Rock World Mourns the Loss of Marcie Free, Legendary Vocalist, Dead at 71

The rock community is grieving the loss of Marcie Free — the powerhouse vocalist celebrated for her work with King Kobra, Signal, and Unruly Child — who has died at the age of 71.

Her passing was confirmed Friday by longtime friend and Unruly Child bandmate Jay Schellen, who described Free as “a marvel to behold” in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. “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,” Schellen wrote. “I’m gutted and can’t say much more.”

Schellen continued, “This is heartbreaking. Bruce, Guy, Larry — all of whom I hold dear as family — are shattered for the loss of our Marcie. We began Unruly Child together in 1992 and continued our friendship and music making throughout these years to this day. Marcie was always an Angel — now you have your wings.”

Born Mark Edward Free in South Bend, Indiana, in 1954, Marcie began performing professionally at 19. After moving from Michigan to Las Vegas and later Los Angeles, she broke into the rock scene in 1983 after meeting drummer Carmine Appice, recently departed from Ozzy Osbourne’s band. Together, they formed King Kobra, signing with Capitol Records in 1984.

With albums like Ready to Strike (1985) and Thrill of a Lifetime (1986), Free’s soaring, emotive vocals and limitless range made her one of melodic rock’s most distinctive and unforgettable voices.