Used to spend every weekend, fridays & saturdays listening to bands like this. Every weekend there would be a couple of quality bands playing in town that you could go see for 50-75p!!! Honest. God how lucky we were without ever realising it to witness real music being made and played. How great was that atmosphere in the dark, smoky clubs and pubs where we watched in awe some of the greatest musicians of their time. You really couldn't explain to anyone today just how great it was back then.
My fave 3 guitarist of all time are Paul Kossoff, Leslie West and dear ol' Eric Clapton. But I just have to put Koss at #1.... Sometimes the raw emotion that came out of his playing is almost too much to take! What a man of deep feelings he must have been! And if you examine his guitar playing, you notice that it was all tone, heart and fingers. There was no fuzz box crap, just a les paul a guitar cord and a cranked marshall! If you have " it " ... Then thats all you need!
The guitar on this song is so emotional, so raw... as the top reviewer said, he may not have been as technical as some, but he put his heart and soul into his playing. Pure beauty. This song would be a fitting memorial to our late guitar-playing whiz, Paul Kossoff.
RIP Paul. The world - and those in it who listen to good music - misses you.
all free ballods stay with you.iwas lucky enough to see free 5 times bad co 4 and peace once, paul rogers 2 times by himself.take my word, you cant describe it.
lucky enough to have a copy of back street crawler signed and presented to me by pauls dad david,after helping him with his one man show "the late great paul" the most soulful guitarist in the world,RIP paul and david
Paul had the best vibrato of all time. He REALLY knew how to express himself on that beautiful sounding Les Paul! He wasn't the fastest soloist, nor the most technical, but his feel and sometimes aggression on guitar are unmatched! One of the best of all time and I salute thee! Thank You for the memories and Rest in Peace Paul! Still missing you!
this is paul rodgers on vocals with jess rodden on harmony vocals, and koss on guitar. amazing stuff. i believe the rest of free play on this track too-FRaser o bass and kirke on drums. does it get any better than this? remarkable stuff
Why isn't there anything from Backstreet Crawler (especially "The Band Plays On") at youtube? That damn WMG - why can't they just leave the consumers alone?!
I have the Back Street Crawler album and was offered some money for it but will never part with it. How many songs unwritten? This happens to be my favorite. Thanks for posting this, I'd never seen the concert part, watching it is bittersweet; what a talent he was.
@Ishbell1 i to have the back street crawler album and i would never part with it great album never be the likes of koss again pure genius on guitar r. i. p his music will live on
Hi there, the concert was at Ealing College. It was filmed by Simon Kossoff, Paul's older brother who was a student there. (He is now a well known cinematographer.) Unfortunately the sound was lost so it's a silent film. The whole thing is on the Free Forever DVD.
there's another version of this with Terry Slesser(I think?) on vocals I think which is much better, there's an amazing bit of feedback sustain just after the middle section. it's on the 'koss' compilation...
This song is originally on Paul Kossoff's solo album named Backstreet Crawler not to be confused with the band Backstreet Crawler (Kossoff was a member). It is frequently confused as Free because it is on some Free anthologies and because Paul Rodgers is the lead vocalist on this track. I'm not sure but I do not think that Andy Fraser or Simon Kirke play on the track. I could be mistake though.
I think that Jess Roden sung on most of that album (back Street), but Rodgers sung on this one particular track. I will pull out my copy of the album and report a complete picture when I get the time. The attic is full~!!
Cool I know the gig you are on about. Simon Kirke has a Wellington College connection. SHorty after that gig they (Back Street Crawler) the band were due to play in Hyde Park with the likes of Broughton,Kevin Ayers, and a bunch of other greats, sadley Paul died on the plane back from the states. I remember "OUT DEMONS OUT" though. Edgar Broughton our Welsh cousins were magic.
Free are my all time favourite band of all time. Koss' guitar work, although not as technical as some, is pure emotion, and indeed molton gold. i wish i was born earlier so i could have seen the original free, instead of being doomed to be tormented with generic 'sing in a regional accent' indie bands.
You're right, Paul Rodgers is singing, but it's a guest appearance on the Paul Kossoff solo album whose TITLE was "Back Street Crawler." When Koss put a touring band together, he named the band after his solo album's title and continued to record under that name afterward. Later, somebody named a Free 2-disc collection "Molten Gold" (which included this song and one other from Koss' solo work), just to add to the confusion.
this is free i assume or is it another band what album is tis it is awesome where can i find it please answer thanks for posting it is now my favorite
the album name is "back street crawler" by kossoff ie paul kossof, the lead guitarist, which has already passed away. this is his single. singer of this song is paul rodgers. both of them were members of free.
Did a bit of net research. 99% sure quote came from back of David Kossoffs book called " You've Got A Moment Lord". The talks that he did after Pauls death were called
" The late Great Paul " which encluded talking about drugs issues.He told childrens biblical stories in is format on BBC TV.
No. As you may or not be aware Paul's dad David was an actor also a wtiter. His dad after his koss' death did talks around the coutry. However regarding "Pint size....." this was on or at the back of one of his dads books; if memory serves me well I think "Words or a Poem for Paul"
but can not remember if the actual book came under a diferent name. His dad generally wrote childrens biblical stories. Hope this helps.
god i love this song, paul kossoffs guitaring had so much feeling to it he was a real blues guitarist you can just feel the guitar wheeping with you, could someone please tell me who sings backup vocals in this song?
so tastefull, so sweet,this was a really great group trough the many I've heard in my life, they have a special place in my hart. they sounded really FREE!!!!!!! claudio
Truley the King of blues rock Im 17 and he's my all time gratest influence and i think Kossoff well and truley demonstrated that the music at its best comes from the hart not just pure technical skill. one day there will be a blues rock revolotion when the youth of today throgh of the shakles of corperate music that seems to be everywhere today come back 60's and 70's I want a go!!
Well said. There ain't no band out there today that was as soulful as Free. Maybey one day the youth and the bands will break from corperate power and greed and look back on this song and video and realize that this is from the heart.
as an old soldier to a new trooper, just keep on doing what you believe in.its not about money its about musical honesty.play what you play and NEVER sell out
The world's most soulful notes, and vibrato. It was all about soul with Koss. He was so real, and dealing with a fake superficial business that he imploded. Sad, but inevitable.
No offence to JR, but this mix would have been better without Jess Roden singing the low parts.
Saw Koss with the band Back Street Crawler, September 75, Liverpool Empire, not long after his near-death the previous month. Collapsed on stage but kept playing. Great concert, great guitarist, died too young.
Thanks marclives, great concert eh? A copy would be awesome, however I am now living in New Zealand, left Prescot in 79. Happy to flick you a few bucks for the postage though, lemme know!
i love molten gold so much, one of my very favorite songs.. so much magic and soul.. and koss giving us a inkling of his trouble soul.. also shows what a great songwritter he was also.. in that "inside free" doc they say koss was just an interpreter.. that was probably one of the most inaccurate comments i've heard about koss.. this proves them completely wrong.. koss not only wrote the music but also the lyrics and singing melody :)
I grew up with a garage band that played and sounded just like "Free" ... great memories I will always love.
laurette11281962 2 weeks ago
Explain to me how anyone can make a guitar cry like this......sic
docurrhodes 1 month ago
Jess Roden on backing vocals! Great track!!!
estrudis 1 month ago
PAUL !! S2
the Fucker
MrBruskinho 3 months ago in playlist ROCK N ROLL
Used to spend every weekend, fridays & saturdays listening to bands like this. Every weekend there would be a couple of quality bands playing in town that you could go see for 50-75p!!! Honest. God how lucky we were without ever realising it to witness real music being made and played. How great was that atmosphere in the dark, smoky clubs and pubs where we watched in awe some of the greatest musicians of their time. You really couldn't explain to anyone today just how great it was back then.
STOKEKNOB 3 months ago
Does anyone have the lyrics for this? Thanks
soozarty 3 months ago
Free is my favorite band also, greatest influence!
11labello 4 months ago
Comment removed
caylebarsby 6 months ago
one of my favourite songs of all time, amazing
BennieAA 6 months ago
Koss on guitar, Paul Rodgers on lead & Jess Roden on background vocals. I wore this album out 30 years ago.
trademarkcomics 7 months ago
My fave 3 guitarist of all time are Paul Kossoff, Leslie West and dear ol' Eric Clapton. But I just have to put Koss at #1.... Sometimes the raw emotion that came out of his playing is almost too much to take! What a man of deep feelings he must have been! And if you examine his guitar playing, you notice that it was all tone, heart and fingers. There was no fuzz box crap, just a les paul a guitar cord and a cranked marshall! If you have " it " ... Then thats all you need!
jdpicher 8 months ago
@jdpicher Yup, Koss had tone genius, a quality given to very few. The same can be said of Leslie West and Bill Martin. It's a very short list indeed.
SteveMacD927 5 months ago
Pure genius. Simples.
Strokecity1 8 months ago
The guitar on this song is so emotional, so raw... as the top reviewer said, he may not have been as technical as some, but he put his heart and soul into his playing. Pure beauty. This song would be a fitting memorial to our late guitar-playing whiz, Paul Kossoff.
RIP Paul. The world - and those in it who listen to good music - misses you.
dudestr5552 8 months ago
What an incredible song. Fraser's bass work is interesting as usual.
It would have been nice to hear Koss write more.
theREALonekev 10 months ago
The name is Molten Gold. # Paul Kossoff (guitar)
# Paul Rodgers (lead vocals)
# Jess Roden (harmony vocals)
# Andy Fraser (bass guitar)
# Simon Kirke (drums)
# Rabbit (organ, chimes, piano)
adigavrus1 11 months ago
all free ballods stay with you.iwas lucky enough to see free 5 times bad co 4 and peace once, paul rogers 2 times by himself.take my word, you cant describe it.
bf45el 1 year ago
lucky enough to have a copy of back street crawler signed and presented to me by pauls dad david,after helping him with his one man show "the late great paul" the most soulful guitarist in the world,RIP paul and david
cnocnall 1 year ago
@cnocnall lives on in all true hearts
TheDoogsie 1 year ago
Jess Roden did the backing vocals
gardnersmoke 1 year ago
All time favourite band. Never worked out who is on the backing vocals
QVXS77 1 year ago
what a loss to us all ,but were blessed with this .Greatest band ever for me .
bluesbhoystu 1 year ago
Paul had the best vibrato of all time. He REALLY knew how to express himself on that beautiful sounding Les Paul! He wasn't the fastest soloist, nor the most technical, but his feel and sometimes aggression on guitar are unmatched! One of the best of all time and I salute thee! Thank You for the memories and Rest in Peace Paul! Still missing you!
PA28140 1 year ago 2
this is paul rodgers on vocals with jess rodden on harmony vocals, and koss on guitar. amazing stuff. i believe the rest of free play on this track too-FRaser o bass and kirke on drums. does it get any better than this? remarkable stuff
Trowerfan100 1 year ago
Why isn't there anything from Backstreet Crawler (especially "The Band Plays On") at youtube? That damn WMG - why can't they just leave the consumers alone?!
RIP Koss - you rocked man!!
bucky468 1 year ago
R.I.P.Paul! Guitar Hero....
MrGeorgiebest7 1 year ago
I have the longplayer . is like free and bad company. paul rodgers is the lead singer. and jess roden is the harmony singer.
gunter1e2 1 year ago
I have the longplayer. and paul rodgers is the lead singer (harmaony vocals: jess roden). is like free and bad company.
gunter1e2 1 year ago
is that Koss singing? sounds like paul rodgers?
gazzaboy2531977 1 year ago
@gazzaboy2531977 Yep and Fraser on bass Kirke on drums
prsfrank 1 year ago
I have the longplayer.
paul roders: lead vocal
jess roden: harmony vocal
gunter1e2 1 year ago
Whay can I say. Just listen. Words not necessary. Words not up to the job.
ekimshield 2 years ago
Slightly similar to 'Freebird'
samuitone 2 years ago
Those guys could play/sing the blues...Shame They could not keep it together as a band.
essertpitay 2 years ago
the cover has him using a Quad 33 or 303, anyone know if he used it has a front end or was it just for the picture
burgersoft777 2 years ago
I have the Back Street Crawler album and was offered some money for it but will never part with it. How many songs unwritten? This happens to be my favorite. Thanks for posting this, I'd never seen the concert part, watching it is bittersweet; what a talent he was.
Ishbell1 2 years ago 3
@Ishbell1 i to have the back street crawler album and i would never part with it great album never be the likes of koss again pure genius on guitar r. i. p his music will live on
ste123456754 1 year ago
it wasn´t done in 1975,but in the first break-up of free! learn the facts if you love koss.
PAULDOLANORIGINAL 2 years ago
what a killer tune.......
toothmaker22000 2 years ago
Somebody knows, where is the concert in the end from?
BlueRosarium 2 years ago
Hi there, the concert was at Ealing College. It was filmed by Simon Kossoff, Paul's older brother who was a student there. (He is now a well known cinematographer.) Unfortunately the sound was lost so it's a silent film. The whole thing is on the Free Forever DVD.
secret400 2 years ago
Thank You VERY much :)
BlueRosarium 2 years ago
there's another version of this with Terry Slesser(I think?) on vocals I think which is much better, there's an amazing bit of feedback sustain just after the middle section. it's on the 'koss' compilation...
libran1977 2 years ago
Know wot ya sayin , is off the back street crawler live album I think ,, but tis all good yea
OldOx 2 years ago
one of the greatest guitar player ever... he left us too young...
too bad for music!
I suggest to listen to "Live at Croydon Fairfield hall"... it does worth it!!!
Thanks to wayheavy 4 explanations on this one
cico70 2 years ago 5
he has the best vibrato ever...
Nebelorz 3 years ago 3
True. And let´s not forget Danny Kirwan! And he is still alive, by the way... Paul, Peter and Danny - those boys really bend those strings!
kettuantti 2 years ago
This song is originally on Paul Kossoff's solo album named Backstreet Crawler not to be confused with the band Backstreet Crawler (Kossoff was a member). It is frequently confused as Free because it is on some Free anthologies and because Paul Rodgers is the lead vocalist on this track. I'm not sure but I do not think that Andy Fraser or Simon Kirke play on the track. I could be mistake though.
wayheavy 3 years ago 2
this track featured all the original free members - plus backing vocals by jess roden (quite an amazing talent in his own right).
dljone9 3 years ago
I think that Jess Roden sung on most of that album (back Street), but Rodgers sung on this one particular track. I will pull out my copy of the album and report a complete picture when I get the time. The attic is full~!!
RuhleSoup 2 years ago
Thank you for this post, and the information about the track, the title, etc. You saved me from searching for hours for the title under
Free's name. I was working from the "M.G." box set track listing. I enjoyed the footage at the end, too. Excellent picture quality. Thanks again.
jimirymodestoca 3 years ago
I saw them at Wellington College..with High Tide, and East of Eden,and Hawkwind;it does not come much better,I can assure you!
Oh yes,there was Edgar Broughton, too! Pots.
GPUK 3 years ago
Cool I know the gig you are on about. Simon Kirke has a Wellington College connection. SHorty after that gig they (Back Street Crawler) the band were due to play in Hyde Park with the likes of Broughton,Kevin Ayers, and a bunch of other greats, sadley Paul died on the plane back from the states. I remember "OUT DEMONS OUT" though. Edgar Broughton our Welsh cousins were magic.
RuhleSoup 2 years ago
As far as i'm aware all the members of free play on this track and that's why it's on the free compilation
lolzordz666 3 years ago
so sad...the drugs always win...why don`t they listen...RIP paul..
carlosdeno 3 years ago 18
@carlosdeno I listened./...I'm clean 3yrs.....so there are some 'Happy endings''
Grabrack 10 months ago
@carlosdeno
Grabrack 10 months ago
@carlosdeno down some dead end streets, there ain't no turning back
incarnazione 5 months ago
@carlosdeno Witouth drugs he wouldnt be so expressfull on guitar ;)
OsamaLT 3 months ago
Free are my all time favourite band of all time. Koss' guitar work, although not as technical as some, is pure emotion, and indeed molton gold. i wish i was born earlier so i could have seen the original free, instead of being doomed to be tormented with generic 'sing in a regional accent' indie bands.
this band will never be topped
sfjgd06 3 years ago 26
@sfjgd06 I like you. Fuck indie.
DirtyDeck 1 year ago
Thats not Back Street Crawler - its Paul Rodgers singing. This version is on Songs of Yesterday - the box set from Free (and asscociated off shoots).
blowtorch55 3 years ago
You're right, Paul Rodgers is singing, but it's a guest appearance on the Paul Kossoff solo album whose TITLE was "Back Street Crawler." When Koss put a touring band together, he named the band after his solo album's title and continued to record under that name afterward. Later, somebody named a Free 2-disc collection "Molten Gold" (which included this song and one other from Koss' solo work), just to add to the confusion.
empirestv 3 years ago
god bless amazing,wonderfull Paul Kossof!
nixonvigano 3 years ago 5
this is free i assume or is it another band what album is tis it is awesome where can i find it please answer thanks for posting it is now my favorite
furby1964 4 years ago
the album name is "back street crawler" by kossoff ie paul kossof, the lead guitarist, which has already passed away. this is his single. singer of this song is paul rodgers. both of them were members of free.
pius168 4 years ago
thank u pius168 i will look for it
furby1964 4 years ago
this is so nice ,we were so young
moshe7158 4 years ago
Love this tune! Thanks for sharing!
shellbblue 4 years ago
Did a bit of net research. 99% sure quote came from back of David Kossoffs book called " You've Got A Moment Lord". The talks that he did after Pauls death were called
" The late Great Paul " which encluded talking about drugs issues.He told childrens biblical stories in is format on BBC TV.
sfishg 4 years ago
No. As you may or not be aware Paul's dad David was an actor also a wtiter. His dad after his koss' death did talks around the coutry. However regarding "Pint size....." this was on or at the back of one of his dads books; if memory serves me well I think "Words or a Poem for Paul"
but can not remember if the actual book came under a diferent name. His dad generally wrote childrens biblical stories. Hope this helps.
sfishg 4 years ago
did you hear this when gramrye were backing
OldOx 4 years ago
As Koss' dad wrote in memory of his son "A pint size power house with a plectrum" What words.
sfishg 4 years ago 2
Its KOSS man it had to be good.only saw him live once in Sunderland but he plays on in my heart.
safc3773tl 4 years ago
Brilliant. Thanks very much for posting this, it's the first time I'd heard it.
n0m0ney 4 years ago
god i love this song, paul kossoffs guitaring had so much feeling to it he was a real blues guitarist you can just feel the guitar wheeping with you, could someone please tell me who sings backup vocals in this song?
schubiegroke2 4 years ago
That's Paul Rodgers on lead vocal and Jess Roden on backing hitting those high ones. Pure gold!
dibanduck 4 years ago
cheers i knew twas paul rodgers on lead butu didnt know who was on backup, the backup singer sounds so good in this song pure genious
schubiegroke2 4 years ago
It was Jess Roden, another great vocalist !!
wildkev 4 years ago
so tastefull, so sweet,this was a really great group trough the many I've heard in my life, they have a special place in my hart. they sounded really FREE!!!!!!! claudio
joyce55 4 years ago
I had forgotten about the sweet sound of Jess Roden on this track. Cool....
RuhleSoup 4 years ago
ahh! Love the footage that starts at 4:47. never seen that before.
gibblerfan83 4 years ago
great song great player.Took me ages to realise you dont have to play 2 million notes in 5 secs to be great.Got this on KOSS tribute albom brilliant
jh7260 4 years ago 2
Straight from the heart
coot48 4 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Great Guitar from Paul--Lead vocals were Paul Rogers with some great backing from jess roden--anyone have any jess roden?
rutlandrod 4 years ago 2
o we love you paul...i dont know hes such a great musician
Psychocoko 4 years ago
Truley the King of blues rock Im 17 and he's my all time gratest influence and i think Kossoff well and truley demonstrated that the music at its best comes from the hart not just pure technical skill. one day there will be a blues rock revolotion when the youth of today throgh of the shakles of corperate music that seems to be everywhere today come back 60's and 70's I want a go!!
Ha190 4 years ago 3
same here mate. im 20 and he's the classiest guitarist ever. Akkerman, Kossoff Green, Clapton, the 3 Kings , santana etc etc
MalhamScousers 4 years ago
Well said. There ain't no band out there today that was as soulful as Free. Maybey one day the youth and the bands will break from corperate power and greed and look back on this song and video and realize that this is from the heart.
freekoss 4 years ago 2
the Great Koss
shahzadhameed 4 years ago
as an old soldier to a new trooper, just keep on doing what you believe in.its not about money its about musical honesty.play what you play and NEVER sell out
lozzerman 4 years ago 2
The world's most soulful notes, and vibrato. It was all about soul with Koss. He was so real, and dealing with a fake superficial business that he imploded. Sad, but inevitable.
No offence to JR, but this mix would have been better without Jess Roden singing the low parts.
KeithTheKing 4 years ago
Saw Koss with the band Back Street Crawler, September 75, Liverpool Empire, not long after his near-death the previous month. Collapsed on stage but kept playing. Great concert, great guitarist, died too young.
peegee7 4 years ago
me too, peegee...taped it under my trenchcoat on a cassette the size of jodrell bank!!
Happy to do you a copy.
marclives 4 years ago
Thanks marclives, great concert eh? A copy would be awesome, however I am now living in New Zealand, left Prescot in 79. Happy to flick you a few bucks for the postage though, lemme know!
peegee7 4 years ago
don`t worry about the postage, where do I send it?
marclives 4 years ago
You are the man! I've emailed it to you!
peegee7 4 years ago
iv'e been listening now for 30 yrs an they soun just like the first time i heard them, soulfull rock!
raberro1 4 years ago
yeah and also the box set version was missing koss's beautiful lead guitar :(
TwistedTristan 4 years ago
Even without sound, you can still FEEL this band. Amazing stuff.
bluesgunner 5 years ago
I prefer the version on the Free box set of this song, without the totally unnecessary background vocals. Great song.
kissandra 5 years ago
The background vocals may seem unnecessary to you, but Koss didn't think so as this is the original. Jess Roden on backing
jakemyson 4 years ago 2
The footage is on the Free Forever DVD. Kossoff's brother took it. Unfortunately he lost the audio and only the video survived.
cazulu3 5 years ago
i love molten gold so much, one of my very favorite songs.. so much magic and soul.. and koss giving us a inkling of his trouble soul.. also shows what a great songwritter he was also.. in that "inside free" doc they say koss was just an interpreter.. that was probably one of the most inaccurate comments i've heard about koss.. this proves them completely wrong.. koss not only wrote the music but also the lyrics and singing melody :)
TwistedTristan 5 years ago
Wow, what's that concert footage on the tag of this?
Never seen it before.
knuteboy36 5 years ago
Great to see this track on the tube FF. Well done...
okkoss 5 years ago