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Tributes are paid to musician Andy Fraser

Tributes are paid to musician Andy Fraser

TRIBUTES have been paid to Andy Fraser, the former bassist with the band Free who has passed away at the age of 62.

Mr. Fraser, who died in California, was a founding member of the band and co-wrote their 1970 hit All Right Now. Born in London, he was only 15 when Free were formed and went on to co-write most of his material with fellow band member and lead singer Paul Rodgers.

All Right Now, (see below), was the band’s biggest hit, reaching Number 2 in the UK charts and Number 4 in the US, and went on to become a rock classic. .

Although Free were to be together for a short number of years, they did enjoy chart success with two hit albums, including Fire and Water in 1970.

He teamed-up again with Paul Rodgers in 1994 to perform at the Woodstock anniversary gig. The reunion came after years of ill-health — he had been diagnosed with Aids in the 1980s and later also battled cancer.

Mr. Fraser went on to pursue a solo career. In recent years his work included the albums Naked...And Finally Free! and On Assignment

His death was announced in a statement issued in California: “A survivor of both cancer and Aids, Andy was a strong social activist and defender of individual human rights.”

The statement continued: “He leaves behind his daughters Hannah and Jasmine Fraser, and their mother Ri, his sister Gail, brothers Gavin and Alex, and many friends and associates in the industry.”

View archive footage of Free performing their hit All Right Now

See an interview with Andy Fraser.

Watch Andy Fraser performing his song Beautiful.

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