The rock community is mourning the loss of one of its most distinctive and powerful voices. Marcie Free — the legendary vocalist known for her work with Unruly Child, King Kobra, and Signal — has died at the age of 71. Her passing was confirmed on October 24 by drummer and longtime bandmate Jay Schellen, who shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook.
“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. “This is heartbreaking. Bruce, Guy, Larry — all of whom I hold dear as family — are shattered for the loss of our Marcie. We began Unruly Child together in 1992 and continued our friendship and music making throughout these years to this day.”
Schellen, now a member of Yes, described Free as “a marvel to behold,” praising her as “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.” He ended his post with a poignant farewell: “Always an Angel — now you have your wings.”
A Voice That Defined a Generation of Melodic Rock
Born Mark Free in 1954, Marcie Free began her music career in the late 1970s and gained prominence during the golden era of ’80s hard rock and AOR (album-oriented rock). Her commanding voice, soaring range, and emotive delivery made her one of the most respected singers in the melodic rock scene.
Free first gained major attention as the lead singer of King Kobra, the band formed by drummer Carmine Appice. She fronted the group on their first two albums — Ready to Strike (1985) and Thrill of a Lifetime (1986) — both of which have since become cult classics among hair-metal fans.
Following her stint with King Kobra, Free formed Signal, a band that leaned into melodic AOR territory. Signal’s debut album, Loud & Clear (1989), remains a fan favorite and is often cited by critics as one of the finest AOR records of the era. The group briefly reunited in 2000 for a second studio release.
But it was Unruly Child, founded in 1992, that allowed Free to fully express her artistry. The self-titled debut album, produced during the waning years of the glam-metal boom, earned rave reviews for its sophisticated songwriting and Free’s breathtaking vocals. Songs like “Who Cries Now” and “Wind Me Up” showcased her ability to blend technical power with heartfelt emotion.
Free and Unruly Child continued to record and perform for decades, releasing six studio albums between 1992 and 2019. Even as musical trends changed, her voice remained as rich and expressive as ever — a rare constant in an industry known for fleeting fame.
Remembered by Fans and Fellow Musicians
Tributes poured in across social media following the announcement of Free’s death. Fans and fellow musicians alike expressed their grief and admiration for the singer who had influenced countless artists but never received the mainstream recognition she deserved.
“One of my all-time favorite singers to work with. Such an incredible loss,” one fan wrote on Facebook. Another added, “Absolutely without question one of my biggest vocal influences… all the studio work she did with an untold number of bands — just an incredible person. My heart breaks personally and for you. Truly a loss for humanity.”
Music journalist Andrew McNeice of Melodic Rock echoed the sentiment, writing, “It’s the kind of news you dread, especially in the middle of the night… My friend Marcie Free has left us and I’m heartbroken. I’ll have more to say later. RIP the voice of AOR.”
On Reddit, longtime fans reminisced about her live performances. One recalled seeing King Kobra perform in San Diego during the ’80s: “There were only about 100 people in the club but they gave us an arena show. Sorry to hear about her passing.” Another fan wrote, “Marcie was an amazing, underrated singer. Her debut album with Unruly Child is worth checking out for any hair-metal fan.”
A Trailblazer Beyond Music
Marcie Free’s story is also one of personal courage and authenticity. In 1993, she publicly came out as transgender — a rare and bold move in the hard rock world at that time. Her openness inspired others in an industry that often struggled with inclusivity.
In interviews, Free spoke candidly about her transition and how it affected her career. “I had to be who I really am,” she said in a 2011 conversation with Melodic Rock. “Music has always been my truth, and living authentically only made that connection deeper.”
Despite the challenges, Free never stopped making music. Her later work with Unruly Child and her solo projects reflected a sense of peace and freedom — a fitting continuation of a life spent defying expectations.
An Enduring Legacy
With more than four decades in the business, Marcie Free leaves behind a discography that continues to resonate with fans of melodic and classic rock. Her albums — whether with King Kobra’s arena-ready energy, Signal’s polished songwriting, or Unruly Child’s emotional depth — serve as a testament to her artistry.
Though she may never have reached the commercial heights of some of her contemporaries, her influence is undeniable. Countless singers cite her as a vocal inspiration, and her courage paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance within rock music.
“Marcie was the voice you never forget,” wrote one fan. “When she sang, it was like the sky opened up.”
As the rock world says goodbye, the legacy of Marcie Free — the voice, the artist, and the fearless human being — will continue to echo through the decades.
Rest in peace, Marcie. Your music lives on.