FREE BEER Bio

The band, 'FREE BEER' was originally brewed on May 22, 1974 when they played their first show at Gerdes Folk City, a popular Greenwich Village venue.

Founding members, Michael Packer, Sandy Allen and Robert Caleb Potter performed acoustic sets built around original songs with three part harmony. Playing two Martin acoustic guitars and Gibson bass, the trio each took vocal leads on a variety of original songs, mostly upbeat in nature.

Packer and Allen had previously founded the group 'Papa Nebo' which released an album on Atlantic Records two years earlier. Potter's credits included a song recorded by Country Music star Barbara Fairchild and released on Columbia Records.

The band honed their act while playing the local village clubs, appearing at The Cafe Wha, Kenny's Castaways, The Other End, and the shabby low rent club on the Bowery which would soon become famous as Punk Rock Meca, CBGB's.

In early 1975 the band was signed by 'Orpheus' and 'Ultimate Spinach' producer Alan Lorber to record on his Southwind/Buddha Records label, and the self titled 'FREE BEER' album was recorded. The band toured extensively after the albums release, appearing at Willy Nelson's Whiskey River in Dallas/Ft Worth, Liberty Hall in Houston, The Boardinghouse in San Francisco (opening for the comedian, Steve Martin), The Armadillo in Austin, The Exit Inn in Nashville, The Roxie in Los Angeles and The Ambassador Theater in St. Louis to name a few. The band played to enthusiastic audiences and reviews from the local press were positive.

Studio sessions were augmented by a mixture of talented friends and professional studio musicians. Eric Weisberg (Dueling Banjo's), Will Lee (Letterman bassist), Jerry Marotta (Orleans drummer), Hugh McCracken (Wings) appear with friends Brendan Harkin (Starz guitarist and producer of the first FREE BEER album), Patty Darcy (who would record and tour with Cher), local guitar legend Ronnie Renninger, and Joe X. Dube (Starz drummer, also with the group 'Looking Glass')

On tour, the group was joined by Dan Daley on Pedal Steel/Electric Guitar (and who also wrote the Charlie Daniels hit 'Still In Saigon') and ex Buddy Miles Express guitarist Werner Fritzsching. Both also contributed in the studio. 'FREE BEER' used several drummers but the road chores were solidly handled by either Paul Kimbrow or Phil Leone.

The success of the first album generated interest in the group from RCA Records in New York and the band signed with them in 1976, recording two more albums, 'Highway Robbery' released in 1976 and 'Nouveau Chapeau', 1977. The band once again hit the road playing clubs and music venues in Atlanta, New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth, Los Angeles, Macon, Baton Rouge, Nashville, Cleveland and Wichita among others. The band opened for 10CC, Johnny Rivers, Dr. Hook, Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, The Atlanta Rhythm Section and Quicksilver Messenger Service to name a few.

Guest musicians appearing on stage with 'FREE BEER' include drummers Corky Lang (Mountain), Bobby Chionard (Billy Squire), and Howie Wyeth (Bob Dylan drummer and keyboardist)

When Elvis died in 1977, RCA let many acts go, choosing instead to focus on repackaging 'The King'. The members of 'FREE BEER' decided to pack it in but have remained friends and in touch and continue to pursue performing and songwriting careers. However, recent interest in the band has motivated this site, and who knows what else?