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

@minty_Joe

Жыл бұрын

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

@michaelchmiel166

Жыл бұрын

He was not asleep.

@minty_Joe

Жыл бұрын

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

@texasnewt

Жыл бұрын

Nature mocks sometimes in a most dreadful ironic way.😔

@ponytrekker8996

Жыл бұрын

They knew the plane wasn’t safe.

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

@PanglossDr

Жыл бұрын

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

@trybalone396

Жыл бұрын

@@PanglossDr I knew what he meant.

@amazane1

Жыл бұрын

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

@sixbladeknife44

Жыл бұрын

Awesome 😎✌️

@phillhuddleston9445

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@flyingburritobro68

Жыл бұрын

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

@Eowyn187

Жыл бұрын

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

@rethink62

Жыл бұрын

@@flyingburritobro68 They blew the Stones out in 76

@j.h.3777

Жыл бұрын

@@rethink62 The Stones are crap in concert.

@rethink62

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@TexasHildis

Жыл бұрын

Yes she does! She feels it!

@brianbrown4460

Жыл бұрын

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

@timothybenetti5322

10 ай бұрын

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

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

@AngelofAnguish

Жыл бұрын

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

@karend169

Жыл бұрын

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

@wendellburkhart8297

Жыл бұрын

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

@krusher74

Жыл бұрын

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

@JeanetteFaith

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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

@ianwallace5646

Жыл бұрын

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

@Gutslinger

Жыл бұрын

Robbie?

@tedketterer600

5 ай бұрын

he means Ronnie @@Gutslinger

@clintlautner9542

3 ай бұрын

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

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

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

@michaelwhite6740

Жыл бұрын

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

@pmeyers618

Жыл бұрын

Well said

@Z34LiFe

Жыл бұрын

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

@davideberhart9523

Жыл бұрын

@@Z34LiFe had to clean it up.

@raymo6795

Жыл бұрын

..magical

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

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

@jackiegoodspeed1849

Жыл бұрын

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

@fredditt9902

Жыл бұрын

@@jackiegoodspeed1849 Why?

@jackiegoodspeed1849

Жыл бұрын

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

@gagamba9198

Жыл бұрын

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

@jackiegoodspeed1849

Жыл бұрын

@@gagamba9198 Right!!!!!

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

@theresagallagher9161

Жыл бұрын

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

@tommyquinnhughes

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@Eowyn187

Жыл бұрын

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

@localroger

Жыл бұрын

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

@cartercarter645

Жыл бұрын

Awesome take. Thank you. Preeesh

@frekitheravenous516

Жыл бұрын

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

@diane243

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@fidel2xl

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@ArgonTheAware

Жыл бұрын

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

@jayjordan7104

Жыл бұрын

@@ArgonTheAware Thank God for older brothers

@ArgonTheAware

Жыл бұрын

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

@davidbordonaro1631

Жыл бұрын

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

@ArgonTheAware

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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

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

@davidbordonaro1631

Жыл бұрын

I'm jealous !

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

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

@robertwhite3992

Жыл бұрын

Wow...I know

@vernonjohnsonjr7389

Жыл бұрын

Wow 1977 I was 5 years old

@fittrad3r687

Жыл бұрын

77 was a rough year for music.

@Atomykpimp

Жыл бұрын

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

@ericaferguson7169

Жыл бұрын

The year, summer I was born. Smh

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

@marklewen9384

Жыл бұрын

Elton john is dead?

@willowb1527

Жыл бұрын

@@marklewen9384 no. Queen Elizabeth died this morning. I hope this doesn't mean that Charles is in charge now..

@davidhowell7279

Жыл бұрын

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

@willowb1527

Жыл бұрын

@@davidhowell7279 it was. But it looks like Charles will be in charge now. But it's not Scott Baio

@Sea_Wolf-79

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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

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

@silgen

Жыл бұрын

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

@bloppysloppy2283

Жыл бұрын

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

@bloppysloppy2283

Жыл бұрын

That band called The Rolling Stones.

@matthewhiggins8851

Жыл бұрын

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

@bloppysloppy2283

Жыл бұрын

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

Another INSANE version is their live version from 1976, Knebworth Festival where I believe they opened for the Rolling Stones and pretty much showed them up. Anyway, it's a powerful, LOUD version where the solos are just FIRE !!!

@guyray1504

Жыл бұрын

It was Great to see Ronnie put his boys out on the tounge after Mick J. told him not to go on it.

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

@ivansavoie3190

Жыл бұрын

Allen

@williamweiler6336

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@michelleplombe7019

Жыл бұрын

@JujuBees Hell Yeah! Rebels of the World!

@ryanjustice2670

Жыл бұрын

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

@ryanjustice2670

Жыл бұрын

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

@michaelchmiel166

Жыл бұрын

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

@mikekelly5869

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@Chatta-Ortega

Жыл бұрын

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

@stanleydavidlepretre4241

Жыл бұрын

@@Chatta-Ortega Nice, stay safe.

@jhood758

Жыл бұрын

LoL, 60’s & 70’s. 😊

@carteryoung3986

Жыл бұрын

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

@jimjungle1397

Жыл бұрын

I was 16, in my 60's now.

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

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

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

@edwardcapobianco2975

Жыл бұрын

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

@hoosthere686

Жыл бұрын

@@edwardcapobianco2975 o

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

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

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

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

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

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

@geraldhobby3990

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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

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

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

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

@dpatterson115

Жыл бұрын

That Stones story is excellent!

@benshafer5198

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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

If you haven't seen it, you might want to check them out playing this song at Volunteer Jam V, 1979. It was the first time they played together after the plane crash. No vocals for the performance, just an empty microphone. Pretty emotional performance.

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

Arguably one of thee best guitar solos EVER!

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

So said that tragedy hit soon after this. They were on top of their game at this point.

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

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

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

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

Live at Knebworth is also a great watch.❤️👏

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

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

The audience (all those hot chic's out there from 1977) are all grandparents by now. So, if you want to hear music that today's music can't hold a candle to, go to Grandma's. Great reaction.

To me Southern Rock is much like Country in that there is a story to tell and real emotion. It's not just someone cobbling together words that rhyme because they think they can sell it. It was said that Country Music is a few chords and the truth. I believe Southern Rock is the same. It is real life and descriptive of a lifestyle that so many can relate to. Hard working people who are doing their best in life and in love and in every aspect of their lives. Lots of hard knocks along the way, but you deal with it. It transcends issues of religion, race, money and even politics if the people listening are at all open to that. Great reaction (as usual) guys.

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

Us old farts were pretty cool a long time ago.

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

Have you ever stuck your head out of the car window at a high speed and the wind hits you with so much force that your eyes well with tears but you stick with it anyways? That’s how this song hits during the solo, the kind of emotional force and they take it higher and higher while you just try to hang in there. Absolutely understand the term “facemelter” guitar solo when you hear this.

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

@larrypriser6413

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@phineaspepper3530

Жыл бұрын

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

@stevedahlberg8680

Жыл бұрын

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

@phineaspepper3530

Жыл бұрын

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

the most badass guitar solo ever. that's why even today some people will yell Play freebird. these guys were amazing. and it wasn't long after this that the plane crash happened. these Florida guys had talent. rest in peace Van Zant

Now, you're ready for some "Green Grass and High Tides", by The Outlaws and "Flirtin' with Disaster" by Molly Hatchet!

@jkdrizz

Жыл бұрын

My first concert in 1976 was Lynard Skynard and the opening act was the Outlaws. Got to see both epic songs that you mentioned Wes.

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

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

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

Allen Collins, the guy dressed in all white, wrote the guitar work for Freebird. Lead singer and band leader Ronnie Van Zant was very strict with the rest of the band and made the band rehearse that guitar solo, over and over, so that it would be exactly the same in concert as it was on the album. This was unheard of at the time. Other bands would go into a guitar solo and it would usually be longer than on the album, or slightly different. Ronnie wanted people who spent money on the album to be able to hear the same music when they came to a show. I think it’s part of the reason they sold out shows and their music is still playing on the radio everyday, 50 years later. They have a lot of hits, and the band in this live video only existed from 1973-1977.

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

@christhompson7612

Жыл бұрын

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

@neilmartin99

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@marklewen9384

Жыл бұрын

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

@aandpman

Жыл бұрын

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

One of the greatest songs ever...

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

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

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

@samlawrence4670

Жыл бұрын

Seconded it is epic.

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

The guitar solos in this song, Stairway to Heaven and Hotel California are some of the greatest guitar pieces ever written.

@marklewen9384

Жыл бұрын

And aqualung by jethro tull...

Was wondering when you two were going to get to this song, SPECIFICALLY THIS version. Welcome to the world of Southern Rock (at it's absolute finest)

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

I remember in the 1970s going to summer festivals starting in the hot summer day and there’d be 3 to 5 bands that each would play a full set of a couple hours. All day in the summer listening to music. Lots of beer was drunk in those days. Note: that could be your grandparents in the audience 😉

Yes I saw them at Knebworth too. Amazing. When you say they had their whole life ahead of them. Most of them had died within the year (In a plane crash)

If you are driving down the road with this song playing, and you are not speeding by the time it is over, You don't have it loud enough.

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

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

Every time I see old, live footage of Skynard it reminds me of hearing about the plane crash on WKLS 96 rock in Atlanta, I was 10, my older sister was bawling and my dad was shook. It makes that pain flare up. Such an iconic fkn song, wish they'd had more time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 1970’s had the best music! Lex you would have loved it!

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