tons of Sobs caught the attention of Island Records, setting the stage for their breakout with 1970’s Fire and Water and the iconic All Right Now.

The band’s official online presence is anchored at freebandofficial.com, where fans can dive into their discography and history. On social media, Free maintains an active Facebook page, sharing archival photos and updates on reissues, while their Instagram offers glimpses of vintage concert posters and fan tributes. The band’s X account engages Zoo Freaks with throwback content and links to rare live recordings. Beyond official channels, fans connect through communities like the Free - All Right Now (Fan Group), a lively space for sharing bootlegs and memories. The fan-run Free Discography site is a treasure trove for Zoo Freaks, cataloging every release, including obscure singles like Be My Friend. These platforms keep Free’s legacy alive, letting the Zoo Crew and their listeners relive the band’s gritty, soulful magic.