Fire And Water (Live 1995)

The Zoo Crew is thrilled to spin Fire And Water (Live 1995) by Paul Rodgers from the album Live: The Loreley Tapes, recorded at the Rockpalast Open Air Festival in Loreley, Germany, on July 8, 1995, for all you Zoo Freaks out there. This live rendition captures the raw energy of the original song, first released in 1970 by Rodgers' band Free on their breakthrough album Fire And Water. The 1995 performance showcases Rodgers' timeless vocal prowess, backed by a tight band featuring Geoff Whitehorn on guitar, Jaz Lochrie on bass, and Jim Copley on drums. The song itself, a gritty blues-rock anthem, was co-written by Rodgers and Free bassist Andy Fraser, and its iconic riff and soulful delivery helped propel Free to international fame, with the studio version peaking at No. 2 on the UK album chart.

One fascinating piece of trivia about Fire And Water comes from Rodgers himself, who reflected on the song’s legacy during the album’s 50th anniversary in 2020. In a post on X, he shared, "So much time has passed, so much has happened in all of our lives and in the world since June 26, 1970 and the release of 'Fire and Water’. Happy memories of the very early days. Thank you to everybody out there for remembering Free on this 50th anniversary." This sentiment highlights the song’s enduring impact, as it remains a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite at live shows. Additionally, the song has been covered and reinterpreted by Rodgers in various performances, including a notable 2018 collaboration with guitarist Joe Bonamassa, which fans on the Telecaster Guitar Forum praised for its authenticity, though some noted Bonamassa’s take didn’t quite capture the original’s restraint.

Another story tied to the 1995 Loreley performance is the context of the band Rodgers assembled. After his time with Free, Bad Company, and other projects, Rodgers formed this lineup specifically for the mid-90s tours, and their chemistry shines through on tracks like Fire And Water. The Live: The Loreley Tapes album, later reissued as part of the 1997 Now & Live double CD, includes not only Free classics but also blues standards from Rodgers’ solo album Muddy Water Blues: A Tribute to Muddy Waters. Fans on Amazon have raved about the album, with one UK reviewer in 2018 calling Rodgers “the best blues/rock voice” and a German fan in 2019 likening him to “fine red wine, getting better with age.” The Loreley setlist, including Fire And Water, is celebrated for its balance of nostalgia and fresh energy, making it a must-listen for Zoo Freaks.

Paul Rodgers began his musical journey in Middlesbrough, England, born on December 17, 1949. His career took off in 1968 when he co-founded Free at the age of 18, after being spotted by guitarist Paul Kossoff during a performance. Rodgers, then a budding vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, joined forces with Kossoff, drummer Simon Kirke, and bassist Andy Fraser to form the band, which blended blues, rock, and soul. Their debut album, Tons of Sobs (1968), received a muted response, but by 1970, Fire And Water catapulted them to stardom, driven by the hit All Right Now. Rodgers’ gritty, soulful vocals earned him praise, with AllMusic noting his “visceral” style as a key to Free’s success. After Free disbanded in 1973, Rodgers formed Bad Company, achieving further success with hits like Can’t Get Enough and Feel Like Makin’ Love. His solo career and collaborations, including Queen + Paul Rodgers from 2004 to 2009, cemented his status as a rock legend, ranked No. 55 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.”

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Paul Rodgers through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on tours and reflections on his career. Fans can also join the vibrant Paul Rodgers Official Fan Group on Facebook to discuss his music and share memories. For deeper dives into his legacy, check out fan sites like the Official Bad Company Website, which covers his Bad Company era, or community forums like the Telecaster Guitar Forum, where enthusiasts debate his best performances. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the Fire And Water spirit alive!