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 behind that song—born out of a disappointing gig and a desire to create something audiences could truly connect with.
The result? One of the most enduring rock anthems of all time.
But with success came pressure.
Still in their teens, the members of Free suddenly found themselves catapulted onto the world stage. The demands of touring, the expectation to deliver another hit, and growing creative differences all took their toll. Simon speaks candidly about the band’s struggles, the difficulty of following up such a massive success, and the heartbreaking impact of addiction on Paul Kossoff—casting a long shadow over the band’s future.
It’s an honest and deeply human account of what happens when young musicians achieve fame before they’re ready for it.
Out of those challenges, however, came a new chapter.
Simon and Paul Rodgers regrouped to form Bad Company, alongside guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell. This time, with stronger management and greater experience, the band hit the ground running—becoming the first act signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label and going on to achieve massive global success.
Simon reflects on why Bad Company worked where Free struggled—crediting maturity, better support, and a deeper understanding of the music business.
Beyond the bands, Simon opens up about his evolution as a songwriter, his solo work, and his ongoing commitment to helping others through addiction recovery. It’s a powerful reminder that even the biggest rock stars face very real challenges—and that resilience is often the key to longevity.
This is a story of luck, talent, triumph, and loss… and ultimately, survival.
Simon Kirke—drummer and co-founder of Free and Bad Company—joins Sandy Kaye to share the incredible story behind his legendary career.
From the formation of Free and the global success of All Right Now, to the pressures of sudden fame and the band’s heartbreaking breakup, Simon opens up about the highs and lows of life in one of rock’s most influential bands.
He also reveals how Bad Company was born, why it succeeded where Free struggled, and what it was like becoming one of the first acts signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label.
This is a fascinating, honest and deeply personal conversation about rock history, resilience, and the reality behind the music.
🎸 In this episode:
- The real story behind All Right Now
- How Free rose—and fell—so quickly
- The impact of fame at a young age
- The formation and success of Bad Company
- Life, songwriting, and lessons from a rock legend
If you love classic rock from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, this is one you won’t want to miss.
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