This event has been going for many years, starting off in Leeds and then moving north to satisfy the need for an annual convention for the many fans of the great band Free in the north-east. My friend John, who is a massive Free and Paul Kossoff fan has been wanting to go for many years. However, he now lives in the USA, so arranging things to attend this event has been tricky. Things changed and this year he happened to be over in the north-east at the same time as the aforementioned convention.
Demand for tickets for the convention was such that the originally scheduled Saturday night sold out quickly and a second night, on the preceding Friday, was organised. It quickly sold out also. I had got us tickets for the Saturday night and John decided he would also attend the Friday night event. John is based in North Yorkshire when he stays in the UK, but made the journey up to Cullercoats both evenings to attend this convention. True dedication. He reported back to me that it was excellent and we were both looking forward to the Saturday show.
John arrived at my house around teatime and, with my carer Jan, we quickly set off to Cullercoats both excited about the event. In the past, the convention has featured guest performances by Free drummer Simon Kirke, and the late bassist Andy Fraser. This time we were treated to three Free tribute bands, and an excellent raffle and auction event. We arrived at the venue just before the start time of 7 PM and the organiser was very helpful in finding us a vantage point close to the stage. Many thanks indeed.
First up was a band called Stealer who played a great set based around the second Free album (the “Woman” LP). Stealer are a 3-piece rock band based in Lincolnshire play classic rock and blues covers from Free and Bad Company. They have their own following and play all over the UK. A good start and warmup to the evening.
After a short changeover the next band on stage were the Heartbreaker Collective who were absolutely fantastic. They played a set of Free classics and really did justice to the music and soul of Free. All musicians were excellent and the singer looked so cool, with a really great hairdo! See the images.Apparently this band come together once a year for this event. Considering this they were simply awesome. A group of passionate young musicians! The dancefloor soon filled and many people were up and dancing, reliving their youth. A great atmosphere.
Then it was time for the raffle. Seven items were raffled including a first prize of a magnificent Free at the Isle of Wight poster and a second prize of a lovely Paul Kossoff poster. Sadly, we did not score anything in the raffle. Next up was an auction of items signed by Paul Rogers and Simon Kirke. At this point we had to leave to catch our taxi.
A great event, and it is a massive credit to the organiser who is clearly a massive and passionate Free fan. Thank you so much John for recommending we attend. I bought a Bad Company programme from a previous tour, which I do not have in my collection. A great addition.
Thanks to John and Jan for the images and Chris for helping me manipulate the site as usual. I would recommend this event to any free fan. From shout outs during the interval, it was very clear that aficionados of the band had travelled from all over the country to witness something special, celebrating one of the best and most soulful, bluesy rock bands ever; their like will never be seen again. I was privileged to see Free on four occasions which I will never forget. RIP Paul Kossoff and Andy Fraser.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by treetopflier2009 on November 20, 2023 at 1:09 pm
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Posted by treetopflier2009 on November 20, 2023 at 1:11 pm
Sounds like a great night Peter. I used to go the Free Conventions back in the ’90’s when they used to have them at the Park Hotel. It was always a good night out!
Posted by vintagerock on November 20, 2023 at 1:18 pm
Hi I have been intending to go for many years but never got round to it until now. I am pleased that I did many thanks Peter
Posted by Billy Flynn on November 29, 2024 at 11:29 am
thank you so much Peter for your great write up. 38 years and still rolling….i get a buzz from just being in a hall full of Free fans
2024 was a fabulous show also which I look forward to reading about.
I am always interested in hearing from talented musicians who might want to perform at the event .
regards Bill
Posted by vintagerock on November 29, 2024 at 1:12 pm
A great event every year Bill! Many thanks Peter