Netflix Set to Release Emotional Documentary on Legendary Guitarist Paul Kossoff

Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a powerful new documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Paul Kossoff, the iconic yet underappreciated lead guitarist of the British rock band Free. Titled “Kossoff: A Cry for the Soul,” the film promises an intimate, unflinching look at the brilliance, struggles, and tragic end of one of rock’s most soulful players.

Known for his haunting sustain, emotional phrasing, and deep connection to his instrument, Kossoff helped define the sound of early 1970s British rock before his untimely death at just 25. The documentary, produced in collaboration with Kossoff’s estate, features rare concert footage, behind-the-scenes images, and emotional interviews with surviving bandmates, friends, and fellow musicians who were touched by his artistry.

The Netflix release is part of a growing trend of music documentaries that aim to spotlight musicians whose influence far outweighed their commercial recognition. With a vintage cinematic style and analog film textures, “Kossoff: A Cry for the Soul” dives deep into the emotional weight of his playing, his battles with addiction, and the fragile beauty of his short-lived career.

“Paul was a guitarist’s guitarist,” one interviewee reflects in the film. “He didn’t just play notes—he bled through the strings.”

The documentary also retraces the rise of Free, whose hit “All Right Now” made them global sensations. But even at the height of fame, Kossoff was haunted by inner demons, often expressing his pain through haunting, slow-burning solos that made his Les Paul guitar weep with every bend.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sarah Connolly and set against a smoky, moody backdrop of 1970s rock history, the film is expected to strike a chord with longtime fans and new audiences alike. The poster, recently unveiled by Netflix, features Kossoff standing alone under the spotlight—his eyes closed, lost in his music—with a ghostly image of him performing in the background, symbolizing his fleeting but unforgettable impact on rock history.

“Kossoff: A Cry for the Soul” premieres on Netflix this November.