RAPPER first TIME ever SEEING Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird - 1977 - Oakland Coliseum Stadium live

[@SusanMeier-f5w]

It’s not country or rockabilly. It’s Southern Rock❤

[@leahdoerr731]

Ditto

[@jimbokinobbitz525]

From my family to yours your damn right it is......SOUTHERN ROCK...!!!!!!😊😊😊😊❤ MY DADS FAVORITE BAND...REST IN PEACE POPPA..!!.. I ONLY WISH YOU COULD SEE ME NOW..

[@sandra.george93]

Now it is classic southern rock.

[@shawnj1966]

@@sandra.george93, It's just Southern Rock! I don't know of any modern Southern Rock, and if it exists, it will never be THIS!

[@ramosel]

Southern Fried Rock…

[@robertjones-gn2tj]

In 1975, I was a young Marine stationed in the Philippines. I met a young girl there, and our favorite club had a band that closed out each night with Free Bird. As you can imagine, that song struck a special chord with me, as I was beginning to feel very close to that little girl. Every night we were there we danced to that song. To make a long story short; I'm 68 years old now. We were married 45 years and raised two fine men. She died three years ago, and I can't listen to that song without tears running down my face. But you'll never see me turn it off.

[@kraykray4446]

That is such a sweet story!

[@bakgrrrr]

Thank you for sharing that beautiful story of your wife.

[@josefhyatt2780]

Semper Fi! I am 1833, 1994-2004.

[@robertjones-gn2tj]

@@josefhyatt2780 Semper Fi brother

[@Adam-ub9nu]

Sorry to hear that, brother. Semper Fi, Marine.

[@cathryntruebloood3913]

I grew up in that era, and I do believe most people considered this to be Southern Rock

[@justmejoy124]

Sure got that right...love my southern rockers ✌️🔥

[@theoddityshoppe]

This is probaby the first or second song you think of when you hear the words "Southern Rock"!

[@jennhurl]

Definitely, I'm from 45 min from there hometown of Jacksonville, Florida! 100% Southern Rock through & through. Tom Petty is from my town here of Gainesville.

[@justmejoy124]

@@jennhurl oh yes love me some Tom Petty as well. There's so many artist I can appreciate. Music is a true beauty that we can all share in

[@justmejoy124]

@@theoddityshoppe most definitely ifeel Lynard Skynard is the definition and staple of what southern rock is

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

Those lyrics - If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me - breaks my heart knowing that was just a few months before the plane crash ❤️💔😓

[@imthemanntoo]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is a "Southern Rock" band, from Jacksonville, FL. They took their name after their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. The band was in a plane crash three months after this performance. The singer, one of the guitarists, and (that guitarist's sister) a back-up singer died in the crash. They have a deep catalog, and are worth checking out further. Thanks.

[@VENOMS_WRAITH]

Steve and Cassie were from my hometown.

[@tonihall4881]

Broke my heart!!!!

[@georgeclarke8137]

he talks too much @@VENOMS_WRAITH

[@VENOMS_WRAITH]

@@georgeclarke8137 who does?

[@stanleyarmstrong2898]

Personally: The CSA battle standard is a remembrance of my Great Grandfather. He chose to fight for the Confederacy. Section 16 at Arlington National Cemetary holds 480+ Confederate dead, veterans and spouses. The flag is still used to cover remains that are found today from the CSA armies.

[@cheyanna713]

Damn...there is no preparing someone for hearing that epic guitar solo for the first time. Iconic af. ♥

[@Laker1977]

That is crazy good. Whoops , crazy great ! That will make anyone shake their body.

[@julieCA58]

The great thing about '70's music is, we had it all. Rock, southern rock, ballads, folk, country, early hip hop and a whole lot if crossover

[@dawnyoung8]

Oh I’m from Illinois , and I don’t like the confederate flag at all ! My g grandpa was wounded at Shiloh and so was his son and on my other side too . I had a co federate uncle in Andersonville . And it posses me off that he died for that ! I love the south , my colonial relatives sure did found swaths of it both French and British. And Swedish ! But the confederacy is nothing that gives Edward fuzzy feelings . I’m a Lincoln fan to my soul

[@ironmom9023]

Some fantastic Country Music as well

[@realWorsin]

That and we were all listening to these songs together. You turned on the radio and they played, everyone listened to the same songs at the same time. You could drive down the street and see people singing the song on the radio you had playing. It was a very uniting time imo. The music brought the country together. We don't see this anymore.

[@julieCA58]

@@realWorsin that's really true. Today, with everyone wearing ear buds playing their own playlist, we don't even know if we like the same music or not.

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

@@dawnyoung8 That flag is the battle flag, not the flag of the Confederate States of America, which was entirely different. Lincoln wasn't all that either. He did not "free the slaves." Read the entire Emancipation Proclamation. He didn't free slaves in Norfolk, New Orleans, and a few other places. He didn't care about black people. He just want to punish the Southern states. It was a war of northern aggression. The Yankees came down here and burned entire farms, killed the livestock, and killed the women and children. They tried to exterminate us completely. They even burned down courthouses to try to make it so we couldn't tell who owned what land. The basis of the war was that the South was shipping cotton to England without using ships owned by northern businesses. Lincoln wasn't getting taxes on that nonexistent income. Slavery was a side issue that was brought up just to get northerners on board with invading the South. The northern states had only recently ended slavery in the last one, and the Southern states were about to do the same. The war was unnecessary on that account. Also, Lincoln was in favor of sending black people back to Africa. Also, Lincoln should have had a different last name. He was already a toddler when his mother married Mr. Lincoln. His real father had another son who looks a lot like Abraham. But Abraham looked nothing at all like his stepfather.

[@MtnBadger]

Okay... NOW you're in my wheelhouse!! *I was front and center* for this show!!! 😊 This is the famous footage of this concert that's used in several documentaries. You can get a copy of this concert from *Wolfgang's Vault* AND, best of all... *I was there!!!* (This is "Southern rock," as is CDB Charlie Daniels band, Rock-A-Billy is more elvis, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Stray Cats, etc.). It's one of the "Day on the green" concert series put on at the Oakland coliseum for years and this one was extra special as it was 4th of July weekend and there were *FOUR bands* that day... The opener was *Santana* followed by *The Outlaws* (Green grass and high tides forever) then *Skynyrd* played an amazing set (as seen here! 😊) and finally, *Peter Frampton* played and it was his release of "Frampton comes live.". I was about 20 feet from the stage when they were playing!! 😊 The concert was an all day affair and it cost us the (then obsurd) price of *$8.50* for advanced tickets, there was *no way* I was paying the $12 gate fee... That's ridiculous! 😊 Lynyrdd Skynyrd is a play on the name of their highschool gym teacher,whom they hated and always gave them a bad time. Their revenge?? Him seeing and hearing them/his name thrown in his face everytime he turned around. 😊 This was right before the famous plane crash that took out several members of the band. I've seen them several times since over 50 years and it's never been anything but good but, it's really the "cover band" over the years as Ronnie was the driving, creative force. But, they've persisted and still draw a huge audience and usually toured with ZZ Top, a great pairing. 😊

[@davidray4437]

ITS FRIGGIN LIVE no computers no auto tune.. Just pure RAW music... THANK YOU xxx

[@amandajames3914]

My mom went to this concert. Says to this day it is her favorite live show she has ever seen. Still iconic

[@RobWence]

Were you born the next year in 78? cause this was a potent show known to have caused several pregnancies

[@justinatest9456]

@@RobWence Probably born as a set of quints...

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

​@@5thPhoenix That was just the mood of the 70s and 80s. Very positive and chill especially when music was playing.

[@warrenburlingame1172]

You're mom is a lucky lady

[@garybutruce7339]

I was at this concert too. Such a great time to be alive!

[@KimmiePatts]

Sad to know that all the band members on this stage are no longer with us except for drummer Artimus Pyle. Legendary band. RIP to them all. ❤🕊❤🕊❤

[@Losingbraincells777]

SOUTHERN ROCK!!!! Southern Rock!!! This is a 70’s band love and peace baby!!

[@marcieharreld286]

Amen!!!👍👍🤘🤘🤘🎵🎼🎶

[@michellefields3379]

I'm homesick for the 70's. Love, peace, and rock'n'roll. That whole crowd is stoned on good Ole Mexican weed. I miss it! 😢

[@rejeannagwynn5665]

😂😂 you’re right

[@tomaleshire4145]

Raised in Texas, smoked my first Mexican dirt weed joint in '69!💯 I'm 72 now and still smokin' but today's weed.....30% THC!🤯 Damn! It's legal here in Arizona so hell ya'!🤪😁❤️✌️

[@angelav9377]

Me too! Loved being a teen in the 70’s feel lucky!

[@mikedineen7857]

Heck yes

[@tcfolstrom599]

Nah an event like that requires some Jamaican or Hawaiian

[@wdking8833]

I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd live two years before Ronnie was killed. Such an awesome performance. The stadium was sold out but there were so many people outside we could hear them singing along. You left us, Ronnie, but we still remember you, freebird.

[@WinModel88]

Skynyrd is the epitome of Southern Rock. Them, along with The Allman Brothers are the icons of that special sub genre of rock n roll.

[@edwardlong7773]

Allman Brothers influenced them 💯❤️🎸🔥

[@WinModel88]

@@edwardlong7773 absolutely they did. Ronnie also said multiple times that The Stones and The Who were major influences on him personally as well.

[@kens32052]

I would add ZZ Top to the list.

[@kerryhudson3964]

Let’s not forget Molly Hatchet, “Flirtin’ With Disaster”.

[@tmcclafferty]

Don’t forget Marshall Tucker

[@MJFinn-d7d]

Livin' in the 70's - Northern states - we only thought of confederate flag as the Rebel flag, and did not associate it with supremacists. It represented anyone who rebelled to the "norm" - being told what to do. Being independent. But that was the '70's up North.

[@alcyone-rising]

my parents were into it for the same reason and that was down in south Louisiana at the time.

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

It was never the "confederate flag." It was the battle flag of the Confederacy. The CSA used a different flag.

[@Goob1956]

This is Rock and Roll, Southern Style. Free Bird is an anthem.

[@kbalmostheaven7296]

Billy Powell was a roadie for them, and one day he sat down and played what became the opening music to Freebird. The band heard it, and made him the full time keyboard player.

[@robertehrenstrom6670]

I am 74 now. In the 50's I was young; in the 60's I was fine: In the 70's i was in my prime. I spent my life going from show to show feasting on the next new music. how lucky was I?

[@alcyone-rising]

super lucky. im still doin it now. lol

[@MsAL-nj2pf]

As a northener raised by a southern mama the Confederate Flag just represents southern pride, it has nothing to do with hate just love for the south and southern ways.

[@Sabe53]

It's called the rebel flag for a reason. People just don't get it.

[@artluc4759]

southern ways back then was nothing to be proud of.....

[@Sabe53]

@@artluc4759 And northern ways now are.

[@artluc4759]

@@Sabe53 they dont advocate slavery now, so yeah they are

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

That was the battle flag, not the actual flag of the Confederacy. Most people are confused by that. The "stars and bars" was not the Confederate flag.

[@robinlathim8221]

This is my era, and this is the one song that no matter what you were doing, when this song came on, you stopped whatever you were doing, cranked it up as loud as you could and rocked out. And if you were driving, no matter where you were going, you just drove baby, even if it meant you overshot your destination, or you were late to where you were going, it didn't matter, you just kept driving until it ended! ❤

[@nikolemcguire9965]

The whole generation of Southern Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Marshall Tucker and many more. They were the southern, northern, eastern, western didn't matter where you were from more of the home town life of the rural people of the USA that connected on a whole lifestyle level. Rock ON!

[@Jen-in-Texas]

YES you nailed the best of the best in Southern Rock!

[@dickcaraniun1.1969]

You mentioned 38 special the lead singer That's Ronnie van zant's brother Donnie Van Zant

[@sandrasmith7091]

Oh yes all those. Molly Hatchett remember those concerts. It was albums and cassettes back then

[@sandrasmith7091]

38

[@jasonmoon1396]

This is Classic SOUTHERN ROCK!

[@PaulMaudlin]

I would call it southern hard Rock. Skynyrd had Had some serious rockin tunes!

[@jeffzvolanek8638]

Man it's not racist at all, it's simply just Southerners showing their pride.Black lives Matters was painted on the street! You tell me the difference!

[@jamespowell641]

That's called... SOUTHERN ROCK form the 70's!

[@tileia]

That's how we rolled in the 70's on the Day on the Green. LOTS of bands, an entire day of music. Was there, loved this one. Great memories, lots of sunburns.

[@PaulMaudlin]

Lots of weed-smoke Floating around the Audience too!!!

[@ruthhibbett595]

I was one of the lucky ones that was 17 in 1977. Man did we all come up on some good rock and roll. Those were the days

[@FelixMontoya58]

Dude, we had the best. My kids are so jealous.

[@pierre57able]

Absolutely!!!!

[@conniejeffreys7582]

We were on the way to Lynard Skynard concert ..when it came over the radio..that their plane crashed. I was crushed, I loved Ronnie, barefoot singing his ass off. I still have that concert ticket.. loved them, the best.

[@SusieRN]

I feel so fortunate that I was in the generation that got to see the original bandmates of Lynyrd Skynyrd live in concert. P.S. ITS SOUTHERN ROCK

[@peggyshouse-gill8395]

About 8 of us were going to be at the concert, the plane crashed on the way to our concert. I still remember the disbelief and broken heartedness I felt, as did we all. RIP to those who were lost 🙏 💔

[@RU-HDD-4-HVN]

We were playing/practicing "Freebird" in our high school bands rehearsal garage when we got the news.....very surreal to say the least....remember it very well.

[@cynthiarucker9090]

I’m 64, I was 16 and saw them in Washington DC. Hey! We’re Grandparents now.. we had some serious fun in the 70’s..,no cell phones! Not needed. We Remember!

[@casieroberson2350]

My mom was in th crowd and said it was love, peace, joy and love. No hatred or fighting and almost everyone had a dubbie in hand. An era of music history that will never come again. The confederate flag to me and most everyone i know means southern pride, hospitality and consideration. Like saying please and thank you, opening doors for strangers, getting something off the top shelf for someone who can not reach, and saying ma'am and sir. Kindness to others is always the thing to do.

[@MollieC-uc1fk]

Doobie, like the Doobie Brothers. 🙂And yes, your mother was hot back then, we all looked pretty good. And we are getting back to these times again. I got to see them the next day in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sad to remember they had the plane crash that fall that took some of them away from us.

[@neilofsthun2513]

I read the name was there football coach's name I always thought it was cool, you couldn't go to a party in the 70s and hear this and Fleetwood mac. Never heard bad song from them.

[@waltshaw7034]

Lynyrd Skynyrd was a southern band from Florida and it just showed a little southern pride; nothing more. That performance was in Oakland over a thousand miles away and the crowd loved them.

[@angeljones11]

Anyone else missing Billy Powell like crazy right about now? I mean the amount of talent on that stage is insane

[@gen81465]

Also the slide guitar riff by Gary Rossington, who sadly passed away March 5, 2023.

[@thor8580]

I miss them all.❤️🙏🏼

[@karensilvera6694]

I miss them too 😢

[@Lolosmommie]

I have seen them in concert many times. There is nothing like a outside concert with Skynyrd! Nothing like it !

[@jansummerford1050]

Lynryd Skynrd was the best rebellious SOUTHERN ROCK band in the world! When they were killed in 1977 I was 19 and cried for a week. We had the best music EVER!❤

[@kathymobley6303]

Me too. Me too. 😢

[@Jen-in-Texas]

That was such a sad day…

[@HollyVirgil-g6x]

These young girls are now great grandmas!

[@antoinebrg6299]

"See grandma, you were smoking that mexican weed and kissing that stranger, why couldn't I ??"

[@trishc3099]

😖 I guess someone had to say it.

[@chrisbenson6683]

American girls sure were pretty back then.

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

Only if they and every generation after them married very, very young.

[@TeresaMosby-sm4js]

Most are still just grandmas, only in our 60s! I was 17 when this concert happened and my first baby was 1 1/2 months old. I saw Led Zeppelin a few weeks later at the same venue.

[@katyoung6028]

The best thing about being born in the 70s is that we didn't really have just 1 genra that we belong to. We loved all kinds of music.

[@donna7059]

Lynyrd Skynyrd was Southern Rock. Not Rockabilly. Doobie Brothers were also Southern Rock. Molly Hatchett. ZZ Top. Allman Brothers. The Marshall Tucker Band. I am a child of the 70's! Best decade of music ever. Free Bird was my high school class graduation song back in 1979. Our class was huge for those days and fractured by "cliques" but we were never going to change. We were leaving, but would they ever remember us? I also danced to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Simple Man with my son at his wedding in 2016. My words to my son. This band has been one of my faves for almost my entire life. .... You ask what the Rebel Flag means.. it is just that.. the "Rebel" Flag and represents southern nonconformity and southern heritage. Those of us who grew up with that flag do not connect it to slavery. Times are changing. Back then - US Flag, Texas Flag (sometimes before the US Flag) - all of the variations, Rebel Flag.

[@lansteadla]

Well said. I wish someone had told us we were living in the best of times back then. I MISS it. Especially these days. Lord if I could go back, I would.

[@dixie3086]

I'm 70 years old and I've seen LS 4 times in concert in my life. And this song is always this long. We wouldn't want it any other way. Oh, the good old days.

[@papasilver78]

It's so crazy that even when this was originally recorded, these brothers were still in their 20s. So young, yet so mature for their age compared to people in their 20s today.

[@greglaughlin7693]

Remember them five dollar ticket prices for at least two Great Bands love the Roanoke Civic center watching from Beautiful Bedford Virginia home of the National D day memorial because we lost so many patriots in this small Town come visit just don't act a Damned Fool

[@tracynolan7135]

What is the meaning behind the song Free Bird? Van Zant replied that in essence, that the song is "what it means to be free, in that a bird can fly wherever he wants to go." He further stated that "everyone wants to be free...that's what this country's all about." The song is dedicated to the memory of Duane Allman by the band in their live shows.

[@shale862]

I was there , attended so many “ Day on the Green”. The best music ever! Everyone was just there for the music and everyone was kind. We were tripping over bodies and packed like sardines but no one cared, it was all love.

[@carlferry8992]

Lyrnyrd Skynyrd is Sothern Rock, I was introduced to it in 1970's when I lived in Jacksonville, FL. I actually met Ronnie VanZant (lead singer) when he worked in a auto parts store there. He invited me to the Enlisted men's club at NAS Jax, where I was stationed; as they were playing there on the weekends. I did go and was amazed by that band. They finally released their first album "Smokin" in 1973. I purchased that album produced in a studio but admit that the live performances were the best. All of them are dead now except the drummer. The guy playing slide guitar Gary Rossington died last year. Many were killed or injured in a plane crash. They are part of my history, them and the Allman Brothers band of which I think you would love also. Anyway I thoroughly enjoy your show and glad that the Rappers are now enjoying what we Baby Boomers grew up on. 😁

[@danellecox2588]

In the 80s we called it southern rock here!! When my step dad passed away...we played it when everyone left the gravesite! His Harley setting on the graveside! Bittersweet! Thank you! Hope you enjoyed!!

[@emilyraegiles78]

I told my son to play this at my funeral ❤

[@keltickelly81]

Played this while taking my brother off life support. Cant hear it without tears now. I listen anyway because its great music.

[@chipdamutt108]

🙏

[@susanchinn9373]

I'm so sorry.

[@leiannsorce6613]

Beautiful ❣️🤍🙏🤍

[@im2bz4stupidity]

It's not the Confederate flag, it's the Battle Flag of the Army of Tennessee. The actual Confederate flag, was very different. Tennessee's Battle Flag was, for many years, nothing more than a symbol of the spirit of southern people, including a significant number of black communities, to overcome adversity - the pride of a people. When Nathan Bedford Forest, and his cronies, created the KKK, one of their first raids was of a community flying the flag. The flag was taken, and kept, as an insult, turning it into a symbol - for both sides. The KKK carried it as an insult. The rest of the south carried/displayed it for what it really was, a symbol of the pride and spirit of all southerners, regardless of race, creed, religion, sex, etc. That's still how the vast majority of those of us from the south view the flag. We're Americans, and we proudly fly Ol' Glory, high. A bit below, but with equal pride, we fly that old battle flag.

[@SherrieJones-sb4ru]

For most people of color in this country, because the KKK used that flag during their meetings and raids as an insult, as a reminder of what they wanted the South to be maintaining the Southern Traditions of Jim Crow and White Supremacy it represents something different.

[@scottp.2995]

Greatest musical solo in history! 50 years later, 1//2 the guitar stores out there STILL have signs saying "NO FREEBIRD" !

[@morlywatt292]

And NO Stairway!!!😂😂😂

[@joecothern2763]

My parents went to school with them back in the 60’s. My uncle played with them when they started. I’ve been a fan my whole life of Skynyrd!!!

[@minigirl6839]

"Call Me The Breeze " is the BEST Lynyrd Skynyrd song ever. You absolutely cannot sit still when it's on! 🥳💯💣💥👌

[@vickihirsch8340]

I do LOVE LS version but it's a JJ Cale song. As is Cocane and After Midnight, made millions for Clapton

[@stephenkittle6586]

You might know this, "Call Me The Breeze" was written by JJ CALE! 🔥🎸😍❤️

[@mr.wilson2127]

Georgia peaches will get your toes to tapping , too

[@timgard7091]

The English, concert, they play my favorite Song, Searchen ❤

[@mikemclaughlin3306]

This is a fact

[@davidpatterson5426]

This performance was about 3-1/2 months before their plane crash on my 17th birthday, 10/20/1977. I was devastated because I already had tickets to see them in Atlanta about 3 weeks after the crash. I did get to the reunion/tribute show 10 years later and it was awesome. They played Free Bird with an empty mic at center stage with a single spotlight on it, and the audience sang the song… I still get goosebumps every time I think about it. They were absolute professionals who played with complete perfection live just as in the studio. RIP Lynyrd Skynyd. We love you and miss you forever, but will always have your music.

[@donnabennett1256]

You asked so…The Rebel flag, for me, is Southern pride-proud, happy, blessed to be born and raised in the South. I don’t want anyone offended, oppressed or discriminated against! I love all people. AND I am an American first.

[@bryanhosley7173]

Well said, totally in agreement

[@trailryder5813]

I totally agree though I will go a bit further. For me it is all the Southern Traditions that has been valued by many people not just people in the South. Things like, family, helping your neighbors in times of need, respect for all regardless of race, placing women and children first, getting up every morning and pulling on those work boots and doing a blue collar job like miners, truck drivers, farmers, construction workers etc. Finally, staying true to your religious beliefs that has been instilled in Southern people for generations even if we are not always perfect in living up to that standard. Whether or not it was about race at one point for many Southerners now that is no longer what it is associated with but our personal Southern roots and having the fortitude to draw a line in the sand and stand up for what you believe in Southern born and Southern bred.

[@CNPdubyagirl]

Amen!!! ❤

[@curio2369]

I came here to say the same thing... Southern Pride, only Southerns understand it... We don't hate, We don't care who you are... We care about whom you are; like MLK said, judge the person by their character and not by the color of their skin...

[@judyjohnson630]

You literally support the flag of a group of traitorous states who broke off from and waged war against their own country in a futile effort to retain the legal ability to own other human beings as a property. "STatEs RiGhTs, yeah right. If you're of German ancestry, do you love the Nazi flag, too?

[@SandraRathbun]

Members of Lynyrd Skynyrd died in a plane crash. Lead vocalist and founding member Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist and vocalist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve's older sister), assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, Captain Walter McCreary and First Officer William John Gray all died as a result of the crash12. The rest of those onboard suffered various injuries, the majority of them severe2.

[@lisamcbride8921]

Yep oldies now from the 1970’s! This was my time, graduated 1977! ❤

[@LyndaHarris-cj1vm]

Nothin could beat that 4 guitar army attack!! Legends! 👍😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💯

[@MoroVanator]

Btw, that solo was so iconic imho because when you have the guitars all jamming out full throttle and you feel like it is all out of control and then everyone syncs back up and then drives forward again right before it all falls apart. Amazing, to be that trusting in your partner in ANY situation. That too is Southern.

[@daseguin]

Try not to break everything into "genres". This is just killer music, and it's rock and roll ! Technically, it's known as "Southern Rock", and Skynyrd is the # 1 Southern rock band there ever was, and one of the greatest bands of all time. This is the greatest live performance in all of history, and these 90,000 people were fortunate enough to be there.

[@shannonotoole3526]

Agree. It is like trying to PRINCE is a genre! hahaha

[@maryannweitzel5636]

Couldn't agree more!!' So many mucic artists can go from one style to another.

[@susanbrynt]

They definitely are one of the best, but I would say Allman Brothers Band is the best southern rock band.

[@jollyryder7664]

This is southern rock!

[@jollyryder7664]

It are southern middle finger to the United States Government! Back in the days white black and even Latinos used to fly the flag in southern pride! I still fly battle flag to this day! We must as southerns to fly it high and proud no matter who or what color you are!

[@suecook1326]

One thing, if you had listened to the studio version first, you would have missed the piano solo as Billy Powell wasn't part of the band then. He later hired on as a roadie and one night while tearing down, he spotted a piano, sat down and started playing, saying he would add that to Free Bird. Turns out he was classically trained and was hired as full time pianist on the spot.

[@papasilver78]

Funny thing is, Billy Powell looks so much older here, though he was only 25.

[@angeljones11]

@@papasilver78holy cow, serious? I miss the hell out of that man’s piano talent…

[@girlfriday-nl9we]

The studio version on their debut album, “Pronounced Lynyrd Skynyrd,” still has a keyboard opening though it is an organ, which gives it an almost religious feel (if I recall correctly, their producer Al Kooper played this organ part on this record only). By the time of their later live album recorded in Atlanta’s Fox Theater, Billy had joined on as their piano player. Also IIRC, an even earlier version of Free Bird on their “lost” Muscle Shoals album used piano, though not sure who played it.

[@G1003-b5b]

American First - AMEN .... so glad to hear that! (from a 22yr retired veteran)

[@jimreed454]

I just found this great reaction I was at this concert and when this song came on it was so loud in the stadium stadium it was the best concert I ever went too thanks for a great memory

[@Katness07]

That is awesome that you were there. I was still a kid running around my hometown in MT. 😊 I missed all the great concerts like this.

[@antoinebrg6299]

That stadium front row had a high pretty girls concentration not gonna lie lol

[@gerirandleslmt3690]

I was there too!

[@TheDougMan]

Thank you BP for playing the anthem of my generation. Southern Rock at its absolute best. Play their song Simple Man or The Ballard of Curtis Lowe sometime. They were so good. The original band members are all gone now, but they are not forgotten. Leonard Skinner was their gym teacher from high school. The flag is a symbol of Southern pride in general.

[@robertdoss7272]

Ballad of Curtis Lowe is my favorite song ever..saw skyward 17 times and they never played it

[@boadiceameridionalis3732]

Yeah, I don't plan to start any fights, but I'd play Simple Man or Tuesday's Gone. No denying the talent at all. Curtis Lowe was my jam and still my favorite song of theirs, just ahead of Gimme Three Steps.

[@angeljones11]

@@boadiceameridionalis3732Tuesday’s Gone doesn’t get nearly enough love

[@timgard7091]

Ronnie got his Neil Young shirt on❤

[@boadiceameridionalis3732]

@@angeljones11 Yeah, so many of these songs in this genre (Freebird, Ramblin' Man, even Call Me the Breeze, and What's Your Name) are about dudes cheerfully swiving and leaving the women on their carefree junketing around. In fairness, they sing about a lot of their reality (drug use, life on the road, etc.) Tuesday's Gone is being on the other side of it, so unique for that. And, Simple Man is seeing Mama's wisdom -- to my mind, their best song.

[@Adelhide-1888]

You're authenticity is the reason I love this channel so much!!

[@RunswScissors]

Lynryd Skynyrd was from Jacksonville FL, hence the rebel flag. The guitar solo at the end is know for being epic. I have a version of the song that is 17 minutes. The album version is 7 or 8 minutes. This is Southern Rock

[@AprilJMoon]

lmfao, look at all those beautiful great grandmothers in the front of the crowd

[@CherylHungerford]

We're not even mad about it!😂

[@kwpres]

exactly...a good thing to remember...if we live long enough, that "young" looks will fade, but the great music never dies!

[@kingcosworth2643]

Pretty girls as far as the eye can see

[@tonton1945.]

True

[@joesutherland225]

And they're all still as gorgeous today

[@intothedepthscoco]

It amazes me when someone has never heard 'Freebird' either by Lynyrd Skynyrd or just even if it gets yelled out at a concert during a break, "Freebird!" With your lighter held up. But maybe I'm too old? RIP RVZ and all. This is classic southern rock.

[@swamihuman9395]

- 'SOUTHERN ROCK', baby! :) - Extended jams are part of the genre, along w/ multiple lead guitarists "dueling/battling". - "What song is it you wanna hear?... 'FREEBIRD'!" - Your "gawking" in amazement/confusion was priceless. Great reaction :)

[@kjsky4244]

The genre is Southern rock and Skynyrd’s hometown of Jacksonville, FL was the epicenter. Along with Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, and Blackfoot all came out of Duval

[@realWorsin]

Not a cell phone in sight. Just love and the music. This is what America is all about in its heart. Back in the 70's everyone was listening to the same songs at the same time.. Casey Kasem was America's DJ and when a song played the whole country was listening together. You don't see this now, 1000's of ways to listen to music. There will never be a time like the 70's again.

[@RU-HDD-4-HVN]

If you miss Casey Kasem then you'll love Adam Reeder at The Professor Of Rock YT channel....... Adam is like a perfect 2.0 of Casey. Same voice, kinda eerie but tons of music passion and great interviews along with the nostalgia.

[@SheilaKnight-l4n]

You are so right. It was about the music and enjoy listening with people who appreciate good music. The rebel flag is about southern pride. I don't have a racist bone in my body.

[@susanfontaine5214]

You are right NO CELL PHONES AND EVERYONE IN THE MOMENT!

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

@@RU-HDD-4-HVN Rick Dees is still on with his countdown show, I believe. He started his radio career in NC. I have a recording of him on WKIX in Raleigh in the early 70s. He also did "Disco Duck," "Dis-Gorilla," and "Eat My Shorts."

[@RU-HDD-4-HVN]

@@bite-sizedshorts9635 I totally remember Rick Dees!! "Disco Duck" was a huge fun hit back then... oh yeah! Glad to hear he's still going strong....he earned it.

[@laurawillis8153]

Oh my gosh I love your reactions! I don't feel old until I see a grown man who hasn't heard of these rock bands. So fun to see you vibing to something that is new to you and old for us!

[@HILLBILLY_HARD]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is the BEST southern rock band to ever have existed. They are still making great music today even though most of them died in a plane crash.

[@kimberlygresham4257]

That is what made the whole 70's and 80 's the best. They knew there audience and played it up.

[@jerrythor6102]

One of the most iconic guitar solos. Rip.. gone to soon

[@rdfox76]

This was actually one of the shorter live performances of Freebird; when Skynyrd played live, the closing solo often turned into an extended jam session that lasted as much as 45 minutes. The album version comes in at just about nine minutes. There is also a shortened four-and-a-half minute radio version that you may have heard, which basically goes through the intro to the solo and then fades out. The band's name comes from a high school gym teacher that the Van Zant brothers had who claimed that they'd never make anything of themselves, Leonard Skinner. Basically, when they thought they might start going somewhere beyond being a garage band, they took the name as a pit of a middle finger to him. Tragically, this show, at the height of their popularity, came just four and a half months before an airplane crash killed lead singer (and primary creative force) Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines (and putting the rest of the band in the hospital). Also, at this show, as amazing a performance as it was and as hot as the crowd was for them, they were actually an *opening act*; the headliners for the show were the Rolling Stones. The band's song "Sweet Home Alabama" is widely regarded as another classic, so much so that Kid Rock eventually did what was essentially a tribute song to it, "All Summer Long," featuring a mashup of musical bits from it and "Werewolves of London," but very much more in the Skynyrd style and specifically referencing his childhood listening to "Sweet Home Alabama" on the radio.

[@rockinredneck57]

Nah. 15 min max. Ronnie was a stickler for doing things the same way.

[@rossrubino9080]

Peter Frampton was the headliner

[@terrythomas790]

This what you call a good time! No labels needed.( rock, country southern rock,,,etc) If you dont move when this is played, regardless of your age, you are dead.

[@bigstyx]

I went to a lot of these day on the greens in Oakland Coliseum. This is my teen years I grew up in the 70s I was born in the very early 60s. I think I was a sophomore in high school during this concert. It was a different time, and the world was better than it is today.

[@Jen-in-Texas]

So many great artists played at the Day on the Greens. The Bay Area used to be pretty cool back then. The 70’s were awesome. There’s just this feeling that comes back when I listen to this.

[@bkkintegral]

Me too. Grew up in Northern California and went to Day on the Green many times.

[@pamelavarilone2614]

The vinyl original recording is long as well. It's Southern Rock. The long simultaneous twin and bass guitar solos were also on the original recording. You can hear echoes of the double guitar style riffs in another brilliant band from the South, the incomparable Allman Brothers, who also lost members in an accident. Skynnard pianist was classically trained. These boys were fiercely loyal to their music.

[@Red420ish]

Solid Southern Rock.

[@joelmbrown9657]

Concerning the Confederate flag- I am American by birth and regardless of our faults I feel that there is no greater country or people! But I am Southern by the grace of God! Slavery was and is wrong. But my Great great Grandfathers owned no slaves. They fought for the Confederacy. The Confederate battle flag is a symbol of my heritage, not hate. We are all one people regardless of sex or race. It is to me as the multi colored flag etc. I am proud to be southern. Also I am sure it was mentioned before but my understanding is that Lynyrd Skynyrd was their P. E. teacher. Love your take on music. Glad I have found your channel on KZbin. God bless!

[@Anne.Pinkerton]

I was blessed to see them many years ago before their plane crashed and took some of the members. Last year I was in Louisiana and returning home I stopped in Magnolia, Mississippi, and visited the Lynyrd Skynyrd Memorial there. The words to Free Bird seem so prophetic! They were GREAT and so genuine. The Rebel Flag means southern pride .... and that's it!!! I was born and raised in the deep south and that's all it has ever meant to me! I'm 70 years old and, believe me, I remember these times. Nobody gave that flag a second thought!!!! This is southern rock at its best!!!

[@janicemeier2528]

Land of Dixie flag ...for me...Rebel to some

[@Anne.Pinkerton]

@@janicemeier2528 Of course we all want to be Rebels! LOL

[@lauraharlow1749]

Loved this! Freebird IS the anthem of Southern Rock! I so appreciate your honest, open reaction and appreciation of this. :) Donna's comment below pretty well sums up what I felt back then about the "rebel flag". Perfect explanation of our teenage mindset back then.

[@NativeAmericanIndiansGen-ii7ne]

My husband, respectfully says, as for me who has always kept my marriage vows and always will, my husband describes me with “And this bird you can not tame.” He knows the actual lyrics are “And this bird you can not change.” We have been married since May of 1984 and he has seen me, the untamed bird come out with my talons ready to defend/attack ANYONE who tries to hurt my husband and our children and our GrandBlessings, that is what I call ALL of our grandchildren😊.

[@lisahenke5027]

The flag meant FREEDOM to them. Listen to the documentary and Ed King explains it. Thanks for loving this song as much as I do and have for 50 years ❤️

[@rocketpastsix]

freedom to do what exactly?

[@badone07]

@@rocketpastsixfrom paying taxes & succeeding. Civil war had zero to do with slavery. Use duck duck go to look it up. Example, Nathan Mote.

[@Dragonite43]

LOL. The Civil War was about slavery. The Southern States submitted documents to the Federal government, stating that they were leaving the union because the Federal government was hostile to slavery.@@badone07

[@badone07]

@@Dragonite43 😂 wrong it was about the The Tariff of 1828. Where the south would be made to pay for the north mismanagement of money. The south was paying about 75% of the taxes. Then there was the Force Bill of 1833, to collect by any means necessary.

[@Dragonite43]

LOL. Now I am you are a troll. XD@@badone07

[@beckygrant2258]

They recorded this song with the big guitar solo….it was a huge hit! Everyone cranked up the volume when it was played on the radio.

[@lisadavenport2390]

Southern Rock 💚💚💚💚 I grew up listening to Lynard Skynard in my room on vinyl. Yes they shortened it down for the radio. i grew up i n a cm/ christian music home but rocked this in my room with Led Zeppelin

[@kennethdycus8202]

Go back and please correct your spelling .If you were true to your southern roots you would not have butchered the name so bad. Pay attention ok.im only going to spell this one time for you. Here we go. It's pronounced LYNYRD SKYNYRD. (ALSO THE NAME OF THERE ALBUM)

[@girlfriday-nl9we]

kennethdycus: Probably not a good idea to misspell “their” as “there” when trying to be The Spelling Police. Not to mention, she was using an earlier version of the way in which the band spelled its name before they settled on Lynyrd Skynyrd - so technically it wasn’t inaccurate so much as outdated.

[@steverobey711]

Growing up to this awesome music in England We called this classic rock And many times everyone used to play the air guitar 🎸🎸🎸 and head banging at the same time I am now retired and yes I still listening to this awesome music 🎵🎶🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 All the best from Nottinghamshire England Keep on rocking 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@lakelili]

Different era... a symbol of Southern Rock and pride...

[@bethanynarz3635]

It’s sad to think that just months later the whole bands life’s were changed forever, not just the loss of Ronnie, Steve and Cassie but the physical and emotional impact that took them a decade to recover from. I’ve always enjoyed being able to go online and revisit this moment.

[@rhondafonda957]

God I miss the 70’s!! Everything started falling apart in the 80’s. 😢 Thanks for reacting to this!!! 👏👏👏

[@crystalregan2481]

You are right

[@RayMoore-oh8vy]

Exactly Right, from this 55 yr old 👍

[@vivienneclarke2421]

58 in 2 days,,and yes,I 💯agree with you~!! RIP Ronnie VanZant and all the others in that tragic plane crash💔 I remember the day it happened like it was YESTERDAY.......

[@Noneyabiz001]

52 and I think the 80s is when music was the best. 70s had good music but the 80s smoked the 70s

[@lansteadla]

We were living in the best of times and we didn't even know it.

[@carlwebb551]

I grew up with Lynyrd Skynyrd, THANK YOU for covering this.

[@loisjohnson7272]

This band born and raised in southern Florida, USA 😊, southern rock ❤

[@mfpurpuramusic3234]

Jacksonville

[@phelps4824]

I wish I could hear this song for the first time again. It is truly one of the best songs of all times.

[@themadcadder4847]

It's a hugely popular iconic song. It has also been in a lot of movies. It's an anthem. Definitely Southern Rock. Charlie Daniel's band is more Bluegrass. Jerry Lee Lewis & Buddy Holly are a great examples of Rockabilly. The Confederate Flag represents Southern Pride and Heritage, Not Hatred. Their name was a tongue in cheek reference to Leonard Skinner, a PE teacher whose name was immortalised in rock'n'roll history by his students, for his distaste for the long hair of students at Robert E Lee high school in Jacksonville.

[@amyweems5248]

He really should react to Jerry Lee Lewis !

[@jasonstewart3996]

This is one of the most iconic rock songs of all times. I generally like the studio version better but it's killer seeing the sea of people

[@RussTopel]

I was there at this show and it was awesome....

[@BlackPegasusRaps]

Bro wtf!? That’s insane 🤯

[@debbywoodbeck1105]

Well, since you asked ... I was born in Jacksonville, Florida and moved to Bluffpoint, New York when I was in the 6th and 7th Grades. Then we moved back to Jacksonville. To me the Confedate Flag is just to show my pride of being from the South.

[@kenlawless7247]

For me this is the difference between instruments and a producer with a computer. The long-term practice it takes to master an instrument takes a deep passion for music; and it's a shared passion. You can see these guys feeding off each other and reacting to each other.

[@tiacalhoun3841]

Best version of this song ever, they was incredible to watch live and this song is timeless and such a classic!!!!

[@billstone9264]

My young brother, you and your honest questioning give me so much hope for the future. My generation didn't have the guts to have the real conversations with each other but the way you use the universal medium of music and come unafraid and truthful I just had to say to you well done. You are what's right with our country. Please keep doing what your doing...may your days be many and your home be blessed. Love ya man...

[@tracienielson7183]

Go watch some Archie Bunker and George Jefferson if you don't remember those conversations.

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

I cannot possibly tell you all I know about music, as I've spent a lifetime learning it. I personally remember the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. I was born in 1953 and remember the year that it seemed like "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley was on the radio almost every third song. One day back around 1975, I looked at the current Billboard Magazine Hot 100, and I owned over half the 45s listed that week. I now have almost all of them back to 1955. The most charting records in single entire years happened in the 1960s, when some years had over 700 different records on the charts. There was amazing variety. Today, so many records are guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard of some type. Back then, there were records with horn sections, or string sections, or uncommon instruments, or even entire orchestras. There were romantic songs, dance songs, and novelty records. I lived through the best decades of music. I can tell you classics in every genre that should be reacted to.

[@louisadkins100]

Ronnie, Gary, and Alan all attended and met at Robert E. Lee High school in Jacksonville Florida they took their name from a high school teacher/coach Leonard Skinner who suspended them because of their long hair. The flag is simply a demonstration of regional southern pride. It was a well desired and designed flag but they were not overtly prejudiced. Listen to the Ballad of Curtis Loew. Most of the boys are now buried in Jacksonville about 5 miles from where I survived 3 emergency open heart surgeries in 2012. Redneckognize musical brilliance when you encounter it. Talent like theirs is worthy of respect, praise, and admiration.

[@justmejoy124]

To me the conf flag just means southern way of living raised and just being. Just American but from the south and country. A good wholesome way of being and down to be just that. No harm meant imo but many connect it to things it wasn't meant for being I feel. Much love BP you just played one of the biggest in southern rock to jam. Much appreciated thanks my friend needed a good get up and fly jams to get going to today ✌️🦅🇺🇲

[@theoddityshoppe]

Yes, I see a rebel flag and my first thought is "Hell yeah, the music is gonna be good today!" hahaha We will fly it while we sing along to Snoop Dogg...don't judge us. :)

[@eloerch7]

Lol CIVIL WAR!!!

[@Fawkes318]

As a southern boy, the confederate flag just means pride for the south. Nothing else. We just love the south man.

[@corawheeler9355]

@@Fawkes318 The battle flag of northern Virginia? Beloved flag of the KKK.

[@corawheeler9355]

@@mamaw757 His ancestors weren't able to fight for the south .... slaves weren't given guns.

[@LkfRN1993]

Southern Rock!! Best of the best, from Jacksonville Florida!!

[@johnsonhagood88]

That is the Battle Flag of Northern Virginia. It represented people who valued freedom over a safe, centralized federal government. Damn slavery. Freedom!

[@stevecampbell2307]

A Southern Band, proud of being from the South.