Tetsu Yamauchi passed away on 4 December 2025 at the age of 79, surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by his loved ones. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, in October 1946, Yamauchi began his musical journey in the late 1960s, performing with the progressive rock group Micky Curtis & The Samurais. His bass work earned attention early on, appearing on their first albums and setting the foundation for a remarkable career that would stretch across continents.
Yamauchi soon moved beyond Japan and into the larger world of rock. He first collaborated with members of Free on a one-off project that featured guitarist Paul Kossoff, drummer Simon Kirke and keyboardist John “Rabbit” Bundrick. When original bassist Andy Fraser left Free, Yamauchi was invited to join the lineup. He played on the band’s final studio album, Heartbreaker (1973), and co-wrote one of their last major hits, Wishing Well. When Free finally dissolved later that year, another opportunity arrived. Yamauchi was recruited by The Faces to replace founding bassist Ronnie Lane. His period with The Faces included the live album Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners (1974) and the band’s final single, You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything (Even Take the Dog for a Walk…), a song often remembered for its famously long title. Although his musicianship was admired, his tenure with the group was said to be chaotic at times, a familiar story in the world of 1970s rock, where talent and turmoil often shared the same stage.
After The Faces ended, Yamauchi pursued solo work, session recordings and a quieter existence. He returned to Japan and formed Tetsu Yamauchi & the Good Times Roll Band, which released a live album in 1977. He explored jazz, collaborated with local musicians and gradually stepped out of public view, although he continued to play, write and record. After decades away from the Western spotlight, he made a few final live appearances in 2023 and 2024 with drummer Yoshitaka Shimada, a brief return to performance before his permanent retirement. Tributes soon followed his passing, including a message from former Free drummer Simon Kirke, who remembered him as “a good friend and a great bass player,” sending condolences to his family.
Yamauchi’s family thanked fans for their memories, saying simply: “Those were fun times.” His life and legacy reflect an unusual journey. He was a Japanese musician who became part of British rock history, performing with some of the most storied bands of the era, then returning home to pursue a different path. His bass lines on Free’s Wishing Well, his work with The Faces, and his later jazz collaborations form a legacy that spans geography, genre and culture. His passing closes one chapter, but the music he leaves behind continues to echo.
