Fire and Water

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Fire and Water" by Free, from their iconic 1970 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its soulful grooves. This song, the opening track of the album, is a slower, blues-infused rock number compared to the band's breakout hit "All Right Now." According to a 2019 review on AltRockChick, the album's tracks, including "Fire and Water," showcase Free’s roots in the British Blues Boom, with the band delivering a blend of blues, R&B, and soul through rock instrumentation. The song’s hypnotic rhythm and Paul Rodgers’ emotive vocals make it a standout, reflecting the band’s tight chemistry honed through hundreds of live gigs by 1970. Drummer Simon Kirke once described the Fire and Water recording sessions as capturing a “fifth member” in the studio—a magical synergy where no one crowded each other, and the music flowed naturally, a vibe that pulses through the title track.

Digging into the song’s creation, "Fire and Water" was born during a pivotal moment for Free, recorded between January and June 1970 at Island Studios and Trident Studios in London. As noted in a 2024 article from Louder, the band had earned their stripes through relentless touring, which gave them the confidence to let the music “breathe” in the studio. Paul Rodgers and bassist Andy Fraser, the song’s co-writers, crafted its lyrics and structure to balance raw emotion with musical precision. Fraser, in a past interview, described their collaboration as “yin and yang,” with Rodgers’ fiery vocal melodies complementing Fraser’s knack for structuring songs. This dynamic is evident in the song’s soulful lyrics, like “Oh I Wept, for days, filled my eyes with silly tears,” which resonate with the Zoo Freaks who love deep, heartfelt tunes.

Free’s journey to "Fire and Water" began in London in 1968, when guitarist Paul Kossoff, then playing with the blues band Black Cat Bones, caught a performance by vocalist Paul Rodgers. As detailed on Free’s official website, Kossoff was blown away by Rodgers’ gritty, soulful voice. The two soon teamed up with drummer Simon Kirke and bassist Andy Fraser, who had previously played with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Despite their youth—most members were barely out of their teens—the quartet gelled quickly, forming Free and diving into the late-’60s London music scene. Their debut album, Tons of Sobs (1968), leaned heavily on blues influences but didn’t chart, and their 1969 self-titled follow-up also struggled commercially. However, these early efforts built a cult following through Free’s electrifying live shows, setting the stage for their 1970 breakthrough with Fire and Water.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Free’s legacy, the band’s official website offers a treasure trove of history, discography, and updates. You can also follow their official Facebook page for throwback posts and fan interactions, or check out their Instagram for rare photos and clips. On X, the band’s account shares occasional updates and engages with fans. For deeper dives, fan communities thrive online, like the Free – All Right Now (The Free Appreciation Society) on Facebook, where fans swap stories, rare recordings, and tributes to the band’s enduring influence. These platforms keep Free’s spirit alive, perfect for the Zoo Crew and their listeners to explore.