Freedom was an English psychedelic rock band, active in the late 1960s and early 1970s, formed initially by ex-members of Procol Harum.
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Ray Royer and Bobby Harrison, who had performed on the hit Procol Harum single "A Whiter Shade of Pale" (Harrison had only played on the B-Side, "Lime Street Blues"), were kicked out of the Harum by vocalist Gary Brooker, and replaced by Robin Trower and Barry Wilson. Royer and Harrison then formed Freedom with 20 year-old vocalist/bassist Steve Shirley and keyboardist Tony Marsh, who was shortly replaced by Mike Lease, releasing two German singles and the soundtrack for the Tinto Brass/Dino de Laurentiis film Attraction (original title Nerosubianco, also known as Black on White). [1] [2] [3]
In 1968, Royer, Shirley, and Lease departed the group, leading to Harrison bringing in guitarist Roger Saunders and bassist Walter Managham. [3] This new line-up pursued more of a hard rock sound, and scored tour dates with Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull, and The James Gang. [4] They achieved renown for their version of the Beatles song "Cry Baby Cry" on their second album Freedom at Last. Further line-up changes occurred before the band finally splintered in 1972, with Harrison going on to Snafu.
