Lard Free was a French progressive rock band, formed in 1970 by Gilbert Artman. The band's initial lineup included François Mativet on guitar, Jean-Jacques Miette on bass and double bass, Dominique Triloff on keyboards, Philippe Bolliet on saxophones and clarinet, Jacky Chantrier handling sound, and Artman himself on drums. After performing at the Tremplin du Golf-Drouot in 1971, Lard Free released their album, Gilbert Artman's Lard Free, in 1973. The group's experimental style, blending free jazz, electric guitar, and synthesizer, was solidified by Artman’s rhythmic foundation rooted in jazz. In 1975, they released I'm Around About Midnight, featuring collaborations with Richard Pinhas of Heldon. Their album, Lard Free (also known as Spirale Malax), was recorded between January and March 1977 and showcased a darker, more atmospheric sound. Lard Free disbanded in May 1978 after merging with Camizole for their final performances.
