Bassist Tetsu Yamauchi of Free and Faces Passes Away at 79
Tetsu Yamauchi, the acclaimed Japanese bassist, was born in 1946 in Fukuoka and passed away at the age of 79. His career spanned multiple genres, including Japanese rock, British blues rock, and global touring.
During the late 1960s, Yamauchi was deeply involved in the club and studio scene, a time when Japanese rock was rapidly evolving. He became a part of Mickey Curtis’s band Samurai, which blended rock with experimental free-jazz elements. The band’s sound was influenced by collaborations with avant-garde artists like Peter Brötzmann and John Zorn, shaping their unique style. Samurai toured across Europe, performing at various venues and festivals, including a notable appearance at a rock festival in Rome in 1970. Their recording sessions in London marked a pivotal moment in Yamauchi’s career, leading to connections with renowned musicians like Ginger Baker and Alan Merrill.
In 1972, Yamauchi joined forces with guitarist Paul Kossoff, drummer Simon Kirke, and keyboardist John “Rabbit” Bundrick for the album Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu, and Rabbit. This collaboration brought him to Free, where he replaced Andy Fraser as the bassist for their final studio album, Heartbreaker. Released in 1973, Heartbreaker showcased Yamauchi’s exceptional bass playing and marked the end of Free’s era as a British blues rock powerhouse.
Following his stint with Free, Yamauchi joined Faces in 1973, stepping into the shoes of Ronnie Lane. He played a crucial role in the band’s transition period, contributing to hit singles like “You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything.” Yamauchi’s time with Faces included extensive tours and live performances until the band disbanded in 1975.
After Faces dissolved, Yamauchi pursued a solo career and continued his work as a session musician. He released several solo albums, including collaborations with prominent artists like Peter Brötzmann and Hiroshi Segawa. Despite his retirement from music in the late 1990s and subsequent move to the countryside with his family, Yamauchi made a surprising comeback in 2023, performing live shows in Tokyo alongside drummer Yoshitaka Shimada.
On December 4, 2025, Tetsu Yamauchi passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of influential recordings and collaborations that have transcended boundaries of genre and geography. His contributions to the world of music, through his work with Free, Faces, and various solo projects, continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.