Allen Collins *Free Birds and Firebirds* (documentary)

[@talkingrock7011]

Allen was my favorite guitarist of the original members RIP A Collins

[@feduncan]

My favorite too

[@1980bwc]

I went to school for computer aided drafting back in the 90's, and met a guy there named Larry, who was a few years older than me, and a paraplegic. He still had a tiny bit of movement in his arms, but it wasnt much movement. His legs didnt work at all though. His injury came from a childhood diving accident. He had moved up here to southwest Tennessee, from Florida, to be with family. Just the sweetest dude you'd ever want to meet. We became really close friends pretty quickly. One day, while I was working on a drawing, I had my favorite Skynyrd Greatest Hits CD, cranked wide open on my earphones, while working. I had it so loud, that Larry heard it from several feet away. He rolled over to me in his chair and nudged me on the shoulder. So i pulled out my earphones and he said, you like Skynyrd huh? I said heck yeah, who doesnt?! Lol. He said, you know, I was roommates with Allen Collins, when i was a kid, back in the early 80's. I said, ok Larry, I'm all ears! He went on to tell me that he had to go into a live in rehabilitation center, shortly after his accident. So when he got there, he was taken to his 2 person room, and he met his roomate. He said the guy had a massive rebel flag hanging on the wall, right above the headboard of his bed. The guy said, hey there Larry, I'm Allen. Being that Larry was just a kid, he had no idea who Allen was. He said Allen was one of the coolest, nicest people he had ever met. Larry went on to tell me more stories, but being that this was in 1999, and i was only 18 years old, the only one i remember unfortunately, is the one about him meeting Allen, and that huge flag on his was wall. Dont remember how long they were roomates for. After school, I lost contact with Larry and dont know where he is now or even if he is still alive. I regret not knowing where he is. Haven seen him in nearly 25 years and would love to see him again. Anyway, I just thought I would share that story, and let the fans of Allen know, that he really was as nice of a person as you'd think that he was.

[@charlesgauldin8010]

That old Skynyrd sound wouldn’t have been close to being what it was without Allen Collins

[@nicholasnorliffe46]

Steve Gaines gave Skynyrd a kick in the pants when joined and if he had lived would have been one of great Guitarist/ singer/ songwriter RIP STEVE

[@Abored_Angel_]

Amen brother, that’s what I’ve been thinking for a long time. Street Survivors had a completely different sound, and I can only imagine what the next album would have sounded like

[@BradyIsAfagInHeat]

replacing ed Kings shoes is a HARD task to be asked to do. I havent seen much of Steves contributions to the band cause im just recently getting into the band. I dont know what album/s he played or contributed on, If any. But i do know that when Ed left the bands sound definitely, mightley changed with it. King was fuckng nasty and was no two ways about it a major reason why Skynyrd wrote as many jams as they did. Im i no way taking anything aawway fom the other musicians in the band cause they all could have been the best player in their own band if they all went and did sie work. But Kings clean Stratocaster so[und was a nice tone to the other guitarists muddy sounds. And leon..... my god leon was just an animal on the bass and is my favorite member that was in skinner.

[@YTisGay]

Steve was great but he wasn't even around when Freebird was written. Allen Collins is a legend, and that pushed Steve to kick a ton of 6ss.

[@guillermo3564]

Allen and Gary have been my favorite guitar duo since the 70's and they will be forever.

[@RiverDocs]

I hear ya..I just don't think they got enough credit for all them great songs they helped create. And they were two of the best on stage players ever. Man they could rock! Thanks for watching Guillermo.

[@philipreedwallace]

There awesome.

[@davidrhelmick72]

@@RiverDocs totally underrated to the point that it should be a crime

[@BillyJSmith-on6he]

Amen

[@papawoody9597]

One of the best things about Allen was that you could tell how much he loved playing. A lot of players are showy, or try to act cool, but with Allen, it was all about his love of making music.

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

Boy he seemed like he loved the music and move with the grooves 😎

[@KeithJennings-me6lc]

All 3 of them were great entertainers H*** the whole band was

[@perpetualbystander4516]

And not to mention Steve Gaines, who had a big grin on his face very often while playing.

[@ROB-xm5fv]

​@@perpetualbystander4516Steve and Allan were going to take Skynyrd to another level. So damn tragic. I was in a theater for the movie "The Deep" and they ran the news of the plane crash on the screen before the movie started. It was met by wails and people bursting into tears. Terrible.

[@dianelindberg7649]

Yes! He danced around with his guitar like a kid with their favorite toy

[@jennystryker2967]

One of the nicest guys I've ever known.I can remember the guys playing at his Moms house and at Bobs carport. Great Memories.

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

So cool, can’t imagine 😎

[@cavecookie1]

A lot of times, you never know about the man (or woman!) behind the star. Sounds like Allen was one of those rare finds in the music biz...a truly nice guy. Randy Meisner was a hometown hero where I lived, and he was also one of the nice guys!

[@nikiyarman3273]

My mom and who I call my 2nd mom got to party with them is '76! But the 1st time I heard them was in '71 when my mom was pregnant with me!

[@markhorton1718]

I remember how heartbreaking it was when I saw Allen come out on the stage in a wheelchair when I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd in 87. He spoke to the audience for a few minutes and thanked them for their support and love.

[@easystar123]

He was a fantastic guitar player and he was a member of a fantastic band. Rest in Peace Allen Collins

[@thomasspoerli4659]

Greetings from a swiss fan. Switzerland, Europe, the old world. The first song I' ve listened to was " Tuesday's gone", on my radio beneath my bed in 1983. I' m a swiss citizen, from swiss origin.

[@smittyinwootown5640]

And don’t ever forget that He was self taught. Never took a lesson in his life. 🙏

[@ROB-xm5fv]

​@@thomasspoerli4659You're lucky you found them. One of the best ever. Hello from America.

[@davidlane9138]

Allen was my favorite member. He had a cool stage swagger. 😎🎸 may they all rest in peace.🙏 fly on free birds.🦅✈

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

Me too, loved that firebird he played and man could he boogie 🙌🏻🕺

[@TylerMiller-lb5yn]

There not all dead still have Artimus Pyle

[@fayewittwer5208]

RIP LEAPING LARKIN 🖤

[@texasflood3165]

I’ll be 70 this summer.. saw all the southern rock bands…Skynyrd will always be #1 for me.. you young kids should give it a listen..

[@ROB-xm5fv]

Allan Collins at Knebworth Fair 1976. Best version of Freebird I've ever seen. He's lights out and you can start to see the chemistry with Steve Gaines. What a tragedy. They were about to up the stakes and put all the competition in the dust.

[@davidbishop8355]

I

[@RMGCBG]

You couldn’t take your eyes him on stage. Such a monster

[@mwilliamshs]

"couldn't take your eyes him"? Seems off.

[@dawncapps5172]

So underrated as a musician! Talented and SO good looking as well. RIP Allen.💔

[@thomasspoerli4659]

You're right. Greetings from a LS fan. A swiss fan. You know, Switzerland, Europe, the old world. I' m swiss , not an american expat...

[@hellspells74]

It's not true he was underrated.

[@netosampaio8548]

Why underrated?

[@drdrew3]

Every single music related video has an “underrated” comment. If everybody is overrated than nobody is overrated

[@onazram1]

He wasn't underrated

[@billyshane3804]

Allen Collins - Champion & Legend RIP

[@steve34043]

Thank you. 45 years later, I still get goosebumps listening to his guitar.

[@smittyinwootown5640]

Even after He was gone , Allen Collins got Me through a rough time when My Brother passed away. Thanks Allen. Hope You and My Brother Michael get to talk. God Bless Ya Both. 🙏

[@BST-lm4po]

A very gifted guitarist! Both writing and playing! Allen Collins didn't get the respect he deserved from music critics!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Perhaps nowadays. But back when Skynyrd was performing with the original lineup, there was one year that Guitar Player magazine voted him "best guitarist".

[@david25876]

I hear ya but I think he did from all those fans of yesteryear and today. They are all legends now. RIP to them all. They earned it.

[@giggycarol]

Stop being silly...they sold millions of records and so many sold out gigs...40 plus years later the band still goes on

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@giggycarol "40 plus years later the band still goes on".........what the hell are you smokin'. EVERY original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd has died. When Gary passed fairly recently, he was the very last original member from when they first adopted the name: "Lynyrd Skynyrd", to the point of the plane crash. Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Bob Burns ( Artimus Pyle is NOT "the original drummer" ), Ed King, Billy Powell, and even Steve Gaines who replaced Ed King and not an original member, died in the plane crash. What's left today is IN-NAME ONLY. It's one thing if only 1 original band member dies, where a band replaces that deceased band member.........but when absolutely NONE of the original members are left in the band ( living or dead ), you do NOT have that band anymore. What's left today is the tribute band, with Ronnie's brother singing. And do you think Ricky or ANY other guitarist in today's "Skynyrd" tribute band can play the parts that Ed King did? The answer is NO. Not even Gary or Steve Gaines could play the extremely difficult guitar parts that Ed King wrote, recorded, and performed before he left the band. Even though Steve Gaines was the overall most talented among the guitarists in the band, he couldn't even play the solo to Sweet Home Alabama properly OR the extremely deceptively tricky guitar parts in "Working for MCA" the way Ed did.

[@davidroache4699]

@@howabouthetruth2157 Dead on balls accurate !

[@brettlowden7073]

Great tribute to a great musician.

[@philipwurm5121]

Allen Collins had so much energy on stage… He was incredible!

[@BUNKERJR53]

Allen Collins was definitely my favorite guitarist in the band. He had the energy and played his heart out. He loved what he did and was amazing at it. It was a sad day for me when he died. Gone way too soon but he was rejoined with his beloved wife.

[@drdrew3]

He “died” inside in stages after each of these tragedies. He had an incredible musical gift but had a tortured existence. Once the drunk and drugs replaced music It was a quicker spiral. Sad story that started with a talented and kind soul

[@gnarshred1239]

My heart always broke for Allen , so much tragedy in pain.. surprised he lasted as long as he did without Kathy from my understanding it got very dark for him... He was one of the greatest of all time!

[@K4Fusion]

Such sadness and tragedy surrounded this band. So much talent, yet so much sadness. 😢

[@DwainDwight]

His Free Bird solo easily one of the greatest & most iconic ever. thanks for the post. I'm a big Allen Collins fan. I bought a Gibson Firebird because of him.

[@plantfeeder6677]

As a former race car driver and musician myself it touched my heart that Allen Collins was a race car fan. We covered a lot of Skynyrd and Allen showed us all how to play those cool riffs. Great tribute to a great guitarist. He was my favorite too. He always looked like he enjoyed what he was doing.

[@rw0050]

*_" If I Leave Here Tomorrow, Will You Still Remember Me " ?_* *Yes we will, Allen.*

[@johndaugherty4127]

I saw Rossington/Collins first show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Sadly, I never got to see Skynard. However, R/C played an 15 or 20 minute acapella version of Free Bird for an encore. Allen was my inspiration for getting a 1976 Bicentennial Firebird.

[@seanyuke3249]

So sad. But the tunes still bring such joy/peace. Legends.

[@dancrowley488]

Why Allen had to endure so much tragedy is beyond me. He was my hero when I was a teenager. Nobody looked cooler than Allen, and his playing was the fire of the band. Rest easy to one of the greats.

[@davidjohnson6611]

Allen Collins is a severely underrated guitar player he was a shredder in many ways his sound was awesome. Skynyrd vanhad lots and lots and lots of drama. But really they were just kids who got a band together and became Superstars despite very humble beginnings beginnings

[@RiverDocs]

I agree about Collins. And really all the Skynyrd guitar players were kind of "in the shadows" Them guys were awesome live. Thanks for watching David!

[@stevehudson7429]

I still enjoy hearing him play. Listen to those old songs a lot. It's almost flawless

[@blaisevillaume9051]

get the papers get the papers

[@drdrew3]

There’s that obvious “underrated” comment that follows every single TY music history video. How can every single musician be underrated?

[@hinch1775]

Allen was incredible !! One of the greatest

[@ivanmay7890]

Out of all the members of Skynyrd, Allen Collins suffered from a lot of misfortune. One can’t help but feel increasingly sorry for him and his family.

[@robschaller9061]

What a tragic life story. To have so many horrific things happen when you are so young... So sad. What a great song writer and player. If you play, try learning the solos that you see them play... That smell comes to mind for some really challenging solos...just great, GREAT music.

[@peterherard8207]

He always looked like hed be a blast to hang out with

[@drdrew3]

Until you are the passenger in his car. Then not so much

[@nzo_6543]

​@@drdrew3ofc he's drunk at the time on his accident

[@stephenmiller5023]

All of the “ Greats “ seem to die way too soon . Alan was a phenomenal guitarist and definitely was a big part of Skynyrd’s sound & popularity. His life was a roller coaster of problems & challenging times . Rest In peace Alan , along with all the others now from Lynyrd Skynyrd . Play on forever…..

[@rockhead69]

Thanks for the post, my man...he surely deserves the tribute !

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome Claudio! Than you for watching!

[@2GoldensTosa]

Great tribute to a great guitarist. R.I.P., Allen.

[@tellyrojo2513]

What a great tribute to Allen your kind words in this video are. Very well done. Skynyrd is my all time favorite band and their music still resonates today and I expect it will continue to resonate for many years to come. “Fly on proud bird, you’re free at last!”

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@Blue-Lotus888]

Agreed. A very kind & respectful tribute to Allen Collins-Created w/ love & in good taste of words chosen. Thank you Sir. Though Collins & Rossington were both great musicians, I always preferred Collins. He had a style, energy, & stage presence that was AMAZING! When Allen Collins played live @ enormous amphitheaters, it was abundantly clear that he was getting off on really giving it to the audience, & they LOVED him for it! When Ed King left, the absence of that 3rd gifted guitarist was felt, & the void was certainly heard. As a whole, L.S. pushed themselves so hard, much was expected from them, much was expected of them, & they all needed @ least a month or 2 @ LEAST, to take a break, get some rest, & spend time w/ their families & handful of closest, true friends. But in all HONESTY, the addition to L.S. Of the magnificently gifted Steve Gaines was exactly what Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, & the entire band needed! He brought out the very best in Allen, Gary, & even Ronnie, which always existed, but he made playing feel like the band was reborn & better than ever! They fed off each other’s energy, & really enjoyed themselves. It was unmistakable & vivid in every live show they played in 1976 & 1977. You watch ANY concert from that time, & you can hear, feel, & see it! I know for a fact, if that crash never happened, claiming the young lives of those irreplaceable band members, L.S., who already tasted International fame, success, & love by their fans, would’ve reached unfathomable heights of fame & success-Far surpassing anything they ever expected, & that of the very best bands in Southern Rock, & Rock in general! I’m sorry, I know this video is about Allen, but none of what L.S. accomplished would’ve been the same, or anything nearly as good w/out Allen Collins! He was an original member & founding father of L.S.! Allen experienced multiple extreme, & absolutely heartbreaking & devastating events in his young life that most people, especially in that era, would never be able to deal & live w/. But he also did a lot for, & brought awareness ( & certainly funding & other positive things,) to people living w/ spinal cord injuries. It can be said that maybe some things would’ve been different if Allen Collins made different choices, but it’s just as true that we should never judge the behavior of another, unless we’ve walked a mile in their shoes. That’s such an important lesson to take away from the life & times of Allen Collins. Though he suffered more than any person should ever have to, & was taken from the world @ such a young age, I like to think that he & his friends he’d known since his teenage years had a dream that came to fruition, & they enjoyed that success, & so many wonderful things most people can only dream of! Their music & legacy will live on forever! Allen Collins’ music & legacy will live on forever! This man & his music made a profound impression on people of all kinds, & I KNOW, if the members who continued/began performing under the name of Lynyrd Skynyrd after the plane accident never did that, L.S., & ALL of its members & music, would not only continue to be remembered, but their fame & the generations yet to come would continue to love them & their music! Thank you for all your musical contributions, & endurance & perseverance, despite all your very difficult times. R.I.P. Larkin Allen Collins Jr. 🕊️❤️🕊️

[@sapereaude391]

As an amateur guitarist, I love watching footage of Allen Collins in the slow build up to his solo in Free Bird, trying to imagine what it must be like to know what you are about to do, launch into one of the greatest and most iconic guitar solos ever. I don't know if other guitarists understand what I mean but I have tried to explain to non-musicians and they don't get it but it captivates me and electrifies the solo when it comes all the more.

[@brandonjackson5865]

I know exactly what you’re talking about, I play guitar too and certain solos, I get goosebumps up the back of my neck just anticipating they are coming up while listening to them. I think some players probably know when they’ve played something that’s going to hit people like that, but most of the time I don’t think anyone can anticipate the impact that something they played might have. The Freebird solo had to be inspired from the band jamming on it and they just kept going because it felt good, so possibly they knew they had something special. There’s so much great guitar moments in Skynyrds music though.

[@AmericasChoice]

He has always been my favorite in LS. His driving rhythms were really the heartbeat of the band. You can see him watching Artemus and Leon and keeping the tempo, sometimes going to barre chords during Gary or Stevie's leads. Then in a flash, he jumps with solos and double leads with Gary. Amazing player. RIP Allen.

[@allisonoconnor8055]

So many tragedies in this band. Alan was always so nice and really put the jump into Skynyrd. The most underrated guitarist Rock and Roll history. Leon to just sad news after sad news.

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

They played hard and sounded like they lived even harder 🙏

[@ianramage1593]

Such a sad story. The Freebird solo is still one of my favourites. I can't think of another band that had 3 brilliant guitarists like Collins, Rossington & Gaines. Rest in peace, Allen.

[@ronaldhellengreen7063]

What a cool story! I sure hope it was Terry's first, and then Allen's! Such a sad story for such a talented person! RIP Allen! PEACE ✌️

[@tedgibson5960]

Allen is for sure my favorite! in every picture he looks WASTED! and it sounds as if he had earned that right! that is a fine looking guitar!

[@Tom-ok2rh]

The world was robbed of a lot of great music when that plane went down in ‘77. They were really hitting stride during that time too no doubt they would have had several more great albums. My brother was in a southern rock band at the time and it really hit them hard. RIP to all members of Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@wjewell63]

He is one of my fav.guitarist since childhood in 70's.....

[@Tonetwisters]

I drive past his house all the time ... in fact, yesterday. And past the road that he supposedly wrecked on ... His early life sounded a lot like mine. My dad moved out of the house in the fall of '63 and left a 1954 Stratocaster under the Christmas tree that year. I remember The One PerCent playing at The Comic Book Club same era I was playing down there, as were The Allman Joys. I, too, would have a '63 Firebird acquired in Tallahassee, in the early '70s ...

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

Hi Tonetwister. I know you. We meet again

[@matthewlacey5307]

Has made me cry. What a story of the rollercoaster of life.

[@jackedwardklippsteinjr1717]

Such a great soul... Allen is my hero I loved how he played guitar his passion and personality was unmatchable R.I.P. LAC

[@robertcrist5747]

I always regret that Skynyrd was the one band I didn't get to see. I grew up on them! Even have in my will for "Tuesdays Gone" to be played at my funeral. But ole Al lived life hard and fast just like the other Boy's and when you keep knocking at the Devils door sooner than later he will answer it. One of the best! RIP Brother 🙏

[@bobbytubbs5469]

Him and Ed King are two of my favorite players

[@timfoster5689]

Got to see the last show in Greenville SC, I was 15years old, was blown away with the talent they had, true Icon’s of southern rock… still got the torn ticket locked away in a safe, yep it will be passed down to my kids when I’m gone, RIP to all the band members we have lost

[@Stratsrule]

Skynyrd was totally the best live band in history!! Nobody put on a better live show. Allen’s solos, that dirty sound of Gary’s Gibson and Ronnie’s voice!! Total package

[@jottie4213]

I was fortunate enough to see their 3rd last show in ST.Pete Florida in 77 By far still my favorite band. RIP Allen

[@Vortigan07]

A magnificent guitarist indeed! Rest in peace, sir 🌹🎸

[@jameshale6401]

To this day the geetar work on that smell is still off the charts for me RIP MY FLA BROTHERS GOD BLESS

[@stevenfrederick2315]

Allen Collins was an Awesome Guitarist! His Triple/Quadruple Lead Guitar Solo in Free Bird along with the Classical Piano Solo and Slide Guitar Solo are Absolutely Timeless! I'm glad I lived to see Leonard Skynard from Concert filming in those days! I still have their Live Album! That God for "The Gibson Company and Les Paul for the Gifting the World with Finest Solid Body Guitar Ever Invented "The Gibson Les Paul, Firebird, Explorer, Flying -V, Les Paul SG, And Double Neck SG EDH-1275 12/6 String Guitars! I'm sure they are more! The Classic Archtops the first in 1949 to have Three P-90 Pickups with the Switchable Selector Switch to play each Pickup Individually or the 4th Selector setting to play all four pickups! This Gibson Invention 8-years before Fender came out with its Stratocaster! True Musicians know it takes Practice and Creative skills to be at a Great Guitarists! And Mr. Collins Exemplify His Greatest through a Very Rare Gibson Firebird and Gibson Explorer! Wow! How Awesome!

[@johngalush8790]

That made me cry a little. I love Skynyrd

[@alanpace-qo6gd]

I've watched the last concert the band did in Oakland probably a dozen times, and watching Allen while they were playing "Free Bird" just blows me away every time. He was definitely one of the very best.😢

[@MrWinger1951]

I went to high school (Bishop Kenny) in Jacksonville (1965-1969) and saw the band "The One Percent" before they became Lynyrd Skynyrd. I also lived a couple of miles from Robert E. Lee High School, where many of the members went to school and where the coach (Leonard Skinner) worked that inspired the band's name Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@stephenlandry9343]

My God I had no idea Alan went through so much heart ache. I knew some of it but not how much. He was my favorite guitar player of the band also. Being a player myself he was a huge influence on me. I get it about mental health care back those days. I don't know how you get through that much tragedy. It made me tear up listening to you tell it. I lost my son when he was 36. That is still unbearable for me to dwell on. Alan must have had a heart of gold. Gone to soon doesn't even come close to explaining that kind of pain. Thank you so much for this one. It just hit too close to home for me but I'm so glad I know what really happened to him now. May he rest in peace. 😢❤✝️

[@RiverDocs]

I'm so sorry about your son Stephen. I can only imagine what you go through. Glad you enjoyed the video...even though this was a hard one for me to do. I tried to keep it as soft as I could. Allen's life wasn't easy that is for sure. Peace.

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@RiverDocs I had no idea his life was so tragic. He was one amazing guitar player. Thanks the kind words. I had forgotten about the car accident he was in. It's close to the date when my son passed in 2018 and Allen being 37 it just was a basic coincidence. I didn't mean any disrespect by bringing up my son. I'm going to work through it. It's not any fault of yours. They say it gets easier with time but I think It only does till the date comes around. It's OK my friend we got to go on living. No matter what kind of tragedy happens in our lives. We must push through it and endure til the end. I've watch the video 3 times again. Can you imagine if Allen and Terry both recorded and played with that firebird? Wow 100k would be a bargain for that special of an instrument. That's some deep track history right there. Love all your work . I'm going to have to help support your channel because I learn so much from your research. Thanks again my friend ✌️🙂❤️😎

[@stevemartin164]

🍀❤️

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@stevemartin164 You are not Steve Martin who live in Harvey Louisiana are you. If you are well long time no see my brother. If not thanks for the very kind gesture just the same My friend. 🙂✌️❤️💯

[@fever_spike]

So very sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻♥️

[@MrPopeye776]

Allen was my Fave too. Miss his playing

[@anthonycurran362]

Yeh, the sweetest guy, and probably the greatest guitarist on stage performer ever🤔🙏

[@allencollins6031]

Thanks for remembering this guy.

[@stansmad]

No band ever rocked (especially live) like Skynyrd ! When you went to see the original group they played the songs exactly like they were recorded. Al Kooper, for all the hell he went through was amazed when first hearing them. He said they never deviated from the songs and performed them on end the same every time. Highly recommend "Gone with the Wind" a documentary on them. Very informative and runs 2 hrs. 43 minutes.

[@jrreed6992]

Love his guitar sound in T for Texas live. Man could he play

[@jiballar1]

Allen Collins shredded he was awesome

[@tommydeamon7657]

Thank you for the beautiful video about the most awsome guitarist from the most awsome band from the south and the 70,s

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome Tommy.

[@KeithJennings-me6lc]

The guitar battle between Allen Gary and Steve in the T- for Texas live from 1977 hands down the best ever bar none,watch the video and you will understand what what I mean!

[@KeithJennings-me6lc]

Stile

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

Allen and Terry Kath died on the same day. 1-23-78 for Kath 1-23-90 for Allen. I was very fortunate to play a huge party that Allen attended on Labor Day 88 Allen loved my playing and we hit it off. He invited me (and my girlfriend) to his house after the gig, and we became good friends...i went back 5 times before he passed. All we talked about was music, and guitars...and guitarists...Terry's name came up, we both loved him, and we talked about his death. But Allen NEVER mentioned owning Terrys Firebird...im sure he would have mentioned it. I even got to play it for him, sitting in his living room. He actually had 3 Firebirds over his career, and i asked if it was the one he recorded Freebird on, and he said it was. He was really excited about a 1953 Telecaster he'd bought THAT DAY- but i was interested in the Firebird...did it get destroyed in the plane crash? No, he replied, it was on the equipment truck, go get it, its in the foyer closet. So i did. Its a long story- The guy who introduced me to him, Dean Moore, owned three chimpanzees, and the one in the pics was one. Allen swore the lid was on the bottle of Jack, and so did Dean. Ive only known 2 people who really knew Dean, and one was Steve Reynolds, the guy Allens Dad gave the guitar to. Allens Explorer was at the band house at the time. But i didnt even know he played one...i thought it was just Firebirds and Strats. I had an Ibanez Destroyer, 76 , and he loved that , but i just didnt make the connection... He was THE coolest guy i ever met , hands down.

[@RiverDocs]

Awesome story man. I really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for sharing it!

[@duckdog1104]

saw RCB 4 times never got to see original band. Allen Was mesmerizing!! each show i made up to front of stage before freebird…. “back when u could sneak up front.. You couldn’t take your EYES a off of Allen.. The whole show he was the MAN!!! i was in total awe! every show… Allen was my favorite rock star by far

[@RiverDocs]

I hear ya duckdog. And I mean this, as I know you probably do too that it is not a knock on Rossington or the other. It is just Allen was that good and had that way about him when he played. Thanks for watching!

[@duckdog1104]

By no means a Knock on prince charming!!! he was awesome too! But Allen just commanded the stage i felt!! Allen would walk around directing audience attention to Billy or gary!! just as RVZ once did !

[@shannontucker1286]

He passed 3 days and 3 doors down in icu In memorial hosp..iv sat with his mom in between my grandma. They'll both be so missed and loved ❤️❤️✝️🙏💯🎸🎵

[@tonykichenside8443]

A truly brilliant guitarist

[@smedleybutler8787]

I love to hear stories about old guitars. I think with Steve Gaines Lynyrd Skynyrd was headed to the top.

[@warrenwhite8155]

For me these guys were ALWAYS at the top .....

[@derhandtrommler]

I'm guessing you weren't buying records in 1977.I was. They had arrived with "Street Survivors".

[@warrenwhite8155]

@@derhandtrommler Allen Larkin Collins.....

[@derhandtrommler]

@@warrenwhite8155 Yes, I am familiar with the lad. And ?

[@derhandtrommler]

@@warrenwhite8155 I would disagree. "Nuthin' Fancy" has one well written song and "Gimme Back My Bullets" was Ronnie's fear that the band was in decline as a result of "Nuthin Fancy".s commercial disapointment."Street Survivors" outsold anything else they'd done and featured electrifying performances by Steve Gaines. That was their high point commercially.Unfortunately, it all came to a halt in Gillsburgh, Mississippi.

[@ColbyHall248]

Skynyrd has had nothing but legendary guitar players from Gary Rossington, Allen Collins , Ed king , and Steve Gaines

[@douglaschristine8387]

I feel the same way about Allen Collins as you do. I've always liked him the most out of the band. I've never heard a sadder story.

[@nitehawk-de8fy]

1975 winterland concert showz his talent best early on / Rock hard / Rock in Peace

[@texasflood3165]

to quote Joe Walsh it was more fun to be 20 in the 70’s than to be 70 in the 20’s…. wouldn’t change it for anything..

[@toneman622]

My Friend, As a Gibson Firebird owner a 1965 III-I'd like to add some observations about Allens Firebird. As I see it it was originally a Firebird I like Eric Clapton's Played In Cream (Crossroads Live) if you look at that guitar it had one Pick up( A Mini Humbucker) and Two control knobs( Volume/ Tone) which run horizontal or Parallel to the Neck. At one point he added an additional MiniHumbucker in the neck position and ran the additional wiring under and added the toggle switch to the pickguard. Look at Johnny Winters Firebird V to see the proper knob layout for a two pickup firebird. At one point it looks like an attempt was made to give the Neck pickup its own controls , which failed and then the P-90 was swapped for the original mini humbucker. The mini hum bucker in the bridge position can be extremely bright.

[@richardpierce7819]

I met Allen once after the Rossington Collins band played a gig at the Sunrise Musical theater in Sunrise Fla. He signed an autograph for my then girlfriend Joanna. It was a nice sentiment , he said "God bless you Joanna" then signed it Allen Collins. He was super nice and very much everday people. RIP Allen

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

He always signed like that, and he had great handwriting... Most of the band signed, God Bless You- He signed something for me too.

[@stephenlandry9343]

I watched this one again. Every time I am blown away about that firebird. 3 legendary albums. It's would be priceless. I don't want diamonds or money. Play it for 15 minutes. That's fantasy heaven on earth. That would be my rock and roll fantasy. 🙂✌️😎🎸❤️💯

[@RiverDocs]

I hear ya man!! I wouldn't mind ripping a few notes on it myself!

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

Wow...i lived BOTH of yalls dreams cos i got to play it in his living room...

[@steveop123]

I lived across the street from Allen after his accident was a great guy very humble

[@brentwyatt5348]

Excellent… Thank you…🦅

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you too!

[@sweeetguitar4006]

It’s been said that he wasn’t driving the thunderbird when the accident happened. I don’t know personally. But I do know he was a good person. Very underrated musician.

[@pattyyuraitis1459]

Allen suffered much sadness here on Earth…. Fly Free 🙏🌹

[@kcsvantasticvoyages9729]

Dang hard knocks for sure, understand him better now!

[@eric7922]

37... Very well done, great job on this. Thank you.

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@eric7922]

@@RiverDocs ...I have a ’76 Firebird, pretty stock, great guitar none the less, Gibson’s “strat” is what I call it...got it because of Allen Collins but it’s signed by another one of my guitar hero’s, Johnny Winter...gonna check out yer Terry Kath vid tonight, perhaps something on Jimmy McCulloch sometime? Man, these super cats that left us too early...sigh...

[@ronaldwilliams4954]

wow it's hard to believe that all the original Lynyrd Skynyrd is gone now wow 🎛️😩🎸🎛️

[@NathanSmith-xf7rk]

😪

[@Unsung_Earth]

They are free now ❤

[@erickrohn2970]

@Just a random guy..CRINGE ASS Thanks for pointing that out. Now we all could sleep better lol. But anyway those stupid emojis are so small it looks like a sad face aswell so we know what the fella meant. But thanks again for pointing that out.

[@stevemartin164]

They will always be the street survivors...✌️

[@Wootangtw]

Yeah it’s had to believe… sad

[@williammenini3934]

Merci pour cette video sur Allen. J'aime beaucoup l'histoire de ce groupe donc je suis fan. Je voue egalement un culte total a Allen Collins. Merci William

[@ferdberfle5069]

Damn Dude! I've never heard that Firebird story! From that pic of Terry Kath playing what looks very much like the same guitar, I could believe it. Again he was gone too soon, RIP Allan! Thanks for the Doc RD! As always, you're the best!

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks Ferd...Yeah that was a pretty cool story. I have no clue if it is true or not as with most you have to take them as they are. Maybe someone will comment more about it. Thanks for watching!

[@travishendrix7026]

Doc, another great one. Knowing what came to pass for Allen hurts my soul. I knew his troubles and seeing them put together by you is a very good tribute to a great Southern man. I thank you sir.

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome Travis. Appreciate it!

[@Greggster1]

My first concert. I saw him in KC, 2 months before the plane crash. Epic!

[@michaelgallagher3640]

Got to see the 1st Skynyrd reunion tour, they rolled Allen out on stage & he gave a little speach. It was pretty cool & very sad.

[@cavecavecavecave5295]

Some of the greatest people on earth live lives dogged by bad luck, but choose to get back in the saddle and push on. Allen Collins was one such person. Fly free my man, fly free.

[@MattBaker-zd8nq]

He was one of the best

[@jayollis3105]

Another great. Such a great guitar player. I love Lynyrd Skynyrd. Alcoholism is a terrible disease. Im a alcoholic and quit drinking 22 years ago. Im one of the lucky ones. My brother wasn’t so lucky either. I miss him. And for Allen I miss him also.

[@pellebrekke4758]

One of my guitar heros. Great player and stage presence

[@sixstringmarauder]

I remember seeing them in Memphis July 4th 1976 it was blue oyster cult, outlaws skynyrd and zz top. Skynyrd was the best band that day. Absolutely great experience.

[@deaf19830]

It’s up to us who are still living to carry the words of those who have left us. Thank you Allen for you contribution to the songs that will reverberate for s long long time.

[@NJDEVILz86]

Man live this guy was something lead,rhythm he could play it

[@hellspells74]

This story that i knew is a Nightmare. A tragedy after another one. Rest in peace Allen, with your lovely wife and all the band ♥️