Heavy Blues outfit founded by drummer BOBBY HARRISON and guitarist Ray Royer in late 1967, both having departed from the hit group PROCUL HARUM in less than harmonious terms. Royer's replacement in PROCUL HARUM was none other than ROBIN TROWER. As FREEDOM evolved they turned from Blues Rock to a more Progressive sound with each album.

Before FREEDOM got under way the duo reached an out of court settlement with their former band mates in PROCUL HARUM and set about a commission piece for a musical score to the film 'Nerosubianco' for director Dino De Laurentis. The project was shelved but did eventually emerge in Italy on the Atlantic label. Bass was supplied by Steve Shirley, a man who had just turned down the job in the INBETWEENS, the act that shortly after evolved into SLADE. Tony Marsh (ex-TORNADO) completed the line up on keyboards, however Marsh was soon supplanted by Mike Lease.

FREEDOM delivered some German issue singles and an album for Metronome in 1969 titled 'At Last' which are now highly sought after before signing to the Probe label in America but not before losing keyboard player Mike Lease, his position being taken by Robin Lumsden.

FREEDOM's fortunes took a turn for the better when at a gig at the Bridgehouse pub in London they were approached by Patrick Meehan, BLACK SABBATH's manager.

Further line up changes saw both Royer and bassist Steve Shirley opting out, the guitarist leaving the musical scene altogether to become a Scientologist. The gap was filled by former WASHINGTON DC'S men guitarist Roger Saunders and ex RUST bassist Walt Monaghan.

With this line up FREEDOM toured extensively with BLACK SABBATH and also hit the east coast of America opening for JETHRO TULL before headline shows of their own on the west coast. Further touring with THE JAMES GANG had the band back in America and mainland Europe.

The official British debut eponymous album for Vertigo saw FREEDOM now with bassist Peter Dennis and second guitarist Steve Jolly, the latter specializing in double neck guitar.

1972's album 'Is More Than A Word', now featuring Matt Monoghan on bass commands staggering prices in the collectors market.

With FREEDOM's demise Monaghan joined the MICK ABRAHAMS BAND and IF before a short stint with TED NUGENT on his 'State Of Shock' album in 1979.

Saunders forged ahead with an orchestral solo album 'Rush release' for Warner Bros. in 1970 prior to hitching up with MEDICINE HEAD then THE GLITTER BAND and a brief spell with CHICKENSHACK. Saunders would operate a Blues outfit THE NOYZ BOYZ.

BOBBY HARRISON meantime busied himself with a solo album recorded for Capitol Records in America. Titled 'The Funkist' it features a whole host of names including BLACK SABBATH guitarist TONY IOMMI, DEEP PURPLE drummer Ian Paice, JUICY LUCY guitarist MICKY MOODY, THE GREASE BAND's bassist Chris Stewart and PROCUL HARUM keyboard player and co-producer Matthew Fisher.

Harrison then forged a more permanent union with Moody to create the highly rated SNAFU. Harrison's solo album release being delayed until after the debut SNAFU album was released in 1973.

Sadly Roger Saunders succumbed to cancer in February of 2000.