Renowned Bassist for Free and the Faces, Tetsu Yamauchi, Dies Aged 79

Early Life and First Bands

Bassist Tetsu Yamauchi, known for playing with Free and the Faces, died on Dec. 4 at age 79. A statement from his family shared online noted that Yamauchi “passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. We sincerely thank everyone who enjoyed Tetsu’s music and offered kind words until now. Those were fun times. It’s a long time, but a short time.” The message reflected their gratitude for the support shown throughout his career.

Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Yamauchi began playing music in the late 1960s. His first major band was the Japanese prog rock group Micky Curtis & the Samurais. With that group, he recorded two albums released in 1971. That same year, he joined Free members Paul Kossoff, Simon Kirke and John “Rabbit” Bundrick for a side project. The lineup recorded one album titled Kossoff Kirke Tetsu Rabbit, which brought Yamauchi to wider attention outside Japan.

Joining Free

At the time Yamauchi worked with the Free members, the band was struggling due to personal tension between bassist Andy Fraser and singer Paul Rodgers. Although the group tried to get back together in 1972, the effort did not last. When Fraser left again, Yamauchi was officially invited to join Free as the new bassist. His playing appears on the band’s final album, Heartbreaker, released in 1973. During the sessions, he helped write the hit song “Wishing Well,” which became one of Free’s most recognized tracks and showed his skill as both a player and songwriter.

When Free broke up that same year, Yamauchi searched for his next step. His growing reputation led to an offer from the Faces, who needed a replacement for their departing bassist and co-founder Ronnie Lane. Yamauchi accepted the role, though it did not turn out to be an easy fit for either side.

Time With the Faces

The Faces welcomed Yamauchi into their lineup, but the group soon faced problems. Keyboardist Ian McLagan later recalled, “We made a mistake really with Tetsu. It wasn’t his fault, but he was a party boy and thought he was in for lots of drinks and a little bit of playing, while we were looking for more creation and a lot less boozing.” Their expectations for the band’s work style clashed.

Yamauchi stayed with the Faces for two years. During that period, he appeared on the live album Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners and played on the band’s final single, “You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything (Even Take the Dog for a Walk, Mend a Fuse, Fold Away the Ironing Board, Or Any Other Domestic Shortcomings).” The single became a well-known example of the band’s playful style and marked the end of their recording history.

Later Career and Legacy

After the Faces dissolved, Yamauchi focused on solo music and worked as a studio musician. He returned to Japan and formed Tetsu Yamauchi & the Good Times Roll Band, releasing a live album in 1977. During the late ’70s and into the ’90s, he worked with jazz musicians and continued releasing music from time to time. In the years that followed, he stepped back from public life and largely retired from performing.

Simon Kirke shared a message on social media after Yamauchi’s passing, calling him “a good friend and a great bass player. My condolences to his family and close friends. May he rest in peace.”