Not just this song but so many awesome songs from an age that can never happen again. I'm guessing we've lived through a piece of history. Then, and, well, now. But not musically.
Left to right on album cover: Leon Wilkeson bass guitar Billy Powell key boards Ronnie Van Zant lead vocals Gary Torrington lead and slide guitar Bob Burns drums Allen Collins lead guitar Ed King lead guitar. On this song Gary plays slide and for the awesome solo it's Allen and Ed playing all that fire.you my friends have just heard the greatest solo in rock.
Saw them in September 74 in the gym at LA Tech. They weren’t very well known at the time . Was standing on the gym floor about 15 feet from stage. Free bird was yet to be released as a single. They killed it. Blew everyone away
Congratulations kids….You just got to experience one of the great rock 'n' roll anthems ever recorded. Lynyrd Skynyrd is the quintessential southern rock band and one of the greatest American rock bands ever. Based out of Florida, they are a quintessential three-headed monster with overlapping lead guitarists creating a sound that cannot be duplicated. Search around on UA-cam and you will find a live version of it in the Oakland Alameda Coliseum circa 76 - 77….I was there. I was also at a show in my early 20s where I heard a 24 minute version of the song believe it or not. Go down this rabbit hole and learn about the history of the band and the tragedies that cut its life short. Their entire catalog is spectacular and worthy of your investigation.
Yep, I’m 67 yrs old, hearing this puts me right back on that hot summer evening, sitting in the middle of the field in my purple hip hugger hot pants and lavender with little white flowers tie up crop top, wind in my hair, cold beer in one hand- seeing Ronnie in that hat and black tee-shirt singing and just watching Allen doing his solo on his Gibson and Gary coming in on Berniece ( his name for his Les Paul ) and then Allen and Ed would play dueling guitars- I can feel it, see it, smell it like it was yesterday. Omg! What an AMAZING group, an amazing party, and and equally amazingly tragic loss of talent
That just reminded me of the Pioneer Super Tuner radio with the Jensen Mind Blower speakers! We blasted the hell out of this song back then! Feels like yesterday listening to it today. Gotta love the 70' and 80's!! Nothing will ever be like it again!
Fun to watch them commenting on how good the song ~4min in, not yet knowing it’s just the intro & they’re about to light it off. I was the same 1st time.
You really need to do the live version. much more of the three guitar attack. Glad you were both able to experience this classic Skynyrd tune. Believe me, the live version at Oakland has a lot more guitar pyrotechnics. Ronnie Vanzant on lead vocals and the amazing Gary Rossington on slide guitar. This song still sends chills up my 67 yr old spine all these years later.
Spot on Gary the live version from Oakland is fire, such a shame Ronnie Van Zant was taken from us too soon they could have been the biggest band on earth had he been around a few more years.
There are 3 reasons the live version is better. 1- The studio version was cut short to fit the album. Notice the odd fade out at the end. 2- On the live version there is a feedback loop driving them. The more the crowd got into it the more they got into it. 3- between the studio version and the live versions they added Billy Powell, their great pianist. He adds a whole other level to the song.
Nothing stands out? Yeah. Until the kickass 8 minute solo when Allen Collins redefines what an encore performance should look an sound like. This is pure greatness.
And when you hear Allen Collins shredding his guitar and realize how publications like Guitar magazine or Rolling Stone magazine disrespected the Skynyrd boys by either ranking them extremely low or completely omitting them from their top 100 guitarist lists (probably due to the industry's bigotry to the U.S. Southern culture), you know those publications were full of sht!
might want to add gary rossington to that guitar list , when allen went solo it was rossington/collins band /1979 on guitar.less than a couple years after the plane crash /1977/ ..smiles and just saying
They were considered one of the greatest live bands of the 70’s before the unfortunate plane crash. The live version is even longer and even better. Great reaction
They were by far the greatest live band of that era. I saw several of their contemporaries. Had the incredible opportunity to see them early on before they hit it big, at a small venue with about 2,000 seats. I was shocked at how good they were live.
This song is fifty years old, and is so iconic that people STILL yell out "FREEBIRD" at rock concerts---and even non-rock concerts---when there's a pause between songs. By the way, Lynyrd Skynyrd epitomized Southern Rock more than any other group.
Bob Dylan asked what song the crowd wanted to hear at his concert and they yelled FREEBIRD.......he played it. Same with Nirvana, and just about every concert that I've ever been to.
Silas, I reacted the same way, only it had been out for 1 week. I was screaming at my friends, " Everyone, get in here. You have to hear this!!!" The same reaction for every song on the album. Yes, it was an album...1973. Now I've seen them live 3 times, and was exhausted after each show! You get a "like" for that reaction.
Love the difference in reactions: Alivia is thoughtfully weighing and considering each lyric. Silas is over there acting like it's speaking to his soul! 😎
I listened to this song hundreds of times and it never gets old. Dangerous song to listen to when driving. You get too hyped during the solo and suddenly you’re doing 30 over the speed limit
You see this kid when Allen Collins started playing the guitar? He was a 22 year old kid playing that! F'ing awesome brilliant musician like MOST in the 70's.
Silas is "jamming out" to more than just some "drum beats and a guitar" as his girlfriend said. He's really feeling the music and he's not afraid to show it. Being open to experiencing some amazing classic rock for the first time is very cool for a teenager these days. That's what makes his channel so fun to watch. Always stay true to yourself, Silas!
Her comments were passive aggressive behavior, maybe that's why she only shows up once in a while? It's hard to get into the music when the person next to you is bouncing off the walls.🤣😂😅
CALL ME THE BREEZE caused me to be a LS fan and I bought the album. The first song on the album was this tune SWEET HOME ALABAMA, which I had never heard before and to me, sounded like a rip or Rolling Stones STRAY CAT BLUES.
I love when the transition hits people love it and after about a minute expect it to be winding down.....and then it just starts melting their brain. LOL....AMAZING ARTISTRY!!! Glad you guys experienced it and loved it!
Glad you listened to the studio version first. Everyone who's talking about the live version has heard the studio version many times and has that foundation. Then you can listen to the live version.
There first concert in the US since they returned from Europe after opening for The Who, was in St Paul, Minnesota, a small theater, maybe 2,000 seats. I was shocked at how good they were live. They never missed a note.
To think they wrote and played THIS in their early 20s. Such an immensely talented band - along with the Allman Brothers, CCR, and the Eagles, one of the greatest groups in American rock history.
Seeing them in concert was absolutely one of the best memories from my teenage years. The air was thick with illegal smoke and everyone was feeling this same vibe! Amazing band.
I've heard this song since the album come out I just find it crazy people are hearing it for the 1st time. This is hands down the greatest rock and roll song of all time
ONE TIME LISTENING IS NOTHING !! YOU MUST LISTENEING 1000 TIMES ! i AM LISTENING THIS SICHC2 50 YEARS !! AND EVERY TIME ITS GET BETTER AND GREATER ! lISTEN TO DIVERSE LIVE VERSIONEN Oakland in 1977 is incredible!
The talent level in this remarkable band was not matched by many. Live, they were absolutely phenomenal. All those hours of practice in the Hell-house sure paid off.
Three guitars, a wild man on one bass, one piano, and a madman drummer, all working in perfect harmony. One of the greatest songs ever and if you watch the live performances, you will be amazed at just how easy they make it look. RIP to the band members who left us far too soon. This is probably the best quality live performance: ua-cam.com/video/QxIWDmmqZzY/v-deo.html
That cover photo was taken on Main Street in Jonesboro, GA...my hometown. Interesting bit of trivia: Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed picked up their 400 cases of Coors on the same street (about 100 feet away) in the movie, Smokey and the Bandit.
This song, and Skynyrd generally, kicked off the great Southern Rock craze of the late 70s. Bands like The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, The Charlie Daniels Band, the Allman Brothers, and lots more all had hits during that time. It was also the era of the ten minute guitar solo.
been listening to this since day one in 1974.. i see all the reaction's to it..and still have not heard one person catch the door slam at the begining of the solo.. it's such an important part of the song.. it mean's it's final and done.. I'M FREE..
First of all, I'm glad to see Alivia back. The singer is the blond Guy 3rd from the left. His name is Ronnie Van Zant. If you like this, check out Green Grass And High Tides by The Outlaws. Like this, it starts out mellow then the 2nd half will have you out of your chair. The live version of this song is fire. 3 members of the band (Ronnie and guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister Cassie Gaines, a backup singer) were killed in a plane crash in July, 1977. That ended the band until they reunited about 10 years later with Ronnie's younger brother Johnnie Van Zant taking over on lead vocals.
I think you may be the only other sub on this channel that has even mentioned the incredible OUTLAWS band from the same era. Why do they keep getting passed up on reaction channels?
Crash was October 20, 1977... Everything else you stated is accurate. Outlaws a great band that used to tour with original Skynyrd back in '70s. Hughie Thomason later joined the new version of LS for many years.
This studio version is good but the Oakland 1977 live performance is truly, magnificently breath-taking. Im in my 60s now and not in great health - but when I hear the Oakland live version, I get up and dance all round the house, crying - as it feels simultaneously full of sadness and incredible joy.
Leonard Skinner was their Phys Ed teacher. Presumably the boys in the band were'nt on too good terms with the man so naming the band after him was kind of a mockery. As he threatened to sue the band for their choise of what to call the band they choose to rename themselves Lynyrd Skynyrd.
His name was Leonard Skinner and I read he didn't think much of it at first but ended up OK with it. An old, old fan. Saw the original band twice before the crash.
I remember the first time I heard this song. I was 15, getting stoned on some little back road on the Texas Gulf Coast and I was never the same. That was 38 years ago, and it never gets old. Welcome to the rabbit hole. ✌🏻❤️from Texas
Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the greatest rock bands ever and fortunately for us, they had several albums and tons of incredible material all over the map before the tragic plane crash in 1977 that ended it all. Freebird, along with Stairway to Heaven, and arguably Bohemian Rhapsody, are generally considered to be the most iconic rock songs of all time. To me, they are the holy triumvirate. It was such a delight to see the looks on y'all's faces as this what is essentially a symphony unfolds. I can still remember the first time I ever heard this in 6th grade and my jaw was completely on the floor. Of course I ran right out and got the album and then I proceeded to buy every single of their albums and there is not a bad song on any album. So much fire all the way around. Silas, when you did Simple Man, I believe I commented at the time that I was astonished that you weren't already familiar with Lynyrd Skynyrd and I said I was sure that you would love it because it is right up your alley. All of these guys were absolutely killer musicians and they worked so tightly together and they were good friends also. There are a couple really good quality videos of live performances of Freebird which other people have mentioned, and keep in mind this is their very first album, the so-called Pronounced album and this song along with others was a huge hit from it. The live footage of this that is available on UA-cam is from a number of years later in the late 70s right before the plane crash. They were still young, but they were much younger even here, and of course they matured as a band because they toured heavily and they played really long shows, just like Led Zeppelin did, and talk about stamina and endurance - they would just go off over and over and over again. And they also have absolutely beautiful ballads and haunting poignant songs. They also have several songs that were social statements about everything from anti-war regarding Vietnam, the danger of cheap handguns, the destructive nature of being hardcore addicted to alcohol or drugs, and a warning to people that if they don't know what's going on in the ghetto, they better open their eyes, and all kinds of things. And SO MANY BANGERS! For a slow, thoughtful, and powerful but short song with tons of slide guitar and dobro, check out The Ballad Of Curtis Loew. And PLEASE consider always listening to the studio cuts first before checking out the live version, just like you did here. You can really hear the genius of the jigsaw puzzle nature of their incredible arrangements and just the fidelity of them going off because they are so good, you want to hear every little nuance in the studio, which is the way we heard it on the radio and on the record albums we bought and the way they intended the audience to receive it. Finally, Olivia, I am classically trained and also a composer and yes I can actually totally picture this on sheet music in my head, and it truly is a masterpiece. There is so much harmonic and rhythmic counterpoint and complementary structure and motion going on, which creates so much tension and then release. Certain parts of this rock anthem are truly not that different from a Bach fugue!
You need to see the live version of this in Oakland stadium in 1977. Get to see how your grandparents knew how to have a great time rocking to this music!
Great reaction video… my grad year 94 actually voted for this as our prom song. It was 25 years old at that time and I was like wuuut.. but I tell ya it was flipping great
The best thing about this song is you can listen to it at anytime and feel what you feel. I love your reaction because it can be a chill song or a head banger. What can I say, I’m in my 50’s and it’s fun to see a younger generation enjoying the same music. If you haven’t done the Eagles you should.
The magic of Lynyrd Skynyrd's three guitar army never gets old! In the late 70's and early 80's every cover band worth their salt played Freebird as their finale. Of course, none played it as well as 'Skynyrd, but we loved it anyway.
This song gets young people every time. They’re sucked into the slow melody at the beginning, then BAM! They’re hit in the face with the type of music we old timers grew up with that no longer exists. Pure musical talent that no auto tune can come close to. Those bands from the 70’s have no equal. End of discussion.
Delve into the story of this band. You’ll be hooked. Check out all the live versions. Oakland’77, Knebworth’76 and Old Grey Whistle Test ‘75. Lynyrd Skynyrd was a remarkable live band.
I'm glad i got to see them a couple of times in my life. First time in the early 90s. My parents are actually superfans that seen them countless times, and met the band. They always play Freebird last, and this is still the most mind-blowing song I've ever seen performed live...ever !
always loved the premise of the song of wanting to be a free soul, a free bird, and wanting spread his wings and explore. The beginning is so sad and somber feeling. But as the song progresses and he decides he's really going to do it, he leaves and head into the world wide open and the music matches that exhilaration of "flying" for the first time.. finally a free bird and seeing the world
Being a Florida boy from when Lynyrd Skynyrd first came out, I was y’all’s age when this album came out. Everyone focuses on the boys up front on guitars but listen to the bad ass bass. So glad younger people are listening to one of many great southern rock bands.😎
Ed King on bass for that song and album. He kills it. And to think Ronnie Van Zant "fired" him for being "the worst bass player he ever heard." But if Ed hadn't been moved over to guitar, "Sweet Home Alabama" wouldn't exist.
I knew of the studio version for about a year after it came out but my first time hearing the live version (off Gold & Platinum album, "playing pretty for Atlanta") was on an overnight bus on a Senior trip in 1978. We must have jammed to LS for 2 hours! Still a fresh memory 45 years later. As noted, the Oakland live version video is a must watch. EDIT: Sadly just a few months after the Oakland concert, a play crash killed the lead singer and a few other members. The survivors formed the Rossington Collins band and later brought back Lynard Skynard for performances but the original group was THE group.
This is one of those songs where the live version (off “One More From The Road”) is so much better than the original studio cut (like “25 or 6 to 4” at Tanglewood).
Lynyrd Skynyrd is considered by many to be the greates southern rock band, and are known to have shaped and influence many, many others, this band will forever be haunted, and revered...Rock ON!
The guy with the cap and lightening bolt jacket on is the bass player, Leon Wilkeson-he doesn't get enough shine, IMO, but watch the Oakland Coliseum 1977 live version, dude is rocking! The guitar outro always makes me think of birds soaring amongst the mountains, utterly free.
Yet another great reaction from you all! You HAVE to check out their song "Gimme Three Steps". A classic for sure. The music is wonderful, but be sure to listen to the lyrics. Funny as hell. Thanks, my friend....
Check out the version performed at Oakland 1977 for the ultimate Freebird experience. Possibly the greatest live performance of all time by anyone. RIP Gary Rossington who only died this week. Reunited with his band mates.
If you want to really see them live get the DVD Free Bird the movie it will blow your mind! Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Eagles were the two bands that I know wanted the sound to be just like off the album. I'm 61 years old and those songs still blow my mind
First time watching you guys. GREAT reaction. This is what you get when you have three world class guitarists in one band. I'm an older dude but love watching the younger kids listening early in the song reaction knowing what's coming. You did not disappoint. Keep up the great reactions and good luck.
Rock & Roll has some bad ass guitar gods. Some other choices: Stevie Ray Vaughan; Jeff Beck; Eddie Van Halen; Eric Clapton; Jimmy Page; Jimi Hendrix; Duane Allman; Keith Richards; Carlos Santana; or Angus Young. Each one brings something different and special to the music. You can just randomly pick any of these and experience their amazing skill. I guess if you pinned me down I would say Stevie Ray Vaughn "Texas Flood" or Carlos Santana's "Smooth" would be my first choices.
Great reaction, Silas and Alivia, to one of the best rock songs ever recorded. As others have stated, you MUST see the live performance from Oakland in '77... it will blow your mind.
"Saturday Night Special" is a favorite of mine, since I heard it in the original "The Longest Yard" movie. These guys have many good songs worth checking out. Thanks Silas!
I just LOVE when another generation loves my music!!!!!!!!! Yes, you must see the live version. I am 63 years old and still turn the volume way up to watch this video. There are 4 guitar players, a pianist, and Ronnie the singer. Very sad end to that particular group. A few weeks after this the entire band and roadies were in a plane crash on the way to another gig. 4 died: Ronnie, the blonde guitar player, his wife and I think a roadie. Ronnie's brother took his place as lead vocal, the piano player, Billy Powell, who was critically injured, I believe he did not come back with the band. The people on the album cover were the new band members. There is a documentary about that crash. So, if you haven't reacted to Boston, More than a feeling, Journey live with Steve Perry Don't Stop Believing, or Chicago ( anything!) Please do yourself a favor and do them. The late 60's and 70's was the time period for Classic Rock. Other than Classical piano, Classic Rock has not seen its match. I was a child of the 70's and my friends and I had so much fun while singing along to all of these.
For those that don’t know, when they originally played this for the first time, they decided to just throw in the guitar solo to give Ronnie Van Zant a break from singing. Little did they know that they went in to create the greatest guitar solo in the history of music.
A top 10 of the decade and a SERIOUS contender for top 5. Congrats for discovering it. And when a fantastic song like this comes up, you gotta drag Alivia up outta HER chair!
Back in the day, at any garage band gig, people would yell out "play Free Bird", or just "Free Bird!", just because it's so an epic instrumentally and hard to play, or cover.
An absolute FACE MELTER at the end. The song feels exactly like a breakup. You try to let 'em down easy, and it breaks both hearts in the process, but the road and further adventure call, and holy crap can life be a wild ride. ^__^
I was a big Skynyrd fan and remember how excited I was when 'Street Survivors' dropped in the autumn of 1977. I especially loved 'That Smell' and 'What's Your Name' after my first few listens. I was a freshman at Boulder High School and had no class first period, then art second period (not a goof-off class; I was really into doing art). Our hippy-dippy stoner teacher used to let us listen to the radio while we worked and I remember the silence that fell over the studio when the KAZY DJ solemnly announced the deaths of Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, several crew and the pilots of their small chartered airplane when it went down in rural Mississippi. The first pressings of 'Survivors, the one I had, showed the band members standing in flames. Every pressing after that eliminated the flames. Haunting moment for young, impressionable me. I love Silas' rocking out; that was me, too!
Yes.. remember wen it came out.. ronnie wrote it after Alan AND gary both wiped out their cars, ronnie had to postpone tour dates cause those 2 in hospitals.. lol..
I love Lynyrd Skynyrd. In the movie Forest Gump this song is played in a delicate scene, but it fits perfectly. 'Sweet Home Alabama' is also featured on the soundtrack, of course since it's set in Alabama. That's why this movie is perfect.
If asked, I would always recommend an original studio version as a first time listen of any tune except this one. Find it live and see how they performed. They were great. MANY other great songs from these guys await you and all who dare.
I agree on both counts. It’s almost always Better to go with the studio version first. The only other sings I would put in the same category are a few from AC/DC’s live album, If You Want Blood, that made a real improvement on the studio versions.
From Wikipedia - "The cover photograph was taken on Main Street in Jonesboro, Georgia... The photo was the last in a long day of shooting for the album cover... in the background is a lightning strike in the sky. It is not fabricated and the band did not know it was there until after they saw the released album cover."
As a crusty old Skynyrd fan, I really enjoy seeing people's reactions to a Freebird first listen...waiting for the solo to hit 🙂 The singer is third from left, guitar solo by lanky dude second from right. The lighting bolt is real...a freak thing. It was the last shot of that shoot.
This was their debut album, if you can believe that. The long guitar at the end was primarily done by the tallest dude in the back - second from the right. He was not alone - 3 guitars and a bass jammed on that, at least they did in Oakland in 1977. The dude doing the slide guitar during the singing was the last original member and died recently.The singer has his back to the bricks - the guy next to him has his hand up on the bricks, above the singer’s head. He died in the plane crash in 1977. GREAT, great band. Cannot tell you how wonderful it was to hear this released as a teen in the early 70’s. It was friggin’ magic.
One of the unexpected joys I've found in my life is watching people discover Free Bird for the first time. It's beautiful and sublime.
This reaction made my day... week... month... year.
Not just this song but so many awesome songs from an age that can never happen again. I'm guessing we've lived through a piece of history. Then, and, well, now. But not musically.
I agree. Its so awesome! Weird how folks have no clue about them
Agreed, I've watched what seems like hundreds of these .. ❤
Left to right on album cover:
Leon Wilkeson bass guitar
Billy Powell key boards
Ronnie Van Zant lead vocals
Gary Torrington lead and slide guitar
Bob Burns drums
Allen Collins lead guitar
Ed King lead guitar.
On this song Gary plays slide and for the awesome solo it's Allen and Ed playing all that fire.you my friends have just heard the greatest solo in rock.
Silas' reaction is priceless, just like every teenager hearing this for the first time in 1973. 🤣
God I remember that like it was yesterday. Sitting in the back of my uncle's 69 SS with my girlfriend. Damn those were good days
@@historyfan6684how you doing sir
@@TheBeast-LPTV Awesome brother and I hope you are too.
Are not is 1975?
Saw them in September 74 in the gym at LA Tech. They weren’t very well known at the time . Was standing on the gym floor about 15 feet from stage. Free bird was yet to be released as a single. They killed it. Blew everyone away
Congratulations kids….You just got to experience one of the great rock 'n' roll anthems ever recorded. Lynyrd Skynyrd is the quintessential southern rock band and one of the greatest American rock bands ever. Based out of Florida, they are a quintessential three-headed monster with overlapping lead guitarists creating a sound that cannot be duplicated. Search around on UA-cam and you will find a live version of it in the Oakland Alameda Coliseum circa 76 - 77….I was there. I was also at a show in my early 20s where I heard a 24 minute version of the song believe it or not. Go down this rabbit hole and learn about the history of the band and the tragedies that cut its life short. Their entire catalog is spectacular and worthy of your investigation.
The Oakland Version live is one of the all time best.
Love watching young people react to this song. Still blowing minds 50 years on.
The way I partied I feel lucky to have lived long enough to see young people at all lol 😆 😅
Yep, I’m 67 yrs old, hearing this puts me right back on that hot summer evening, sitting in the middle of the field in my purple hip hugger hot pants and lavender with little white flowers tie up crop top, wind in my hair, cold beer in one hand- seeing Ronnie in that hat and black tee-shirt singing and just watching Allen doing his solo on his Gibson and Gary coming in on Berniece ( his name for his Les Paul ) and then Allen and Ed would play dueling guitars- I can feel it, see it, smell it like it was yesterday. Omg! What an AMAZING group, an amazing party, and and equally amazingly tragic loss of talent
That just reminded me of the Pioneer Super Tuner radio with the Jensen Mind Blower speakers! We blasted the hell out of this song back then! Feels like yesterday listening to it today. Gotta love the 70' and 80's!! Nothing will ever be like it again!
Fun to watch them commenting on how good the song ~4min in, not yet knowing it’s just the intro & they’re about to light it off. I was the same 1st time.
RIP Gary Rossington 1951-2023 the last founding members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fly high FREEBIRD brother🕊
I’ll always have a twinge of sadness every time I look at the album cover now, knowing that they’re ALL gone now.
'If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?'
YES SIR!!
EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!!
You really need to do the live version. much more of the three guitar attack. Glad you were both able to experience this classic Skynyrd tune. Believe me, the live version at Oakland has a lot more guitar pyrotechnics. Ronnie Vanzant on lead vocals and the amazing Gary Rossington on slide guitar. This song still sends chills up my 67 yr old spine all these years later.
FACTS!!!
ua-cam.com/video/QxIWDmmqZzY/v-deo.html
Can't believe they picked this version. So Sad.
Yeah, you'll get to see what your grandparents were doing in 1977. You'll noticed that they know how to have fun in those days.
Spot on Gary the live version from Oakland is fire, such a shame Ronnie Van Zant was taken from us too soon they could have been the biggest band on earth had he been around a few more years.
For the second listen, absolutely. Always though, first listen studio!
3 lead guitars. 1 bass. 1 drummer. 1 piano player, & a singer.🕊 the bass player is freaking killing it.
Beat hell outta that club he did!
I love when Allan starts jumping up and down and never misses a lick
There are 3 reasons the live version is better. 1- The studio version was cut short to fit the album. Notice the odd fade out at the end. 2- On the live version there is a feedback loop driving them. The more the crowd got into it the more they got into it. 3- between the studio version and the live versions they added Billy Powell, their great pianist. He adds a whole other level to the song.
LIVE Album> "Play it Purdy for Atlanta!!!"
The energy of the crowd is incredible and you can see the band feeding off of it. They really stepped it up a notch.
@@richardfromtexas it's because they soon were going to die.
@@jackiegoodspeed1849 Just as we are all about to do. Don't ask me when, just enjoy until it comes ✌❤
The live version is insane
Free bird released 1973
Fast forward 2023 ❤
Happy 50th anniversary
Nothing stands out? Yeah. Until the kickass 8 minute solo when Allen Collins redefines what an encore performance should look an sound like. This is pure greatness.
And when you hear Allen Collins shredding his guitar and realize how publications like Guitar magazine or Rolling Stone magazine disrespected the Skynyrd boys by either ranking them extremely low or completely omitting them from their top 100 guitarist lists (probably due to the industry's bigotry to the U.S. Southern culture), you know those publications were full of sht!
They need to watch the live version from 7/2/77 at the Oakland Coliseum…
Wasn't just Allen, was it?
might want to add gary rossington to that guitar list , when allen went solo it was rossington/collins band /1979 on guitar.less than a couple years after the plane crash /1977/ ..smiles and just saying
They were considered one of the greatest live bands of the 70’s before the unfortunate plane crash. The live version is even longer and even better. Great reaction
They were by far the greatest live band of that era. I saw several of their contemporaries. Had the incredible opportunity to see them early on before they hit it big, at a small venue with about 2,000 seats. I was shocked at how good they were live.
This song is fifty years old, and is so iconic that people STILL yell out "FREEBIRD" at rock concerts---and even non-rock concerts---when there's a pause between songs. By the way, Lynyrd Skynyrd epitomized Southern Rock more than any other group.
Bob Dylan asked what song the crowd wanted to hear at his concert and they yelled FREEBIRD.......he played it. Same with Nirvana, and just about every concert that I've ever been to.
I think you have to add the Allman Brothers in here as well in terms of epitomizing Southern Rock of the era.
The Allman Brothers pretty much originated the genre. But I'll stand firm on Skynyd epitomizing it.
@@jacklewis5452 Nirvana played Freebird?
Amen brother!@@johnrichardson353
Silas, I reacted the same way, only it had been out for 1 week. I was screaming at my friends, " Everyone, get in here. You have to hear this!!!" The same reaction for every song on the album. Yes, it was an album...1973. Now I've seen them live 3 times, and was exhausted after each show! You get a "like" for that reaction.
Love the difference in reactions:
Alivia is thoughtfully weighing and considering each lyric.
Silas is over there acting like it's speaking to his soul! 😎
She is dead inside. The boy LIVES!
@@davidcunningham5867you ass
Left brain and right brain.
I listened to this song hundreds of times and it never gets old. Dangerous song to listen to when driving. You get too hyped during the solo and suddenly you’re doing 30 over the speed limit
😂true
And it never will. Certain songs don't have an expiration date, and shouldn't.
For real though
It's always a joy to watch another generation have their faces melted by this iconic song!
You see this kid when Allen Collins started playing the guitar? He was a 22 year old kid playing that! F'ing awesome brilliant musician like MOST in the 70's.
Silas is "jamming out" to more than just some "drum beats and a guitar" as his girlfriend said. He's really feeling the music and he's not afraid to show it. Being open to experiencing some amazing classic rock for the first time is very cool for a teenager these days. That's what makes his channel so fun to watch. Always stay true to yourself, Silas!
The lyrics are resonating...
@@martinXY One can only hope
LMAO! Same exact thought...What a drag.
Her comments were passive aggressive behavior, maybe that's why she only shows up once in a while? It's hard to get into the music when the person next to you is bouncing off the walls.🤣😂😅
That comment from her specifically pissed me off lol
I remember the first time I heard freebird. I was in a bookshop and was about to leave when the solo kicked in. Well I changed my mind on that!
"Call Me the Breeze" is another Skynyrd gem that has killer guitar and piano solos.
CALL ME THE BREEZE caused me to be a LS fan and I bought the album. The first song on the album was this tune SWEET HOME ALABAMA, which I had never heard before and to me, sounded like a rip or Rolling Stones STRAY CAT BLUES.
Call me The Breeze is a really good cover.
The live 1976 version is better.
The Breeze is The Best!!!
'i know a little'
I love when the transition hits people love it and after about a minute expect it to be winding down.....and then it just starts melting their brain. LOL....AMAZING ARTISTRY!!! Glad you guys experienced it and loved it!
Never thought I'd get to witness people hearing Freebird for the first time. Really cool.
Glad you listened to the studio version first. Everyone who's talking about the live version has heard the studio version many times and has that foundation. Then you can listen to the live version.
Check out the live version from Oakland CA from 1977. I saw them in Philly that same year at JFK stadium. I was 16 and it was incredible!
Yes please react to the 1977 Live from Oakland
I saw this show in Anaheim Angels Stadium this same year
I was 18 when in Oakland what a show never forget those days on the green concerts!
There first concert in the US since they returned from Europe after opening for The Who, was in St Paul, Minnesota, a small theater, maybe 2,000 seats. I was shocked at how good they were live. They never missed a note.
The Knebworth concert performance in the UK is even wilder!
To think they wrote and played THIS in their early 20s. Such an immensely talented band - along with the Allman Brothers, CCR, and the Eagles, one of the greatest groups in American rock history.
Seeing them in concert was absolutely one of the best memories from my teenage years. The air was thick with illegal smoke and everyone was feeling this same vibe! Amazing band.
y'all finally get it!! Live 1977
7:23: Knew that was going to happen. That's a "get out of your chair" moment if there ever was one.
Yep! That drop got her....
7:45 followed closely by the “is this real, am I hearing this for real” disbelief moment 😆
When the solo kicks in that is the greatest reaction i've ever seen from Silas, it literally blew him out his chair.
"Call Me The Breeze" by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a must listen to...
1977 farm aid live in Oakland stadium. It's totally fire 🔥 😊 guitars will make you stand. The piano is wild as well
😊
I've heard this song since the album come out I just find it crazy people are hearing it for the 1st time. This is hands down the greatest rock and roll song of all time
..Oh yeah? well, Led Zep said. 'Hold my beer'.
p.s. Yeah, great fun watching kids discovering 'our' music. :)
@@spoonunit03 Free bird versus stairway to heaven side-by-side it's gotta be free bird
@@kevinlese633 Totally agree man. Makes the spine tingle every time.
Agreed Free Bird is the #1 rock song ever IMHO!
@@kevinlese633 Thankfully, we don't have to choose! Both are incredible.
ONE TIME LISTENING IS NOTHING !!
YOU MUST LISTENEING 1000 TIMES !
i AM LISTENING THIS SICHC2 50 YEARS !!
AND EVERY TIME ITS GET BETTER AND GREATER !
lISTEN TO DIVERSE LIVE VERSIONEN
Oakland in 1977 is incredible!
This whole album is outstanding.
i love street survivors album
@@michaelmulherin9952, Street Survivors is my favourite album of all time.
Many friends of ours in Alabama where I live had this played at their funerals! The guy on the far right of the album cover is the singer!
The talent level in this remarkable band was not matched by many. Live, they were absolutely phenomenal. All those hours of practice in the Hell-house sure paid off.
Three guitars, a wild man on one bass, one piano, and a madman drummer, all working in perfect harmony. One of the greatest songs ever and if you watch the live performances, you will be amazed at just how easy they make it look. RIP to the band members who left us far too soon. This is probably the best quality live performance: ua-cam.com/video/QxIWDmmqZzY/v-deo.html
This is considered one of if NOT the greatest rock song ever by many people hope you dont pause this amazing guitar solo😂😂
OHHHHH...you gotta do the live at Oakland version. Way more energy and the visuals are pretty cool too.
And OHHHHHH you need to hear the OUTLAWS as well.
@@notedrockhistorian4382 absolutely!
Yes.. oakland video is sooo cool😊
That cover photo was taken on Main Street in Jonesboro, GA...my hometown. Interesting bit of trivia: Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed picked up their 400 cases of Coors on the same street (about 100 feet away) in the movie, Smokey and the Bandit.
I heard this song for so many fallen friends played at funerals in the 70's and 80's. So moving then and still now
This song, and Skynyrd generally, kicked off the great Southern Rock craze of the late 70s. Bands like The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, The Charlie Daniels Band, the Allman Brothers, and lots more all had hits during that time. It was also the era of the ten minute guitar solo.
Do the live version from Oakland
been listening to this since day one in 1974.. i see all the reaction's to it..and still have not heard one person catch the door slam at the begining of the solo.. it's such an important part of the song.. it mean's it's final and done.. I'M FREE..
First of all, I'm glad to see Alivia back. The singer is the blond Guy 3rd from the left. His name is Ronnie Van Zant. If you like this, check out Green Grass And High Tides by The Outlaws. Like this, it starts out mellow then the 2nd half will have you out of your chair. The live version of this song is fire. 3 members of the band (Ronnie and guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister Cassie Gaines, a backup singer) were killed in a plane crash in July, 1977. That ended the band until they reunited about 10 years later with Ronnie's younger brother Johnnie Van Zant taking over on lead vocals.
I think you may be the only other sub on this channel that has even mentioned the incredible OUTLAWS band from the same era. Why do they keep getting passed up on reaction channels?
Crash was October 20, 1977... Everything else you stated is accurate. Outlaws a great band that used to tour with original Skynyrd back in '70s. Hughie Thomason later joined the new version of LS for many years.
@@timray1987 Whoops. I knew that, don't know why I said July. Thanks for the catch.
@@johnfoster5295
The Oakland performance was in July.
This studio version is good but the Oakland 1977 live performance is truly, magnificently breath-taking.
Im in my 60s now and not in great health - but when I hear the Oakland live version, I get up and dance all round the house, crying - as it feels simultaneously full of sadness and incredible joy.
Yes.. i have the video of the 77 oakland concert.. just awsome.. been hearin this since my teens, plane crash the talk of school, 9th grade..
They named the band after a tough teacher they had named Leonard Skinner, so it’s spelled weird but pronounced the same.
Spot on 💯🤘
Leonard Skinner was their Phys Ed teacher. Presumably the boys in the band were'nt on too good terms with the man so naming the band after him was kind of a mockery. As he threatened to sue the band for their choise of what to call the band they choose to rename themselves Lynyrd Skynyrd.
His name was Leonard Skinner and I read he didn't think much of it at first but ended up OK with it. An old, old fan. Saw the original band twice before the crash.
IMO, best American rock n roll band ever.😊
Silas I suggest if you haven't done it yet, Pink Floyd, Comfortably numb, I'm sure you'll have the s a me reaction.
I remember the first time I heard this song. I was 15, getting stoned on some little back road on the Texas Gulf Coast and I was never the same. That was 38 years ago, and it never gets old. Welcome to the rabbit hole. ✌🏻❤️from Texas
Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the greatest rock bands ever and fortunately for us, they had several albums and tons of incredible material all over the map before the tragic plane crash in 1977 that ended it all. Freebird, along with Stairway to Heaven, and arguably Bohemian Rhapsody, are generally considered to be the most iconic rock songs of all time. To me, they are the holy triumvirate.
It was such a delight to see the looks on y'all's faces as this what is essentially a symphony unfolds. I can still remember the first time I ever heard this in 6th grade and my jaw was completely on the floor. Of course I ran right out and got the album and then I proceeded to buy every single of their albums and there is not a bad song on any album. So much fire all the way around.
Silas, when you did Simple Man, I believe I commented at the time that I was astonished that you weren't already familiar with Lynyrd Skynyrd and I said I was sure that you would love it because it is right up your alley. All of these guys were absolutely killer musicians and they worked so tightly together and they were good friends also.
There are a couple really good quality videos of live performances of Freebird which other people have mentioned, and keep in mind this is their very first album, the so-called Pronounced album and this song along with others was a huge hit from it.
The live footage of this that is available on UA-cam is from a number of years later in the late 70s right before the plane crash. They were still young, but they were much younger even here, and of course they matured as a band because they toured heavily and they played really long shows, just like Led Zeppelin did, and talk about stamina and endurance - they would just go off over and over and over again.
And they also have absolutely beautiful ballads and haunting poignant songs. They also have several songs that were social statements about everything from anti-war regarding Vietnam, the danger of cheap handguns, the destructive nature of being hardcore addicted to alcohol or drugs, and a warning to people that if they don't know what's going on in the ghetto, they better open their eyes, and all kinds of things. And SO MANY BANGERS!
For a slow, thoughtful, and powerful but short song with tons of slide guitar and dobro, check out The Ballad Of Curtis Loew.
And PLEASE consider always listening to the studio cuts first before checking out the live version, just like you did here. You can really hear the genius of the jigsaw puzzle nature of their incredible arrangements and just the fidelity of them going off because they are so good, you want to hear every little nuance in the studio, which is the way we heard it on the radio and on the record albums we bought and the way they intended the audience to receive it.
Finally, Olivia, I am classically trained and also a composer and yes I can actually totally picture this on sheet music in my head, and it truly is a masterpiece. There is so much harmonic and rhythmic counterpoint and complementary structure and motion going on, which creates so much tension and then release. Certain parts of this rock anthem are truly not that different from a Bach fugue!
L. S. WAS THE GREATEST BAND EVER CREATED BY ABSOLUTE GENIUS MUSICIANS WITH PURE TALENT.
The dude she described with the lightening bolt and corduroys and hoped he was the “guitar player” was Leon Wilkinson, the bass guitar player.
You need to see the live version of this in Oakland stadium in 1977. Get to see how your grandparents knew how to have a great time rocking to this music!
Great reaction video… my grad year 94 actually voted for this as our prom song. It was 25 years old at that time and I was like wuuut.. but I tell ya it was flipping great
The best thing about this song is you can listen to it at anytime and feel what you feel. I love your reaction because it can be a chill song or a head banger. What can I say, I’m in my 50’s and it’s fun to see a younger generation enjoying the same music. If you haven’t done the Eagles you should.
The magic of Lynyrd Skynyrd's three guitar army never gets old! In the late 70's and early 80's every cover band worth their salt played Freebird as their finale. Of course, none played it as well as 'Skynyrd, but we loved it anyway.
This song gets young people every time. They’re sucked into the slow melody at the beginning, then BAM! They’re hit in the face with the type of music we old timers grew up with that no longer exists. Pure musical talent that no auto tune can come close to. Those bands from the 70’s have no equal. End of discussion.
You nailed it! Glad I grew up in the 1960s and 70s. Best music ever. Now all we get is synthetic pop music and incoherent foul rap crap.
I love it to
I cant even listen to the new crappy music 60s and 70s is where it is at
the most heartbreaking scene of Forrest Gump features this song...
Delve into the story of this band. You’ll be hooked. Check out all the live versions. Oakland’77, Knebworth’76 and Old Grey Whistle Test ‘75. Lynyrd Skynyrd was a remarkable live band.
I'm glad i got to see them a couple of times in my life. First time in the early 90s. My parents are actually superfans that seen them countless times, and met the band. They always play Freebird last, and this is still the most mind-blowing song I've ever seen performed live...ever !
always loved the premise of the song of wanting to be a free soul, a free bird, and wanting spread his wings and explore. The beginning is so sad and somber feeling. But as the song progresses and he decides he's really going to do it, he leaves and head into the world wide open and the music matches that exhilaration of "flying" for the first time.. finally a free bird and seeing the world
Being a Florida boy from when Lynyrd Skynyrd first came out, I was y’all’s age when this album came out. Everyone focuses on the boys up front on guitars but listen to the bad ass bass. So glad younger people are listening to one of many great southern rock bands.😎
Ed King on bass for that song and album. He kills it. And to think Ronnie Van Zant "fired" him for being "the worst bass player he ever heard." But if Ed hadn't been moved over to guitar, "Sweet Home Alabama" wouldn't exist.
I knew of the studio version for about a year after it came out but my first time hearing the live version (off Gold & Platinum album, "playing pretty for Atlanta") was on an overnight bus on a Senior trip in 1978. We must have jammed to LS for 2 hours! Still a fresh memory 45 years later. As noted, the Oakland live version video is a must watch. EDIT: Sadly just a few months after the Oakland concert, a play crash killed the lead singer and a few other members. The survivors formed the Rossington Collins band and later brought back Lynard Skynard for performances but the original group was THE group.
Finally a reaction worthy of the song.
This is one of those songs where the live version (off “One More From The Road”) is so much better than the original studio cut (like “25 or 6 to 4” at Tanglewood).
Ohhh great Chicago call out.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is considered by many to be the greates southern rock band, and are known to have shaped and influence many, many others, this band will forever be haunted, and revered...Rock ON!
The guy with the cap and lightening bolt jacket on is the bass player, Leon Wilkeson-he doesn't get enough shine, IMO, but watch the Oakland Coliseum 1977 live version, dude is rocking! The guitar outro always makes me think of birds soaring amongst the mountains, utterly free.
That guitarist is Steve Gaines and lead singer is Ronnie VanZant wish you would react to Lynyrd Skynyrd Tuesday's gone
Yet another great reaction from you all! You HAVE to check out their song "Gimme Three Steps". A classic for sure. The music is wonderful, but be sure to listen to the lyrics. Funny as hell. Thanks, my friend....
8:55 the moment you realize that your (grand)parents rocked *_WAY_* harder than you ever will.
YES! you must watch this live!
That was funny when she said "I like the outfits", we just called them clothes.
Check out the version performed at Oakland 1977 for the ultimate Freebird experience. Possibly the greatest live performance of all time by anyone. RIP Gary Rossington who only died this week. Reunited with his band mates.
If you want to really see them live get the DVD Free Bird the movie it will blow your mind! Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Eagles were the two bands that I know wanted the sound to be just like off the album. I'm 61 years old and those songs still blow my mind
Yall vibe in such a different way and I love it!!!
The reaction on her face when the guitar gets cranked up is priceless!
First time watching you guys. GREAT reaction. This is what you get when you have three world class guitarists in one band. I'm an older dude but love watching the younger kids listening early in the song reaction knowing what's coming. You did not disappoint. Keep up the great reactions and good luck.
Rock & Roll has some bad ass guitar gods. Some other choices: Stevie Ray Vaughan; Jeff Beck; Eddie Van Halen; Eric Clapton; Jimmy Page; Jimi Hendrix; Duane Allman; Keith Richards; Carlos Santana; or Angus Young. Each one brings something different and special to the music. You can just randomly pick any of these and experience their amazing skill. I guess if you pinned me down I would say Stevie Ray Vaughn "Texas Flood" or Carlos Santana's "Smooth" would be my first choices.
Cheers, friends ! You both will remember having this experience together. Enjoy the journey! ❤️
I love it when younger people discover Rock and Roll! 65 and still listen to this song at least once a day!
Great reaction, Silas and Alivia, to one of the best rock songs ever recorded. As others have stated, you MUST see the live performance from Oakland in '77... it will blow your mind.
"Saturday Night Special" is a favorite of mine, since I heard it in the original "The Longest Yard" movie. These guys have many good songs worth checking out. Thanks Silas!
I just LOVE when another generation loves my music!!!!!!!!! Yes, you must see the live version. I am 63 years old and still turn the volume way up to watch this video. There are 4 guitar players, a pianist, and Ronnie the singer. Very sad end to that particular group. A few weeks after this the entire band and roadies were in a plane crash on the way to another gig. 4 died: Ronnie, the blonde guitar player, his wife and I think a roadie. Ronnie's brother took his place as lead vocal, the piano player, Billy Powell, who was critically injured, I believe he did not come back with the band. The people on the album cover were the new band members. There is a documentary about that crash.
So, if you haven't reacted to Boston, More than a feeling, Journey live with Steve Perry Don't Stop Believing, or Chicago ( anything!) Please do yourself a favor and do them. The late 60's and 70's was the time period for Classic Rock. Other than Classical piano, Classic Rock has not seen its match. I was a child of the 70's and my friends and I had so much fun while singing along to all of these.
There are many live versions on line, check them out. 3 lead guitar players who are totally underrated.
Yes live in Oakland
@@dawgpound9624 or One More From The Road
For those that don’t know, when they originally played this for the first time, they decided to just throw in the guitar solo to give Ronnie Van Zant a break from singing. Little did they know that they went in to create the greatest guitar solo in the history of music.
Ehhhhhhhh, comfortably numb 2nd solo
Looking forward to you doing Gimme Three Steps... its by far my favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song for the funny story telling.
The old watching the young experience the music we’ve known for years is a blessing.. Silas just gets it also..lovelovelove ❤️🌸✌🏻
A top 10 of the decade and a SERIOUS contender for top 5. Congrats for discovering it. And when a fantastic song like this comes up, you gotta drag Alivia up outta HER chair!
I was just thinking that. Has to be a top ten classic song for real.
I can never hear the song for the first time again but watching this I can get that feeling again,thank you so much!
Back in the day, at any garage band gig, people would yell out "play Free Bird", or just "Free Bird!", just because it's so an epic instrumentally and hard to play, or cover.
One of the best song ever made
An absolute FACE MELTER at the end. The song feels exactly like a breakup. You try to let 'em down easy, and it breaks both hearts in the process, but the road and further adventure call, and holy crap can life be a wild ride. ^__^
You must watch the live performance at the Oakland, CA outdoor stadium with 50,000 people all going crazy. A must see!
Green Grass and High Tides by the Outlaws should be next. Or Dreams (the Molly Hatchet version).
Totally agree on Green Grass and High Tides...
I was a big Skynyrd fan and remember how excited I was when 'Street Survivors' dropped in the autumn of 1977. I especially loved 'That Smell' and 'What's Your Name' after my first few listens. I was a freshman at Boulder High School and had no class first period, then art second period (not a goof-off class; I was really into doing art). Our hippy-dippy stoner teacher used to let us listen to the radio while we worked and I remember the silence that fell over the studio when the KAZY DJ solemnly announced the deaths of Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, several crew and the pilots of their small chartered airplane when it went down in rural Mississippi. The first pressings of 'Survivors, the one I had, showed the band members standing in flames. Every pressing after that eliminated the flames. Haunting moment for young, impressionable me. I love Silas' rocking out; that was me, too!
You should listen to their song called that smell off of the street survivors album. The guitar work is insane. It starts out fast and finishes fast
Yes.. remember wen it came out.. ronnie wrote it after Alan AND gary both wiped out their cars, ronnie had to postpone tour dates cause those 2 in hospitals.. lol..
I love Lynyrd Skynyrd. In the movie Forest Gump this song is played in a delicate scene, but it fits perfectly. 'Sweet Home Alabama' is also featured on the soundtrack, of course since it's set in Alabama. That's why this movie is perfect.
If asked, I would always recommend an original studio version as a first time listen of any tune except this one. Find it live and see how they performed. They were great. MANY other great songs from these guys await you and all who dare.
I agree on both counts. It’s almost always Better to go with the studio version first. The only other sings I would put in the same category are a few from AC/DC’s live album, If You Want Blood, that made a real improvement on the studio versions.
From Wikipedia - "The cover photograph was taken on Main Street in Jonesboro, Georgia... The photo was the last in a long day of shooting for the album cover... in the background is a lightning strike in the sky. It is not fabricated and the band did not know it was there until after they saw the released album cover."
As a crusty old Skynyrd fan, I really enjoy seeing people's reactions to a Freebird first listen...waiting for the solo to hit 🙂
The singer is third from left, guitar solo by lanky dude second from right.
The lighting bolt is real...a freak thing. It was the last shot of that shoot.
This was their debut album, if you can believe that.
The long guitar at the end was primarily done by the tallest dude in the back - second from the right. He was not alone - 3 guitars and a bass jammed on that, at least they did in Oakland in 1977. The dude doing the slide guitar during the singing was the last original member and died recently.The singer has his back to the bricks - the guy next to him has his hand up on the bricks, above the singer’s head. He died in the plane crash in 1977. GREAT, great band. Cannot tell you how wonderful it was to hear this released as a teen in the early 70’s. It was friggin’ magic.