Beloved rock musician Marcie Free, best remembered for their work with Unruly Child and King Kobra, has died at 71.
Marcie Free’s Bandmate Confirms Passing
Free had performed with Unruly Child for decades, starting in 1992. In addition to Free, members included Bruce Gowdy, Guy Allison, Jay Schellen, and Larry Antonino. The news of Free’s passing was shared by bandmate Schellen, who penned a heartfelt tribute about his bandmate’s death on Friday, October 24.
“I just couldn’t find the words last night when I heard the news that my loving friend and bandmate in Unruly Child Marcie Free has passed,” Schellen wrote on Facebook, in a post that also includes a video from Unruly Child’s song, “Very First Time.”
He continued, “This is heartbreaking. Bruce, Guy, Larry all of which I hold dear as family are shattered for the loss of our Marcie. We began UC together in 1992 and continued our friendship and music making throughout these years to this day. Marcie was a marvel to behold. A voice that had no limits and no equal, a truly singular talent and one of the most open and beautiful souls I have ever known. I’m gutted and can’t say much more. To my bandmates, Bruce, Guy, Larry, I love you guys, love to you too Marcie, you always were an Angel, now you have your wings.”
The emotional post has received an outpouring of love from fans who are saddened to learn of Free’s passing.
Fans React to the Sad News
The comments on the Facebook post make it clear just how influential Free was, and how they will be missed by so many for their music, and their personality! “RIP. Sincere condolences Jay. When you joined YES I charted back all the UC catalogue. Some superb music in there,” a comment reads.
“So very sorry for your loss Jay, Marcie was an incredible vocalist and talent. My heart goes out to family and friends!” another fan wrote.
A third comment reads, “Jay, this is just the worst! Absolutely without question one of my biggest vocal influences: King Kobra, Signal, Unruly Child… allllll of the studio work with untold number of bands, more than any other singer I can think of.”
The fan ended their lengthy message with a comment on how Free was “an incredible person” and the deep impact that their death has had. “My heart breaks personally and for you. Truly a loss for humanity,” they wrote. These are sentiments echoed by many others who are heartbroken to learn of Free’s passing.
Who ??????
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. Never heard of him or any of the bands he was supposedly with. Just goes to show you that you don’t have to be necessarily famous to have fans.