A Chat with Simon Kirke (02.07.25)
Interview with Karen Beishuizen (Guest contributor)
Simon Kirke is an English drummer who is one of the founders of the band Free with their worldwide hit single ‘Alright Now’, and when Free broke up in 1973, he co-founded Bad Company that same year. We chat with Simon about the two bands, Bad Company’s induction into The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame this year, his rock opera, Rock Bottom, and more.
What’s the biggest news for you in the past 3 years?
Kirke: I guess the biggest news for me in the past three years is (on a good note) that Bad Company finally got inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. The other ‘big’ news, if I can apply that word, is tinged with sadness, I’m afraid. We are entering that stage of our lives, me and my peers I, where death is looming. We lost Jeff Beck, Brian Wilson, and now my dear friend Mick Ralphs. But you know what, Karen? At least they left a mark on this world. And they brought pleasure and inspiration to an awful lot of people.
I read that you predicted Bad Company being inducted into The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and you were right! How does that feel? First time on the ballot.
Kirke: Yeah, I spoke about the Hall of Fame recently, and I don’t want to appear arrogant or ungrateful, but I think it was overdue, quite honestly. And I’m glad that we are finally in, and I’m glad that Mick Ralphs received the news a couple of months ago, and that brought a smile to his face. And now I’m hoping Free will be inducted soon… but we don’t want to ask too much right now. Do we?
What would you like to say to the people who voted for Bad Company?
Kirke: I would like to thank the thousands of people who voted for us over the years and who pitched our name to the Hall of Fame committee. In particular, Lucy Piller, who has been in Free and Bad Company’s corner for well over 50 years she has kept the flame alive… she deserves a huge round of applause.
When you do solo gigs, I read you also play the guitar?
Kirke: Yeah, I’ve been playing guitar for as long as I’ve been playing drums. And I also play keyboards as well. I love doing solo shows, gives me a chance to step out from behind the kit.
What is the fondest memory you have with your band Free and with Bad Company?
Kirke: Fondest memory of Free:
I think when I got a call from Island Records secretary, Denise, saying that ‘Alright Now’ had gone from 49 to number 2 in the Top 50 in England. And they were sending a car for me for a last-minute photo session! A car! No subway, no taxi… And that would follow on the heels of our appearance at the Isle of Wight festival, which was a momentous moment for the band, pretty scary playing in front of half 1 million people, with no monitors! They just didn’t exist back in those days.
Fondest memory of Bad Company:
Well, that’s kind of hard because we were together for 50 years. But I think receiving our first platinum album for the first album. We were in Boston the last show of the first American tour and we were all in the dressing room with our manager, Peter Grant, who showed us a table with a cloth on it and just before we went on stage, he gave a little speech about how proud he was of us and what a grueling tour it has been, but that this was the end result and he pulled back the cloth and there were four platinum albums. That was a pretty special moment.
Your Rock Opera Rock Bottom: What is the story behind it?
Kirke: Rock Bottom is a love story about two people caught up in the world of addiction. And how they struggle to get sober and stay sober. My partner Woody Geissmann and I wrote 15 songs for it. It should be in production next year.
What is/are the biggest musical talent(s) at the moment in your opinion and why?
Kirke: Biggest musical talent for me is Paul McCartney. He plays bass, drums, guitar and piano… sings amazingly. And is still performing at age 82.
There are some amazing players out there at the moment. You only have to go on YouTube or TikTok to see some incredible drummers, guitarists or piano players. Right now, the guitarist that I am completely enthralled with is Mateo Mancuso. I have never heard a guitar played like this. And for acoustic work, Tommy Emmanuel, one of the greatest guitarists ever.
There is a drummer who has his own YouTube channel. I believe he’s from Spain, and I might get his name wrong, so forgive me. Something like: Estepario Siberiano. He is jaw-dropping fantastic. Only uses three drums occasionally four, but he’s just beyond belief.
You were a guest at the Fest for Beatles Fans in Jersey City? How was that?
Kirke: Yeah, I was at the Beatles Fest a couple of months ago in Jersey City. I loved it. I’ve loved the Beatles from day one. They’ve been a huge influence on me, and considering they were only around for seven years, the impact and the influence they had on music for the past 60 years is just staggering. It was just so good to see so many generations involved in that event and enjoying this music that will last for many more generations.
What are you currently up to?
Kirke: I am working on a new solo album, as well as the script for Rock Bottom. We are having a fundraiser for that event in September.
Find out more about Simon Kirke on his official website, Bad Company Website, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Simon Kirke on Spotify
