The Free Radicals

About Us

The Free Radicals are:

Mike Gibbs - mandolin, guitar and vocals

Chris Kershaw - rhythm guitar, fiddle and vocals

Luke Nathan - bass and vocals

Based in Surrey, England, The Free Radicals play folk music taking inspiration from traditional celtic music, bluegrass, Ukrainian dance music, and other influences mixing it together to produce a unique sound. Taking the basic instruments of mandolin, guitar and bass, with occasional fiddle and percussion, TFR have a distinctly acoustic vibe, but don't conform to the traditionalist image of many modern-day folk bands. Born in the pubs of Godalming, Surrey, TFR are essentially a live act, but have spent time in the studio to produce three albums: 'Out Of The Hedge', 'Hydon's Ball' and 'Hidden In The Alder' which have an electric and psychedelic edge to their normal acoustic sound.

You can find our music on Soundcloud (link in top right, or some samples below), on YouTube (click on "Listen Now" above), or on Spotify here.

NEWS

We are still looking for a new percussionist - could that be you, or do you know of anyone? If so, get in touch.

TFR are progressing as a three-piece (now we are the THREE Radicals - as some people mistakenly called us in the early days: e.g. "why are you called the Three Radicals when there are four of you?"). Recent gigs at the Haslemere Beer Festival and Elstead Buskers Night at the The Mill Tavern have gone well.

TFR are busy rehearsing, gig dates to be confirmed. Once booked they will be added to this website.

Long serving spoonsman, percussionist and song-writer, Richard Johnston, retired from all band duties in 2023 in order to pursue an idyllic life in the countryside and spend more time with his hedgehogs and elves. Richard had been with TFR for 17 years, which gives away the age of the band and shows his commitment to the cause. During this time, he had been instrumental in shaping the TFR 'sound' and in incorporating a certain oddness and whimsy which has been difficult to shake off. He had also been responsible for the fashion of wearing hats onstage (and off) that TFR adopted during this period.

Richard provided an invaluable 'presence' onstage and developed his own fan-base which made the other TFR members jealous. He is sincerely missed and the band, fans and associates would like to say a massive "THANK YOU and enjoy your retirement".