While his old bandmate Paul Rodgers is busy with Queen, Simon Kirke is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Free in a more intimate way. In November, Kirke heads off on an acoustic tour of some fairly unlikely venues. Not sure whether he'll be playing any old Free songs, but we can hope. . . Here are the dates: Thu 6 Inn at Lathones, Fife Fri 7 Dunelm House, Durham University Mon 10 The Irish Centre, Leeds Tue 11 The Stables, Milton Keynes Thu 13 The Marine Hall, Fleetwood Fri 14 Rudiblues, Rotherham Sat 15 The M Club, Crewe