The rock world is in mourning over the loss of a true original—an artist whose voice and courage inspired countless fans and fellow musicians.
Marcie Free, the powerhouse vocalist behind legendary bands like King Kobra, Signal, and Unruly Child, has passed away at 71, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades and genres. Her life and career were defined not only by extraordinary talent but also by resilience, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
A remarkable presence
Her passing was confirmed on Friday by longtime friend and drummer Jay Schellen, who shared both the stage and a deep friendship with Free in Unruly Child. No official cause of death has been released.
Schellen’s tribute captured the depth of their bond:
“Marcie was a marvel to behold. 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 wrote on Facebook. “I’m gutted and can’t say much more.”
Reflecting further, he added:
“This is heartbreaking. Bruce, Guy, Larry—all of whom I hold dear as family—are shattered by the loss of our Marcie. We began UC together in 1992 and continued our friendship and music-making through the years. Marcie was always an Angel—now you have your wings.”
A voice like no other
Born Mark Edward Free in South Bend, Indiana, in 1954, Marcie’s musical journey began early. By 19, she was performing, driven by an unrelenting passion for rock. After moving from Michigan to Las Vegas and later Los Angeles, she carved out a space for herself in a fiercely competitive industry.
Her career turned a major corner in 1983 when she met drummer Carmine Appice, formerly of Ozzy Osbourne’s band. Together, they formed King Kobra, signing with Capitol Records a year later. Albums like Ready to Strike (1985) and Thrill of a Lifetime (1986) showcased Free’s soaring vocal range, technical skill, and emotional depth—qualities that set her apart in the melodic rock scene.
In 1987, she joined Signal, a short-lived but beloved project that released Loud and Clear. Though initially under-promoted, the album has since become a cult favorite among fans of AOR and ’80s rock.
By 1990, Free found her creative home with Unruly Child, collaborating with guitarist Bruce Gowdy and keyboardist Guy Allison. Their self-titled debut in 1992 cemented Free’s reputation as one of rock’s premier vocal storytellers, blending technical mastery with heartfelt expression.
A courageous transformation
After the debut, Free made a deeply personal and courageous choice. In 1993, she publicly came out as transgender, adopting the name Marcie Michelle Free.
The transition was liberating, but it came with challenges. Free later recalled, “My whole musical world quickly fell apart.” Many in the industry distanced themselves, and the band’s momentum stalled. Yet she remained steadfast. She described transitioning as a matter of survival—a choice between life and death. Continuing as Mark, she said, would have put her life at risk.
Stepping away from music in the mid-1990s, Free returned to Michigan to be near family, embracing what she called “life as a normal person does every day.” During this time, she battled alcoholism but found sobriety around 2008, crediting her faith and “close personal relationship with God” for guiding her recovery and rebuilding her life.
Returning to the stage
In 2009, Free reunited with Gowdy and Allison to relaunch Unruly Child, producing several albums over the next decade, including Worlds Collide (2010) and Down the Rabbit Hole (2014).
Despite the hardships, her fans remained loyal. From the glam metal stages of the ’80s to her courageous personal journey and eventual musical comeback, Free earned her place as a quiet legend—respected by those who truly understood her story.
Tributes poured in online:
“One of my all-time favorite singers to work with. Such an incredible loss.”
“Absolutely one of my biggest vocal influences… just an incredible person. My heart breaks. Truly a loss for humanity.”
Music journalist Andrew McNeice of Melodic Rock shared:
“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. RIP the voice of AOR.”
Fans on Reddit recalled her electrifying performances:
“OMG! She did an incredible job on Ready to Strike. Saw King Kobra in San Diego in the ’80s—only 100 people in the club, but they gave us an arena show. So sorry to hear about her passing.”
A lasting legacy
Free often cited Aretha Franklin as a key inspiration, acknowledging the soul legend in her album liner notes. Her voice—raw yet precise—carried echoes of classic rock, soul, and deep emotion.
Schellen’s words remain a fitting tribute: “Marcie was a marvel to behold.” Anyone who heard her sing knows the truth of that statement.
Marcie Free leaves behind a legacy defined by both power and vulnerability—a voice without limits and a spirit that refused to be confined by labels. Her artistry, courage, and authenticity continue to inspire. She reminded the world that being true to oneself is the purest form of beauty, and her contributions to music will resonate for generations.