Well, this sucks, mun. It’s getting harder and harder to keep writing these kinds of stories — another rock icon, another light gone dim. This time, we’ve had to say goodbye to the incredible Marcie Free, powerhouse vocalist for Unruly Child, and previously of King Kobra and Signal. She was 71 years old.
Free wasn’t just a singer — she was the voice behind some of the most melodic, emotionally charged hard rock of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Her vocals carried power and tenderness in equal measure — soaring high one moment, cutting deep the next. 🎤⚡
Born Mark Edward Free, Marcie’s journey through the world of rock was one of bravery, resilience, and pure musical fire. After transitioning in the 1990s, she became one of the first openly transgender vocalists in rock — a move that broke barriers long before the world was ready. Still, she did it with grace, humour, and that tidy smile that fans loved. 🏳️⚧️💪
From King Kobra’s Ready to Strike to Unruly Child’s self-titled debut, her voice could take on glam, AOR, and metal without missing a beat. She owned every stage she stepped on — and her fans never stopped showing up for her.
Tributes are already pouring in across social media, with fellow musicians calling her “a true pioneer,” “a beautiful soul,” and “a voice from the heavens.” 🌹
Marcie Free leaves behind a legacy that’s far bigger than her discography — she leaves behind proof that authenticity and artistry can walk hand in hand, no matter what the world throws at you.
Rest easy, Marcie. The stage lights are dimmed tonight, but your voice will echo forever. 🎶💜
#MarcieFree #UnrulyChild #KingKobra #Signal #RIP #RockLegend #TheRiffReport
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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