Ronnie Van Zant- Lynyrd Skynyrd- The story of Lynyrd Skynyrd

In memory of the Freebirds

[@dnews9519]

Honestly there is no way a bunch of kids should have ever been able to compose songs with this much musical complexity and maturity. This was just meant to be there's no other explanation for it. A band like this may never happen again.

[@joleneloveland4602]

I agree. They were honest people who were honest with others and with themselves. Also they did what they did for the pure reason and love of the music itself and nothing else. That was a part of their magic. tt spoke of such a greatness from all of them and for their creative efforts.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

There was an inexplicable force at play. It's just too good, and too unlikely for it to happen --- yet it happened in epic fashion.

[@mr.breeze8796]

Destiny, hard work and an unreal amount of talent is what it is brotha (edit) and Ronnie smacking Bob in the face with a baseball

[@mr.breeze8796]

@@Resistculturaldecline Yes yes

[@joleneloveland4602]

@@Resistculturaldecline that would be Ronnie He had an incredible aura or energy about him He could have done anything or been anything he wanted to in his short life I sure miss him I guess the larger picture is one we are incapable of understanding. It still makes no sense to me. But I do see the love of the die hard fans of the band 💗

[@scottharrison9083]

Their work ethic was unmatched, because Ronnie was driven and ambitious

[@colinlewthwaite7389]

saw the original Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1976 knebworth, england uk.. they blew the rolling stones off the stage... absolutely fantastic memories... remember it like it was yesterday...

[@augustinecerronejr7968]

Awesome. I saw them in April of 1977 in Philadelphia and they stole the show From Peter Frampton that day.

[@josemartinezrobles4136]

Entoces. Me vas. Alludar porfavor te. Lopido se mi. Teeeeeeutora qin mejor qe tu la. Mujer qe eneeme hace s

[@josemartinezrobles4136]

Atelotasha. Cachodeo noq

[@lsunationalchamps08]

You are really lucky!! My dad saw them in 1976 in New Orleans. And he had tickets for the Baton Rouge show that they didnt make it to

[@jillybean3688]

Can anyone say.... JEALOUS. It must've been amazing. 🎤🎸

[@matthewh117]

Why does this still break my heart 45 years later

[@michaelcarney8496]

I hear you Matthew. I was lucky enough to have seen the original band three times. The last time four Months before the plane crash...And to this day July 26, 2022 I have never fully gotten over what happened Oct. 20, 1977..My heart breaks over and over..

[@Bartonfink3434]

I’m with y’all

[@joleneloveland4602]

Because although Ronnie was swallowed up by time, nothing can ever remove him and the band from our hearts 💕 They will live on forever.

[@Bartonfink3434]

@@joleneloveland4602 😢

[@mr.breeze8796]

@@joleneloveland4602 Absolutely

[@crazyjay2101]

Gary Rossington joined his brothers today. The original group is finally together again. One of the greatest bands ever.

[@lisas3545]

Since the plane crash Rossington has always maintained that he saw Dean and asked him to help get the plane door off him. And, that he saw Dean do so. However, everyone else said that Dean was killed on impact. Perhaps, Dean's spirit reached out to help his friend one more time. It gives me goose bumps to think of it.

[@We_Seek_Truth]

People have been known to get up and do something immediately after they died. Sam Kinison also did. People don't die immediately like in the movies and on TV. Even with blunt force trauma, though that is rare if anybody stands up after that kind of brain injury. I'm not sure what type of fatal injury Dean had. It never surprised me Gary saying Dean did that. Really weird things happen at accident scenes where death is happening.

[@mr.breeze8796]

Before KZbin came along I used to wonder if there was something wrong with me for loving this band so much and being so loyal and dedicated to these guys and after so many years still constantly listening to their music... then along came KZbin and I started seeing all the comments and realized that there are millions of fans just as loyal and dedicated as I am. What a soul soothing moment it was to know that. HELL YEAH!!!! There music will never die as long as we live. The greatest and most dynamic band there ever was or ever will be

[@karmasnan]

Same here ❤

[@grunfieldf8694]

I b with ya'll, till the day the LORD calls me home. I got to see them twice before the crash. (Oct. 77) They was supposed to be back in my area the next month. I had already started saving money for a ticket. Absolutely broke my heart to hear the tragic news. Never b another band like them! Long Live Southern Rock! ! ! 👊

[@JohnnyRocker2162]

Loved these guys since discovering Second Helping late 80s. From the South, England.

[@bobbiepeak8859]

Loved Ronnie Van Zant. He finally had the perfect band there at the end and that damn plane crash had to happen. Don't get me wrong, Johnny Van Zant is really a good second but cannot come close to Ronnie.

[@gabanjoman]

Music would be so so much different today if that plane never crashed I miss you guys and listen to remember every day! BE BLESSED EVERYONE

[@garagedweller7159]

I could listen to Gary tell stories forever.

[@jamiekloer6534]

Simple man is one of the best songs ever written.

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

Agree.

[@connorgreenberg5594]

As a Floridian, this band has influenced me 10-fold. "Gimme back my bullets" was a go to song I would listen to before I went on mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. I would play it as I was pre-flighting my bird. Now, as an older man who picked up the guitar, these guitar riffs and songs have influenced my playing style. Incredible how much they gave to southern music and how much was still left unturned. What an incredible band.

[@RobertLansing-mg8kc]

damn right

[@Marine4Christ337]

Nice Brother, I served in the Marine Corps; 2003 Al’ Kut, Iraq. And now started learning guitar; it helps with my PTSD.

[@acevintura5102]

The most amazing fact about Ronnie was he never wrote down lyrics on paper every word came to him ,unfortunately getting on that plane will haunt us forever

[@Rayhid1956]

No doubt, Lynyrd Skynyrd one of the best rock bands and their music is unforgettable.

[@RobertLansing-mg8kc]

so true

[@devinw5150]

According to Ronnie, Allen Collins wrote and arranged all the guitar parts to Free Bird. He was a very underrated guitar player.

[@4thamendment237]

Allen Collins was the most bad-ass guitar player in the band. Blistering leads! Tearing those notes off the neck!

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

He is underrated isn't he, to me , all the pickers in skynyrd were underrated.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Ed King was the best

[@kevinsago1886]

@@wildestcowboy2668, can't knock any of them. We all have a favorite. Mine is Allen. Named my first born after him.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@kevinsago1886 Ed King was a Christian and nope a dope head like Allen. Hopefully your Allen doesn't get sloshed and behind the wheel like that draft dodger did

[@darrinleazer6784]

You will never be forgotten Ronnie, Steve, Cassie, Billy, Leon. Till the day, I myself am laid to rest, I'll be a diehard Lynyrd Skynyrd fan.

[@ladyyankeerebel3067]

Same here man.

[@sammy9103]

You sho got that right!

[@barbarawininger2567]

Their songs were mind blowing original and has so much reality to them this is what music is made of not what we have nowadays on the radio which is pure junk. My husband passed a d he wantwd Freebird played at his funeral and it was so appropriate at his funeral. God bless the band all together again maki🎸🎸

[@bak-mariterry5180]

Absolutely Pure Junk ! The music (?) they play nowadays on the radio. Long live Lynyrd Skynyrd !

[@Thuggin2222]

A brief candle, both ends burning An endless mile, a bus wheel turning A friend to share a lonesome time A handshake and a sip of wine Say it loud and let it ring That we're all a part of everything The future, present and the past Fly on proud bird, you're free at last. -C. Daniels

[@joleneloveland4602]

God bless Charlie Daniels for these words.

[@danielreiss1156]

Hands Down, Best Southern Rock Band Ever!

[@enriquemireles8947]

Skynyrd people will be digging it after we are gone. The greatest Southern Rock Band that ever was.

[@incidentalist]

Steve Gaines was actually pretty incredible!! sad sad sad, RIP to all!!

[@Scott-ly2nk]

Ronnie thought the world of steve gaines

[@We_Seek_Truth]

To me, that's the saddest part of the whole incident - the deaths of Steve and Cassie Gaines. They weren't whacked out crazy rock n roll animals.

[@ziggylayneable]

I've watched a bunch of Skynyrd documentaries.... But I'm a 46 year-old man, and these images have tears running down my cheeks.

[@jackfarquhar3923]

"Freebird" is the ultimate southern rock anthem and one of the best guitar riffs ever!!

[@devinw5150]

Free Bird also was the inspiration for Blackfoot’s Highway Song. Check it out if you haven’t heard it. It’s damn good!

[@moonwork742]

Right up there with Whipping Post. Saturday Night Special was a great song too.

[@KatyReminiec9399]

Charlie Daniels & Marshall Tucker = Southern Rock

[@andrewthomas2905]

I use to see Skynryd back in the late 60's and they sometimes couldn't even get 20 people to a show. They had a tough go of it in Jacksonville. Me and about 5 other friends followed them everywhere they were as good as any band in the world I mean anybody. I actually was in their class briefly at Central High School that was a school where guys with long hair could go and not have to worry about getting your hair cut. Skynyrd played a festival down around Gainesville in 1970 or so and the there was about 1000 to 2000 people there and a couple from Ohio was laying next to us and when Skynryd came on I told the guy wait until you hear these guys. About 20 minutes into the show the guy said you were right these guys are great. Than when they ended with Freebird he could not believe it. He said they are the best band i have ever heard bar none. That was when it was just Allan,Gary,Ronnie Bob Burns and Larry Junstrom the original Skynryd. They were the best. Long live Greenfield Stables. and the Beach Auditorium.

[@mikerobinson938]

I call bullshit. They went to Robert E Lee highschool. They kept getting in trouble for their hair and finally dropped out. Leonard Skinner was their gym coach at Lee Highschool and the guy that kept kicking them out of school. So they dropped out and named the band after him.

[@LiPo5000]

@@mikerobinson938 Your correct! I have a friend who has 2,000 acres bordering the crash site. I use to ride 4 wheelers there and check the site out every chance I got! It's sad to see a "Chicken Farm" in the middle of the property now!

[@justjeph6927]

Sure, sure. Glad to be reminded they broke in sf..pissed off the Who, but I'm sure they had beers later after a punch-up

[@floydfletcher4313]

I wish the gym teacher would have marched those punks to a barber shop for crewcuts.

[@nedflanders5302]

@@floydfletcher4313 Floyd the Barber?

[@jakemitchell1671]

No matter how many years pass and how often I hear the story, my heart gets re-broken every time. Ronnie Van Zant was a brilliant man - a genuine poet and iron-fisted leader. If I could have any dream come true it would be to go fishing with him and ask him a million questions.

[@scottyjohnson3120]

Don't as him no questions and he.wont tell you no lies. But if you want to talk fishing I guess that would be okay.

[@dannyjr831]

Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band are the greatest bands ever!!

[@Scott-ly2nk]

They are good but the allman brothers are in. League of there own

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

​@@Scott-ly2nk naw RVZ was remember LS only recored 6 years before the crash just think if the orignal band couldve recored for let's say 30 years if Ronnie didn't die

[@robertglancy4474]

Hard to watch these Skynyrd things without some sadness creepin' in. I was 19 when the plane went down, now 56. It's hard to believe it has been that long.

[@DianaDuBoseRosplock]

Robert Glancy I feel the same...I'm 58 yrs old...My 40th high school reunion was last weekend...Class of 1975. Dang, where did the time go?

[@BradfordPost]

+Diana DuBose-Rosplock I hear ya. Iam class of '76. I was stationed in jacksonville,fl in 1976 in the navy.

[@marciapruchinsky5897]

+Robert Glancy I feel the same....I was 17.....I remember lying in bed and hearing the news....I cried all night....

[@joleneloveland2942]

I worked at Capricorn Studio where they recorded Gimme Back My Bullets. Ronnie was a great guy destined for great things! He had this aura around him... You would get this feeling being around him that he was a legend in the making. . He had a way of cutting through all the bullshit to get the clear picture. It's hard to describe but he was one talented and fascinating person and I too miss him dearly. God bless them, Ronnie, Dean, Steve and Cassie.

[@johntecce5533]

It is very sad. I remember going over to my friend Billy's house and he had ten tixets seventh row on the floor at the Boston Garden that fall of "1977". They never made it. I think they were the best band ever. So tight in the studio or live, it didn't matter. All that hard work at the hell house paid off. They came from nothing and made something incredible, And there is no one like Ronnie Van Zant. It breaks my heart. God bless all the members of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band. Pease

[@marcfield1234]

Ronnie once asked the question " If I live here tomorrow, would you still remember me.?" The answer is a resounding yes. Ronnie,Steve Cassie and Dean, you are all remembered.

[@allencollins6031]

It was Allen Collins wife who wrote it on a note to Alan.

[@79tazman]

Ronnie will never die he is alive every time someone plays Skynard

[@tonyaharmon7151]

@Brian Kay I still do Daily!!

[@andyrogers6869]

He would probably be even more alive if you spell Skynyrd correctly.

[@stephenozoswald3801]

TURN IT UP 🎸🎶🎵

[@lubesiron-cslfarmsllc2751]

Preach on!

[@LiPo5000]

I loved Skynard as well. I was scheduled to attend the concert in Baton Rouge the night of the crash. I went to the crash site several times, and have even walked the grounds where pieces and glass from the plane still exist today. I was there earlier this year when the Monument was put up. I admit, I had a few tears in my eyes. I only live about 15 to 20 minutes from the site. It still hurts to think about it, and really hurts when I go to the crash site which is still a very remote section on Mississippi. RIP my buddies

[@cindymitchell2408]

People need to learn how to spell...

[@davidcoleman4291]

Was no concert night of crash it was next night, that's why it made no sense for ronnie to force everyone to get on the piece of shit plane

[@jameswarnecke2483]

Never saw them... supposed to about 2 or 3 weeks after the crash bummed. Damn they were great

[@NickBagel]

This band was so brilliant… Ronnie Van Zant was a gift to music and the southern man. The best part about this is the way they explained playing early in the morning with the Florida sun beating down on them. That muggy weather. I know it well and appreciate it. This band was stubborn for all of the right reasons. They, and especially Ronnie, knew what was great regardless of the negative critique. Country music today is just not good. So feeble and lame. Southern rock is just perfect. Aggressive on the guitars, bluesy, and true lyrics. There will never be another band that can compare to Skynyrd! Long live southern rock!

[@JCReturns4Me2]

You stated that perfectly. Amen and Good bless them and y'all!!!

[@vladsarc5864]

You’re not looking in the right places my friend, there’s good country out there look anywhere besides Nashville

[@alundavies8402]

Nicholas Stines they were brilliant weren’t they!!

[@andyrogers6869]

@@JCReturns4Me2 Good bless you too!

[@jillybean3688]

Ronnie was stubborn, he insisted on getting on that damn airplane! 🛩🚫

[@ranmar157]

i saw them several times in concert but my best memory was when they played rfk stadium in 1976 with aerosmith and nazereth it rained all day when they started to play freebird the sky opened up and the sun came out it was the best

[@donaldgillespie2634]

I was there that day also. I remember that Ted Nugent opened the show.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@donaldgillespie2634 Nobody studying that Joe Biden loving clown. Bocephus would spit in Biden face pal

[@joenarusiewicz7152]

Ronnie had a magic with lyrics and sang with conviction and sincerity that will never die.

[@RobertLansing-mg8kc]

man could he howl

[@VegasAlien1]

I used to play drums in a southern rock band and we covered about 10 Skynyrd songs. There was magic every time, an honor to play such important, timeless music.

[@RobertLansing-mg8kc]

I bet it was

[@NoineNoineNoine]

At last a bio that features the great Ed King. Well done.

[@guywithabass3625]

Love you Skynyrd!!!!!! R.I.P. Leon, Ronnie, Billy Allen, Steve, and cassie!

[@Skynyrdfan562]

I remember back in 1976. My family was in in Nashville camping. I was 14. I loved Johnny and Edger Winter. I told my 23 brother that was with uswith his wife that they were in town in two days.......... so we got in the truck and drove around and found that they were at the Nashville Fairgrounds. And who else was with them??? Lynyrd Skynyrd............I was hooked then.

[@kevinnachtnuit5045]

Ronnie wasn't a singer, he was a story teller....

[@stevenfox530]

If you grew up in the 70's loving Southern Rock, like I did --- There is a band today that's called Whiskey Myers. I guarantee every Skynard fan will love this group.

[@bobtom3756]

they were a gift to humanity. absolutely brilliant

[@johnshields6852]

At 17 in 1977 Skynyrd was me and my buddies fav band, spent many nights parked at empty beach parking lot, drinking, drugs and one of our car stereos cranking, we had tickets for upcoming show in Boston, then I heard on the radio about the crash, so sad, but they gave us some great music that's still popular today. Thank you for putting their story on, very much appreciated 🙏

[@jeromebrown6281]

I knew Ronnie from his days working at Morris Auto parts, and coming to our house. He WAS LS no doubt about that. He was the writer, it was his voice and his vision at Hell house. I can't get in to this tribute band stuff, nobody is alive except Gary anymore so maybe time to change the name or just stop. It hasn't been Skynyrd since 1977, anyone that says differently is lying. RIP RONNIE.

[@marciapruchinsky5897]

+Jerome Brown I SO AGREE.....

[@tazztower44]

that is so cool that you had such an honor my friend and i agree with your comment..ronnie was skynyrd

[@googleusergp]

From what I read, he was a virtual catalog of auto parts. He had a near photographic memory of them. I guess that would carry over into music. If he got into it, he gave 110%.

[@joleneloveland2942]

I think people just couldn't understand the magnitude of Ronnie until they saw him in the flesh. He was one powerhouse of a person. Only a fool would ever consider messing with him.

[@jkizme10]

Jolene Loveland ...so True Jolene..I’ve heard stories of Ronnie just walking up to band members and punching them in the mouth...possibly for no reason or some little misdemeanor they might have committed in the band...

[@pipepapi9090]

God Bless you boys from Jacksonville !

[@darellgullion4888]

Long Live Lynyrd Skynyrd. I never heard the original members play live. But I've heard the tribute lineup play live three times. I'm looking forward to seeing them this year in September 2. That'll be one day before my ex girlfriends birthday. Her and I were together the first time I heard them play.

[@mikala6798]

I've seen Lynyrd Skynyrd twice unfortunately it was after Ronnie Van Zant passed away but his brothers always pay tribute to him because they sing Freebird is there Encore song and they always turn around and point to the picture of Ronnie on the back of his shirt which is absolutely awesome. Lynyrd Skynyrd will always be one of my favorite bands growing up and even now. God bless all you guys, your music will live on. 🇺🇸

[@roxannemoser]

Donnie Van Zant isn't a man of many words. He doesn't need to be. His band was badass too.

[@irvinghoke6806]

And I've never be another band like them they were very great as heart and soul I love that music I loved their sound and I'll always remember Lynyrd Skynyrd forever

[@vanzant645]

Nothing can kill southern rock

[@QueenB3E4259]

I saw them in Chicago at Soldier Field in 1977. To this day, they were and still are the best in 45 years I ever saw in my life.

[@davidcoleman4291]

I was there great show hot as hell that day

[@truthweallknow]

Thank you guys all for the great music and memories you gave us keep rocking up there and Rock and Roll Heaven yeah all Freebirds now.

[@Rhifan01]

A simple start. A miraculous melding of talent. A dedicated group of hard working musicians. A wealth of the greatest Southern Rock! As tragic an event as there ever was. Long Live Rock. My gawd, Charlie Daniel's poem brought me to sobbing tears. I had never seen that. Thank you for sharing this video. RIP Gary Rossington. RIP Lynyrd Skynyrd. 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@bubbahazelitt6784]

Rest in peace Ronnie Van Zant Allen Collins Dean Kilpatrick Leon wilkeson Billy Powell Steve and Cassie Gaines Ed King and Bob Burns Fly High Freebirds💯❤❤💯

[@tuesdaysgone6736]

And Larry Junstrom has just passed 10/7/19 (original bassist)

[@danegalloway8086]

Artimus Pyle as well

[@tuesdaysgone6736]

@@danegalloway8086Artimus ain't dead.

[@danegalloway8086]

@@tuesdaysgone6736 sorry lol I thought he passed this year

[@tuesdaysgone6736]

@@danegalloway8086 No prob. but we did forget Bob Burns

[@davidsolomon7966]

Agreed. It was Al Kooper who said the band died when the authorship died. He was talking about Ronnie of course.

[@mooner7777]

Ronnie Van Zant,always remember and never forget,true pioneer in southern rock....thanks for the memories...

[@jgionti3]

I can honestly say I love every one of the Skynard members but if I can only pick one, musically.. I’m picking Allan Collins. His guitar skills are mesmerizing. RIP guys and girls

[@mattdoe2368]

I was born in 73 love Skynyrd and im so glad Johnny step in to fell is big bothers shoes Ronnie would be proud

[@glennjammin1]

Starting around 18:45 is without a doubt one of the best moments of any rock documentary that I have ever seen. The combination of DBT's " Angels and Fuselage" with the band members telling the story of the plane crash is one of the most incredibly moving pieces ever put together. Thanks for posting, I have been searching for this one.

[@1962jbk]

I agree with you Glenn....not to mention the poignant moment when Charlie Daniels talks about his friendship with RVZ. I read somewhere once that CDB and Skynyrd were playing a show together and after the show Charlie walked up to Ronnie, put his hat on Ronnie's head, and put Ronnie's hat on his head. Said he looked like Deputy Dog with Ronnie's hat sitting way on top of his head.

[@Laurazkewl]

I live in Nash, and was at that concert, I was 15 years old,..we had a blast! Bout got crushed in the crowd, some of our friends got split up,...and a couple of them ended up partying with Artimus Pyle

[@beatlesrgear]

I was watching an in depth interview with some of the band members and they said that Ronnie was ejected from the plane and hit a big swamp tree head on, killing him instantly. Billy said he was all sliced up on his nose and face and had to crawl thru hundreds of yards of swamp muck to a house nearby for help. I met Billy in 1984, before Skynyrd reformed, and we played some basketball together before the show (of the band he was in at the time). Billy was a really nice, humble, friendly guy who was very easy to get on with. He's up in Heaven with Leon now. I hope the others are with him.

[@danielrodger6016]

Billy said a few things not true unfortunately Great player though and underrated to their unique sound

[@stingylizard]

@@danielrodger6016 What you said!

[@connieobrien3824]

It was said that Ronnie hit his head on the fuselage and was killed instantly.

[@stingylizard]

@@connieobrien3824 What Connie said.

[@bobbiepeak8859]

CONNIE OBrian, I think it was Steve Gains who they said was thrown and hit his head on the fuselage and died instantly.

[@gail597]

The greatest band that ever walked the earth!

[@ronnie5129]

Gary Rossington is one of the Best Guitarist ever to Live.. He has one of the best styles and sounds that No-One will ever Come close too. He Iz THE MAN. PLAY ON BROTHER, You were Very Kind to me the few times I met You, Thank you for your Music...... Gary

[@ronnie5129]

@Kenny G YA, I AGREE, BUT THEY ALL PLAYED DIFFERENT, ALLEN COULD PLAY FREEBIRD ALL BY HIMSELF, AS HE HAS, STEVE WAS SPECIAL TOO, HE HAD HIS WAY OF PLAYING, ROCK ON BROTHER, MAY ALL THE FREEBIRDS R.I.P. WHEN RONNIE DIED, THEY LOST THE BAND LEADER, THEY LOST THE DIRECTION AFTER RONNIE, COUSIN FIGEL

[@samueloverton257]

The best ever. Bar none!

[@azumpire]

1st time seeing this one, and it is extremely well done!!

[@jaketm4500]

i seen the prsent version of Skynyrd in Saskatoon,with my cousin who aint with us no more,Gary Rossington looked right at me across the stage and flicked a guitar pick my way ,it made a wide swooping arc and curved right back into my palm,still have it and im gonna be buried with that thing.my most favorite thing i own.

[@chipfrazier2598]

Westside Jacksonville Florida!!!! YESS!!!!!! "SHANTY TOWN" HERLONG ROAD!!! Ed White high!!!!!! Love this band!!!

[@keithj6251]

That's the first time I ever heard Gary say the ghost of Dean Kilpatrick saved his life.

[@JokersWild70]

I think that it's probably very confusing for Gary and everyone else to remember exactly what happened. Not saying that Dean moving the door didn't happen, but he got a couple things wrong here. First, there was no fire because they were out of fuel, and second, the plane wasn't leaking gas. I've read the NTSB report and it says that in all of the fuel tanks, fuel lines, etc. there was only a total of about a quart of fuel left. The gas ran out because one engine was running rough so the pilots had to run it rich to keep it from stalling out and that ate up the fuel much faster than they anticipated. Just think: only 40 more miles and they'd have been fine. All they needed was just a few more minutes of fuel. Horrible tragedy.

[@bradallen4161]

Nice job, guys. RIP to those who've gone before us.

[@coreyfellows9420]

1:08 Allen Collins is DISGUSTINGLY UNDERRATED...

[@RobertLansing-mg8kc]

I loved them as a kid, and right now I think I've never loved them more

[@helenpiciacchi6888]

It was two days before my 16th birthday and my mom came into my room and woke me up telling me I didn't have to go to school. I asked why and she said your favorite band died in a plane crash. I had Skynyrd's posters on my wall and I was getting ready to go see them in concert. My mom was never that cool as that day. I will never forget it. I wanted to go to the school that day though because all my friends and I (on Long Island) idolized Ronnie and the boys. I wanted to be around them so we could all be sad together and grieve the loss. It took me a long time to get over it. I got into aviation later in life and in some way, I think it was a direct result of the heartache I felt about them going out like that. It was a way to be closer to my favorite musician. (That is next to Gregg Allman. Duane and Gregg Allman opened the doors to southern rock in 1969.) Ronnie and Gregg had a similar sound in their voice and in some way, I think they were channeling that southern sound from the ether. They are and were both earth angels and will forever be remembered and the music is timeless. RIP RONNIE and Gregg and all the rest of the gang of southern boys (and girls) of rock and roll forever. There will never be another time like that.

[@chrismartin2123]

Hey..i was 17 growing up on long island (suffolk county) and mourning the loss that day..also big allman bro. fan but at least i got to see the allman bro bunch of times at jones beach..good times wish we couldve had more with skynyrd especially.. Some bands break up or tragedies occur and sadly the loss barely affects you..but this one still after all these years brings a sadness and yearning for what might have been..thankful for their music to this day..i could be in the grocery store and gimme three steps still makes me dance a little!!

[@edwinjewell5359]

There was and till present No Southern Rock Band like Skynard. You just cant duplicate that chemistry. God showed them there path and they took it.

[@tjj5337]

They are my favorite band… ❤❤. They made beautiful music

[@sheliahunter5282]

I think Gary Rossington has always been one of the greatest guitarists ever! I agree he doesn't get the credit he deserves. Alan Collins was really good, too. With Ricky Metlocke, they have had some of the best. Never got to see them live, but one of my all-time favorites.

[@davidmckissak2793]

First album I bought as a teenager was called Gold and Platinum in 1978. No album was better to me then or now.

[@NotSoCrazyNinja]

The brightest flame burns quickest. Every so often an artist or artists will come along and their talent will blow your mind. How can these... kids... create such beauty and emotion as if it is natural. When these artists come along, enjoy them, their flame may be bright, but it may not last long. Van Zant was one of these artists. It's a real shame for me that this was before my time, but the music created is timeless. There will never be a replacement for Van Zant.

[@martinbarnes5704]

Been all over the states, the south is the greatest place to live

[@stevewilkins4805]

Absolutely

[@babyjesus2025]

Freebird, The number one requested song in the world.☆☆☆☆☆

[@manuelmaltez5722]

Grew up in Jax Bch. 61 yrs old now,Listen to them everyday and living in Nicaragua. God Speed!

[@coreyfellows9420]

The part where Ed's telling the Saturday night special story legit gave me goosebumps

[@redshaftedflicker]

CMT-associated with the same naysayers and haters of Skynryd back in the day-classic how the tables have turned.

[@justjeph6927]

Whatever..Charlie Daniels backed 'em..his name's big enough, I would say😉

[@arkansaswookie]

I drove around the property where the plane crash happened. I heard the guy that owns the place, a chicken farm, won't let people on his land, so i didn't bother to try. I parked and stood looking at big field i assumed was the one the pilots were aiming for, just beyond the trees where the plane crashed. It looked so damn close. I left the Xm radio on in my rental car and lo and behold Free Bird comes on. I poured myself a shot of Makers Mark, poured some on the ground for those that died, raised my cup to Lynyrd Skynyrd, said my thanks and left.

[@srpdesigns]

Musta felt like ya made a real connection that day.. Good for you my Brotha. God Bless

[@arkansaswookie]

Steve P Cheers. Indeed. "Tuesday's Gone" was playing on a disc of mine from the excellent sound system of the suburban assault vehicle I'd rented from Enterprise when i flew into New Orleans as my base of operations while I also visited the civil war battlefields where my great great grandfather had fought with his 24th Infantry Regiment "Monroe County Rangers" from Mississippi. I saw a lot of hallowed ground in those two weeks, including the farm here.

[@joleneloveland2942]

That's Really cool. That's a nod of your hat that I'm sure Ronnie and the others appreciate. We will never forget.

[@debasishchakravorty3874]

Really love the way you respect..... best wishes from a LS fan from India....

[@chrisperrien7055]

I walked across that land clearing the brush under a powerline running across MS. As to the crash, I was riding in my mom's car and it came over the radio about the crash . It was a Tuesday , I remember that well because the traffic in Hattiesburg , Ms was slow, that day, SO I called it "Turtle Tuesday" talking to my mom about the slow traffic then this announcement came on.

[@peggyeastwood3246]

I still what to cry such awesome band man just love their talents so so sad man breaks my heart.i grew up with their music it is no other band that was greater

[@aprilschneider9372]

I'm a Yankee by birth, and a die hard Skynyrd Fan for life. I can play every song they ever wrote on the drums. I even moved to Jax to be closer to the scene and the place it all started. Ironically I lived on a street parallel to Edgewood Ave., right behind the funeral home where Alan Collins was buried. A sad day it was. Rock on Free Birds!

[@janethanna2216]

Every time I watch If I leave here tomorrow I cry like a baby ‼️ they were amazing ‼️❤🎸🎶

[@fiddlefolk]

my favorite band of all time!

[@margaretstutts4362]

I loved his voice. Every song. Simple Man is my favorite. My sister loved Freebird. We both did but it’s special to me now that she’s gone too. And being from Alabama, Sweet Home Alabama. But I truly enjoy every song. I’m a southern girl. I saw them in the 1990s. They played Freebird but did not sing it. Just the spotlight on Ronnie’s hat on the microphone. It was epic and very moving.

[@darrell6111]

Allen Collins kicked Ass on that Reverse Thunderbird!! He was the Sound of Skynyrd.

[@vikingmike8139]

Long live Southern Rock. God bless those who ultimately gave of themselves for the creation of their music for our enjoyment.

[@kaithongsavanh3649]

I missed these guys by about 3 years. In 1977 I was 12 years old and I didn’t see my first concert until 1980 (Van Halen). I wish I was born just a bit earlier and would have seen the original amazing lineup. Always a rebel, forever a fan.

[@bipblake]

I still cant believe brother Billy Powell has flown to Freebird heaven.Once I herd the news I went out and bought me a grand piano and self taught myself how to play.I also have seen em live a ton of times and will continue to do so.Plus I have all of Skynyrd music out there.They will always be number 1.

[@jakevan1969]

Wow. An amazing and inspiring story. I have always love the music, even from up here in Canada. Thank God for KZbin for keeping the music and the dream alive!

[@Nightwing690]

Dean threw the door off of Gary and yet Dean died on impact, that's sppoky.

[@justjeph6927]

Don't know; I wasn't there

[@ClotEastwood]

@@justjeph6927 Me neither. .. spooky times eh

[@biminitwst]

I knew Billy when he was a penniless roady for the band. Alwas smiling, just happy to be part of something he saw ..." "Hey bro, how ya doin? Could ya hand me that duct tape? Got a cigarette?" At least he got to live his dream, and he did it very well.

[@joleneloveland2942]

Yes Billy was/is very under rated. He was such an important part of their sound! But Ronnie was such a powerful presence anyone would be lost to the background, but the rest of the band was definitely the finest that could be found!

[@LiPo5000]

Many years after the accident, Billy Powell came to Baton Rouge to purchase "some" things, I don't know what. It was real strange seeing him riding around in a Limo! Most didn't recognize him. It was a great time, and Billy didn't know it. A very "down to earth" person, super nice.

[@justjeph6927]

Indeed, but we lost him, too. He added so much to the music; his intro to Freebird...

[@drinkingmuddywaters6429]

I second the "God Bless You" . Skynyrd no one but God knows how much your music have helped me through my life. Thank You

[@jdhaynes9887]

Skynyrd died with Ronnie, I'm a purist

[@joleneloveland2942]

Of course. I have to agree. There could never be a band like that again, I don't care who's in it.

[@jond2458]

Yes it did, I've only seen the cover band that's been playing the last 30-40 years. I think Gary Rossington is the last of the original lineup. I'm still grateful I got to see that "cover band" while there was still a few of the originals left.

[@arthurbishop3173]

Also agree. There is NO Skynyrd post 10.20.77 for me 6/

[@ballzzd33p29]

With two broke arms...and hand bruises on ur back...

[@smedleybutler8787]

No shit

[@redbird54]

I will always love and listen to your music ❤ my favorite,been listening to lynyrd skynyrd since I was 11 years. old.

[@roryfulton90]

It’s story’s like his that makes rock live. Something inspiring in this tragedy, kids even my age at 30 grew up hearing these songs. I’ll make damn sure my little boy keeps on listening to not only the good music but the story’s behind it. And pass it on.

[@lickdacat2]

I still remember the first time I heard Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1974, they blew me away and I still remember it like it was yesterday. I lived in East Moline, Illinois and this band was unknown back then in the north. I still remember hearing about the plane crash on the radio, it hit me like a ton of bricks as not long before that I had seen them in concert in Chicago with Yes as the headliner. Skynyrd opened up and rocked so hard that when Yes came out it was an absolute letdown, you had to wait in long lines to get out of this horse racing track. Thousands and thousands were walking out on Yes because they sucked so bad. Peter Frampton played between Skynyrd and Yes but there was absolutely no doubt that Lynyrd Skynyrd was the highlight of the entire event.

[@jaxflfreebird]

Thanks for pulling all of this together so it could be just about Skynyrd. Love it.

[@boldcitymike]

Still so wild to me that I grew up 2 minutes from Ronnie's childhood home. I played little league baseball at the same ballpark and attended the same middle school & high school as these guys. I'd always hear stories from some of the older teachers who were still around back in the mid to late 90's, who'd crack jokes about the male students having long hair, saying "Don't let Leonard Skinner catch you with that hairstyle!" I had the luck of meeting Leonard one day while he shopped at my grocery store as well as Billy Powell and his wife. Leonard told me a story about going out on tour with the guys and introducing them to the crowd saying, "I just thought I'd come out and show you what a real mean coach I was.. I'm just kidding, y'all enjoy the show!" One of the last memories I had of interacting with Billy was when their single "Red, White & Blue" off Vicious Cycle had reached the top 30 or so on the charts. I could tell that the music still meant so much to him and was sad when I learned of his passing.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Ed King was the greatest guitar picker that ever played with Skynyrd....rip brotha Ed

[@We_Seek_Truth]

It's a tie between Ed and Steve. Sometimes I say Steve, other times I say Ed. But Allen set the guitar free for me. Nobody had ever done a solo like Free Bird before that, at least on the radio. Inspiring beyond description. And Gary is underrated on a Les Paul. One of the very best ever. Very soulful. All four guitarists had their moments and songs. Best guitar band ever.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@We_Seek_Truth They were all better than me but Ed was a good guy, never murdered anyone.

[@perijetton9275]

RVZ was a genius! ❤️🎶❤️