Biography
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Years Active
2010 – present (15 years)
Freedom To Glide are a UK progressive rock band renowned for cinematic soundscapes, powerful storytelling, and immersive visuals. f2g were founded in 2010 by Andy Nixon (principal composer, lyricist, producer) and Pete Riley (keyboards, composer, visuals)..
The band’s debut RAIN EP arrived in 2012, featuring alternative mixes of three tracks from their 2013 full-length concept album RAIN. The album explores the consequences of a century of war, drawing critical acclaim for its layered synths, evocative guitars, and poignant narratives. Phil Stiles described RAIN as “beautifully played and perfectly recorded…a spiritual successor to The Final Cut, combining Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Porcupine Tree influences.” Its cinematic approach and thoughtful lyricism earned multiple plaudits, including Prog Mill’s Album of the Year.
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In 2012, the band released THE WAIT, a mini-album reflecting one unknown soldier’s experiences in WWI. This was followed by the 2014 SICK TO DEATH EP, exploring the effects of shell shock in WWI, with the video for A Better Way exemplifying their immersive concept-driven approach.
Freedom To Glide continued their anti-war trilogy with FALL (2016), released on the 100th anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The album spans a century of conflict, featuring a guest performance from Badfinger’s Bob Jackson on Silent Code, a song inspired by Andy Nixon’s grandfather’s experiences as a Far East POW. The trilogy concluded with SEED (2019), a focused, deeply personal album centered on one man’s journey through 1918, the final year of WWI, and featuring guest vocals from Louise Wilson (KAFKADIVA).
In 2022, the band released THE CHRONICLE OF STOLEN SOULS, a culmination of six years of free annual Christmas tracks reflecting a century of human experience, alongside three brand-new productions.
2024 saw Freedom To Glide expanding to include a full live band: John Jowitt (IQ, Arena, Frost*) on bass and backing vocals, Rob Groucutt (Rain, Tim Bowness) on guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals, and Stu Emms (Gypsy’s Kiss) on drums and backing vocals. Their live performances have taken them to acclaimed venues such as De Pul and Poppodium Boerderij in The Netherlands, bringing cinematic depth, evocative storytelling, and striking visuals to audiences across Europe.
Audiences across Europe are calling Freedom To Glide one of the most compelling acts in modern progressive rock.
Andy Nixon also continues to explore his musical vision as a solo artist, with his debut album THE WATERLINE released July 19, 2024.
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