THIS GUITAR SOLO!!! First Time Reaction to Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Free Bird"

[@vern74]

I'm 70 and I was there...Those kids are now grandparents / great grandparents. What a wonderful time in my life. Being free and carefree. The best of times and memories.

[@jastaylor2730]

Harley and Skynyrd forever

[@kevinmorrell4155]

Right on man! I was there too. Epic performance. Frampton was also really good that day! Those ‘Day on the Greens’ were the best. A few weeks after this concert Zeppelin played. Was their last concert ever in the United States. Rock on man!

[@darrellmchenry1372]

I saw them on their Gimme Back My Bullets tour with The Outlaws opening. Best part was when both bands performed Sweet Home Alabama together.

[@billpimentel-vm6cu]

Some younger than you but glad you witnessed this show man. I’m jealous man. 👍

[@peterkarargiris4110]

Right back at 'ya Vern. Keep rockin' dude.

[@MarissaM312]

Great reaction, Stacey. Lynyrd Skynyrd was so badass. This concert was filmed just about 3 1/2 months before the plane crash that killed Ronny, Cassie, Steve, Dean, and the two pilots. The opening lyrics “If I leave her tomorrow would you still remember me?” are so haunting. ❤🙏😊

[@js6729]

Yep, October 20th 1977 their plane ran out of fuel (due to a fuel leak) and crashed in the woods of McComb MS.

[@Cadinho93]

RIP Gary Rossington. Haunting to know all the guys on the front of that stage, hair flowing in the wind, in their prime are now all freebirds. Thanks for all the great music. Also, legend has it, that the guitar solo at the end, goes on and on, across the Universe, forever and ever!

[@terrylandess6072]

I wonder who bought his property? I lived next door for a while in a small trailer park south of Jax near the county border - his black wrought iron gate with a big GR on it was cool.

[@MelvinMcKinney-v8c]

The drummer Artemis pile is still alive. He has his own band now.

[@everettbateman4741]

If ever one Legend is to be true, i hope it's this one.

[@ungenerationed9022]

What a time it was to be alive! Outdoors with 80,000 of your closest friends, 85° and sunshine, girls in bikini tops, guys in tank tops, everyone in cut off jean shorts. No phones, tan skin, red cheeks and everyone with long hair. Damn, this takes me back. Yes, your granny and pappy were cool AF. Well done.

[@paulkaiser9632]

And God Bless 70's girls!!!! The most beautiful ever!!!

[@ericklein5927]

​@@paulkaiser9632less makeup back in those days .

[@GeekingOutWithPete]

Billy Powell was a roadie for the band. One day he just happened to sit down at the piano and start playing Free Bird. Ronnie Van Zandt was walking by, stopped to listen and said "Are you fucking kidding me?" Billy, horrified that he made Ronnie mad said "What, Ronnie?". Ronnie said "You can play like that and you never told us?". Billy was in the band the next day.

[@Chefrob-s2l]

That was at Muscle Shoals he was a classical piano player

[@montag4516]

Excellent, I never knew that.

[@kevlar99]

Billy blew me away w/Call Me the Breeze

[@WorldWide-q8v]

@@kevlar99 Yep! My fav LS song.

[@bobklumpp8698]

What a great story, I didn't know that!

[@ChuckHuffmaster]

Those young girls in the crowd are grandmother's now, I'm 64 and looking back I believe the 70s was the best decade to be a teenager

[@davidmalone3317]

I would have to agree but the 80s were pretty damn good too.

[@MrVvulf]

@@davidmalone3317 I'm the first year of Gen X, which straddles both decades. I couldn't pick one, but because both decades were better than all the rest.

[@davidmalone3317]

@MrVvulf I was too young in the 70s to fully enjoy but I came of age in the 80s so that

[@ChuckHuffmaster]

@@davidmalone3317 one difference is 70s teens had the midnight special, American bandstand,Hee Haw and soul train 80s teens had MTV

[@davidmalone3317]

@@ChuckHuffmaster And we had some really good rock n roll radio stations in Memphis, Jackson,and Nashville,TN. Road tripped a lot in both decades.

[@notablindliberal896]

Now that's an encore!!! They had 3 guitarist and the bass. Allen Collins in all white wrote the guitar solo while still in high school. That was Gary Rossington playing the slide at the beginning. Steve Gaines in red pants and Leon Wilkeson on bass, Artimus Pyle on drums and Billy Powell on the piano, and of course Ronnie Van Zant on vocals. Started out a group of boys from just outside of Jacksonville, Florida and Ronnie was the driving force that pushed this band relentlessly. One of the greatest bands ever. Skynyrd forever. Thanks for a great reaction. ✌️

[@ivanjulian2532]

I spotted a Les Paul custom, a red SG, and a 1958 Gibson Explorer, a genuine Korina model that Allen Collins bought off Eric Clapton.

[@js6729]

Ronnie Van Zant: "If I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me?" Yes Ronnie, forever and always

[@renevargas8616]

we also remember he was a racist

[@js6729]

@renevargas8616 Ronnie Van Zant was absolutely NOT racist! Where's your proof? Or are you just a liberal snowflake who thinks by default every white person has to be racist 🤔

[@TPaine1776]

@@renevargas8616 Have you ever listened to The Ballad of Curtis Loew?

[@kellendorn4937]

@@renevargas8616 must be a deranged liberal re+ard im guessing?

[@purdyquibb]

3:58. The moment you realize, you will never be as cool as your Grandma was......

[@easterworshipper5579]

nor live in the same kind of oakland. its all gone. forever.

[@williambenner701]

Yes, very 😢​@@easterworshipper5579

[@garlandtennyson130]

I grew up in the 60's and was in college from '76 to '82 and this song became me - so much so that when Lynyrd Skynyrd was performing a couple of years ago in New Jersey an ex-girlfriend from college and her husband went to the concert - I still live in Texas and she called me so I could listen to this song over the phone - she texted me after the song was done that she wanted me to hear my song lol - I went to school and played at The University of Texas and as as a football player and a Sagittarius I was Free Bird and still am a wanderer - I have listened to other first reactions and yours is by far the best - you are an old soul - no insult intended - but you understand in your soul what the music of the 60's and 70's means and how it touched us and defined us back then - we didn't just listen to the music - we felt it in our souls! Have a wonderful day - Namaste

[@joelmclean2898]

I always love watching people that don't know this song watch this video and react to it. When the tempo kicks up and the crowd starts going bananas it is always such a surprise for the reactor.

[@Snailmailtrucker]

I'm 78 years old and I have only been to 1 concert in my life. I got back from Vietnam in Aug, 1968... grew my hair and beard down to my azz...in June of 1969 two buddies and I decided we wanted to Hitch-hike from Connecticut to Calif....a week or so later we were in San Jose at one of my friends sister's house and 2 of us decided to head back to Conn. A few days later we got a ride from a bunch of long hairs in a Step Van who were going to a Concert in New York State a few weeks later in Aug. 1969... Yep Woodstock ! I picked the right Concert to go to !

[@210ppp]

I'm 75 and spent all my summers in the 60's in Lake Luzerne, NY. I too went to Woodstock. Sorry, mate, but no Lynyrd Skynyrd there.

[@mariogervasio1560]

Greatest southern rock band ever with a tragic history

[@vicprovost2561]

Spot On, you could say that about the Allman Brothers as well.

[@user-os1sg9ku6r]

The 1970's rock era was all about amazing and long guitar solos :)

[@glennallen239]

I was born in 1964 the Last year of the Baby Boomers. I am 60 years old and I am so glad I grew up in the 60's and 70's and 80's a golden age of music. Free Bird is the most requested song at concerts. Someone will shout out Free Bird and a band will laugh or smile. Occasionally a Band will start playing Free Bird. Please react to Lynryd Skynyrd song Sweet Home Alabama. Please react to the Live version from the 1977 Concert from Oakland. It is the same concert as the Free Bird reaction. Another great Lynryd Skynyrd song Simple Man.

[@homerkenobi1914]

Freebird!

[@Nick_the_Gold_Bach]

Dolly Parton on stage F R E E B I R D ! ! ! So she did, search youtube for this Dolly Parton - Free Bird (feat. Lynyrd Skynyrd) (Official Audio)

[@donrondo407]

The national anthem of Southern Rock and Roll

[@Lee4364]

If I may say, With all due Respect.. in my heart its one for ALL OF Rock & Roll!

[@MichaelForbus-i2u]

The first video I saw was you responding to Metallica Enter Sandman. You are a beautiful woman. Try to do The Ride. It is by David Allen Cole. It is still crazy that I have lived all my life where all this has taken place.

[@renevargas8616]

Kuklux klan anthem you mean. They were so racist

[@ronr3656]

@@renevargas8616 maybe you are the racist

[@wrosser1]

I always thought of this song as the stairway to heaven of southern rock

[@daveray44]

Those 2 songs were frequently interchanged as #1 & #2 for best rock songs ever, as well as most requested. Can't go wrong with either one of them, unless your Wayne, in a guitar shop. Stairway has that honor!

[@raaab1212]

Its the redneck american anthem

[@88pjtink]

I give you SO much credit!!! You are the first person I have seen react to this (out of a hundred or so) that heard just how much that bass guitar was bringing to the song. It is easy to miss with the great lyrics, and all that lead guitar work. Artemus is also killing it on the drums from the beginning to the end. Poor Artemus is the one who, after the plane crashed, wandered injured badly over to a ranch house for help in a daze- only to be shot in the shoulder by the trigger happy rancher!

[@allendesalme197]

bass

[@88pjtink]

@@allendesalme197 I always do that!

[@bradsense7431]

Some dispute if Artemus was actually shot. Although the farmer or his wife did indeed fire the gun to ward off as they were in fear of who may be approaching them. Atriums and two other survivors who had to look like hell after the crash let alone the wild hair etc so they would have looked a little scary coming out of the deep woods and approaching their property. And the farmer has said with the helicopter circling in the area( there just happened to have been some military training in area and the helicopter later ended up hovering above the crash with their spotlight providing light to rescuers as it was otherwise pitch dark) what came to his mind was a search for escaped convicts. The farmer finally understood the situation and did then provide help.

[@88pjtink]

@@bradsense7431 Thanx for the further info on this.

[@bradsense7431]

@@88pjtink you’re welcome. I watch a channel by LS long time friend and roadie named Craig Reed and I learn this from him and all the guest he has on who relate all these stories about the band. That is why I say some dispute about Artemus actually getting shot because there are even conflicting stories by those actually there. It is interesting that the stories from the plane crash survivors are not all the same but I guess each experience was different and it was such a traumatic event. Craig Reed for instance was unconscious for a week or so. His memory is just before the plane hit the trees and next waking up in a hospital bed many days later. Amazing there were not more deaths from that crash.

[@phantomf4747]

Yes Ronnie we still remember you and ALWAYS will. Rest in peace to Ronnie, Steve, Cassie and Dean.

[@Buddha-of8fk]

Actually they are all gone now.

[@shaynewest8757]

​@@Buddha-of8fkArtimus the drummers still alive

[@rufustfirefly9545]

You just witnessed greatness young lady

[@neillenet291]

One of the GREATEST bands ever. I saw them in D.C. about a year earlier (1976). My first concert ever. and YES, people were much healthier back then. Everyone outdoors in the fresh air and NO cell phones! It was an incredible time to be alive.

[@MikeBUSA]

If that was at RFK stadium, I was there. Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, and Nazareth. It was an overcast day, but the sun started peeking out at the beginning of the song. All the bands came out in limousines, but Skynyrd came out in a VW bus.

[@neillenet291]

@MikeBUSA that show at RFK stadium was legendary. I didn't get to go to that one. I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Capital Centre.

[@MikeBUSA]

@@neillenet291 , I saw them the next year - I think July 1977 at the Capital Center. At the RFK gig, Ed King had quit and they didn't have Steve yet. It was only Allen and Gary. The '77 concert had Steve.

[@neillenet291]

@MikeBUSA yeah, when I saw them, steve gaines was already there. October of 76. Steve was great, but I would have also loved to have seen them with ed as well.

[@EastCoastBruin]

I was there, my first concert. Great, great show. The lineup: The Outlaws, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Peter Frampton.

[@williammuntzer7374]

I saw them in Philly at JFK Stadium in 1977, just prior to this concert. They opened for Peter Frampton, who had the biggest album in the world at that time. I was 16 and my girlfriend was 14. She was the prettiest girl there. We were about 40 feet from the stage. It was a magical day that I will never forget. Great reaction. Thanks for the memory.

[@chadm6981]

So did you marry that girl?

[@williammuntzer7374]

@@chadm6981 No. She broke my heart a week after I graduated high school.

[@JulieConkle]

When I watch the videos from this concert and Wembley, I love watching Allen, his legs stomping to the drums. He really felt it when he played, you could tell.

[@sylverin9241]

I’m 68 years old and saw Lynard Skynard live in Columbia South Carolina - while attending college there- as a backup band for Blue Oyster Cult. We went to that concert specifically to see Lynard Skynard. The next opportunity to see them in my Junior Year at LSU in Baton Rouge,LA. That was the concert they were flying to when their plane crashed. They offered a refund for that show but I kept my tickets and they are framed on the wall in my den even today. Yes, the 70’s were amazing.

[@BlackLocust-u6d]

OMG!!! You were there, too!!! I was serving at Ft Jackson, and was driving past the Colosseum...saw the marque showing BOC. Being a fanboy, I thought if I just parked I could likely get a ticket. Sure enough I got in. Skynard tore the house down. Made me a lifelong fan. BOC did as well and to this day, my favorite concert...well 1B 1A came a few months later (I recall the show was late July ..right?) In November Marshall Tucker had just come home from their first national tour. The show was billed as "Marshall Tucker and Special Friends". Toy and the boys played an hour-long set, then asked us if they could take a break and then come back and play more. What you gonna say? In ten the band came back and asked if they could just relax and play some old standards. The first was "Orange Blossom Special". About halfway thru the first stanza, this big, tall drink of water in an Aussie duster and a 15 gallon hat walked up...bumped Toy, leaned into the mike and grumbled " You can't play this song without a fiddle, son". Yep, Charlie Daniels. When that song was done, Doug picked up his flute, and blew the four note intro to "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" and Elvin Bishop walked up to the mike, looked at Doug and announced, " If you're blowin' the flute, I guess I better sing my song, huh?" Then a group assembled, broke up. A keyboard set rolled up on stage, and the assembled group began "Ramblin' Man" joined by Greg Allman and Dickie Betts. The entire group jammed thru a few more songs, then Toy stepped up and asked us if they could take another break. He promised more to come. I glanced at my watch. 10:15pm. Ok, sure. An encore with a few more songs...home by 11. Well, as it happens, Toy comes back out ten minutes later, after the roadie's had shuffled some equipment around, including replacing the keyboard set with a baby grand, and announced to the crowd " We thank you for your support. We know y'all made it possible for us to be on this national tour, and we would like to thank you." In the background...the percussion intro to "Gimme Three Steps" as Toy announced that his gift to us was Lynyrd Skynard. Could a knocked me down with a feather. Skynard played damn near every song on 1st and 2d album, a bunch from 3d, and then asked for a break. Whatcha gonna do? Tell 'em no, and send em home? After the break the whole damn shebang...every musician who had taken the stage that night came out to sing Charlie's "The South's gonna do it Again" and then Ronnie asked that iconic question "What song is it you wanna hear?" Yeah. To watch and listen to Gary and Dickie trade slide licks...and to see Charlie and Albert swapping lead licks...priceless. Cops came in at 12:30am and shut the place down...bogarts. That was at the Opera house...that lil venue a couple blocks N and E of the Capitol. Maybe 2500 peeps...max. Crystal clear sound. Perfect acoustics. I've seen well over 300 shows in all genres from classical to country to grunge to prog to just good ol rock n roll. Never has any show I've seen eclipsed that one. I'm 70 now. Don't get out to shows much anymore. I will always remember that night...always.

[@billellis3137]

I'm 69. I feel sorry for you young kids. Most likely you will never experience that energy live. Today with all the synthesizers and voice correctors (or what ever they call them), there is no replacement for pure talent. A handful of renegade backwoods boys became a legend. Sadly all but one of the folks you saw on stage are gone now. Ronnie the front man died in a plane crash just a few short months after this concert. He predicted early in his life he would never see his 30th birthday, he was 29. In addition to his death Steve (one of the guitarists red pants) Cassie, Steve's sister and backup singer and Dean Kilpatric road manager, also perished in the crash. Allan Collins guitarist in white was confined to a wheel chair after a severe car accident and died in 1990, Billy Powell (Piano) passed in 2009. Leon Wileson (bass) in 2001. Gary Rossington, with the fantastic solo and the bird chirping sound passed just last year. Artimus Pyle the drummer is the only one left. Many of us Skynryd fans believe that Free Bird had a very special meaning for Ronnie. "If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me?" Yes we will Ronnie! Lynyrd Skynyrd will live on forever. Just thought you might like a little history to go along with the amazing music. Great video.

[@ktwebbdevil]

I'm so glad you got to Lynyrd Skynyrd! They have so many great songs! You literally can't go wrong! I suggest Tuesdays Gone,That Smell and Simple man!

[@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus]

We are so lucky to have recordings like this. This version is my favorite for sure. 'Day On The Green' this was called. One of a series of Stadium Concerts in Oakland California. This one had Peter Frampton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Santana, the Outlaws and maybe a couple more. All the girls were there to see Peter Frampton, his 'Frampton Comes Alive' album was huge at the time (1977). This was also about 6 Months before the plane crash that killed Lynyrd Skynyrd's Lead Singer, one of the backup singers and her brother who was one of the guitar players that anchored the band. Most of the other members were also severely hurt. The piano player Billy survived but was severely injured, once healed he rejoined the band. I always loved how he was once a roady for the band, showed them the bit he wrote for this song, next thing ya know, he is in the band. How cool was that?

[@mitchellbarker9368]

You are so eloquent. I love the way you describe the musical experience.

[@andrewmoss3681]

Guitar duo, & at time trio. True Masters at work. Easily one of my favourite bands of all time

[@Beach5289]

The 70's were the best period in music , check the crowd , no cell phones and we had the time of our lives . Skynyrd was an outstanding band , Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama everybody knows but there are SO many other great songs , the Second Helping album is a masterpiece , I have every one of their albums .

[@robertstrohm2412]

The 70’s were great, we had youth and hope for the future and now we are in our future with all these great memories which none of us will forget. It was a great time to be alive for sure. Now I’m in my 70’s and music is still alive with our younth. No cell phones, no computers just the best bands ever. Thank you for your reactions you have a knack for this. ❤

[@lewistasso8866]

Stacy, you are the first one in all of these reactions I've seen to this video to say "So many beautiful people in the crowd. Everyone is gorgeous." Well, Stacy, so are you, my dear. However, yes. If you look in the crowd, there was a natural beauty and no horrific trends yet. There were no hideous and huge tattoos everywhere (especially the ladies), no ugly piercings, no embarrassing clothing, etc. It was just a time of natural beauty and incredible music. We will never get those times again.

[@Fritzw75]

and bell bottoms!

[@hjorhrafn]

LOL. No trends, as if bell bottoms and long hair weren't trends and little rebellions against the trends of the past? Please.

[@rremington3983]

Hi again Stacey, imagine the scene….its 1977, I’ve applied for tickets to see this new band Lynyrd Skynyrd at Lancaster University in England. Every morning I come down the stairs and check the letter box, nothing, day after day…then out of the blue an envelope, tickets! I’m a teenager, hardly experienced anything in life and here I am going to see a band from South USA in a small corner of Northwest England! Mind blowing! They were everything you could have imagined and more…being a drummer my eye kept an eye on their drummer, an excellent performance (although he did drop his sticks about 6 times during the fast part in Freebird, easily done, as I can testify). Now it’s 2024, you’ve just seen it for the first time and yes, you made me cry once again 😀! A truly lovely reaction, thank you, thank you. You always reignite long ago memories for me and I love you for it! I’m sure at some point you will read about the tragedy the band suffered and I’m certain that will make you cry, I’ll leave that there and allow you to discover it for yourself.

[@MuresanBol77]

The guitarist is beyond level insane. Love the lead singer, love the pianist, BUT did you see the enormity of the crowd?!?!?!?! They've got to be playing to 10s of thousands of people right there!!! What an experience...if only I had been alive when this went down, instead of a year later.

[@bretttodd6470]

I was 6 but my mom wouldn't let me go.

[@js6729]

That guitarist is Allen Collins, as a guitarist imo he's extremely underrated

[@TheAbbfan]

Stacey, I've just discovered your channel and I'm hooked. I love your passion for the music as you discover these iconic songs. Never apologize for the tears and emotions, that's what makes you so great.

[@pommie5093]

And that is why there have been so many requests to listen to this BEYOND CLASSIC song. It's a masterpiece and will live on forever.

[@tvdroid22]

Yeah, you are right. Things were different then. A simpler time with astounding music. I am so grateful to have been there. The memories come alive when we see you discover even a hint of what we experienced. It is great that you are open to this.

[@motorcitybassist6023]

I am SOOO jealous you're hearing this for the first time. I wanna hear it again for the first time. Stacy Long time fan! FREEBIRD!!!!! This is where it came from. Ronny Van Zant used to ask the crowd all the time "what do you wanna hear?" everyone would scream FREEBIRD great reaction love your content

[@kelleychilton2524]

A great time to be young. Put me in a time machine and send me back there!! Great memories 👍

[@douglasg.9271]

This song was a rock ANTHEM in my youth. Everyone had this record, it was played at every part.

[@kevinmorrell4155]

Amen! Best song ever

[@boboharperoldbobostillhere7588]

The "crying" guitar is Gary Rossington playing what's called slide guitar which is where he plays with a sleeve on one finger (usually glass) and slides it up and down the neck picking different notes to make it "cry". It's common in blues.

[@js6729]

The guitarist who was playing slide, Gary Rossington passed away earlier this year. The guitarist that played the main part of the guitar solo is Allan Collins

[@mattcavanagh5701]

One of the most iconic guitar solos of all time! I’ve only ever heard the studio version. Thanks for introducing me to this live version!

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

That's what happens when you only listen to top 40 am garbage rock radio playing same short songs every 15 min ..you miss the great versions and miss the good stuff

[@cindybleam4808]

Check out their live Freebird when they opened for the Rolling Stones in England. They were told not to go out onto the tongue part of the stage. They did and the Stones made the fans wait over an hour because of the reaction of the crowd.

[@sharonhoyt2133]

The guitarist who played the chirping sounds was Gary Rossington who just passed away last year. He was playing Free Bird at his last performance. God bless him and the others who have kept the music going.

[@Capydachi]

The sweet sweet sounds of the 3 Guitar Army

[@artbagley1406]

First half: tender break-up song; no blame cast at anyone; sorrow is expressed. Second half: THE BIRD IS FREE! Hang on tight! In truth, there are FOUR GUITARS; very few people include Leon Wilkeson on bass; he has a consequential 35 second stretch near the end of the song when he's just about breaking a finger pulling on those cables that serve as strings on a bass guitar! Thank you so much for noticing Leon's contribution to this iconic song. As an old-fashioned compare-contrast exercise, take a listen to the studio (album) version and let us know what you hear. There aren't enough reactions to this live "Free Bird" performance; thanks for your vid!

[@scott3744]

There is a *reason* why FREE BIRD is one of the all-time greatest songs of the classic rock era... and you just experienced it 👍😁

[@ianhamilton2035]

Best reaction to this song I've seen so far, it was amazing to watch you experience it!!! 😃❤️

[@mikedown3219]

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signture was three lead guitarists. It allowed the, to have duelling lead guitars, lead guitars in harmony while the third played rythym. You will find they took it in turns to shine.

[@andreadeamon6419]

Plus Ronnie said himself he wanted something that gave him a break - kicked ass for the band and the fans - so he could enjoy a beer 😊🍺

[@byronlabelle7569]

Love this reaction of yours. I grew up going to a lot of the many bands concerts in the 70s & 80s and they were great, because seeing a band live back then was really an experience.

[@Jean-FrancoisPirenne]

That's the type of concert I like since I was young: no fancy clothes or pyros, just music.

[@markobanion8652]

OMG! I am 68 years old and live in Canton, Ohio. I was out visiting relatives in Frisco and we went to this concert. This was not just a concert but an incredible journey thru the minds and spirit of what can only be described as the greatest decade of music. Period.

[@Northbankgooner69]

The last TRULY free generation that existed,smoking weed in the sunshine living their best life experiencing THE greatest period in music. No smartphones,no heavy security staff,just pure magic.

[@TheVGP-yessiree]

You made me cry, Stacey. The yearning that you so eloquently and humbly expressed over missing out on the life (lives) that your parents and the rest of us experienced brughtme to tears. I thought deeply at how blessed we were back then, and more, how different life and society and entertainment is today. The awesome thing is that you kids can watch and listen anytime over and over and over. Back then, we only had the radio or record player to listen over and over. To actually see the performances we'd have to go to the concerts or stay up until past midnight to catch the performances on tv. There were few VHS tapes of these concerts. There was NO internet. No digital storage devices. NO 'ease of access'. We'd have to walk out of our houses or drive, to the local library and then search, patiently and persistently to find the videos, if the local library was blessed with a copy of the performances. So, yes, we did have the best music, but, we also were challenged to hold onto the musical performances. Technology has come a long way and it affords you kids that opportunity to dive deep into musical history. For that, I am grateful. But, yeah, 'our' world was a LOT more fun back then. I thank you, Stacy, for wanting to stretch your musical wings and explore the landscape as it was, as it is now, and perhaps where it may go from here. God bless. -eric "He must increase, but I must decrease."

[@davidbenge3122]

Legend has it that Allen is still playing the solo in the after life...

[@kevinmorrell4155]

Thank you Stacey for doing that! So cool you are now exposed to Skynyrd. I was there that day and it was epic. This was three months before the plane crash that killed lead Singer singer Ronnie Van Zandt, guitarist Steve Gaines (in white long sleeve shirt), his sister Cassie Gaines, a backup singer and their manager. The band returned 10 years later with Ronnie’s brother Johnny Van Zandt as lead singer. They are still rocking today! I just saw them last month for the 22nd time. It’s my happy music with those twangy guitars. NOW check out Simple Man Tuesdays Gone Call Me The Breeze Sweet Home Alabama Gimme Three Steps LOVE YOU STACEY ❤

[@morganmcintosh7859]

I'm 67 and you're listening to the soundtrack of My Life The Allman Brothers Lynyrd Skynyrd ZZ top all the southern rock bands I was born in Georgia and I was right into this. I graduated high school in 75 this was all over the radio❤❤❤❤

[@scottgorski7931]

Born the same year in Wisconsin and it was the same here.

[@walterraleigh-vv4su]

As many times as I've heard this song since the 70's, I always thought it started out soft and mellow and just picked up and rocked on. It never occurred to me that the beginning was melancholy - until you mentioned that word! And, to me, that changed everything. I had never tied the pace to the lyrics. Of course the impending breakup was melancholy, and the shift comes when they're freed, and the song goes on and on as they soar far away!

[@childlessdoggentleman746]

Favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song, "Gimme Three Steps."

[@terrylandess6072]

I'm a 'Gimme Back My Bullets' fan.

[@childlessdoggentleman746]

@@terrylandess6072 Let me guess, you're also a "Saturday Night Special" fan.

[@michaelsutherland9069]

So much talent in that band. Its amazing how many hits they had in such a short time.

[@rubentullenaar2934]

Oh yes, your face in the caption says it all.... mind blown 🤯. A few weeks after this concert, 3 Bandmembers, Ronnie van Zandt (Lead singer), Steve Gaines (Guitar) and Cassie Gaines (Singer) died in a plane crash in 1977. Ronnie van Zandt is one of the members who wrote this song.

[@joekoles1]

All I can say is you get it and you are one of the most amazing reactors that I’ve ever watched!!! I lived that music and your parents were lucky as me!❤

[@wtfchuck9100]

Billy Powell the keyboard player was a cousin of mine. It’s weird when I am feeling a little down I like watching people discover this vid for the first time! If you ever want to discover what a brilliant talent he was, search Billy Powell call me the breeze, he played the keyboard part one handed. Rip Billy and Stacy thank you for the great reaction! 💓

[@lighttackleangler]

Not too weird. I love the first time reactions, too and never tire of the vid.

[@rayvanhorn1534]

YES!!!!!! This made my day, one of the cornerstones of Southern Rock....& Stacy just jamming out with a big smile! 🔥🤘😎🔥

[@drakepeppers4137]

Isn't it funny how all the people in the crowd look so natural and healthy. You don't see alot of obesity etc. Glad I grew up then.

[@jonathanmarkham1998]

Too right. Some of those woman are absolutely gorgeous.

[@nealblue6413]

Back before all the excess junk was added to our foods and fast food on every corner. Oh, we were outside and more active at the time.

[@mhlevy]

@@nealblue6413 No kidding! This is back when the Internet was a university communications experiment conducted for the department of defense, connecting a handful of universities. Only the very rich had "car phones," cable-tv was nearly unheard of back then, with the biggest cites getting as many as 10 channels of TV, but Kansas City only had 5! Kids went out to play, and in the summer, we'd go out in the morning on our bikes and be back home around dusk. There were video games, but you had to go to the arcade to play them!

[@FrancoisJacobsz]

My favourite highschool band. Im 63 now and love their music and deep, meaningful lyrics. Everybody in this huge crowd was having a good time. These people are all grandparents today or have passed on. I saw no tatoos or people swinging around with booze bottles in hand. They mhad fun just as they were. Yes, we are very privileged to have grown up in the seventies. Thanks for this.

[@gwillypdawg]

My father was in a band called southern cross and they used to play this song every night at the end of the third set.

[@tvdroid22]

This song is one of those things that, even in the Pixar movie "Cars" there is a moment at a car press conference, where the crowd goes silent, and a voice cries out, "Freebird." The kids in the theater had no clue as to why their parents were howling in laughter.

[@chrisbateman5358]

Welcome to "real" music... this is only an example of the musical art that was generated in the 60s and 70s... no auto-tune... just great sounds. I am glad you were able to experience this band from my teen years. Thanks for bringing it.

[@easterworshipper5579]

whats sad is the record companies are not above autotuning these old records and calling it a 'remaster'. its terrible times we live in.

[@danielslover8669]

Thank you! Skynyrd is my favorite rock band. I hope you go down that rabbit hole. I’ll definitely be here to watch.

[@stephenwhite345]

I told you it was a stand-out performance, I love everything about this, the band , the crowd, the sunshine, the energy, it all came perfectly together

[@mikesims5273]

Love you're appreciation of the 70's music! Was in H.S 70-74, add let me tell you unless you were there you can't even imagine the bands available to us! Greatest ever IMO!

[@Shang1966]

Nice review. I went to a Catholic HS from 1980-84. They usually closed the school dances with Freebird. Start out with a slow dance and then cut loose. Man I miss those days.

[@cmanayf4354]

Late October,1974. My parents let me go to my first concert. Lynyrd Skyrnrd! Milwaukee Riverside Theatre. Always holds a special place. Rock on! Thanks Stacey!!😊

[@clasmaster1471]

Probably one of the most iconic shows of all time. Everybody knows about Oakland 77!

[@dryzalizer]

It's a special experience to hear this song for the first time, thank you for sharing your first reaction with us Stacey. The studio version is a bit cleaner, but they stay quite true to it even live. The song starts out heavy and sad, but lives up to its name after the transition when that bird soars and flies away. Now when you're at a concert and someone yells out "Free Bird" for the encore you know why. The 3 guitars are a big part of Skynyrd's signature sound, I hope you'll react to many more of their great songs. One of my favorites also features a killer piano solo, Call Me The Breeze.

[@RodneyBuxton]

After this song, I don't think I ever attended a concert in the 70s or early 80s, regardless of the band (except for Pink Floyd), where when there was a lull in the music someone would scream out Free Bird! Of course the crowd would all scream. It's a one of a kind.

[@batrider63]

This was probably one of greatest rock overtures of all time. I hope that maybe one day rock will be reborn and this genre will return.

[@gwillypdawg]

Two fun facts about skynyrd and this song is that gary rossington who is playing the sg with a slide has a pipe cleaner in his guitar to achieve this sound. And there is a southern saying to describe what happens as the final note ends its called shittin and a gettin which means getting away fast so when the note hits they chuck their instruments to their roadies and be shittin and a gettin.

[@TheDavidDale]

There are several songs from the 70's that were so epic we (who are blessed to have come of age in that era) remember exactly where we were when we heard them the first time...Free Bird is one of those songs. That said, the movement of this ballad is often underappreciated. You're impression of the first half is correct. It's melancholy, reflective of the anxiety of a stifling relationship. The 2nd half of the song, the epic guitar solo, captures the jubilation of casting off the shackles of that lugubrious commitment... It is the musician's perception of becoming, and being, a "Freebird"... Just as we can visualize (in our mind's eye) a bee flying from flower to flower while listening to Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee", we can imagine a bird's immunity from gravity while listening to "Freebird". btw...I genuinely enjoyed observing your reaction. It was clear to me, as the song began, you didn't have a clue as to what you were about to experience!

[@johnroberthines7811]

I saw them only the once the stones were headlining that day at Knebworth 1976 in the UK they were awesome and blew the stones off the stage 👍I'm now 68yrs old but remember that day like it was yesterday.

[@kevinmorrell4155]

So true. I read how the Stones were mad cause Skynyrd blew them off the stage. I know a lot of people who have been to a concert they didn’t like, but NOT ONE person has ever not liked these guys live. I’m impossible! One of the best ever ‼️🎸

[@johnroberthines7811]

@@kevinmorrell4155 i believe the stones were not very happy before L S even went on stage and told them not to go out on the bit of the stage that went into the crowd, but they took no notice of them and ignored their request good for them. I would loved to have seen them again one day but it wasn't to be RIP, but i feel very privileged to have seen them all those years ago.

[@kevinmorrell4155]

@@johnroberthines7811 yeah that’s so cool. You should go see them now! I saw them last month and they were amazing. I’ve seen them 19 times since the plane crash., 3 times before. It’s my happy music!

[@benh59]

Love the reaction ! This song is THE anthem for classic southern rock and roll. To see them play it live back in the day was a real treat. The only band member still alive is the drummer, Artimus Pyle, and he hasn't played with the band for many years. For your next Skynyrd reaction, I would suggest Four Walls of Raiford. It was only released on their box set so it's not the most popular song but one of my all time favorites. On the Hunt would be another great one.

[@musicguy694]

Ronnie Van Zant - vocals and leader of the band; Allen Collins - guitar; Gary Rossington - guitar; Steve Gaines - guitar; Artimus Pyle - drums; Leon Wilkeson - bass; Billy Powell - piano; Their last performance was South Carolina’s Greenville Memorial Auditorium on Oct. 19 1977 Free Bird lasted for 20 mins The next day boarded their plane that was unsafe the Fuel gauge was broke. The only way to check the fuel was with a stick. The plane ran out of fuel the engines were burning too rich and wasting precious fuel. One engine shut down then the other did. The plane went down over pine trees killing the members of the band, Ronnie Van Zant lead singer, guitarist Steve Gaines, and vocalist Cassie Gaines, that day was the saddest in Southern Rock. I was 20 when I heard about it on the radio. I cried like a baby.

[@Fritzw75]

The band Aerosmith decided never to charter that same plane when they had mechanical issues prior to this crash in 77

[@musicguy694]

@@Fritzw75 Yes you are right

[@Teleterry]

This was my first concert (but not the last). The Day on the Green concerts at the Oakland Coliseum were some of my favorite memories as a teen living in the SF Bay Area. Bill Graham (concert promoter) was always bringing in top acts for these summer extravaganzas and I tried to see as many as I could. I am grateful for these videos so I can show my kids.

[@danasixty5402]

That was the National Anthem of the South in my Day . 🤘🤘🤘

[@silentrabbit247]

yes 3 great guitarists who complimented each other so well. Saw them in Birmingham England in 1977, just before the tragic plane crash in Oct '77. They had another guest guitarist for the Freebird encore, Pete Haycock (Climax Blues Band) who jammed with them - what a night, best concert ever.

[@robbywilliams4601]

As epic as this performance was (and is), the Knebworth Festival a year prior was arguably even better.

[@comegetthathitter6935]

Great observation. The crowd is not only full of gorgeousness but natural gorgeousness.

[@guanyin19]

Stacey can finally begin to mass produce attitude cat shorts to the Free Bird guitar solo 😹

[@richardmay8367]

To think this show was $25 or less for a full day of pure rock and roll, nothing today can compare to what shows were really about. This is top 3 of greatest concerts ever.

[@GregCombs100]

Love your reaction. If you’re new to this band you may not know some of the history. Free Bird was the finale they played live so the reason for the fanfare at the end. This was July 1977. The lyrics here are even more prophetic when you know that in about three months the plane crash occurred that killed Ronnie Van Zant (the lead singer, founder of the band, and the heart and soul of the group), Steve Gaines (guitar player with the beard) and Cassie Gaines, his sister who was a backup singer, and severely injured everyone else in the band. The band continued on afterwards, and Gary Rossington (plays slide on this song) participated until his recent passing, but they were never really more then a tribute band. Ronnie Van Zant was the heart and soul, the lead singer, founder & leader of the band from the beginning, and primary songwriter. He and Skynyrd died in that crash. This was one of the last live performances taped for them. There was a later show about a month later in New Jersey that was probably the last filmed. Lots of You-Tube videos for that, it's in Black and White but the recorded sound quality is a little better. "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?" Prophetic lyrics when you know their history.

[@dennyd9]

And THAT Dear Young Lady is how you end a concert! Glad that you enjoyed them! 😊

[@Uuusssaaas]

You haven't lived until you experience Freebird live in person.

[@Danandrea919]

So excited to see this! 😊 This is in my top 3 reaction videos to watch. Much Love! ❤

[@danrumble74]

Loved your reaction, Stacey! I'm surprised KZbin hasn't scrubbed this video so that youngsters don't realize how free we used to be in this country.. and how authentic people were 🇺🇸

[@RandyShelton-k3n]

What a great time in history to be a young man and enjoy Lynyrd Skynyrd in their glory. All the young people enjoying themselves in Oakland.

[@garydorn6706]

I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd in Albuquerque, New Mexico in May of 1976 and having been to dozens of concerts, Lynyrd Skynyrd was by far the best one of best concerts I have ever seen.

[@Rons-yz5qt]

I saw them in Macon Ga. before the crash. I was a young soldier then, in the Army at Ft. Benning Ga. It was a really good concert. But even better was a night some of my soldier buds and I got together for a friends ETS (that is when you are getting out of the Army). Some of us did not have a choice, but were drafted into the Army during Vietnam. Anything except free. How some of us longed to be free.... We were mostly wild-eyed Southern Boys at the time. BTW that is the name of a pretty great song you might like by .38 Special band. I remember very well this beautiful song one time. It was a magical, beautiful country night. Like I say, about 20 of us were all hanging out, having one final get together and party for our bud. We were standing around by our cars listening to someone's 8 track. Free Bird came on. The stars, the beauty and all of us knowing my bud would be gone in the morning. We would probably never see him again. But he survived Vietnam and was a Free Bird..... Yes, indeed. Thanks pretty lady for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the song. Wish you could have been at the party.