Allen Collins Interview 1980

[@the.family.channel]

It still aggrevates me to this day that everytime Rolling Stone mag or sombody else comes out with a (greatest guitar player of all time) list, this man isn't on it.. He was absolutly one of the best. A guitar players guitar player!! RIP Allen, you still have true fans down here....

[@jcopher2730]

That's because too many idiot millennials work there and wouldn't know a good guitarist if it bit them in the butt.

[@baberufus]

What makes it even more senseless is that Guitar World readers rated Freebird as the third greatest solo of all time but yeah when a list of greatest players comes out...no Allen 😡

[@clc-gl4jn]

Half of the rock and roll artists wouldn’t have picked up a guitar if it weren’t for Allen Collins!!!!!!! I totally agree!!!!

[@sissy9393]

Is it because he is Southern? Cause he talks lie he is southern?

[@danielrodger6016]

Dont worry about those millenial mugs. Compared to past generations theyre basically half of the same people when it comes to fibre 😉

[@davidsmith-fy8hu]

this guy, without any doubt, is the most underrated rock guitarist of all time. When I see these lists of great guitarists and he is not on the list, I just want to laugh.

[@ClumsyWoodsman]

I wouldn't say underrated. Every time I get a guitar or Rolling Stone magazine that has a top 100 list of guitarists or solos, he's at least in the top 5 or 10.

[@sandyRndisco1]

***** I TOTALLY AGREE! Read my comment above!

[@mamaott]

His solo on Freebird is my all time favorite guitar solo OF ALL TIME. I love him. RIP man.

[@jaray2555]

angela mine too

[@davidgroneman9195]

Jodi Rainey gym

[@ChrissyS01]

First time I’m hearing his voice...he sounds sounds so sweet and humble

[@johnnygray2801]

Does doesn't he

[@iangarner8857]

Can't believe he was only 37 when he died.

[@Anabelleandthedesertscrubs]

😭😘

[@Anabelleandthedesertscrubs]

IKR 😭🤣

[@holtridge7337]

He died so young but he left his mark on the World.

[@itsdandamage]

Back in the early days, even before they got famous, Allen was the guy to watch at the shows. They all played great but they didn't move around a whole lot. But Allen would be about four feet in the air bouncing around. He looked like he loved every minute he was playing.

[@tabbyjoe4984]

People keep saying Allen was underrated. It doesn't matter what others think, it only matters what you think. Best guitar player lists are bullshit. I hold Mr Collins in very high esteem and that's all I care about.

[@sandyRndisco1]

I feel so sorry for Allen Collins. WHY is Allen always "overlooked?" He had such great talent (to me definitely in the top 3 greatest guitarists of all times). Yet, he had such sadness in his life. R.I.P Allen God Bless You.

[@flachlandbraut]

❤️

[@SunnyDaysooXxO]

Your so right. My heart bleeds for this man thinking of all the paun he went tbrough in such a short time. Back to back trauma.. I will never understand why?? He had a heart of gold and was such a sweet person. Our god can be so cruel sometimes. RIP Allen💔😭

[@marcusrios8517]

Absolutely

[@ArticLight14]

The first studio producer of Skynyrd said he remembered crying after Collins solos in the studio. I believe he was still a teenager then.

[@acgillespie]

Smart people do really stupid shit under the Influences of booze n drugs

[@twister563]

the world lost a true musical legend in 1990 RIP allen

[@victorjames9984]

Man l get teary eyed thinkin bout these guys..nothin but gifted souls..RIP brothers..comin from a colored guy.

[@Anabelleandthedesertscrubs]

Victor James amen brother

[@wooge3199]

No color here

[@scienz]

Why would you refer to yourself as "colored"

[@wooge3199]

@@scienz y would u ask?

[@scienz]

@@wooge3199 how often do you hear a Black person refer to themselves as "colored". Says a lot about the psychology of the guy who made the comment, if he/she is even Black at all....Allen Collins is cool af tho🙋‍♂️

[@katiedockery2843]

Allen was definitely underrated. He had such talent that any time I listen to one of his solos, especially Free Bird, I get goosebumps. RIP, Cancer Man.

[@blakeglasgow135]

+Katie Dockery he died of pneumonia, not cancer...

[@katiedockery2843]

+Blake Glasgow I'm aware of that lol. He had worn a shirt that said Cancer Man on it. His sun sign was Cancer. That's why I said that.

[@bigslay2118]

cudaj2 - Wasn't Johnny the lead singer of .38 special before he took over for Ronnie van zant?

[@hazor777]

@Big Slay - No, Johnny had his own band , playing clubs etc around (mostly) the So. East ...Donny Van Zant was/is rhythm guitarist for .38 Special . Don Barnes was/is the lead singer for .38 Special .....Johnny & Donny made an album together back in 2006 or '08 ...check it out , it's pretty good (what I've heard of it ) .

[@shannonsmith1522]

@James Williams I am Cancer Moon, so I totally get it.

[@margerymiller9508]

I've rarely heard Allen's voice, it was very pleasnt. What a nice, sweet person he seemed to have been.

[@Jointanatomy]

I dont owe my worst enemies all the tragedies Collin's went through in his life. Man.......

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Dead Elvis. Yeah, how could such a great kid, that contributed so much, and gave so much happiness to others get bombed with so many hurtful scenarios. He gave thousands of hours of enjoyment to my ears, alone. Not to mention hundreds of hours of emulation on my guitars , alone. Still!

[@johhnydoe5579]

He lost everything

[@lucy0537]

Trent Boots I hear ya n agree....he was my 2nd favorite next to Ronnie. ... broke my heart to see him in his wheelchair after his accident. ...he was such a fireball. ...n felt everything. .....I've jumped n jammed right along with him. ..since I was 16. ...n still do. ...I'm 40ish now. .......Ronnie n Allen are my MOST FAVORITE n always be. ........♡☆♡

[@Anabelleandthedesertscrubs]

Lucy 05 they’re my favorite too ❤️ and I luv jamming along to Skynyrd

[@clc-gl4jn]

It truly makes me wonder how if there’s a supreme Deity which I believe there is would let a good man like this go through these tragedies

[@cerrem1]

I always liked Allen.... He was a real down to earth good person...great musician .... He inspired me to play my guitar better... RIP

[@b.t.2796]

Had backstage pass to RCB in Minneapolis.. Henry Paul opened. What I remember most is the PURE joy of Allen onstage flinging frisbees back into the crowd. They weren't upset at the frisbees and beachballs, just the opposite, encouraging it. Just average dudes who got paid to do what they loved!

[@chopayrussell9660]

Gary and Allen could teach a master's class on soloing. The best ever dual guitar front

[@RealRunner7]

They were the best pair. The combo on The Needle And The Spoon is unsurpassed.

[@joeyhumphrey4536]

@@RealRunner7 Needles and spoon was one of all time favorites of the original Skynyrd band. Rossington & Collins were the best! Period.

[@louie115]

allen was one of the greatest guitarits' of all time! he was way over looked and under appreciated. what an incredible guitarist!

[@stormhawk3319]

At his peak in the 70s he was a phenomenal live guitarist onstage.

[@WesternStarTraveler]

I personally believe he was the best guitarist ever ! RIP Allen

[@lenk7968]

I agree 100% to think he came up with with the fantastic guitar work on free bird when he was so young, his on stage presence is truly the best, my all time favorite guitarist, the Lynyrd Skynyrd Freebird 7/2 1977 - Oakland Coliseum is just amazing, so happy i found it, watched in 100's of times

[@MegglesMarie88]

I love hearing his voice. Amazing musician RIP

[@lynd4852]

Allen, one of the most beautiful souls. oh, to hold you...comfort you. a smile i could live in.

[@marciamatteini7604]

He was a beautiful soul and its hurts to know he's gone. Doesn't matter how long its been, seems like yesterday. Rest in peace Allen love you

[@sn00pgreen]

i saw em in 75, and the older i get the more important in my life was that night..oh how i loved them all

[@nickbohannon3180]

I seen them also, in the mid 70s

[@johngullo9420]

Saw them June 77 in Philadelphia. 90,000 people. BEST live show I’ve ever seen!

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Collins, Rossington, Gaines, man whatta once-and-done most perfect painting of stringed sound & emotion that cannot be duplicated again.

[@marymartinez5788]

My favorite Skynard!!!... love Allen Collins !!..

[@cmemomitt]

My life definitely better because of this man's music...we lucky. RIP and thanks!!

[@gregwilliams4201]

Thank you Allen for touching my life you will never be forgotten ..I would have to say even God needs a bit of rock n roll RIP Allen

[@finnmoonratzo3106]

Loved his song writing, loved his guitar work, loved his stage presence!!! Totally underrated guitarist!! This is the only time ive ever heard him speak! Sounded like a very humble and cool dude. My favorite lead frm him is on Needle n the spoon. Killer sound!!! RIP Allen!!

[@cindyp8495]

So glad to finally hear his voice

[@connerlackey3952]

I know right he's my favorite guitarist and you can tell he was still heartbroken about the plane crash because of the initials he used

[@RorysStrat]

I loved Allen! I was never good at guitar but all the way through school I was in a band and I had my favorites! Each Band had my favorite. Allen was my favorite in Skynyyrd. Billy Jones was my favorite in the Outlaws band. On a different note Jackson Spires was my favorite in the Blackfoot band. I don't know why we select our favorite players but we project onto them what we hope to get from them. I loved Allen Collins and when he passed I was in a downspin thinking that the crash had truly killed him too. I am at this moment dealing with some of the demons he may have been facing and I just seem to be living in the past. Best to remember and get stoned than to face today and wonder what happened to yesterday! I hope I can get it right but when I see videos of my fallen hero's I just fall apart and nobody has a clue about it! Rock on Southern Rock! Rock on Skynyrd! Rock on Outlaws! Rock on Hatchet and Blackfoot and all of the rest! Love each other and forget your differences. It won't matter in the end and you are the ones who make folks like me happy when we hear ya! Southern rock is a life!

[@urbynwyldcat9131]

Allen Collins is my spirit animal.

[@lindamiller940]

He was my beautiful long hair man. Always in his beautiful ❤️ clothes. My Man 😍. Will love you forever. Miss y'all so much. At least I got to see y'all play the last Lakeland Florida concert. Then I heard about the crash and just about killed us all here in Florida. Our Southern Boys or most of the are gone. We couldn't believe it. You just left here the other night to go to another concert and now you're totally gone we couldn't believe this we didn't think this could ever happen to our favorite band in the world

[@hywel4605]

we love you allen.

[@vanzant645]

on the night of the anniversary of the plane crash, Oct 20th just listening to some of Skynyrd's talents - Allen Collins should have lived so much longer. He should still be with us! He survived the plane crash for gosh sakes and then die of complications of a car wreck. It doesn't seem fair. RIP, Allen. You are not forgotten.

[@jcopher2730]

I think the sudden death of his wife and their third (unborn) child in 1980 drove Allen over the edge to where he just couldn't recover. God bless the three of them.

[@dawncapps5172]

Allen struggled for so long before the car accident. We would still have him if he had not lost his Kathy. He was trying to numb the pain, not party till he passed out. Much love to Allen, Kathy and their unborn child and also to to Allison and Aimee. Such a beautiful family ❤️

[@timhanson8556]

such a cool, laid back Cat.. "i think we're dang lucky to have them" ... thats not a guy with a huge head... God bless Allen...

[@elmowatson541]

I only knew Allen through the music and videos but what a character and free spirit! Miss him

[@ColdSmokes]

The world has been waiting to hear Allen speak for many a year. Thanks !!

[@Leatherface123.]

My favorite guitarist He deserves some respect and attention he is the greatest I’m my opinion He was as free as a bird

[@swhite3847]

MET ALLEN AT HIS FRONT DOOR JC ROAD JAX FLA SIGNED MY LS STREET SURVIVORS #1 ALBUM I BOUGHT FROM PIC N SAVE $4.99 WHEN I WAS 9... 56 NOW STILL HAVE IT WILL ALWAYS REMBER THAT DAY!

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

Allen was arguably my first real influence on guitar. Forty years later his legacy continues to influence my playing.

[@Anabelleandthedesertscrubs]

We’re winners not losers and we will do it again-a.c

[@mkivy]

What a talented man. My heart breaks when I think of all the pain and suffering he endured. He’s with his wife and baby girl...he’s at Ronnies right and Steve is at Ronnies left...just like it was on stage. All gone except for Gary...man Collins was so talented.

[@ricklogan3328]

Allen was a great guitar player!!!

[@teldrynsero320]

He has such a calming voice, what the hell.

[@tball3071]

Allen and Gary should both be inducted to rock and roll Hall of Fame separately for great guitarist. Amazing guitarist and how they play together so in time, wow is all I can say

[@at89able]

T Ball I agree . It always happens after there deaths. Why can’t this happen when the guitarist is alive and well. Allen Collins is one of many but he’s my favorite man on the axe

[@Anabelleandthedesertscrubs]

Fr!!!!!!

[@SissyD61]

Agree 100%! No doubt!!!!

[@rebeccarockchik6704]

...And their song writing as well

[@caliblue2]

A gorgeous soul and talent- always remembered 💜

[@rhondadaum8657]

Your high flying kicks, your unbelievable talent with absolute dedication and feel good contribution will stay with me forever ❤

[@joanndouglas2218]

Something true and beautiful in his voice.A confidence within his heart.I was shook!!!!! Not your ordinary man...Someone to learn from.To listen to.Wow!!!

[@nirvanainchains209]

Allen collins is right up at number 1 for coolest looking guitarists. And obviously in ability too

[@camban]

I agree. Its impossible not to find yourself constantly drawn to him when he was onstage. He had that unquantifiable X factor presence about him 🎸

[@news4usunshine]

It really sucks that we had no way to see and hear all these recordings of performances and interviews back in the 70's and 80's. So many things happened right under my nose and I wasn't the slightest bit aware of them until now, all these years later. Now it's all so damned easy, with wireless internet and YT. It would have been life changing to have such access to information back then.

[@ryansgirl2002]

Most under rated guitarist IN THE UNIVERSE! His story is also the most tragic of all the Skynyrd gang and he also seemed like the sweetest, most kind man ever. I've loved him since as far back as I can remember, literally. Breaks my heart everytime I think about the hell he endured time and time again. He had strength unparalleled and unbelievable courage and that's evident in the fact that he continued to face a new day in spite of terrible things he'd been dealt. I'm so grateful he shared his talents and gifts so generously with the world and as long as I live I'll never forget him or stop loving him and the rest of the Skynyrd gang. May God bless and keep them.

[@gregjaidee1491]

Nice to hear Allen Collins talk. There isn't a lot of interviews with him online. He was my favorite member of Skynyrd. RIP Allen

[@glenknowles2128]

attended Allen Collins Band show ocean front Hanna Park in 1983, opened with Working for MCA

[@edwhite7475]

I was there- great afternoon that was...MCA is the first song i ever learned-

[@TheFruitloop186]

@ GLEN Was Jimmy singing and playing drums ? Talk about an underrated musician.. that was Jimmy Doughertery

[@MrsBillyKeys]

@@TheFruitloop186Derek Hess on drums

[@CadillacL]

One of THE most under-rated guitarist on the planet!

[@Buelligan88]

So much "what ifs" and "what might have been" involved with Allen Collins.

[@gewdferyew4844]

Buelligan88 Everything Skynyrd-related honestly

[@lindamiller940]

Y'all done it perfectly right there is no other words that I can say but y'all done everything right amazing what y'all done to make the southern rock bands

[@amandadowches1298]

Allen wasnt only a genius on a guitar, but he also helped write several of their songs. Its a damn shame what happened to him. He never got over losing Ronnie

[@robert.m4676]

Allen Collins is really a decent sweet guy that wasn’t able to cope with possibly the biggest tragedy anyone could ever face! When I found out all he had to endure man my heart hurt for him! I’ve had tragic times and somewhat similar circumstances and I didn’t cope very well either! I wish I could have ran into him at that time cause it takes people who have no hidden motives and been through rough situations to help someone to not go over the edge! At the same time the person going through all the hell has to be open to the help as well! I sure wish Allen and Ronnie and the rest of the boys were still here like all the rest of us who love the greatest rock and roll band ever! In my opinion they were just getting started! I bet they had dozens of bullets that would have shot right up the charts but instead we never got to here what Ronnie was about to unleash! SUCKS big time! God bless all the Lynyrd Skynyrd family and friends we’ll be together again with the good lord and our rebel flag flying high!

[@rickflippin1]

Allen Collins you always rocked and you sir will not be forgotten thank you for just being here the time you were you inspired me to play and what a gift i owe ya RIP

[@wyattsalmon]

Im 17 yr old kid who plays guitar and reps a explorer just like allen, he will forever be my idol and i wish i could meet him

[@lindamiller940]

Y'all made everything perfectly right the most greatest Southern rock band ever and it come from Jacksonville Florida Florida is where I live the home of the Gators and I am so proud to have y'all part of our state I love your long hair I always have y'all have made all of us so happy by just being who you are

[@movinmetal2596]

Amazing musician and truly the most ‘cursed’ of the original LS members. His life is full of tragedies that are only overshadowed by his incredible natural talents. RIP Allen 😕👍

[@kalaspears6288]

Im on my wifes youtube but when i started playing my 1st song i ever learnd was. Was i write or wrong I was 13 but hands down this guy is up there with the best god bless and thank god for the music they wrote With out it alot of bands would not be were they are today.

[@steverowland7163]

His music and playing will never die. Because of people like us. I listen to some Skynyrd or Rossington Collins band daily.

[@MrPorsche91730]

He sounded like such a great person. He was such a great guitar player, I love his playing in working for mca. It is so dam sad what heppend to him, losing his child and wife at the same time, then crashing his car and his girlfriend passing away. No one should ever have to be put through that. Fly on Freebird you are free at last

[@jeffreyholmes7216]

Man! I saw lynyrd skynyrd twice in 1976..rossington collins band 3 times .Allen collins was amazing. Except the last 2 times.I had no idea the pain he was going through. He had just lost his wife.and had a breakdown on stage.threw his guitar in the audience and walked off.concert over.6 months later they opened for charlie Daniels. You could tell his heart was not in it.such a shame.he seems like a great guy.it is just a awful story.r.i.p. allen.

[@KLHKLH]

I think it was a wonderful story that had an awful, tragic ending. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for his two daughters. I hope their lives are good now.

[@marciamatteini7604]

Jeffrey, never read anything about what you wrote. I agree, Allen had a broken heart losing his wife and baby. But now he is in peace. Love you Allen

[@jeffreyholmes7216]

@@marciamatteini7604 I have no idea what your comment means.

[@FilmForger]

RIP RVZ and Mr. Collins.....

[@guitar54319]

its a shame that he is not in the top twenty hall of fame for guitar players when you look at jimmy page

[@Dragon15c]

+Martin Dennis Allen has the number three guitar solo in Guitar Player's top 50 guitar solos!

[@jaxflfreebird]

+Martin Dennis I love Allen Collins, regardless of his mistakes in life, his alcohol and drug problem. I've been an original Skynyrd fan since I first heard them. I have a large list of live recordings and dvds of stuff that has never been released. I've read three books about the band and I saw the Tribute Tour. I loved RCB and ACB. That said, I don't know if Allen was a top twenty Hall of Fame Guitar player. He was most likely in the top 100 guitar players. Years ago I would have perhaps agreed with you but I've heard too many guitar players since, Clapton, Page, Kossoff, Hendrix, Allman, Betts, Trucks, Haynes, Pearson, Townsend, and many, many more. Maybe there is room for Allen in the top fifty. I guess Gary belongs in the top fifty but probably Ed King too belongs on a list of top 100 players. You have to get strict definitions, rule out blues players, or country players. Allen wasn't quite himself though after the plane crash. His playing suffered live. He lost some ability. You know he had that huge wound on his arm. Allen had a lot left to prove as did Steve Gaines. We'll never know how much more great music they could have created. Mostly though, Allen was a rhythm player and Gary was the slide guy and man could he play slide on Freebird. And nobody sounded better on Curtis Lowe and SHAlabama than Ed King.

[@edwhite7475]

jaxfreebird -another great comment- i know you from my other page, and i remember you saying some good shit elsewhere from years ago...Allen was my friend, and the coolest guy I ever met...and I just love this interview, he was very positive here, and STILL a young man...after going through everything they went through, it amazing they did the RCB thing, and then ACB.. .it doesnt matter about his ranking to me...HE would never have said how GREAT he was- being a very humble man, Clapton and Kossoff were very much heroes, and Beck and Page too. he loved the British sound. please consider putting some of those recordings on your page and share them with all of us, people LOVE Allen these days even more than they did back then- you would make a LOT of folks very happy. it IS nice that they gave him a top spot for his solo on Freebird though- i had heard #1. ;-)

[@jaxflfreebird]

Well I just downloaded Windows Essentials 12 with Movie Maker so I might be able to again upload some videos and make some videos. It's been so long though since I did this that I have forgotten how to do it so I'll have to relearn. It's like there is this reunion tour of Bad Company back when Paul Rodgers was sporting his widow's peak receding hairline. We have the Hard Rock recording and video but I saw on DimeaDozen that there is a torrent I could download of another show. If I could download that I could maybe upload it again too. That was before Rodgers "Repaired" his receeding hairline. Now that is another band, a singer and not a guitar player but it's about sharing stuff that isn't on KZbin. I also bought this Chatanooga Choo Choo bootleg of the Tennessee show from 75. That show is well know but there are three or four songs that are on the disc that were from another place like a studio. I have been saving this for some special occasion. I like knowing I have some special stuff I haven't yet heard. Anyway there is a LIVE probably STUDIO performance or a rehearsal and they play CHEATIN' WOMAN. And that song doesn't exist in live form from the old days. I haven't found that song online on KZbin. So it's stuff like this that am considering for upload. I could use movie maker, add some images and upload those three or four songs for others to hear. The original band with Ed King.

[@edwhite7475]

this is funny, I have a bootleg ALLEN GAVE me of Bad Company rehearsals for the first album, on cassette, and side two is a hard rock cafe gig in Orlando from the show YOU are talking about- he told me it was real special and to take care of it But PLEASE post that Skynyrd stuff- especially w/ Ed- I never got to see the original band and I would love it...Cheatin' Woman is a great tune...Ronnie is in his prime on that one-

[@edwardbliss1882]

one of the greatest guitars who was truly underated I wish they would give him his place in history I still listen to them every day and try to play his style thanks allen your still my hero one of the greatest guitars of all time who still does not get his due thanks allen your still my hero

[@cinthiafydrych6176]

He was a Great guitar player I’m surprised he wasn’t very famous

[@michaeldistefano1921]

I play guitar and sing.. The often overlooked genius in Skynyrd was the ability of that much talent to play TOGETHER, without stepping in each other. Allen Collins was one of the best Rhythum guitar players of all time. Most people do not realize how important that is for a band to be great

[@joelwatts5260]

Sounds like he was a nice guy. If I had a band he would be my first pick at lead guitar.

[@victorjames9984]

Allen..RIP..brother..bands n players like you kept rockn roll alive n spirit ..you will allways be remembered ..peace

[@angelfeliciano1130]

Great Person R.I.P. SIR

[@snapesnapeseverussnape2015]

Happy Birthday Allen

[@robertcormier242]

One of the best guitar players of all time so so underrated.......Allen Collins

[@mqueue00]

Allen crashed his car at 12200 Plummer Grant Road. He went into the ditch and hit a driveway culvert. Its a straight piece of road just 4 minutes from my house in Mandarin. When you're that drunk, the road is never straight enough. It was a very sad day for Allen's family and a great tragedy for us, the fans of this incredible musician.

[@smith7674]

+Michael I was talking to his best friend on the internet. This Italian guy who was Allens neighbor most of their life. Allens dad used to cook alligator tail burgers for them and Allen loved potato fritters they call them something else down south.

[@tammygronskei1993]

He was an excellent guitarist rip

[@suzeeq.4700]

I have to take a ride up, Im about 3 hours southwest of there. Sad., very sad

[@TheFruitloop186]

@ Smith We call it 'Gator tail" and hash browns.

[@Yellowrose8]

In Alabama we say...potato cakes. Allen - one awesome musician. R.I.P.

[@mikeomaly]

R.I.P Allen! Gone but never forgotten! Much love and respect!

[@ELI-qm6bx]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. ALLEN WAS BORN TO PLAY LEAD GUITAR FOR A POWERFUL ENTITY SUCH AS LYNYRD SKYNYRD

[@shanedorr2236]

We STILL love and miss you and your music brother!

[@theshanny8]

I wholeheartedly agree with the comments regarding allen being undoubtedly one of the greatest guitar players of all time

[@neilouellette3004]

Saw Rossington Collins Band back in 1980. They were awesome. They finished the show with Free Bird with no vocals and Ronnie's mike stand with his hat on it. Then showing pictures of the dead members while playing it. This was the real Lynyrd Skynyrd 3 years after the plane crash. Not that band that tours around now.

[@beatleme2]

WE'RE WINNERS NOT LOSERS, AND WE'RE GONNAA DO IT AGAIN ..and if you're that strong ill take it..and roll with it cause i know its gonna happen..any time..any place.......... any where !..lol ...RIP Man

[@LisaCafferty-t4d]

He's at the top of my list!

[@whitneymornson5411]

I love the sound of his voice and laugh.

[@robgesslein8347]

I am from the 70's and 80's. So, I am allowed to say that Allen was one of the coolest mother fuckers ever in rock-n-roll. And, one of the greatest Rock guitarist's.

[@rebeccarockchik6704]

My favorite Skynyrd! Such a talented guitarist and songwriter! ✌❤

[@rexshort8341]

I seen rossington Collins band open up for Lynyrd Skynyrd 198 7 Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain View California will never forget it. listening to Alan Collins speak from his wheelchair was very inspiring

[@larryn2682]

Rex Short Rossington Band?

[@TheFruitloop186]

@ rEX How did that happen since the RCB was only together from 79 to 82 ?

[@1besieged]

Allen has such a great laugh, he is very smart, and he was a hellish guitarist, I love him, wish he would have avoided the oak tree and been ok. my thoughts opinions, freedom of speech. I love Skynrd RSV band. fan till i die.

[@ColdSmokes]

1besieged Gary smashed the Oak tree in a brand new Ford Gran Torino on Memorial day 75 or 76. Allen smashed a car the same day...He hit a bunch of parked cars or something like that. Ronnie and the band was so disappointed in Gary only (for some reason) that they fined him!

[@carlsmith1263]

Allen hit a drainage ditch but head on into a concrete culvert. Hence broken back. Paralyzed

[@bluestreetcar]

This is a treasure. Thanks for the great share ♪♫♪♫

[@swhite3847]

MY FIRST CONCERT RCB JAX FLA COLLISUM.

[@butterfly.933]

You older guys are so lucky. He and his friends were only with us a short time. So damn sad.

[@gergemall]

A master guitarist

[@dondunton3031]

The Soul.

[@JimmyG217]

thank you for these amazing clips

[@rhondadaum8657]

Allen, I 'll always love you 💙

[@holtridge7337]

I can't believe he's been gone 32 years.

[@MsSmitty9]

I saw Rossington Collins at the Orphium In Boston. Freebird at the end with no vocals , just a microphone with a RVZ Hat on it. Touching. This was a few years after the crash. Pretty Hairy.

[@jamiehall8116]

Allen is the greatest of all time no doubt

[@scottdixon469]

Happy 65th Birthday to Skynyrds wild man Mr. Allen Collins I miss him everyday!

[@balerjohnson3099]

Allen was one of the great guitar players of all times . Sad and way to soon an ending to his life . Steve came in a filled a gap and together they made great music before the crash . I was listening to the radio back in October 20th 1977 ..good lord thats 39 years to this day...when I heard the news. Of course it broke many hearts especially those from Miami Oklahoma who knew Steve and Cassie and those of us who got to hear Steve play in a garage in Commerce when we were kids. I think these were great days indeed .

[@ShineDawg]

What an awesome dude, RIP

[@09terrafirma]

RIP Allen. Great to hear him