Best known as the founding guitarist of Tesla, Frank Hannon has long been one of rock’s most versatile and soulful shredders. But his solo work often reveals sides of him that go beyond the bluesy hard rock of his main band. On the track “Born Free”, from his 2012 solo album of the same name, Hannon steps to the microphone with a clear message: freedom, identity, and expression on his own terms.
It’s not just a song – it’s a personal mission statement.
A Southern-Tinged Rock Anthem
“Born Free” kicks off the album with gritty riffs, swampy slide guitar, and a mid-tempo groove that leans into classic Southern rock territory. There are clear echoes of Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, and Bad Company, but it’s filtered through Hannon’s California cool and decades of hard rock experience.
Lyrically, the song touches on themes of personal liberty, authenticity, and shaking off the chains of expectation. It’s an anthem for the restless and independent – a call to embrace who you are without compromise. With lines like “I was born free, and I’m gonna die that way,” it’s as much spiritual as it is rebellious.
Hannon’s vocals, rough-hewn but honest, add to the track’s grounded sincerity. He’s not trying to out-sing anyone – he’s telling his story, guitar in hand, heart on sleeve.
The Born Free Album: A Break from the Mold
Released in October 2012, Born Free was Frank Hannon’s second full-length solo effort and a marked departure from his 2005 acoustic-driven album Guitarz from Marz. Where that record was experimental and atmospheric, Born Free leans hard into classic rock structures, blues-based leads, and outlaw-country flavor.
Hannon played most of the instruments himself on the album, including bass, drums, and keyboards, making it a true solo project in every sense. The DIY spirit of the record matches the message of “Born Free” perfectly – raw, real, and unapologetically independent.
Frank Hannon in 2012: Balancing Solo Identity and Tesla Legacy
At the time Born Free was released, Tesla was still active – but between albums and not in the spotlight. Hannon used that window to reintroduce himself as a songwriter and solo artist with a distinct voice.
This period of his career reflected a broader trend: musicians from the ‘80s and ‘90s exploring new sonic territory and reconnecting with the musical foundations that inspired them in the first place. For Hannon, that meant embracing blues, Americana, and Southern rock – and using his solo records to reflect the side of himself that didn’t always fit into Tesla’s electric mold.
“Born Free” was more than a song title – it was a statement of intent.
Legacy of “Born Free”
Though not a mainstream hit, “Born Free” remains a standout track in Frank Hannon’s solo catalog – and a favorite among fans who appreciate substance over flash. It captures the spirit of a veteran musician digging deep into his roots and crafting something personal, meaningful, and musically rich.
It’s a reminder that some of the most honest rock music isn’t found on the charts, but in the songs artists write when no one’s telling them what to do.
So if you haven’t yet, give “Born Free” a spin – and turn it up loud. It’s a reminder that freedom, both musical and personal, is always worth fighting for.
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