Allen Collins *Free Birds and Firebirds* (documentary)

Allen Collins guitarist and one of the founding members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Out of all of the members Allen's life story is probably the most tragic. He was a great guitarist and is probably best known for his great guitar solos especially on the finale of the song Free Bird. This is just a short inside look back documentary on his life and one of his iconic guitars.
#lynyrdskynyrd #classicrock #documentary #guitarist #minidoc
Terry Kath Video: • Terry Kath Guitarist/...

[@papawoody9597]

One of the best things about Allen was that you could tell how much he loved playing. A lot of players are showy, or try to act cool, but with Allen, it was all about his love of making music.

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

Boy he seemed like he loved the music and move with the grooves 😎

[@KeithJennings-me6lc]

All 3 of them were great entertainers H*** the whole band was

[@perpetualbystander4516]

And not to mention Steve Gaines, who had a big grin on his face very often while playing.

[@ROB-xm5fv]

​@@perpetualbystander4516Steve and Allan were going to take Skynyrd to another level. So damn tragic. I was in a theater for the movie "The Deep" and they ran the news of the plane crash on the screen before the movie started. It was met by wails and people bursting into tears. Terrible.

[@dianelindberg7649]

Yes! He danced around with his guitar like a kid with their favorite toy

[@BST-lm4po]

A very gifted guitarist! Both writing and playing! Allen Collins didn't get the respect he deserved from music critics!

[@davidlane9138]

Allen was my favorite member. He had a cool stage swagger. 😎🎸 may they all rest in peace.🙏 fly on free birds.🦅✈

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

Me too, loved that firebird he played and man could he boogie 🙌🏻🕺

[@TylerMiller-lb5yn]

There not all dead still have Artimus Pyle

[@fayewittwer5208]

RIP LEAPING LARKIN 🖤

[@charlesgauldin8010]

That old Skynyrd sound wouldn’t have been close to being what it was without Allen Collins

[@easystar123]

He was a fantastic guitar player and he was a member of a fantastic band. Rest in Peace Allen Collins

[@thomasspoerli4659]

Greetings from a swiss fan. Switzerland, Europe, the old world. The first song I' ve listened to was " Tuesday's gone", on my radio beneath my bed in 1983. I' m a swiss citizen, from swiss origin.

[@smittyinwootown5640]

And don’t ever forget that He was self taught. Never took a lesson in his life. 🙏

[@ROB-xm5fv]

​@@thomasspoerli4659You're lucky you found them. One of the best ever. Hello from America.

[@jennystryker2967]

One of the nicest guys I've ever known.I can remember the guys playing at his Moms house and at Bobs carport. Great Memories.

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

So cool, can’t imagine 😎

[@cavecookie1]

A lot of times, you never know about the man (or woman!) behind the star. Sounds like Allen was one of those rare finds in the music biz...a truly nice guy. Randy Meisner was a hometown hero where I lived, and he was also one of the nice guys!

[@guillermo3564]

Allen and Gary have been my favorite guitar duo since the 70's and they will be forever.

[@RiverDocs]

I hear ya..I just don't think they got enough credit for all them great songs they helped create. And they were two of the best on stage players ever. Man they could rock! Thanks for watching Guillermo.

[@philipreedwallace]

There awesome.

[@davidrhelmick72]

@@RiverDocs totally underrated to the point that it should be a crime

[@BillyJSmith-on6he]

Amen

[@rw0050]

*_" If I Leave Here Tomorrow, Will You Still Remember Me " ?_* *Yes we will, Allen.*

[@nicholasnorliffe46]

Steve Gaines gave Skynyrd a kick in the pants when joined and if he had lived would have been one of great Guitarist/ singer/ songwriter RIP STEVE

[@Abored_Angel_]

Amen brother, that’s what I’ve been thinking for a long time. Street Survivors had a completely different sound, and I can only imagine what the next album would have sounded like

[@BradyIsAfagInHeat]

replacing ed Kings shoes is a HARD task to be asked to do. I havent seen much of Steves contributions to the band cause im just recently getting into the band. I dont know what album/s he played or contributed on, If any. But i do know that when Ed left the bands sound definitely, mightley changed with it. King was fuckng nasty and was no two ways about it a major reason why Skynyrd wrote as many jams as they did. Im i no way taking anything aawway fom the other musicians in the band cause they all could have been the best player in their own band if they all went and did sie work. But Kings clean Stratocaster so[und was a nice tone to the other guitarists muddy sounds. And leon..... my god leon was just an animal on the bass and is my favorite member that was in skinner.

[@peterherard8207]

He always looked like hed be a blast to hang out with

[@RMGCBG]

You couldn’t take your eyes him on stage. Such a monster

[@mwilliamshs]

"couldn't take your eyes him"? Seems off.

[@ivanmay7890]

Out of all the members of Skynyrd, Allen Collins suffered from a lot of misfortune. One can’t help but feel increasingly sorry for him and his family.

[@dawncapps5172]

So underrated as a musician! Talented and SO good looking as well. RIP Allen.💔

[@thomasspoerli4659]

You're right. Greetings from a LS fan. A swiss fan. You know, Switzerland, Europe, the old world. I' m swiss , not an american expat...

[@hellspells74]

It's not true he was underrated.

[@netosampaio8548]

Why underrated?

[@talkingrock7011]

Allen was my favorite guitarist of the original members RIP A Collins

[@bjs301]

Allen Collins wasn't just the best guitar player in Lynyrd Skynyrd, he was one of Rock's greatest.

[@ROB-xm5fv]

Allan Collins at Knebworth Fair 1976. Best version of Freebird I've ever seen. He's lights out and you can start to see the chemistry with Steve Gaines. What a tragedy. They were about to up the stakes and put all the competition in the dust.

[@davidbishop8355]

I

[@davidjohnson6611]

Allen Collins is a severely underrated guitar player he was a shredder in many ways his sound was awesome. Skynyrd vanhad lots and lots and lots of drama. But really they were just kids who got a band together and became Superstars despite very humble beginnings beginnings

[@RiverDocs]

I agree about Collins. And really all the Skynyrd guitar players were kind of "in the shadows" Them guys were awesome live. Thanks for watching David!

[@stevehudson7429]

I still enjoy hearing him play. Listen to those old songs a lot. It's almost flawless

[@blaisevillaume9051]

get the papers get the papers

[@brettlowden7073]

Great tribute to a great musician.

[@BUNKERJR53]

Allen Collins was definitely my favorite guitarist in the band. He had the energy and played his heart out. He loved what he did and was amazing at it. It was a sad day for me when he died. Gone way too soon but he was rejoined with his beloved wife.

[@smittyinwootown5640]

Even after He was gone , Allen Collins got Me through a rough time when My Brother passed away. Thanks Allen. Hope You and My Brother Michael get to talk. God Bless Ya Both. 🙏

[@markhorton1718]

I remember how heartbreaking it was when I saw Allen come out on the stage in a wheelchair when I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd in 87. He spoke to the audience for a few minutes and thanked them for their support and love.

[@DwainDwight]

His Free Bird solo easily one of the greatest & most iconic ever. thanks for the post. I'm a big Allen Collins fan. I bought a Gibson Firebird because of him.

[@steve34043]

Thank you. 45 years later, I still get goosebumps listening to his guitar.

[@Tonetwisters]

I drive past his house all the time ... in fact, yesterday. And past the road that he supposedly wrecked on ... His early life sounded a lot like mine. My dad moved out of the house in the fall of '63 and left a 1954 Stratocaster under the Christmas tree that year. I remember The One PerCent playing at The Comic Book Club same era I was playing down there, as were The Allman Joys. I, too, would have a '63 Firebird acquired in Tallahassee, in the early '70s ...

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

Hi Tonetwister. I know you. We meet again

[@texasflood3165]

I’ll be 70 this summer.. saw all the southern rock bands…Skynyrd will always be #1 for me.. you young kids should give it a listen..

[@ronaldwilliams4954]

wow it's hard to believe that all the original Lynyrd Skynyrd is gone now wow 🎛️😩🎸🎛️

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

😪

[@Unsung_Earth]

They are free now ❤

[@erickrohn2970]

@Just a random guy..CRINGE ASS Thanks for pointing that out. Now we all could sleep better lol. But anyway those stupid emojis are so small it looks like a sad face aswell so we know what the fella meant. But thanks again for pointing that out.

[@stevemartin164]

They will always be the street survivors...✌️

[@Wootangtw]

Yeah it’s had to believe… sad

[@sweeetguitar4006]

It’s been said that he wasn’t driving the thunderbird when the accident happened. I don’t know personally. But I do know he was a good person. Very underrated musician.

[@billyshane3804]

Allen Collins - Champion & Legend RIP

[@sapereaude391]

As an amateur guitarist, I love watching footage of Allen Collins in the slow build up to his solo in Free Bird, trying to imagine what it must be like to know what you are about to do, launch into one of the greatest and most iconic guitar solos ever. I don't know if other guitarists understand what I mean but I have tried to explain to non-musicians and they don't get it but it captivates me and electrifies the solo when it comes all the more.

[@brandonjackson5865]

I know exactly what you’re talking about, I play guitar too and certain solos, I get goosebumps up the back of my neck just anticipating they are coming up while listening to them. I think some players probably know when they’ve played something that’s going to hit people like that, but most of the time I don’t think anyone can anticipate the impact that something they played might have. The Freebird solo had to be inspired from the band jamming on it and they just kept going because it felt good, so possibly they knew they had something special. There’s so much great guitar moments in Skynyrds music though.

[@rockhead69]

Thanks for the post, my man...he surely deserves the tribute !

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome Claudio! Than you for watching!

[@tellyrojo2513]

What a great tribute to Allen your kind words in this video are. Very well done. Skynyrd is my all time favorite band and their music still resonates today and I expect it will continue to resonate for many years to come. “Fly on proud bird, you’re free at last!”

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@Blue-Lotus888]

Agreed. A very kind & respectful tribute to Allen Collins-Created w/ love & in good taste of words chosen. Thank you Sir. Though Collins & Rossington were both great musicians, I always preferred Collins. He had a style, energy, & stage presence that was AMAZING! When Allen Collins played live @ enormous amphitheaters, it was abundantly clear that he was getting off on really giving it to the audience, & they LOVED him for it! When Ed King left, the absence of that 3rd gifted guitarist was felt, & the void was certainly heard. As a whole, L.S. pushed themselves so hard, much was expected from them, much was expected of them, & they all needed @ least a month or 2 @ LEAST, to take a break, get some rest, & spend time w/ their families & handful of closest, true friends. But in all HONESTY, the addition to L.S. Of the magnificently gifted Steve Gaines was exactly what Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, & the entire band needed! He brought out the very best in Allen, Gary, & even Ronnie, which always existed, but he made playing feel like the band was reborn & better than ever! They fed off each other’s energy, & really enjoyed themselves. It was unmistakable & vivid in every live show they played in 1976 & 1977. You watch ANY concert from that time, & you can hear, feel, & see it! I know for a fact, if that crash never happened, claiming the young lives of those irreplaceable band members, L.S., who already tasted International fame, success, & love by their fans, would’ve reached unfathomable heights of fame & success-Far surpassing anything they ever expected, & that of the very best bands in Southern Rock, & Rock in general! I’m sorry, I know this video is about Allen, but none of what L.S. accomplished would’ve been the same, or anything nearly as good w/out Allen Collins! He was an original member & founding father of L.S.! Allen experienced multiple extreme, & absolutely heartbreaking & devastating events in his young life that most people, especially in that era, would never be able to deal & live w/. But he also did a lot for, & brought awareness ( & certainly funding & other positive things,) to people living w/ spinal cord injuries. It can be said that maybe some things would’ve been different if Allen Collins made different choices, but it’s just as true that we should never judge the behavior of another, unless we’ve walked a mile in their shoes. That’s such an important lesson to take away from the life & times of Allen Collins. Though he suffered more than any person should ever have to, & was taken from the world @ such a young age, I like to think that he & his friends he’d known since his teenage years had a dream that came to fruition, & they enjoyed that success, & so many wonderful things most people can only dream of! Their music & legacy will live on forever! Allen Collins’ music & legacy will live on forever! This man & his music made a profound impression on people of all kinds, & I KNOW, if the members who continued/began performing under the name of Lynyrd Skynyrd after the plane accident never did that, L.S., & ALL of its members & music, would not only continue to be remembered, but their fame & the generations yet to come would continue to love them & their music! Thank you for all your musical contributions, & endurance & perseverance, despite all your very difficult times. R.I.P. Larkin Allen Collins Jr. 🕊️❤️🕊️

[@mikepersich3148]

All respect to Ed King,but with the addition of Steve Gaines,the lineup was more Elite, Rossington just awesome,Gaines raised the bar,but I agree Collins was oh so very special. That on stage triplethreat of teamwork, embracing their roles,each making the other better. Hard to say another band had a brighter future as Street Survivors was outstanding. Great @ getting greater. Collins is my favorite also. ,But Rossington and Gaines forming an unprecedented trio.

[@plantfeeder6677]

As a former race car driver and musician myself it touched my heart that Allen Collins was a race car fan. We covered a lot of Skynyrd and Allen showed us all how to play those cool riffs. Great tribute to a great guitarist. He was my favorite too. He always looked like he enjoyed what he was doing.

[@philipwurm5121]

Allen Collins had so much energy on stage… He was incredible!

[@ColbyHall248]

Skynyrd has had nothing but legendary guitar players from Gary Rossington, Allen Collins , Ed king , and Steve Gaines

[@stansmad]

No band ever rocked (especially live) like Skynyrd ! When you went to see the original group they played the songs exactly like they were recorded. Al Kooper, for all the hell he went through was amazed when first hearing them. He said they never deviated from the songs and performed them on end the same every time. Highly recommend "Gone with the Wind" a documentary on them. Very informative and runs 2 hrs. 43 minutes.

[@texasflood3165]

to quote Joe Walsh it was more fun to be 20 in the 70’s than to be 70 in the 20’s…. wouldn’t change it for anything..

[@allisonoconnor8055]

So many tragedies in this band. Alan was always so nice and really put the jump into Skynyrd. The most underrated guitarist Rock and Roll history. Leon to just sad news after sad news.

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

They played hard and sounded like they lived even harder 🙏

[@ronaldhellengreen7063]

What a cool story! I sure hope it was Terry's first, and then Allen's! Such a sad story for such a talented person! RIP Allen! PEACE ✌️

[@seanyuke3249]

So sad. But the tunes still bring such joy/peace. Legends.

[@tedgibson5960]

Allen is for sure my favorite! in every picture he looks WASTED! and it sounds as if he had earned that right! that is a fine looking guitar!

[@cathywhite9415]

Allen Collins 🎸 had such a tragic life in his later years, losing his first wife Kathy & their unborn child, then the plane crash, then his horrible car crash where he lost his girlfriend & his paralysis 😢 my heart definitely went out to him. I pray he's resting 🙏 peacefully along with his wife Kathy, their unborn child & his girlfriend. God rest your soul Allen Collins 🙏🕊🕯

[@mben-david2064]

don't think he's chillin' with his wife AND his girlfriend. Allen caused those accidents because he was an addict and a bad one. (I am both a musician and a recovering addict myself)

[@ictengineer738]

Amen...

[@rodneyrossiter4171]

don't have to be a whole

[@rodneyrossiter4171]

@@mben-david2064 trolls

[@derhandtrommler]

@@rodneyrossiter4171 You like your rock stars encased in slick plastic with no flaws or marks. I'm a journalist. It don't work like that in real America, Sparky, I was stupid when I lived like an addict. Allen was even more stupid, Doesn't diminish his talent one ounce.Just means he shortened his own life. If that offends you then maybe rock n roll is a little too rough for you. It wasn't for Allen, Gary,Billy, Ronnie, Steve, Artimus or Leon. But you are a sensitive sort so maybe stick to Barry Manilow and let the rest of us do us.

[@smedleybutler8787]

I love to hear stories about old guitars. I think with Steve Gaines Lynyrd Skynyrd was headed to the top.

[@warrenwhite8155]

For me these guys were ALWAYS at the top .....

[@derhandtrommler]

I'm guessing you weren't buying records in 1977.I was. They had arrived with "Street Survivors".

[@warrenwhite8155]

@@derhandtrommler Allen Larkin Collins.....

[@derhandtrommler]

@@warrenwhite8155 Yes, I am familiar with the lad. And ?

[@derhandtrommler]

@@warrenwhite8155 I would disagree. "Nuthin' Fancy" has one well written song and "Gimme Back My Bullets" was Ronnie's fear that the band was in decline as a result of "Nuthin Fancy".s commercial disapointment."Street Survivors" outsold anything else they'd done and featured electrifying performances by Steve Gaines. That was their high point commercially.Unfortunately, it all came to a halt in Gillsburgh, Mississippi.

[@stephenlandry9343]

My God I had no idea Alan went through so much heart ache. I knew some of it but not how much. He was my favorite guitar player of the band also. Being a player myself he was a huge influence on me. I get it about mental health care back those days. I don't know how you get through that much tragedy. It made me tear up listening to you tell it. I lost my son when he was 36. That is still unbearable for me to dwell on. Alan must have had a heart of gold. Gone to soon doesn't even come close to explaining that kind of pain. Thank you so much for this one. It just hit too close to home for me but I'm so glad I know what really happened to him now. May he rest in peace. 😢❤✝️

[@RiverDocs]

I'm so sorry about your son Stephen. I can only imagine what you go through. Glad you enjoyed the video...even though this was a hard one for me to do. I tried to keep it as soft as I could. Allen's life wasn't easy that is for sure. Peace.

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@RiverDocs I had no idea his life was so tragic. He was one amazing guitar player. Thanks the kind words. I had forgotten about the car accident he was in. It's close to the date when my son passed in 2018 and Allen being 37 it just was a basic coincidence. I didn't mean any disrespect by bringing up my son. I'm going to work through it. It's not any fault of yours. They say it gets easier with time but I think It only does till the date comes around. It's OK my friend we got to go on living. No matter what kind of tragedy happens in our lives. We must push through it and endure til the end. I've watch the video 3 times again. Can you imagine if Allen and Terry both recorded and played with that firebird? Wow 100k would be a bargain for that special of an instrument. That's some deep track history right there. Love all your work . I'm going to have to help support your channel because I learn so much from your research. Thanks again my friend ✌️🙂❤️😎

[@stevemartin164]

🍀❤️

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@stevemartin164 You are not Steve Martin who live in Harvey Louisiana are you. If you are well long time no see my brother. If not thanks for the very kind gesture just the same My friend. 🙂✌️❤️💯

[@fever_spike]

So very sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻♥️

[@stephenmiller5023]

All of the “ Greats “ seem to die way too soon . Alan was a phenomenal guitarist and definitely was a big part of Skynyrd’s sound & popularity. His life was a roller coaster of problems & challenging times . Rest In peace Alan , along with all the others now from Lynyrd Skynyrd . Play on forever…..

[@Stratsrule]

Skynyrd was totally the best live band in history!! Nobody put on a better live show. Allen’s solos, that dirty sound of Gary’s Gibson and Ronnie’s voice!! Total package

[@KeithJennings-me6lc]

The guitar battle between Allen Gary and Steve in the T- for Texas live from 1977 hands down the best ever bar none,watch the video and you will understand what what I mean!

[@KeithJennings-me6lc]

Stile

[@Tom-ok2rh]

The world was robbed of a lot of great music when that plane went down in ‘77. They were really hitting stride during that time too no doubt they would have had several more great albums. My brother was in a southern rock band at the time and it really hit them hard. RIP to all members of Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@AmericasChoice]

He has always been my favorite in LS. His driving rhythms were really the heartbeat of the band. You can see him watching Artemus and Leon and keeping the tempo, sometimes going to barre chords during Gary or Stevie's leads. Then in a flash, he jumps with solos and double leads with Gary. Amazing player. RIP Allen.

[@TwoMuleBlues]

Not gonna lie, this one got me.😢

[@RiverDocs]

Same here TwoMule..it is a sad one. Thanks for watching

[@hinch1775]

Allen was incredible !! One of the greatest

[@robertcrist5747]

I always regret that Skynyrd was the one band I didn't get to see. I grew up on them! Even have in my will for "Tuesdays Gone" to be played at my funeral. But ole Al lived life hard and fast just like the other Boy's and when you keep knocking at the Devils door sooner than later he will answer it. One of the best! RIP Brother 🙏

[@MrWinger1951]

I went to high school (Bishop Kenny) in Jacksonville (1965-1969) and saw the band "The One Percent" before they became Lynyrd Skynyrd. I also lived a couple of miles from Robert E. Lee High School, where many of the members went to school and where the coach (Leonard Skinner) worked that inspired the band's name Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@WeLcOmEBaKDoood]

My mom went to Lee.

[@2GoldensTosa]

Great tribute to a great guitarist. R.I.P., Allen.

[@1980bwc]

I went to school for computer aided drafting back in the 90's, and met a guy there named Larry, who was a few years older than me, and a paraplegic. He still had a tiny bit of movement in his arms, but it wasnt much movement. His legs didnt work at all though. His injury came from a childhood diving accident. He had moved up here to southwest Tennessee, from Florida, to be with family. Just the sweetest dude you'd ever want to meet. We became really close friends pretty quickly. One day, while I was working on a drawing, I had my favorite Skynyrd Greatest Hits CD, cranked wide open on my earphones, while working. I had it so loud, that Larry heard it from several feet away. He rolled over to me in his chair and nudged me on the shoulder. So i pulled out my earphones and he said, you like Skynyrd huh? I said heck yeah, who doesnt?! Lol. He said, you know, I was roommates with Allen Collins, when i was a kid, back in the early 80's. I said, ok Larry, I'm all ears! He went on to tell me that he had to go into a live in rehabilitation center, shortly after his accident. So when he got there, he was taken to his 2 person room, and he met his roomate. He said the guy had a massive rebel flag hanging on the wall, right above the headboard of his bed. The guy said, hey there Larry, I'm Allen. Being that Larry was just a kid, he had no idea who Allen was. He said Allen was one of the coolest, nicest people he had ever met. Larry went on to tell me more stories, but being that this was in 1999, and i was only 18 years old, the only one i remember unfortunately, is the one about him meeting Allen, and that huge flag on his was wall. Dont remember how long they were roomates for. After school, I lost contact with Larry and dont know where he is now or even if he is still alive. I regret not knowing where he is. Haven seen him in nearly 25 years and would love to see him again. Anyway, I just thought I would share that story, and let the fans of Allen know, that he really was as nice of a person as you'd think that he was.

[@hardingkinnaird5021]

I’ve been looking foreword to this one ever since Gary rossington! I’m a teenager who is saddened by my generations awful music taste, southern rock is my fav!! If you take recommendations, I’d love a video on the outlaws!! :)

[@davidjohnson6611]

You got that right my man! Why not grab a guitar yourself and make history and bring music back!

[@hardingkinnaird5021]

Already working on that my man! The odds may be slim but me and my friend are doing our best to pay homage to the southern greats! (Wrangling our band to play the stuff we like is the toughest part)

[@RiverDocs]

It's up to you young ones to keep it alive!!!

[@williamtobin7282]

I saw the outlaws in concert in Phoenix, Arizona circa bout 1980. When they did " Ghost Riders in the sky" the sound system was deadly and THIS many years later I still remember when the guitars just BLEW US AWAY..Loud, crystal clear and just SHREDDED ..Seen a lot of groups from sabbath, to ozzy w randy, original van Halen to judas priest and many more, UP CLOSE and these cats too could ROCK..

[@tomtunes22]

Pay attention to Blackberry Smoke and Whiskey Myers, and keep Southern Rock alive!

[@richardpierce7819]

I met Allen once after the Rossington Collins band played a gig at the Sunrise Musical theater in Sunrise Fla. He signed an autograph for my then girlfriend Joanna. It was a nice sentiment , he said "God bless you Joanna" then signed it Allen Collins. He was super nice and very much everday people. RIP Allen

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

He always signed like that, and he had great handwriting... Most of the band signed, God Bless You- He signed something for me too.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Awesome! And I’m such a Firebird fan! I was the promoter who did Johnny Winters shows in Ontario Canada, from 1999 till he died. I got to play both Johnny’s sunburst and white Firebirds! No shit! Collins was my fav Skynyrd guitarist, too! By a mile! Peace

[@RiverDocs]

I remember you saying that you promoted a bunch of Winter shows!! Did Johnny know you picked on his guitars?? lol Thanks for watching..appreciate it!!

[@cherrypickerguitars]

@@RiverDocs ya, he did. He was sitting beside me. We’d become pretty friendly by then. I was located between Detroit and Buffalo on the Canadian side. That made me his first stop in Canada, as I’d set him up with his smokables - he was a chronic, like Willie Nelson. You know, I’d never realized until you pointed it out, that Collins Firebird had a P90 in the bridge! Peace

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

​@@cherrypickerguitarsAllen loved good weed too- The first time i went to his house, he threw a pound zip lock bag at me and asked, "Can you ROLL?' 😂

[@shannontucker1286]

He passed 3 days and 3 doors down in icu In memorial hosp..iv sat with his mom in between my grandma. They'll both be so missed and loved ❤️❤️✝️🙏💯🎸🎵

[@duckdog1104]

saw RCB 4 times never got to see original band. Allen Was mesmerizing!! each show i made up to front of stage before freebird…. “back when u could sneak up front.. You couldn’t take your EYES a off of Allen.. The whole show he was the MAN!!! i was in total awe! every show… Allen was my favorite rock star by far

[@RiverDocs]

I hear ya duckdog. And I mean this, as I know you probably do too that it is not a knock on Rossington or the other. It is just Allen was that good and had that way about him when he played. Thanks for watching!

[@duckdog1104]

By no means a Knock on prince charming!!! he was awesome too! But Allen just commanded the stage i felt!! Allen would walk around directing audience attention to Billy or gary!! just as RVZ once did !

[@jackedwardklippsteinjr1717]

Such a great soul... Allen is my hero I loved how he played guitar his passion and personality was unmatchable R.I.P. LAC

[@jiml4378]

I saw him with The Allen Collins band circa 1983 in Va Beach. He played in an old movie theater converted to concert hall. The lead singer wore a frilled shirt (like a tux) and the concert lasted less than an hour. Collins was drunk and high and left the stage in the middle of a song. He came back out and took the Mike from the singer and started talking about Freebird. They started playing the song but never finished. Collins actually ripped the singers shirt yelling something like “This is my f***** song!”

[@douglaschristine8387]

I feel the same way about Allen Collins as you do. I've always liked him the most out of the band. I've never heard a sadder story.

[@ianramage1593]

Such a sad story. The Freebird solo is still one of my favourites. I can't think of another band that had 3 brilliant guitarists like Collins, Rossington & Gaines. Rest in peace, Allen.

[@wjewell63]

He is one of my fav.guitarist since childhood in 70's.....

[@tonykichenside8443]

A truly brilliant guitarist

[@michaelcollins5741]

Allen was playing the Firebird in 1974 I know it was used at the Hollywood Sportatorium April 11 1974. And he had it at practice the day this photo was taken. Too bad I didn't ask him about it.

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

The Firebird had the headstock rebuilt by the best luthier here in Jacksonville. If you see a photo of the back you can see a scarf joint. The whammy bar was taken off and he put it on the Explorer. It was owned by Terry Kath

[@jameshale6401]

To this day the geetar work on that smell is still off the charts for me RIP MY FLA BROTHERS GOD BLESS

[@stevenfrederick2315]

Allen Collins was an Awesome Guitarist! His Triple/Quadruple Lead Guitar Solo in Free Bird along with the Classical Piano Solo and Slide Guitar Solo are Absolutely Timeless! I'm glad I lived to see Leonard Skynard from Concert filming in those days! I still have their Live Album! That God for "The Gibson Company and Les Paul for the Gifting the World with Finest Solid Body Guitar Ever Invented "The Gibson Les Paul, Firebird, Explorer, Flying -V, Les Paul SG, And Double Neck SG EDH-1275 12/6 String Guitars! I'm sure they are more! The Classic Archtops the first in 1949 to have Three P-90 Pickups with the Switchable Selector Switch to play each Pickup Individually or the 4th Selector setting to play all four pickups! This Gibson Invention 8-years before Fender came out with its Stratocaster! True Musicians know it takes Practice and Creative skills to be at a Great Guitarists! And Mr. Collins Exemplify His Greatest through a Very Rare Gibson Firebird and Gibson Explorer! Wow! How Awesome!

[@DoncampbellUSMC1041]

R.I.P. ALLEN 🙏

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks for your service Don. Appreciate you watching my videos.

[@DoncampbellUSMC1041]

@River Docs You are very welcome, Thank You for the channel and time to share it with everyone ✌️👍

[@hellspells74]

This story that i knew is a Nightmare. A tragedy after another one. Rest in peace Allen, with your lovely wife and all the band ♥️

[@timfoster5689]

Got to see the last show in Greenville SC, I was 15years old, was blown away with the talent they had, true Icon’s of southern rock… still got the torn ticket locked away in a safe, yep it will be passed down to my kids when I’m gone, RIP to all the band members we have lost

[@michaelgallagher3640]

Got to see the 1st Skynyrd reunion tour, they rolled Allen out on stage & he gave a little speach. It was pretty cool & very sad.

[@jottie4213]

I was fortunate enough to see their 3rd last show in ST.Pete Florida in 77 By far still my favorite band. RIP Allen

[@CEDARHILLPRODUCTIONS]

The car accident happened because he was hauling ass down our road like he always did. Two of my friends and I were at one of their houses. One friend left to go to his house. It was only a 1 minute walk from where we were. 30 seconds after he left we heard it. We thought he got hit by a car. We went to see what happened and saw he was just fine. But there was a car in the ditch just passed his house. It was Allen and his girlfriend. Us three kids were the very first people on the scene. We were 13 and the kid that was going home was 11. Allen was in the street on the other side of the road and she was still in the car. It was a terrible thing to happen. We think Allen saw my friend cross the street and locked the brakes up. Even though my friend crossed the street 200 yards before the accident. The wrecked car in this video is not the actual accident scene.

[@peterherard8207]

Was that off Julington Creek in Maderin?

[@CEDARHILLPRODUCTIONS]

@@peterherard8207 Plummer Grant.

[@johngalush8790]

That made me cry a little. I love Skynyrd

[@robschaller9061]

What a tragic life story. To have so many horrific things happen when you are so young... So sad. What a great song writer and player. If you play, try learning the solos that you see them play... That smell comes to mind for some really challenging solos...just great, GREAT music.

[@Greggster1]

My first concert. I saw him in KC, 2 months before the plane crash. Epic!

[@steveop123]

I lived across the street from Allen after his accident was a great guy very humble

[@FloridaManMatty]

That Firebird was restored in Jacksonville several years ago at Dales Instrument Repair. He did an UNBELIEVABLE job putting her back together. I used to bump into Artimus Pyle (Skynard’s drummer when the plane crashed) in St. Augustine back in the 90’s quite a bit. He was…interesting. 😂

[@RiverDocs]

Love to hear about Artimus and find out about "interesting" lol He seems like a cool guy. Thanks for watching and your comments, especially about the guitar!

[@mikegodhard7211]

I hope he and his beautiful bride have finally found peace with God. Please Rest In Peace, Mr. Collins. Millions here on earth love you immensely.

[@stephenlandry9343]

I watched this one again. Every time I am blown away about that firebird. 3 legendary albums. It's would be priceless. I don't want diamonds or money. Play it for 15 minutes. That's fantasy heaven on earth. That would be my rock and roll fantasy. 🙂✌️😎🎸❤️💯

[@RiverDocs]

I hear ya man!! I wouldn't mind ripping a few notes on it myself!

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

Wow...i lived BOTH of yalls dreams cos i got to play it in his living room...

[@Unsung_Earth]

Allen had a much harder life than most of us, but I've always thought that this life for all is some sort if punishment. Whether that's true or not we are free in the end

[@sweeetguitar4006]

We suffer in this world, not the next.

[@ferdberfle5069]

Damn Dude! I've never heard that Firebird story! From that pic of Terry Kath playing what looks very much like the same guitar, I could believe it. Again he was gone too soon, RIP Allan! Thanks for the Doc RD! As always, you're the best!

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks Ferd...Yeah that was a pretty cool story. I have no clue if it is true or not as with most you have to take them as they are. Maybe someone will comment more about it. Thanks for watching!

[@matthewlacey5307]

Has made me cry. What a story of the rollercoaster of life.

[@alanpace-qo6gd]

I've watched the last concert the band did in Oakland probably a dozen times, and watching Allen while they were playing "Free Bird" just blows me away every time. He was definitely one of the very best.😢

[@wadepearce6656]

I can't even express the impact this band had on me and so many others.Southern Rock Society for example.I was at the Hollywood Florida concert that turned out to be the fatal tour.The morning after I went to Peaches and purchased the "Street Survivors" album that was just released,cover showing the band engulfed in flames.Later in a day or two the albums were pulled from the shelf.and then released without the flames shown.Their music shaped me to a large degree from the 70's and theirs was the standard I viewed all southern rock by. I LOVE that music to this day as I approach my 70 years old mark.

[@tommydeamon7657]

Thank you for the beautiful video about the most awsome guitarist from the most awsome band from the south and the 70,s

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome Tommy.

[@scentlessapprentice88]

Terry Kath is why i picked up a guitar. Collins is why i continue to this day. That is pure insanity that two of my favorite guitarists may have actually, at one point in time, both owned that firebird throughout its career. That is wild. If thats true, truth is truly stranger then fiction.

[@chucklee347]

Gary rossington is my favorite. He's the reason I play guitar. But to me you couldn't have replaced anyone in the band. Allen although it wasn't originally written for it. He created the long solo at the end of free bird that he performs when he was 15 yo😮. That is incredible for any kid to come up with licks like that so young. He was a natural musical genius.

[@cavecavecavecave5295]

Some of the greatest people on earth live lives dogged by bad luck, but choose to get back in the saddle and push on. Allen Collins was one such person. Fly free my man, fly free.

[@user-qe9fo1lu6r]

Allen had the same fire and urgency in his playing as Duane Allman. Try to imagine what they would have sounded like together on stage. Epic!!

[@derhandtrommler]

Duane had no equal. Allen was very good, but Duane was transcendent.

[@pattyyuraitis1459]

Allen suffered much sadness here on Earth…. Fly Free 🙏🌹

[@gypsyjj4234]

Oh Doc ~ in a world of fake news and all that crap...... it is refreshing to hear truth especially about the great Musicians of our lives! For the most part of this story there surely is pain and suffering but also the joy of living in a real world of music and triumphant highs of writing songs and performances for all the world to continually hear, and know, that we all loved, and still do, these men and women. I hope you create a BOOK for us all to have one day. Thank you Doc Love peace light and Rock~n~Roll forever more 🤍🕊🕯🎸🎼🍀🧚🏻‍♀️

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks Gypsy. I doubt you'll ever get a book from me. Just some of these videos here on youtube. lol But I appreciate your kind words. All them good vibes you just sent out I send some of my own back to you. Have a great day!

[@K4Fusion]

Such sadness and tragedy surrounded this band. So much talent, yet so much sadness. 😢

[@ictengineer738]

I've only seen one other person play live with the intensity as Allen... and that was Alvin Lee. I know Allen was a fan of Johnny Winter, I am as well, but for me, I prefer Allen's stage performance by far, and many of Allen's guitar parts and the songs they are in resonate better with me. In my humble opinion Allen was every bit as talented as many of the guitarists he was a fan of. Both Johnny and Alvin were known to melt frets, both could play the blues right up there with the three kings but I still prefer Allen because of the effort and joy he put into playing. As to his personal life; its not my place to judge him, so ill say this. I've never understood why the lord above allows someone who makes so many people happy with their musical talent to experience the amount of misfortune that Allen Collins did. He did his part, where was the help he needed when over time he couldn't take all the tragedy and associated trauma any longer? I purchased my first guitar long ago because of Allen Collins, some 30 years later I'm still trying to capture his signature sound, im in no hurry to get there, one of my favorite things in life is getting to play along to Allens guitar parts trying to get each part right, nothing makes me smile more than finally stringing together all of his parts while imagining I'm playing along with the band. Rest in peace Allen Collins...

[@g-man-uz3gx]

Lynyrd Skynyrd was such a powerful band!! You can tell their music is real and real to them and it came from their heart and soul! Even note meant something to them! Yes I do agree Allen may have not been technically … as Eddie Or all the other speed demons!! But he played with soul and feeling a very hard quality to find in a guitar player.I would take Allen Collins over all those guys any day!! RIP Allen , Eddie

[@glenkepic3208]

oh man. I was 16 in '73 and heard Simple Man for the first time. I remember this like it was this morning. Saw them blow the doors off The CDB and MTB as a middle act at Winter Land for Second Helping. They were ON!! Saw them again DOG, 4th of July in '77'................. Lucky enough to cover some LS in a band....SM, Co guit. Three Steps, me. Last in '05. Grateful.

[@joetanaka6446]

I was with you at the Day on the Green in Oakland to see them. Great show. Live at Knebworth (on the orange stage) is the best available live clip of the band in my opinion. Like you said, they upstaged the Stones there as well. You can find it here.

[@glenkepic3208]

@@joetanaka6446 Thanx for the reply and rec ! It was an awesome day. Ha, remember Frampton jumping off the piano and crashing onto the stage ? Pretty funny. There used to be a vid of Freebird from that which showed some tall guy during the intro with sorta long brown hair and mustache just looking around. He looked alot like me. I mentioned this to someone 'here' and now can't find it,,,,it's like they changed clips or something. Oh well...Rock on !!

[@timgard7091]

Same age iam 66 4 some reason, them 5 albums kick my ass, Allen was the king, I love his dad and daughter, hall of fame

[@timgard7091]

Tried 2 see Skynard 2 times first, time,arrested, in line drinking in public, second time 70 outdoor concert, announced canceled, I remember he said one of the guitar players had been, in a 4 wheel drive accident, Shit hit the fan, lots of pissedoff people, Felt bad for the next band, another bad ass guitar player Jeff Beck, got ugly, There all together now, thanks , MO Fos

[@travishendrix7026]

Doc, another great one. Knowing what came to pass for Allen hurts my soul. I knew his troubles and seeing them put together by you is a very good tribute to a great Southern man. I thank you sir.

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome Travis. Appreciate it!

[@donnied9432]

Thanks man, this was really good. Always thought Allen was better than Gary but the combo was awesome. Saw the original in Asheville couple months b4 the crash. Ronnie in the middle of those two, I remember thinking at 17, so this is what rock and roll looks like. Good job.

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!