The Hunter was the last track to be recorded for Tons Of Sobs.
It was first recorded by Albert King for his album Born Under A Bad Sign. Stax Studios, June 9, 1967. The song was written by Booker T & the MGs with Carl Wells. During 1969 – ie after Free recorded it (they would have known it from the Albert King original) – it was covered by Ike and Tina Turner who had a hit with it in the US. Also recorded by Led Zeppelin as part of their How Many More times medley from the first Led Zep album
Free recorded The Hunter at Morgan Studios on December 17, 1968. Their first album had already been finished (reputedly for £800) and was originally planned for a December 1968 release but, it got held up because either CB or Guy Stevens saw the audience reaction to The Hunter when the group played live and decided they should record it and that it would replace a track called Visions Of Hell.
It was recorded in four takes… the first two stopped before they were completed, the third take was minus the vocal – the intention being that would be overdubbed. Take four is the one used on the album. There is a piano and a Hammond organ overdub. Not credited but almost certainly Andy Fraser.
A few days later – New Years Eve, Free played Alexandra Palace (between Wood Green and Muswell Hill). They were almost bottom of the bill to Joe Cocker and the Greaseband, Small Faces, Amen Corner, John Mayall, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, Flirtations, Gun, Big Movement and The Gods.
Our stories of Tons of Sobs start on page 30 with quotes from band members, CB, Lionel Conway and Bob Bell. Fabulous candid pictures from Simon Kossoff of the band at The Marquee, management notes from Peter Rudge when the band toured with the Who, Joe Cocker and Crazy World of Arthur Brown in Slough, Walthamstow and Liverpool. They were strict instructions alright! … and if you’ve ever been to the Nags Head in Wandsworth, it will take on a different meaning to you if you are a loyal fan and the upstairs used as rehearsal rooms