The early 1970s saw Free undergo several lineup changes, with Little being one of the few constants. In 1971, the band recruited keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick, who would go on to become an integral part of Free's sound. However, internal tensions and creative differences led to Paul Rodgers' departure in 1972. Little continued to work with the band, eventually joining forces with guitarist Paul Kossoff and drummer Ian Waller to form Bad Company.