No legendary gig list is complete without the one by the rock band Free at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 19 February 1972 (‘I was there!’ Writers remember legendary gigs by Beyoncé, Brian Wilson, Britney, Oasis, Daft Punk and more, 6 July). Free were led by local lad and now legendary vocalist Paul Rodgers, and it was rumoured to be, and was, their farewell tour, leading to massive anticipation.
The gig was a 50p a ticket sellout, but due to the seven-week miners’ strike there was a power cut scheduled for 9pm, so the starting time was moved to 5pm. Coincidentally, the miners settled their pay dispute on the same day, but the power cuts continued until the following week.
