EMOTIONAL! 🎵 LYNYRD SKYNYRD - Free Bird REACTION

[@VFLPlus]

I shed a tear when Lex said about “they have their whole lives ahead of them”. Three months after this gig 3 of the band died in a plane crash, and some other people who were on the plane too. Singer Ronnie Van Zant was asleep and did not have his seat belt on. So three months after singing about flying free on this Oakland clip he died while flying. Awful. Tragic. Unbelievable. Such a loss.

[@minty_Joe]

Hard to believe only 2 members of this lineup are still with us; Artimus and Gary.

[@michaelchmiel166]

He was not asleep.

[@minty_Joe]

@@michaelchmiel166 If I recall, Ronnie was playing cards during the flight.

[@texasnewt]

Nature mocks sometimes in a most dreadful ironic way.😔

[@ponytrekker8996]

They knew the plane wasn’t safe.

[@chrisbrimhall6323]

When they opened for a The Who, they blew The Who off the stage....and no band blew a The Who off the stage. Pete Townsend while being interviewed while Skynyrd was playing stopped the interview to listen and then turned to the reporter and said... “ They are quite good aren’t they” that pretty much says it all

[@flyingburritobro68]

Yes they were good but this then unknown band did not blow The Who off the stage on the Quadrophenia tour. Other than the Stones and Zep nobody could touch The Who live at that point especially an unknown band playing in front of an audience of rabid Who fans

[@Eowyn187]

@@flyingburritobro68 ehhh. There's talent. Then there's talent with soul. Goes deeper.

[@rethink62]

@@flyingburritobro68 They blew the Stones out in 76

[@j.h.3777]

@@rethink62 The Stones are crap in concert.

[@rethink62]

@@flyingburritobro68 Zeppelin and the Stones sucked live in the 70’s Let’s not put them with The Who Damn Rock and Roll Circus wasn’t released till the 90’s cause The Who blew The Stones out and they knew it

[@willblood7082]

Making millions doing what they loved most!! Lex says: “they have their whole lives ahead of them”, which some did and others sadly didn’t as we know. No original members still alive, time passes so quickly. I was 17 at the time of this concert and am now 63, retired with 2 grown children and a 2 1/2 y/o grandson… as Joe Walsh sang “life’s been good to me so far”. Please enjoy every day and appreciate these years with Jack as every year seems to pass faster than the last.

[@davideberhart9523]

One of the most iconic songs ever imagined, ever written, ever performed and ever recorded…A golden musical treasure that will span generations long after we are all gone. Thanks for covering B&L.

[@michaelwhite6740]

Nobody ever says: I'm gonna sit down and write an iconic song. Songs become iconic based on its public popularity

[@pmeyers618]

Well said

[@Z34LiFe]

Damn it was written live as well? Damn they were good, lol.

[@davideberhart9523]

@@Z34LiFe had to clean it up.

[@raymo6795]

..magical

[@daveperala4723]

I just love the way she lights up when the guitars kick in. Like somewhere deep inside a switch is thrown and a wild child is released. She has a soul made for rock n roll.

[@TexasHildis]

Yes she does! She feels it!

[@brianbrown4460]

The baby they're about to have is lucky to have such parents

[@timothybenetti5322]

So very proud of her!! She is a light and such a beautiful soul !!

[@Irockthere4]

Lead guitarist Allen Collins was 16 years old when he wrote that amazing guitar solo. To see him playing it live with that energy was fun to watch.

[@randycooley3105]

I'm a 68 year old high school teacher. I recently sat in for a music appreciation class. I changed it up a bit and decided to play that same live version of Freebird. When the tempo picked up and they scanned the crowd, I said kids, that was your grandparents back in the day. The kids literally started rocking out and some of them even started dancing. I love seeing kids exposed to classic rock. Keep up the good work guys!

[@heyou702pc]

I was there for that Day on the Green on July 2, 1977. I lived about one hour from the Oakland Coliseum. I just graduated from HS at 17 years old. I'll never forget this concert. Most of those people in that crowd are grandparents now. I'm 62 years old and still a rocker at heart ❤. Thank you for reacting to this and letting this old goat to relive some very sweet memories.

[@AngelofAnguish]

I'm 52, and, I , TOO, am a rocker/metal fan/"headbanger"-have been since 1978 (thanks to a band called KISS!). Don't worry, in MY opinion, MUSIC HAS NO "AGE LIMIT!" TO THIS DAY, I DO NOT KNOW WHY some people want to "associate AGE with MUSIC."

[@karend169]

I saw them in Philly one summer. One of those concerts that had about 5 bands playing. . One of those times I will never forgot. I am 61 years old now. Yes, still rocking. :)

[@wendellburkhart8297]

I'd be happy just to get to shake your hand knowing I shook the hand of someone that was there on that day . Skynyrd is my favorite band ever and I was 12 years old when the plane crash happened and Skynyrd Nation was and still is at a loss for words . Allen Collins and Stevie Gaines are 2 of my all time favorite guitarists . Gary Rossington is absolutely amazing on a guitar but I can't imagine where Allen and Stevie would be now .

[@krusher74]

I really wanted Lex to see this video and hoped she would have commented more on the crowd, at least brad saw how many women were there. When would to now see a rock concert overflowing with young women have the time of their lives.

[@JeanetteFaith]

I saw them in Nashville in 1974 and they were great but used to see them in clubs around Atlanta long before that. Just hanging with the people.

[@chrismalloy7960]

You know what’s great about that video? The crowd was totally into the music. No gimmicks. No pyrotechnics. No dancers. Just pure talent.

[@theresagallagher9161]

Don't forget the booze and drugs......

[@tommyquinnhughes]

And of course none of today’s cell phones (mobiles). Everyone just captured and living in the moment for what it was and not thinking about themselves and social media.

[@greggburke3770]

The guy, Billy Powell, who was playing piano on this song, was actually a Roadie for the band who carried equipment and helped set up the stage for 2 years. One time during a prom the band played, Billy sat down at the piano while the band was on break, and played a song. Robbie loved it so much, he offered him a spot in the band.

[@ianwallace5646]

Wow, apparently he was the only one out of the hospital soon enough to go to the funerals of the members who died in their plane crash. Never thought about that part of it, so sad.

[@Gutslinger]

Robbie?

[@tedketterer600]

he means Ronnie @@Gutslinger

[@clintlautner9542]

Thank you for this. Every now and then I pick up a piece of this band’s history. I love it.

[@JRoss707]

One of the truest comments I’ve ever read on Reddit about this video was from a younger 20-something year old: “The moment you realize you will never be half as cool as your parents were.”

[@rayvanhorn1534]

Arguably the greatest Southern Rock anthem ever, & this live version is epic. Thanks y'all!

[@fidel2xl]

I would actually say that this song is probably the greatest songs ever of any genre. And this song was long before my time, and I primarily listen to Hip Hop, Reggae, Alternative rock, and even Classical music. But I would rate this song as probably the greatest songs ever. This is what perfection looks like.

[@Cadinho93]

Legend has it, that the guitar solo at the end, goes on and on, across the Universe, forever and ever! 🦅🎸🤘

[@PanglossDr]

How is three guitars playing together with full backing a solo?

[@trybalone396]

@@PanglossDr I knew what he meant.

[@amazane1]

@@PanglossDr The Magic, man, it's The Magic! 🤘🖤

[@sixbladeknife44]

Awesome 😎✌️

[@phillhuddleston9445]

They say radio waves travel the universe in all directions until they hit an object like a planet or moon so they may be doing so in a sense.

[@pennybrock4858]

Being a southern kid from Florida and a teenager in the 70s this was our band. When their planed crashed our Principal excused us from school the next day,we were devastated. My senior class song was Freebird, . My oldest son graduated in 2001 and his class chose Freebird as their class song too. They will never go out of style.

[@ErnestSomogy]

It was my senior class song too. Naples High School 1978

[@christikirk7265]

My nephew passed away at age 34...he shared my love for Skynyrd. I kissed him on the cheek at the hospital before they came to take his body...cried as I was saying "FLY HIGH FREE BIRD". He had worn a Lynyrd Skynyrd t-shirt the week before. It said "Support Southern Rock". My sister gave it to me...my most prized possession.

[@justinatest9456]

The real star of this video is the crowd, absolutely beautiful.

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

Yes. It should have been more diverse though. However there were minorities who tuned in as teens despite culture pressure and experienced great music.

[@fredditt9902]

@@jackiegoodspeed1849 Why?

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

@@fredditt9902 Because Lynrd skynrds music is for all and I don't believe the band was racist at all.b

[@gagamba9198]

Except her at @08:05 'I'm not feelin' it.'

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

@@gagamba9198 Right!!!!!

[@kevincaulder96]

This live concert from the summer of 1977 features the high flying peak of Lynyrd Skynyrd. One month later we lost Elvis Presley at his home in Graceland. And two months after that we lost this great band. Truly an emotional time. I'm proud to have them as part of my history.

[@robertwhite3992]

Wow...I know

[@vernonjohnsonjr7389]

Wow 1977 I was 5 years old

[@fittrad3r687]

77 was a rough year for music.

[@Atomykpimp]

Unfortunately a lot of tears were shed in a short period of time in 1977. R.I.P. to all those we lost and love.

[@ericaferguson7169]

The year, summer I was born. Smh

[@angier5775]

I was there!! Days on the Green were the best concerts! Saw so many groups there 💞 My fave part is when you can tell by the the crowd IT’S COMING UP!! I have the best memories!

[@davidbordonaro1631]

I'm jealous !

[@randytorres8211]

Per Songfacts The lyrics are about a man explaining to a girl why he can't settle down and make a commitment. The opening lines, "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?" were inspired by Allen Collins' girlfriend Kathy, who had asked him this very question during a fight. Many fans thought "Free Bird" was a tribute to Allman Brothers Band guitarist Duane Allman, who died in 1971, two years before "Free Bird" the song was released. Skynyrd sometimes dedicated it to Allman at concerts, but it was written long before his death and not about Allman at all. The double guitar solo at the end is the same style as many early Allman Brothers songs on which Duane played. Lynyrd Skynyd came to an abrupt and tragic end at the height of their powers when the band's plane crashed en route to a concert in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1977. Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant was killed along with guitarist Steve Gaines (who replaced Ed King), and other band members were badly injured.

[@Eowyn187]

My brother's car was stolen while attending their previous concert. A 1967 Dodge Coronet GT. We heard the news about the plane crash right before the cops found his car totaled. Crazy night indeed.

[@localroger]

And after the plane crash, once the band got back together and they found new people to replace the lost members, whenever they played this song at concerts it was without lyrics -- because it belonged to Ronnie Van Zant.

[@cartercarter645]

Awesome take. Thank you. Preeesh

[@frekitheravenous516]

Wasn't written for Duane. It was "dedicated" to him. Sorry, simplest answer. lol

[@diane243]

After the crash, the survivors became the Rossington Collins Band. In 1980, while the RCB was on tour, Allen Collin’s wife Kathy, pregnant with their third child, hemorrhaged after a miscarriage and died. Allen never recovered from losing her and his life spiraled out of control. After a causing a car wreck that killed a woman in 1986, Allen was paralyzed from the waist down. He died in 1990 from paralytic pneumonia…ten yrs after he lost Kathy. Grateful he shared his gift from God with us of us but his life was like a Greek tragedy. God Bless Allen Collins and may he Rest In Peace.

[@stevepecorella2704]

One of the greatest live performances ever. I’ve known it for nearly 5 decades as a preteen. It’s considered a rock n roll benchmark.

[@rene31gade]

One of the greatest songs ever...

[@jayjordan7104]

Day on the Green. Oakland Coliseum. Bill Graham presents. My older brother was supposed to be watching me at home but took me here instead. When the transition from slow to fast was occurring it was like a powerful electrical current moved through the crowd. Skynyrd has been my band to this very day. One of the best live bands ever. PS Lex is right. It is a triumphant song

[@ArgonTheAware]

I was at that concert with my younger brother and it was only a couple months before the band had their plane crash

[@jayjordan7104]

@@ArgonTheAware Thank God for older brothers

[@ArgonTheAware]

@@jayjordan7104 Well in 1977 I was 18 and my younger brother was 16 so it wasn't the first concert we had been to since we used to go see The Tubes, Yes, Genesis and ELP also

[@davidbordonaro1631]

Older brothers , and sisters , are so cool ! I have one of each

[@ArgonTheAware]

@@davidbordonaro1631 So do I an older sister and a younger sister with an older brother and a younger brother

[@tadanott300]

I love your interpretation of that solo, Lex. Spot on. Seeing how much you enjoyed this made me smile.

[@peggykunkel9180]

It's amazing to think that most of those young people in the crowd are now in their 70s. I wasn't at this concert but I still have the same feeling today that I had when I heard this song back then. I can't imagine what it would be like to be in that crowd. Since I watched the live stream it is great to finally hear what Lex finally got from the song.

[@Chatta-Ortega]

I was 16 then...took a bus from Oregon with a friend to attend. Told our parents we were camping. It was a great day. I still get goosebumps watching this.

[@stanleydavidlepretre4241]

@@Chatta-Ortega Nice, stay safe.

[@jhood758]

LoL, 60’s & 70’s. 😊

[@carteryoung3986]

60s more like. I was there. Outlaws, Peter Frampton, Santana. One of the better 'Day on the Greens'

[@jimjungle1397]

I was 16, in my 60's now.

[@jokuz9133]

lex is a gem. this performance was skynyrds gift to mankind before the plane crash.

[@firedoc5]

What really makes this sound better is Billy Powell's (RIP) piano work. His classical music education really shines and just brings out the soulfulness. Godspeed and fly on FREE BIRDS.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

So true wlslater. As great a guitar band as they were it was Billy Powell's piano playing that was the final piece and took this band to a whole different level. A true master on piano!

[@hoosthere686]

@@edwardcapobianco2975 o

[@DaveCosley]

The guitar combos in that song never gets old. My ears are always begging for more, after hearing that song. Amazing 👏

[@stephenkittle6586]

I'm SOOOO HAPPY I saw them in 1976 😍😁!! Gary's slide guitar is unreal INTOXICATING!! 🔥🎸🔥🎸🔥🎸🔥 , It pulls you into that SONG!! 😍😁!!

[@flowergarden-1]

Got me on the dance floor 🔥🍂

[@philipdickey6460]

Ronnie had a distinctive voice, and though he’s been gone since ‘77, this song and group will never be forgotten

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Man that slide playing always cuts your soul in half

[@djl9919]

Great reaction Lex, I couldn't have said it any better. This is my favorite live version of this song. Lynyrd Skynyrd Rules. Rock on Brad & Lex

[@JesseJames-vc2bm]

This young Lady has the prettiest, sweetest face I have seen in a long time. Ya'll are awesome!

[@janicepatterson1601]

I grew up listening to this song. Was my dad's favorite song. I lost him in Nov 2019 due to cancer. I played this every night visiting him in the hospital. And then had the funeral home put a quote of the lyrics on his bookmark memorial and play it during the funeral. Was just so fitting. Although he had 2 funeral songs. They carried his casket out to My way by Frank Sinatra, as that was the song he chose for his father. And the fact that he sure did do things his way, I felt he needed to go out in the same style as his father. Both of these songs bring a tear to my eye every time.

[@imajhawk6146]

When the guitar outro takes off it's like the Bird taking flight and climbing further and further towards Freedom

[@AshReacts]

I'm feeling emotional now. The queen has passed away. Hope this can cheer up the mood.

[@marklewen9384]

Elton john is dead?

[@davidhowell7279]

Charles in charge....sounds like a tv show.....

[@Sea_Wolf-79]

Queen is now free as a bird! Rest in peace!

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

Lizzie's in a box in a box. Lizzie's in a box in a box!!!

[@tocham757]

This was so much fun guys so glad you did the live version.

[@centuryrox]

Notice the exuberance of the crowd. I've been to over a dozen Skynyrd concerts, and the crowd is exactly like this at every one of them. It's one big celebration of life!

[@richardjones7984]

Good comment. Lex explained the reason well for the musical buildup and how you have to overcome adversity by keeping going and that gives you freedom.

[@robertanderson6929]

I think every band from that era has a song with the theme of "Free Bird." It's part lament and part apology to those they leave behind when they hit the road to perform. It's important to remember that there was no internet, no youtube, no spodify. Success came only from selling records and concert tickets. So these bands were on the road all of the time. And of course they had family and loved once who could not travel with them and whom they couldn't stay home to be with. So when you hear his lament, "there are too many things that I'd like to change" he admits he wish he could be home more often and didn't have to travel so much and so far from home. But he is also confessing. He tells his "sweet love" that it is not her fault and that it is he who is to blame. Because he chooses to be the "Free Bird." He must be free to hit the road and pursue his dream despite what that does to their relationship.

[@mikefetterman6782]

One of the greatest guitar solos ever, with Albert just throwing every possible lick combination at that chord progression at the end. A guitar player's bouncy room.

[@ivansavoie3190]

Allen

[@williamweiler6336]

The solo that made every young guy feel like he could run through a brick wall.

[@SIXX2772]

Now yall got a small glimpse of how powerful the real Lynyrd Skynyrd was. They were the BEST of all. IMO

[@lynnlafever1810]

I was blessed to see these guys twice (before the accident): in Nashville in 1974 and at the San Diego Sports Arena, on Jan 1, 1977 (which was the kickoff of The Street Survivor tour). I am soooo glad you choose to revisit this live performance! It's just a different experience. Being a Marine, I wish to highlight the drummer: Artimus Pyle, who was also a Marine. (and is a cousin to WW1 hero, Alvin C York). He was the platoon & series Honor Man out of bootcamp, went to southeast Asia, was shot in his leg & received the Purple Heart, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Seargent. Before Skynyrd he drummed for Charlie Daniels and Marshal Tucker Band. He survived the crash and is still a wild man today!

[@SG-js2qn]

It's an epic live performance. One you put on the list of notable live performances to watch. You get a sense of life in that time.

[@davemcbroom695]

Arguably one of thee best guitar solos EVER!

[@russallert]

Three months before the plane crash, and they were at the top of their game - the clip of Sweet Home Alabama from this show is also excellent. The story I've heard is that Bill Graham, the legendary promoter who put on this show, made sure that there were lots of girls in the front rows for the cameras to film. One comment I read about this clip sums it up: "This is proof that your grandma was cooler than you could ever hope to be".

[@RicoBurghFan]

Definitely one of the top ten live performances ever. The emotion really comes through--loved the beautiful piano interlude--as does their artistry and passion. Nice analysis Lex. Thank you for this, lovely people!

[@nodaysback1]

If you could Imagine it? The version they played at the Knebworth Festival in '76 was even better! Skynyrd closed with Free Bird and stole the show! They left the stage so hot that the band who was up next didn't want to follow that and waited two hours.

[@silgen]

That's not the way I remember it. The next band, 10CC, came on after about 20 minutes and played a good set. They were a very good band, just not the sort of band needed to follow LS' barnstorming set. It was the next band, headliners the Rolling Stones, who had the long delay, it was nearly midnight when they came on and I was in a drunken stupor by them. Shame really, it was the only time i ever saw the Stones.

[@bloppysloppy2283]

As far as listening is concerned, I like the version on their 1976 live album "One From The Road". That has the best version of "Gimme Three Steps" too.

[@bloppysloppy2283]

That band called The Rolling Stones.

[@matthewhiggins8851]

Ronnie was told by the Stones manager that they couldn't walk on the tongue so when they got to the guitar solo in Freebird, RVZ being RVZ, he walked Collins, Rossington and even the new guy Steve Gaines all the way down the tongue to the end of the stage and blew the roof off the place (ok, not really they were outdoors). The fans who started the set mostly sleeping went ballistic. It's one of the most glorious moments in the history of rock and roll.

[@bloppysloppy2283]

@@silgen Yeah 10CC were a clever studio band. It wasn't fair for a pop band like them to have to follow a machine like Skynyrd. "I'm Not In Love" and "The Things We Do For Love" are pop masterpieces but making them follow Skynyrd was a mistake.

[@Freempg]

They were a note-perfect live band, especially in the beginning. Saw them at a small venue, maybe a thousand people. They had just released their second album and it was their first tour north. People were shocked by how good they were. It remains the best live performance I've ever seen.

[@TheBlindGuitarSlinger]

My dad played music for a living, and this is just one of the songs that he sang, and every time I hear them it’s just like my dad singing to me. They are the real deal

[@MidwesternCornbilly]

Lynyrd Skynyrd opened for The Who, in St. Louis at The Checker Dome, for The Who's Quadrophenia Tour (1973). I road down to see the show in the back of a hippie van with friends. The driver was not in any big hurry for some reason, so we left town late and he drove like a stoned grandma all the way down to the venue. Needless to say, we were extremely late. We finally got to our seats just in time to see Lynyrd Skynyrd do their last song...Free Bird. I'm still pissed about missing almost all of their performance and I love to remind the guy of it every chance I get.

[@kathybwell]

Many of us on this thread were there that day - me too! On the green, jumping, screaming, and feeding into the infectious excitement of this song!!

[@clasmaster1471]

One of the best days ever.

[@sobrietyisoverrated]

While the overall feeling of this song is both sad and happy, I always smile when I hear it. In the beginning, I’m smiling because I know what’s coming… by the second half, I’m smiling because Bald Eagles are bursting out of my eyes to carry an American flag across the graves of the ones we lost while fireworks shoot out of an apple pie as the Marlboro man drinks a Budweiser in the background. This song is Americana.

[@michelleplombe7019]

@JujuBees Hell Yeah! Rebels of the World!

[@ryanjustice2670]

That is one of the best comments I've ever read*. *The original commentator by the way.

[@ryanjustice2670]

@JujuBees Well, yeah, it pretty much is as American as it gets.

[@michaelchmiel166]

@JujuBees Yep. If you wanna look at it from that. Bit you might wanna know the actual history of the people involved before making judgement. They didn't have a racist bone in their bodies and in fact both employed and played with A LOT of blacks. They loved the Blues. Not only that, but back then the Confederate Flag hadn't been hijacked by so many White Supremacists. It simply stood for Southern living.

[@mikekelly5869]

@@michelleplombe7019 Really?? Half of the rest of the world view themselves as rebels against America 🤔

[@sixbladeknife44]

It’s very bittersweet watching this incredible performance and knowing what kind of tragedy was about to transpire. One of the greatest American bands of all time, RIP to all the members that have passed 🙏

[@rubbersole79]

This was the first year guitarist Steve Gaines (RIP) was with the band. Ronnie thought so highly of him, he once commented, "Some day we'll all be living in his shadow." - RIP Free Birds.

[@VintageWanderer]

They were from Green cove springs out side of Jacksonville FL. Had a friend grow up there during the 70’s and he could hear them practice not far from his house .

[@billness7310]

100,000 plus people knew what was coming just as soon as it started oh you're in for such a treat this is one of the best live performance videos there is of them doing this song other than the one in England where they literally blew the stones away there's a story there look into it you'll enjoy it

[@dpatterson115]

That Stones story is excellent!

[@benshafer5198]

Yeah, the Knebworth performance is the best one on YT, IMO

[@blueberry1521]

My mom was at tis exact concert man to be alive in those times and see all the great bands

[@Sobolady89]

Every member of Lynard Skynard were great. There wasn't one weak member in that band and Allen Collins was so under-rated. He wrote this when he was 16, but it took Ronnie several years to come up with words to it. He had such a tragic life and I hope he is resting peacefully.

[@geraldhobby3990]

NO AUTO TUNES.....PURE RAW MUSIC...FROM PURE SOUTHERN ROCKERS......

[@johnburens3395]

You gotta love Lex and her sheer joy. She has a contagion that is volatile and it's a good thing!! We need to take this girl to a concert and let her loose...

[@dt1064]

Not too many bands are better sounding live, Lynyrd Skynyrd breaks that mold. This song is great live.

[@allba45]

How great is it seeing people in the crowd actually enjoying, letting go and getting 100% into the feeling/music….instead of worrying about recording it on their cell phone……

[@milesjergens9088]

Your reaction to one of the most iconic anthems of my childhood -- especially this should-be-put-in-a-time capsule performance -- is perhaps the best of the thousands I have seen, THANK YOU! Lex, you get it... and for us a bit older, seeing your reaction and recognition to how much this means to generations of people is so damn heartwarming! Once again, THANK YOU!!!

[@flowergarden-1]

Ronnie's dream was to have the music live on for generations to come & I wish he'd have lived long enough to see both Brad & Lex's reactions because they get it

[@stephenwhite5444]

It's such a transformational song that changes the entire emotional mood of thousands upon thousands of people at the same time as they listen to it.

[@notablindliberal896]

Thank you all Brad and Lex. My favorite band all time. Have been looking for your reaction to this live version. If you get a chance you should watch the " If I leave here tomorrow" documentary and you will learn all about their story from their youth until that fateful day of October 20 1977. My favorite band ever and as I get older this video is even more emotional every time I see it. I'm going to make a road trip to the crash site in Mississippi on the 50th anniversary of it in 2027 where they have built a monument for the band, God willing of course. I hope when my time is done on this earth I can go hang out with all the boys and girls from the band who have passed on. RVZ forever!!! Skynyrd forever!!! 🎸 🎸 🎸

[@757optim]

A, or the, Southern Rock anthem. For about 50 years now, at shows and concerts all over the world, between songs in a set someone will yell out "Free Bird".

[@Teresia12]

God I love this song. It's been my flying freedom song since I first heard it. Nothing like the live performance. I was one of those sunburnt girls every summer. Every concert in the south I found a way to get there.

[@bharre]

These guys would practice days on end in what they called The Hell House, which was an unairconditioned little shack next to a swamp in Jacksonville. Ronnie never wrote a single word down, and he would sit on the couch waiting for one of them to come up with a riff that he liked. Once he heard something he like, he would put his head in his hands, eyes closed, and start motioning for the guitar player to keep playing that riff. Once he had the first line and chorus, he would sing it along to the riff, then he would tell the guys fill in the musical accompaniment while he would go out and fish on the pier and come up with the rest of the lyrics.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

This brings a huge smile to my face. I was such a huge fan from grade school on but then they died I think around the time I was going into 10th grade. I had just got there one more from the road double live album which I believe was from this exact same tour. So it has a slightly different version of free bird on it but it's very similar to this. Except it was at the Fox Theater in Atlanta georgia. That's the really iconic one. But this wasn't really all that long before the plane crash. Which then was so devastating. It was crazy because when you went to the movie theater to watch a movie, typically there weren't a whole lot of ads at the beginning like there are now, and then there would be previews of coming attractions. But I saw a couple movies back then and they bumped all the previews out and stuck in this hastily put together very short documentary and tribute about the plane crash, I bet it was like an 8 minute piece. And they would show that before the movie and then the movie wouldn't have anything to do with Lynyrd Skynyrd at all, it just says something that it even affected the way movie theaters responded to the plane crash. It was a big deal for a lot of people including me.

[@phineaspepper3530]

Not all of them died. Just the lead singer, one of his guitarists, two of his back-up singers, and his agent I believe. Pilots too. Others survived but injured. They went on but not the same.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

@@phineaspepper3530Yes, others suffered some injuries and Artemis pile broke both of his legs and I forget what happened to rossington and Billy Powell was injured as well. It's just so sad that Steven Gaines had just joined the band as a phenomenal guitarist and both he and his sister Cassie, one of the backup singers in the Honkettes, died along with him.

[@phineaspepper3530]

Yeah it was so sad. I remember watching a documentary on it a year or so ago, and I thought Steven Gaines and His sister dying was particularly tragic because their parents lost two kids. But overall really tragic.

[@ryanjsgrandma2009]

So weird seeing everyone’s grandparents in that crowd! Thank you peace ✌️

[@jimjungle1397]

Back when I was in high school there was this one guy at school that had long hair, wore an army jacket and a Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirt, hitchhiked to school everyday carrying a single speaker boom box. Other people my age that I meet say they had a guy exactly that at their high school too.

[@larrypriser6413]

I was that guy 😂, and even today, 40 years later am watching a video of two people reacting to my favorite band playing my theme song from back then!!!!

[@lonnielongino798]

This was one of the best live performances ever! The second half of the song during the guitars is amazing.

[@kellifranklin9872]

The queen is dead. God save the king! Great song to react to on the day of the queen’s death. Love this version. They showed up The Rolling Stones that day.

[@mariejustme]

My goodness, the 70’s were fun. Skynyrd was always better live to me. I want to go back and do it over and over again!

[@johnvaillancourt4168]

Thank you for FINALLY reacting to this live performance. It ranks to me, with Led Zeppelin’s Since I been Loving you, as the two greatest live performances EVER.

[@marklewen9384]

Im from jersey(and was not a fan), but when SPRINGSTEEN did ROSALITA in 1981 to open the Byrne arena(meadowlands) here in jersey it made me a fan for life. Awesome.....

[@aandpman]

John we're on the same page with what you said about the 2 greatest live performances EVER. ;-)

[@flowergarden-1]

💯fave Plant & Page live perf.

[@lorin6673]

This is rock n roll perfection.

[@mrcurtis73]

I hope y’all revisit Gimme Three Steps and check out the live version.. especially from their 1976 live album “One More From The Road.” Lead singer/songwriter, Ronnie Van Zant, adds some adlibs that I think make the story of the song even funnier. And the guitar solos are even better in the live version, imo.

[@christhompson7612]

"One more from the Road" recorded live at the Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA. When Ronnie say's, "What song is it you want to hear?" And the crowd answers, "Freebird!!!" What a live performance that was! The Fox was going to be torn down soon after that concert but was saved from demolition by a grass roots effort. It was restored and is now a wonderful place to see a concert or live event. I've got tickets to see the Doobie Bros there in October.

[@neilmartin99]

So many people miss the humor in Gimme Three Steps. It's actually hilarious. Same with "It Came Out Of The Sky" by CCR or "Rubber Bullets" by 10CC.

[@420johnas]

Of course I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd play this song live. It was the same year but it was Anaheim Stadium and I think it was a lot cooler than this because the sun was going down as Lynyrd Skynyrd came out to play that night. It’s amazing to see the young kids there enjoying the show and realizing I was one of those same kids I was 20 years old God bless the 70s and God bless Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@M.Hvistendal]

Since you are redoing songs in a live version, might I suggest Dire Straits "Sultans of Swing" Alchemy Live. It has one of the best guitar solos ever!!

[@samlawrence4670]

Seconded it is epic.

[@joankisloski6972]

Unfortunately on October 20, 1977, their plane ran out of fuel, the pilot attempted an emergency landing. Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines, along with backup singer Cassie Gaines (Steve's older sister), assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William Gray were killed on impact. Other band members, their tour manager and several road crew members suffered serious injuries. Listening to the line first line alone "If I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me?" gives me chills now.

[@alanpeterson4939]

Us old farts were pretty cool a long time ago.

[@Wisdom6159]

Saw them live, then a few months later I hear that most of the band members died in a plane crash. This song brings tears to my eyes as I think about them. Very happy that you two listen to the music that me an old timer has grown up with.

[@hectorportal3406]

YEAH IT'S SO DIFFERENT CAUSE US SOUTHERN PATRIOTS PUT AMERICA FIRST INSTEAD OF WHAT YOU'RE BEEN FED ABOUT AMERICA SO FAR !!

[@timothydoherty5337]

Wow Lex... I've been listening to this song for 40 yrs and never heard that take on the guitar jam... "a young man's journey"... pretty profund

[@deborahstrickland9845]

Live at Knebworth is also a great watch.❤️👏

[@usertr13phinsup]

Lex is the bird. Much respect lex

[@kennethbrown5164]

Hey guys there's a video of Ronnie VanZandt fishing in a boat on a lake... he talks about this song and its meaning... a must watch for any Lynyrd Skynyrd fan.

[@Johnnywhamo]

Lex is a rocker at heart, she simply loves all the old kick ass classic rock.

[@juliobarreiro7345]

The greatest solo Guitar ever

[@BNbadx4]

Yes girl you get it.

[@ddwchamp]

The song Hello Mutta Hello Fatta has the words "Lennard Skinard". This song was performed in 1963, before the birth of LYNYRD SKYNYRD. Drummer Bob Burns would always reference and kid around by saying Lennard Skinard when Ronnie Van Zant wanted to change the band's name (One Percent). Some band members attended Robert E Lee High School where Coach Leonard Skinner would harass the boys about their long hair. From this, Van Zant created a legendary band.

[@williammuntzer7374]

I was fortunate enough to attend the 1977 tour at Philadelphia's JFK Stadium. The headliner was Peter Frampton who was promoting the "Frampton Comes Alive" album, which was a monster. The lineup was J. Giles Band, Dicky Betts & Great Southern, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Peter Frampton. I was bout 30 feet from the stage. The weather was much like you see in this footage. I was 16 years old and my girlfriend was 14. It was a special day and a great concert that I will never forget. Thanks for the memory.

[@tommythompson9565]

Comments have been made on the meaning of Free Bird. I was a teen when the live version of this song from Lynyrd Skynyrd's live album "One More From The Road" came out. It was insanely popular. Being a southern boy [ born and raised in New Orleans ], us southerners may have held Lynyrd Skynyrd in a brighter light. No offense to their fans across The USA. Just about all of my friends and I were professional air guitar players by the time this song came out, and it was the one we all honed our craft on. You classic rockers know what I am talking about. Enjoyed y'all's reaction. [ but when don't I ? ] I keep all 3 of you in my prayers. God bless you, and keep up the good work.

[@Fritzw75]

The Lineup for this show on July 4th 1977 was of course Lynyrd Skynyrd, Peter Frampton who headlined, Santana and the Outlaws. What an incredible lineup indeed. Bill Graham put on some great shows both indoor and outdoor.

[@maxbrazil3712]

Stadium rock in the 70's was a delicious treat.

[@LMBC6Brian]

This song hits so super hard when you finally learn the long and horrible tragedies this band's members and crew's went through from plane crashes and freak car accidents and illness and so on. RIP to basically all the OG members and their crew. Rockstar live, live fast die young.

[@madmitch3365]

Probably my fav Lex reaction in the original video. And Brad laughing because he knew the couch was going to start bouncing lol.

[@Qody1776]

Brad, I must say congratulations on finding such a gem of a woman. That is a QUEEN if I’ve ever seen one and you compliment each other very well. She radiates so much joy that it brings a happy tear to my eye. Hard to come by these days, so hold onto her and cherish her! Much love. ❤️

[@kierstenridgway4634]

So much sunburn! 😆❤️✌️ Those were the days. What a great venue that was. Day on the Green!!!! ✌️

[@godsspeedify]

Lex hit the nail on head life was so much simpler in the late 70s and 80s....