Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!
This song is Rock and Roll Royalty, but you’ve really got to hear the live version. It’s bloody well out of the world. It takes a song already at 100 and turns it up to 150. New sub, leaning toward Patreon after I see a bit more from you.
You're correct. 2 lead guitars, a rhythm guitar, bassist, pianist, drummer, lead singer, and background singers. The twin guitar leads were always flawless working together!
Check out the song they did of Jimmy Rodgers. Called T for Texas T for Tennessee. It is amazing song for one... T for Texas t for Tennessee t for Thelma that women made a fool out of me.. Cheers Brother
I knew he was going to have an enjoyable listen when he said he was vibing the guitar at the intro... ...I thought to myself: just you wait buddy. Cheesing the whole time lol
I've always pondered this one... IS it a guitar solo? Is it a duo solo? I mean it IS two guitarists. I would say three but I think Ed King played bass on this one.
I can’t listen to this very often. 17+ years later and it still reminds me of my son. When he discovered this song he called me in his room to listen with him and asked me if I knew it. Of course I grew up with it. We sat there together listening. He felt free when riding motorcycles. He passed a few years later doing what he loved. This song still hits. Amazing song.
Love you Ms. Jones... The year this song came out, I lost six of my high school friends in motorcycle accidents and another who was paralyzed from the neck down. My mother sat me down and made me promise her I wouldn't ride motorcycles... I kept my promise and am so sorry for your great loss.
@@cosmicman621 you don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. Allen Collins always played the end solo, but all three guitarists played throughout the entire song when they played live.
my personal opinion has always been there are no non rock fans, only people who havent heard the right rock music, the genre is so large and eclectic that it has something for everyone
I've seen so many (esp black) people who listen to a quality rock track, and end up loving it; whether it's this, Queen, Iron Maiden, GnR, or whoever. Music can totally change people.
Yo, I remember my friend hearing "Dear Prudence" for the first time. He literally made me stop whatever we were doing so he could hear the song, and we just sat there till it was done.
I used to hate rock , then , I heard some classics like money for nothin', Freebird, Sweet home alabama, and a pretty good song, the unforgiven. All of them, beautiful songs.
I have the same opinion about country music. I know some people oh I hate all country music. Then I let them listen to things like Charlie Daniel’s who has a kind of blues/jazz feel to a lot of his songs. And they are like oh. Or someone likes classical and they are like oh he plays the violin in his musics. There are a lot of older songs that I feel have a large range of appeal.
"Simple Man" was what introduced Lynyrd Skynyrd to me and it was just by chance it came on a Playlist. I never sought their music because I made a poor assumption that they were scream metal or something
I was riding in a friend’s truck once like 15 years ago, he was going through this country boy phase (which I thought was silly, but whatever) and was blasting Sweet Home Alabama on repeat, telling me it had the best solo of all time. I asked him “better than Freebird?” He said he’d never heard it, but I just happened to have a small jacket of mixed CD’s with me so I put in the one that had Freebird. It was like watching a toddler discover cake for the first time. He had no idea what he was missing.
@@WillsUnspecifiedVids He was a poser. That was part of the reason I played Freebird for him. He loved SHA because that’s a song country boys love, right? I literally told him “if you think that song is good, then you’re gonna have your mind blown here in a moment”.
Freebird, live at Knebworth, is by far the best version you will ever hear. It is absolutely mind blowing. Watched it many times, and it still gets my blood flowing just like the first time. Incredible guitar playing!
My dad put the tape in. Can''t remember if it was at home or in his Mazda B2000 but he turned it up and I'll NEVER forget this song. My dad raised me on this stuff. Mom raised me on 90's country. The music was excellent growing up.
It does my 75 year old heart good to watch your facial expressions and hear your comments when first hearing music that my generation has been listening to for 55 years.
Man, finding an old album in dads closet, or hanging out with the cool aunt/uncle, learning how to rock n' roll are special memories for many of us. Thanks for passin it down!
Those of us old enough (I was a teen) to have lived through the 70s, were blessed with the last great decade of musicians. There's a few around but they are controlled by corporations.
70 hear and yep, not only a classic as music itself but there performances were great and a major part of the times. truly a great loss in that airplane crash :(
@@ronbertka I'm 43, so more of a 80s-90s kid, and I couldn't agree more. I realized this around the age of 16, truly the greatest generation for music that will ever be. Led Zeppelin got me hooked, and found so many more in high school and college. It's funny, because I barely listened to my age music, aside from the rap Gods of the 90's-00's.
Amazing story: I saw them live, this was the last song, the power went out mid song, they kept playing hitting the strings as hard as they could, the crowd went to silence and we could hear the last 5 minutes with no power and 100% energy.
My first time hearing this song was at my first concert which was skyward. My older brother who was 8 yrs older took me and my friend to it. I was in the 9th grade and it was the last song. They melted my face was melted off and I have been a die hard since
@@saremy127 I didn’t even add that. It was dark and night, all the stage lights went out. Total power loss. Before smart phones and I’d say 1/10 had lighters going on and off.
Saw them live too, supporting Golden Earring - imagine that. But although I'd seen the album cover, I knew nothing about them. Southern US boogie was *not* my thing, and except for Sweet Home Alabama, I hated the set - until the encore. First time I heard Freebird was live, and I still remember it 50 years later.
First time I saw them was the reunion tour. And when they did Free Bird they put Ronnie’s hat on the mic and the audience sang it. Still gives me chills thinking about it. Wish I could have seen Ronnie but I was too young
Couldn't disagree more. The tempo isn't paced, the instrumentals aren't balanced, sometimes the mics fade in and out. Why do people recommend the live version over the optimized version?
One More From the Road. Live at The Fox Theater 1976. It's the only version I'll listen to. Every other version is watered down. There is music in the studio version. But there is no soul. "Play it pretty for Atlanta "
What blows me away about the Oakland concert is the ENERGY of both the band AND the audience. They fed off each other, fed into each other, supported each other. If Oakland City Utilities could have sent that energy to some sort of rechargeable battery, they'd STILL be using the captured gusto to light up their nights!
Like so many others who came up at this time know, bands TOURED. I don’t think I ever had a moment where these bands live weren’t at least as good as the record-often better. For one, they didn’t make records with auto tune, etc. that’s hard to reproduce in person. Next, these acts were bands, not just a singer with back up dancers. We knew and appreciated not just the singer but the drummer, etc equally. Finally, these groups made records but the live performances is why they got into music in the first place.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was mandatory in the 1970s. Free Bird was an anthem, especially after some of the band members died in a plane crash. The band was immortalized and the song was part of the musical canon.
There was a lot of good Music coming from Rock Bands in The Southern United States at that point in time. Besides Skynard there was The Allman Brothers, Molley Hatchet who I also remember for The Frnak Frazetta Covers for their Albums.
I grew up in Miami, OK. Home of Steve and Cassie Gaines. Stevie played rhythm and secondary solo on Free Bird. Cassie sang backup. They both died in the plane crash that killed most of the band. We have an entire building downtown dedicated to them and their time in Lynard Skynard. Still can't hear the songs without thinking of the talent that was lost that day!
My song reminds me of my brother, Kenyon. We were stoners back when we were teenagers. He was murdered when he was 31, and I was 33. It brings tears to my eyes. We played this at his funeral. I think he's free.
When u think about the lines, "If I leave here tomorrow, would u still remember me, I must be traveling on now" is pretty chilly to think about events that would occur a few years later .... This song was released in August of 1973 and a little over 4 years later 3 members of the band (6 people in total) including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, Steve and Cassie Gaines would perish in a plane crash in Mississippi in October of 1977...Yes, Mr. Van Zant, we still remember u and the legacy this band gave us for generations to remember.......
I remember the day of the plane crash. I was a freshman in high school. If I remember correctly, I was at lunch when I heard the news. I felt like my heart stopped beating. I haven't heard this song for a while. I was crying like a baby the whole song. Watching Polo's reaction made me smile through the tears! ❤
In 1973, I was 5 years old. I'm too young to remember the first time that I heard Lynard Skynard. These songs are timeless, and they've always been with me. I was a baby in the 60s, a kid in the 70s, a teen in the 80s, and a full adult by the 90s. I grew up with the best 3 decades of music. (The 90s were OK, but nothing like 60s-80s.)
Who played lead guitar on Free Bird? 2 guitars. twin lead guitar solo Although this video hit the UA-cams a few years ago, we thought you'd enjoy hearing the isolated guitar-solo track from Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird." The solo on the song-which was played by Allen Collins and Gary Rossington-comes it at Number 3 on Guitar World's list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.
@@Rorymoa Lynyrd Skynard was an underrated band as well. Of all thier hit songs, none of them ever reached #1 on the charts. Thier highest charted song was Sweet Home Alabama which topped the charts at #8. The iconic song Free Bird only reached #38 on the charts. They were an iconic band that begun as teenagers originally formed in Jacksonville, FL.they were inducted into the rock and roll Hall of fame. Yet still never recieved the accolades they deserved.
Welcome to Lynyrd Skynyrd, my brother from another mother. One of my favorite southern rock bands. I'm 60 years old. Saw them twice. We'll go see them again. They're losing original members but the brother still sings and Ricky Matlock still plays guitar. God bless
I’m 28 and it’s one of my favorite songs of all time! Got to see them in 2019 and it was an experience! Nothing like seeing them back in the day I can guess!
I can't even imagine how this must have felt back then. There are few things in life I regret. Born in '78 I'm too young to lifed through this time of music history. It's good to get stories from old time music lovers to get an idea how it was back then. Thanks for that impression.
@@cookiemonsterdayzI was born in 69' so, was fortunate enough to hear much of this music when it was originally airing on the radio. My love for music began very very young as a result. Was a teen in the 80's, just as music was becoming corporate crap. I always have and always will prefer the music of the 70's above all else.
@@steveharvey3351 Yeah. If I had a time machine I know exactly where I'd be right now. I'm grateful for what I did get to experience of the 70's, but would love to have been there to live it in my teens or 20's. It was an all around far better time on top of the music.
Comon' bro! don't tell me you never heard that song before! Can I, as a white Irish man do a review of "For All My Niggaz & Bitches" Song by Tha Dogg Pound and The Lady of Rage? It would be funny but some how I think I'd get in trouble 🤣🤣
This is the meaning of classic rock. No matter how much time passes, how old us classic rockers get. Free Bird will always be as fresh and loved as the day it was first played.
Great music is timeless. 🔥 I'm GenX. I remember where I was when I first heard this song. I was at a party in high school, 1992. My buddies older brother came downstairs, didn't say a word, hit stop on the CD player, glared at us and proceeded to play this on his turntable. We all just sat around and listened for hours. This began an appreciation for classic rock. Now, I do similar things with my nieces by showing them Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Oasis, Blur, The Verve....minus the booze and Marlboro. 😅
Not only did they play it live, they'd play it for 15 minutes and it was the last song played. So play a whole concert then end with a 15 minute song that just keeps getting more intense. They were great at playing emotion into their songs, you can absolutely feel the visceral anger in "Cry for the bad man". Or the love in "Simple man",or the loss in "Tuesdays gone".
Well said brother. I gigged drums for years. I can't get enough of "On The Hunt." Most bands screw Skynyrd up. They always get "That Smell" wrong. We fronted Molly Hatchet at a club back in the day. A guy in the crowd yelled free Bird when Hlubek was tuning up. He said, fuck free Bird. Roland was cool. Crump was cool too. Hlubek we as blow nose to asshole.
Few moments in my life were magical. Being in the audience as 15.000 people singing I can't cha-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-nge followed by the guitar solo was one of those moments.
I pulled into the TA truck stop in Pa close to the N.Jersey line, in the Poconos area of the state, and met a waitress, that wanted me to go up into the mountains there, to meet her later, and these guys were playing, I got there about 4:30 pm, and stayed till they came on around 9 pm, … just sitting there drinking some beer, and got hammered, and was ready to dance on the tables by the time they got yo this tune, … but was too drunk, … great thing was I had a cab over Pete, and slept it off in the truck, … went the next afternoon back to the trkstop yo pickup my trlr, and saw her there again, … I was still hammered, … but was ok, … I dropped off my load, on Monday, & reloaded for Wisconsin, and was gone again, … but the band was fantastic, … those stories from back in the day, … man we had some great times, …
This is a _very_ special song for me. About 25 years ago I was living in the Jacksonville beaches area when my best friend Kenny died. This was *his* favorite song so we took his ashes to the beach at about high tide and poured them onto the sand. About the time the song ended (9 minutes) the waves had washed him away. By the way, Lynyrd Skynyrd was from Jacksonville.
Can they do it live? Funny you should ask, the live version of this song might be the best version. "What song is it you want hear?" The crowd screams "Freebird!" and the rest is astonishing.
Live in Atlanta. Beautiful version!!!! Brings me to tears every time I hear it. If I'm not mistaking it was the last recording of that song. The piano solo at the beginning is so much better than the album version. For those that haven't heard it : ua-cam.com/video/1kphg_kWMwE/v-deo.html
@@diegogardner6218 what album was it on?The Atlanta version I’m referring to was on Gold and Platinum. First album I ever heard. It was my dad’s and I first learned to play the drums from that album.
Now that you’ve heard the studio version, next is to hear the live version…what a blowout!!! The guitar solos/shootout in the live version are fantastic!! And the crowd…..well you just have to see it! Happy Holidays
@@dashoeman nice, it wasn't an album but here on UA-cam, there's about 8/11 of the full songs from that day scattered all over the internet, the last actual clip/footage of them was in a Pepsi commercial from 77 also on UA-cam
Nobody can outdo Skynard. Gone way too soon. I’m a 69 year old lady who grew up on this. It never gets old. Turned my kids onto it and now my grandkids. People don’t understand what they missed by not growing up in that era.
I'm 13 years old and I'm so glad i was raised on Skynyrd, the Beatles, the rolling stones, etc and not taylor swift or any of that trash! You have a blessed life for being able to grow up then.
I was a teen and I put on Zappa at my friend's parent's Xmas party, and they all lost their minds (in a good way) and were shocked I knew him. Thank my dad.
I never remember paying much attention to these lyrics when I was a young teen. But my dad died by suicide/accident (not sure) in ‘80 when I was 15. I was driving by myself a year later and this song came on the radio. I felt like he was talking directly to me through this song. Hard to explain, but it did help. I can’t listen to it without all the emotion of that first time I actually listened. Every single time I’m catapulted back to my 16 year old self trying to understand wth happened to my world. But with a fondness now, like it was sent at that particular moment to help me cope. It’s our song. Miss you daddy ❤
My sympathy. Glad this song means so much to you. Just lost my husband of 43 years in Oct. Our wedding song was Precious & Few.Some songs just hit your heart. I wish you well.❤🕊🙏✌🌻🌻
Thank you for sharing, michwenz8413. I had a similar situation when my father passed away but it was a Johnny Cash song that came on the radio. All the same, we can't always get what we want but if we're lucky, we get what we need.
Anthem of the South. Blew us away when we first heard it in the 1970's and stops us dead when we hear it today. Thank you ,Polo. You are my favorite reviewer. I appreciate your style.
In the 70’s we had the BEST music. THIS was the ballad of our youth in the 70’s. Everything was so simple and indefinite. Possibilities were immense. Love was simple. This brings back so many memories of love. Freebird was our ballad.
I always say the 70s, 80s, and 90s were the golden era for music. Everything happening nowadays in music was built on the groundwork laid by the amazing bands from those years.
This song is LEGENDARY. We played this at my high school graduation in 1980 as we exited the ceremony. It is a favorite of my generation. RIP, guys. Y'all left us a phenomenal gift and I can't even imagine what y'all would have produced had tragedy not taken ya'll far too soon.
My man had my heart rate up and had me breathing hard, waiting for him to see the potential of this song. PS if you listen to this on the interstate, make sure you set your cruise control because you will be flying down that mother.
GF of 6 years broke up with me this weekend, was driving my old CRX on the Autobahn where the limit was 120. This song came on the radio and I nearly went 100 over the limit. I'm not saying that it was smart or good but I can relate 100%.
If you get pulled over listening to Free Bird all you have to do is keep it playing as the officer approaches. They will hear it and then let you off with a warning.
Some songs are just so common, and you hear them a million times. And you forget how great the song is. This is one of those songs. Watching you enjoy it for the first time reminded me how great this song is.
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd features three guitarists: Allen Collins, Ed King, and Gary Rossington. Despite having three guitarists, the song opens with an organ as the lead instrument, which gives the guitars more impact when they arrive1. It’s a classic rock anthem and one of the most iconic guitar-driven songs of all time! 🎸🔥
Leon Wilkeson quit the band right before the album was recorded. Ed King was the bass player on the first album (and hence, Freebird). After recording was complete, Leon rejoined- so he was on the album cover but didn’t play. Ed only played bass on that album- so no guitar for him on Freebird. However, he said Sweet Home Alabama was written right after he was moved to guitar.
Not just talent. He must have an incredible IQ, highly intelligent at such a young age. Rarely do geniuses get to express their intelligence in a form of art.
‘Can’t describe this vibe’ - you’re feeling Southern gospel/rock at its finest. My youngest son just added this to his playlist & and asked me ‘where are bands like THiS now?’ - no idea son,but we lived in the golden age of music.
Can’t ya just say your favorite song of the 70s? Seriously, there are so many great songs and I personally would find at least a couple dozen songs from 1971 alone (my FAVORITE year for music) that I like better than Freebird. It’s a subjective judgement, not absolute
@@jaycarlin6942 it’s multi tracked on the solo, but it’s all Allen Collins playing. Rossington played the slide and rhythm, but Collins played all the solo work when the fast tempo kicks in. And one hell of a guitarist, Ed King, playing bass on this.
Ronnie Van Zant was a perfectionist. He made the band work and would not settle for anything less. This is what made them great. Now they still keep the intensity even with no original members. These guys have put in work for decades and are true to the original band.
can't believe there are ppl in 2022 who still haven't heard of this song/band. absolutely mind-blowing. what an amazing thing to watch someone hearing this for the first time! literally tears
I'm in so much grief that I first heard this when I wasn't a rock fan and I DIDNT actually like it until recently... Yes I know, I was a simple and dumb young fellow.
You nailed it. It isn’t about the technical ability or difficulty of the solo- although it isn’t to be sneezed at- it’s about the RELEASE it expresses. The feeling of soaring. The catharsis. It’s a masterclass in translating that wordlessly into music.
Unlike most of the great solos discussed this is remarkably easy to play. There are just four basic movements in the whole solo. And that is not to take away from the musicianship on display. It is always much easy to recreate than to create.
That's actually guitar duet! Welcome to the classic southern rock dualing guitar lead. Marshall Tucker. 38 Special. Skynyrd. They all rocked that HARD.
Agree, but I extend it into the mid-nineties. Pearl Jam on MTV unplugged was the official end of the great music era for me. Oh, and I'll also give the Chili Peppers honorable inclusion.
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who have heard Freebird, and then those who will hear Freebird. The best part is that both groups experience the song like they’ve never heard it before. It just keeps giving.
As an 83 y.o. I've been listening to this piece since 1973. I disagree. Within the first few bars I'm reminded that my eardrums are in for a range of emotional experiences like no other! On the other hand, there is no way to explain to a first-time listener the emotions they will experience as the music progresses. Once heard, words are unnecessary to describe.
You have no idea how many people get goosebumps when they hear the opening notes of Free Bird. The band is amazing, the time was amazing watching this song live made you feel like you were flying. Still does the same thing after all these years. RIP to all of Lynard Skynard's original members. You created a legend.
Simple Man is my favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song. My brother picked it to be played at our dad’s funeral because it fit it him so perfectly. If you haven’t listened to Simple Man yet, I highly suggest it.
I love watching these type of reaction videos, when I am already very familiar with the song, and ths is a classic example. Reactor: "I love the way it is starting to build up..." In my head: "Bless you. You have know idea what is coming your way in about 4 minutes' time!" A few moments later... Reactor: "Oh, they've switched up the tempo here..." In my head: "Nope, you still have NO idea what is yet to come!" Brilliant. Keep up the good work Mr Polo.
We played this at my Pop's funeral as we carried him to the back of a military Humvee for a Veteran's memorial at Jefferson Barricks. This always brings tears to my eyes. R.I.P. Dad and thanks to all our Veterans
This was also played at my grandpa's funeral I still can't listen to this song and had to skip through.. this song was played at the end of the wake as we got ready to carry him to a harley trike with a trailer for one last ride for him to go for a ride one last time... thank you for your Pops service
In the 1970's this was considered by MANY to be the greatest rock song of all time. Personally, I believe that still to hold true today! Many radio stations in the 70's would not play the album version due to its length. (There was a shortened radio version). This made a lot of Skynyrd fans angry. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Polo! Cheers!!
It's magical watching someone's discovery of something you might have heard your whole life. They often notice things you didn't before and now you can appreciate it even more.
I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd live on four occasions. At one point there are three guitars. The primary solo in the early career was Allen Collins. Check this video - Live at Knebworth ’76
So iconic is this song, that for years at many rock concerts, no matter who the band was, the crowd would shout out "FREEBIRD" when there was a pause between songs.
For many cover bands, this is the last song of the night. There are two reasons for this. One is that you can make it last as long as you need to. The other is that once you've played Freebird, you can't top it. As a sound man for bands like this, it was my que to say, "Okay, let's see what this sound system will do." I've destroyed speakers to this song (got to be friends with the guys in the reconing shop).
On the studio version of "Free Bird," which appeared on Skynyrd's debut album, Collins played the entire solo himself on his Gibson Explorer, with Rossington playing rhythm on his Les Paul (“Bernice”) and adding the slide fills on his SG. “The whole long jam was Allen Collins himself,” Rossington says.
When the surviving members with Van Zant brother, Johnny played this after the plane crash, they left one lone microphone spotlighted on the stage for Ronnie. It’s one of the iconic moments in music history imho
I saw that tour.... just a hat on a microphone stand....... I saw the original Skynyrd 4 other times...I was happy to see Johnny singing Free Bird again later on.
Concord pavillion is where they were headed when the crash happened. It was also the first place the band played after Donnie took over the vocals. I was there and during the entire show not one person sat down and during this songg the audence sang it and by the end there was not a dry eye in the place. LOVE this song.
I think the MOST common would be "No Smoke on the Water" tho ;) I mean if 2 or more guitarists wanna knock out some Free Bird i dont see how any sane person could object.
In my 30-odd years of guitar playing, I've never seen such a sign. Hell, I'd be impressed if someone broke out a slide and tried to play it at a store, slide ain't easy.
I will never forget some friends and I were at the movie theater and they stopped the movie to report that members of the Lynard Skynard band had died in a plane crash. I am 69 years old and that moment in time was etched in my mind forever. Girls were crying and my friends and I just looked at each other in shock and disbelief, it felt like a bad dream, we couldn’t speak we just hugged one another. Still today we mourn one of the all time greatest bands ever.
One of the great joys of 70’s music is that every great band (and there were many) was unique. Sound, look and motivation. Right my peeps?? Rock on!!! 🎸
Three guitarists, Allen Collins, Ed King and Gary Rossington. Always a pleasure to see younger generations discover and enjoy the classic rock music I grew up with.
The guitar work in this song is second to none, in my opinion. The way that Collins and Rossington bounce the lead parts between them is sublime. I first heard this song on my 16th birthday (too many years ago) and was instantly in love.
Please don't leave out bassist Leon Wilkeson! In the Oakland Coliseum live version, he works his fingers in that passage near the end of the song so fluently and crisply, on those huge bass guitar "cables" (they're not "strings"), it's true musicianship and skill.
I wish you had been around in the 70s sweetheart. My hubby is 76 and this will be played at his funeral and I am almost 60 and this needs to be played on vinyl
The live version in Atlanta, where Ronnie Van Zant says, "Play it pretty for Atlanta" is one of my favorite versions of the song. The piano in that version is amazing!
My favorite part about the reactions to free bird are how much they love the intro. But little do they know what they are in for. Easily the greatest reaction song to watch.
Skynyrd was a three guitar ban, all fantastic and all with different styles and guitar preferences. There ARE two guitars playing the lead, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington. Extremely talented band.
They played in my hometown in Florida over a decade ago and I really really regret missing them. I have seen countless bands out there, was a shame to miss this one for sure.
Actually on the studio version, Allen Collins plays all of the solo tracks. Rossington plays the rhythm electric and the slide fills, and Collins also plays the acoutsic, with Ed King on bass. Collins was a bad man. Rossington even talked about it in a Guitar World article.
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Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!
This song is Rock and Roll Royalty, but you’ve really got to hear the live version. It’s bloody well out of the world. It takes a song already at 100 and turns it up to 150. New sub, leaning toward Patreon after I see a bit more from you.
You're correct. 2 lead guitars, a rhythm guitar, bassist, pianist, drummer, lead singer, and background singers. The twin guitar leads were always flawless working together!
Check out the song they did of Jimmy Rodgers. Called T for Texas T for Tennessee. It is amazing song for one...
T for Texas t for Tennessee t for Thelma that women made a fool out of me..
Cheers Brother
Lynard Skynard was the name of the bands Gym teacher.
@@thomasbrown3032”Leonard Skinner”
Your honor. In my defense, Free Bird was playing.
I get caught up and drive a little fast when this song is on...
Absolutely!!
George Banks already tried that plea 🤣
Top 5 Rock songs of ever
😂
I love watching these and thinking "this guy doesn't even know he's about to listen to one of the greatest solos of all time"
thats the best part. "They started out doing the speed limit then pushed it" nope buddy they still are going the speed limit just you wait lmao
Same!!!
I knew he was going to have an enjoyable listen when he said he was vibing the guitar at the intro...
...I thought to myself: just you wait buddy. Cheesing the whole time lol
I've always pondered this one... IS it a guitar solo? Is it a duo solo? I mean it IS two guitarists. I would say three but I think Ed King played bass on this one.
I could hardly wait for him to get to the break and experience it for the first time!
“Oh they just changed up the tempo” meanwhile we’re over here with goosebumps waiting for your face to melt off in the guitar solo
❤😂😂😂
3 guitars deep😂!
Hahahaa Riiiight???
@shellybay817 is that more than ballz deep 🤔
Hahaha. Totally.
Those Southern vocals still give this 70s Scottish female goosebumps ❤❤
We got the accent from y'all to be fair hahaha
I can’t listen to this very often. 17+ years later and it still reminds me of my son. When he discovered this song he called me in his room to listen with him and asked me if I knew it. Of course I grew up with it. We sat there together listening. He felt free when riding motorcycles. He passed a few years later doing what he loved. This song still hits. Amazing song.
so sorry you lost your son, friend
Bless your son, he sounded very cool.
Don't worry, you'll see him again someday ...
Peace be with you
Love you Ms. Jones... The year this song came out, I lost six of my high school friends in motorcycle accidents and another who was paralyzed from the neck down. My mother sat me down and made me promise her I wouldn't ride motorcycles... I kept my promise and am so sorry for your great loss.
Fav of a friend who passed. Tough but still beautiful.
Welcome to Southern Rock. There are actually three guitars playing through out this song. This song never gets old.
Way to go on the three guitars that sound can only be produced by three guitars
@@cosmicman621 What's up with all the points man? It's almost impossible to read.
Southern Rock will kick ass!! #ROCKONBABY
@@cosmicman621 you don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. Allen Collins always played the end solo, but all three guitarists played throughout the entire song when they played live.
@@dangroce82 Allen Collins, Gary Rossington and Ed King from the strawberry alarm clocks
This solo has been melting faces for 50 years!
😂😂😂
I can literally say that it ranks up there with the top 2 greatest solos I've ever heard from a guitar. Like Jesus Christ!!!!!!
Can’t tell you how much I enjoyed watching him hear this solo for the first time!
Honestly it really is! 100%@@therkokid215
Agreed that it's the greatest but technically it's not a solo it's a duel.
Yes, this is MY music....I was15 years old and to this day it STILL makes me feel 15 years old. Rock on!!!
Little did he know he was about to experience the best solo in music history
I mean, you don't actually believe this dude had never heard Free Bird before, right?
@@Eggy79Yea that seems crazy to me lol, this song was in Forrest Gump and who hasn't watched that? One of the greatest movies ever made.
top 1000 indeed.
Hearing The Greatest Guitar solo in rock and roll history for the first time? PRICELESS!
3 guitars playing solo
😢 63yrs old Black man from Alabama!! Music crossing all boundaries ❤
Indeed! War Eagle!
Music knows no color! Great video!!!
SWEET HOME ALABAMA HOME OF THE TIDE
@@dalef9441music is what brings all together heals the mind and soul
Alabamy ❤
My 20 year old brother died in 1984, his friends had Freebird blasting from car speakers at end of funeral, will miss you forever Steven.
When my time comes I want freebird to be played at my funeral
It's on my funeral playlist, too. Sorry about your brother. Sounds like he had some boss friends.
That was an epic send off. Sorry about losing your brother, but I guarantee he had a huge smile as he was sent off into the ether.
I'm sorry for your loss.
There's something special about watching someone enjoy one of my favorite songs for the first time. 👏👏
my personal opinion has always been there are no non rock fans, only people who havent heard the right rock music, the genre is so large and eclectic that it has something for everyone
I've seen so many (esp black) people who listen to a quality rock track, and end up loving it; whether it's this, Queen, Iron Maiden, GnR, or whoever.
Music can totally change people.
Yo, I remember my friend hearing "Dear Prudence" for the first time. He literally made me stop whatever we were doing so he could hear the song, and we just sat there till it was done.
I used to hate rock , then , I heard some classics like money for nothin', Freebird, Sweet home alabama, and a pretty good song, the unforgiven. All of them, beautiful songs.
Please don't pause quite so much . A lot of people wait till the end for the main critique . Fair enough a wee pause here and there but c,Mon mam ✌
I have the same opinion about country music. I know some people oh I hate all country music. Then I let them listen to things like Charlie Daniel’s who has a kind of blues/jazz feel to a lot of his songs. And they are like oh. Or someone likes classical and they are like oh he plays the violin in his musics.
There are a lot of older songs that I feel have a large range of appeal.
45 years after the plane crash, people are still discovering their music, and are amazed by it.
"Simple Man" was what introduced Lynyrd Skynyrd to me and it was just by chance it came on a Playlist. I never sought their music because I made a poor assumption that they were scream metal or something
Because it is truly worthy of the amazement!
dat burd free arf still
Skynyrd was my go to band! Loved them then, still do.
Can’t believe it has been that long ago. 🕊🙏
I was riding in a friend’s truck once like 15 years ago, he was going through this country boy phase (which I thought was silly, but whatever) and was blasting Sweet Home Alabama on repeat, telling me it had the best solo of all time.
I asked him “better than Freebird?”
He said he’d never heard it, but I just happened to have a small jacket of mixed CD’s with me so I put in the one that had Freebird.
It was like watching a toddler discover cake for the first time. He had no idea what he was missing.
How did your friend never hear Free Bird, they were both produced by Lynyrd Skynyrd
@@WillsUnspecifiedVids He was a poser. That was part of the reason I played Freebird for him. He loved SHA because that’s a song country boys love, right? I literally told him “if you think that song is good, then you’re gonna have your mind blown here in a moment”.
@William Jaramillo 15 years ago was a weird time. You had people know specific songs but not really know the band and all of their songs.
Ah, ok, thanks for clearing that up
Yes two 🎸 guitars ! Loved your reactions !
Freebird, live at Knebworth, is by far the best version you will ever hear. It is absolutely mind blowing. Watched it many times, and it still gets my blood flowing just like the first time. Incredible guitar playing!
yep!
Yes, Lynyrd Skynyrd has 3 guitars. And yes they can do Freebird live. Check out the live concert in Oakland 1977.
That video just freaking rocks
Best fuckin video ever
Three playing 😂
My favorite band❤
best live
ua-cam.com/video/l4PzuG5exyM/v-deo.htmlsi=KMJeDabroCw4C6ku
You only get to listen to freebird for the first time once, I still remember my first time 😊😊
My dad put the tape in. Can''t remember if it was at home or in his Mazda B2000 but he turned it up and I'll NEVER forget this song. My dad raised me on this stuff. Mom raised me on 90's country. The music was excellent growing up.
It does my 75 year old heart good to watch your facial expressions and hear your comments when first hearing music that my generation has been listening to for 55 years.
Man, finding an old album in dads closet, or hanging out with the cool aunt/uncle, learning how to rock n' roll are special memories for many of us. Thanks for passin it down!
I’m happy to have been born in the 60’s and absorbed some of this in the 70’s. High school was all about “can you memorize all the words to Freebird?”
Those of us old enough (I was a teen) to have lived through the 70s, were blessed with the last great decade of musicians. There's a few around but they are controlled by corporations.
70 hear and yep, not only a classic as music itself but there performances were great and a major part of the times. truly a great loss in that airplane crash :(
@@ronbertka I'm 43, so more of a 80s-90s kid, and I couldn't agree more. I realized this around the age of 16, truly the greatest generation for music that will ever be. Led Zeppelin got me hooked, and found so many more in high school and college. It's funny, because I barely listened to my age music, aside from the rap Gods of the 90's-00's.
One of the greatest songs ever!!!! Still brings a tear to my eye!!!
RIP Gary Rossington 1951-2023 the last founding members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, You are a true legend. Fly high FREEBIRD brother🕊
From Bangkok, Thailand🇹🇭
What a beautiful tribute is that! Thank you!❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸
Shit I didn't even know
RVZ was not only one of the greatest in music but was by far the coolest.
@@TCJACJ2000 Yep, It's true!
Rest fine man
Amazing story: I saw them live, this was the last song, the power went out mid song, they kept playing hitting the strings as hard as they could, the crowd went to silence and we could hear the last 5 minutes with no power and 100% energy.
Wow that’s an amazing story
My first time hearing this song was at my first concert which was skyward. My older brother who was 8 yrs older took me and my friend to it. I was in the 9th grade and it was the last song. They melted my face was melted off and I have been a die hard since
OH DAMN, you just said the greatest comment ive ever heard, I wish I was there to see them play through in the dark, that's a religious experience
@@saremy127 I didn’t even add that. It was dark and night, all the stage lights went out. Total power loss. Before smart phones and I’d say 1/10 had lighters going on and off.
Saw them live too, supporting Golden Earring - imagine that. But although I'd seen the album cover, I knew nothing about them. Southern US boogie was *not* my thing, and except for Sweet Home Alabama, I hated the set - until the encore. First time I heard Freebird was live, and I still remember it 50 years later.
The live version is even more powerful. This song is immortal.
Erfectly described!
First time I saw them was the reunion tour. And when they did Free Bird they put Ronnie’s hat on the mic and the audience sang it. Still gives me chills thinking about it. Wish I could have seen Ronnie but I was too young
Couldn't disagree more. The tempo isn't paced, the instrumentals aren't balanced, sometimes the mics fade in and out. Why do people recommend the live version over the optimized version?
One More From the Road. Live at The Fox Theater 1976. It's the only version I'll listen to. Every other version is watered down. There is music in the studio version. But there is no soul. "Play it pretty for Atlanta "
@@elmacorn5766 Thank you. Glad I'm not the only one. The studio/album version sounds awful by comparison.
Forever changed So glad to see you enjoy this awsome music! Jacksonville Florida 1976
When he asks "can they do this live?" when you know the live version is even more kick ass
What blows me away about the Oakland concert is the ENERGY of both the band AND the audience. They fed off each other, fed into each other, supported each other. If Oakland City Utilities could have sent that energy to some sort of rechargeable battery, they'd STILL be using the captured gusto to light up their nights!
Making the guitar sound like a bird in Atlanta hell yes they can!!
Yep, saw them with the Marshal Tucker band TWICE!!!!
I just came to say this - Knebworth baby, Knebworth will blow his mind🤠😄
Like so many others who came up at this time know, bands TOURED. I don’t think I ever had a moment where these bands live weren’t at least as good as the record-often better. For one, they didn’t make records with auto tune, etc. that’s hard to reproduce in person. Next, these acts were bands, not just a singer with back up dancers. We knew and appreciated not just the singer but the drummer, etc equally. Finally, these groups made records but the live performances is why they got into music in the first place.
His face when the tempo picked up and the solos started was priceless 😂he definitely felt what we all felt the first time hearing it
Or the last time
Every time for me
stank face best face
I’ve heard the song 1000x and I still get happy when it picks up
yep child of the 70's rock girl here...loved hearing for the first time back then...
Lynyrd Skynyrd was mandatory in the 1970s. Free Bird was an anthem, especially after some of the band members died in a plane crash. The band was immortalized and the song was part of the musical canon.
Terribly hard days. One of the greatest bands ever.
There was a lot of good Music coming from Rock Bands in The Southern United States at that point in time. Besides Skynard there was The Allman Brothers, Molley Hatchet who I also remember for The Frnak Frazetta Covers for their Albums.
I grew up in Miami, OK. Home of Steve and Cassie Gaines. Stevie played rhythm and secondary solo on Free Bird. Cassie sang backup. They both died in the plane crash that killed most of the band. We have an entire building downtown dedicated to them and their time in Lynard Skynard. Still can't hear the songs without thinking of the talent that was lost that day!
You also couldn't FIND a Hammond B3 organ to buy during that time. EVERYONE had to have them for their bands.
Like an anthem of a generation.
My song reminds me of my brother, Kenyon. We were stoners back when we were teenagers. He was murdered when he was 31, and I was 33. It brings tears to my eyes. We played this at his funeral. I think he's free.
Sorry for your loss
So sorry
When u think about the lines, "If I leave here tomorrow, would u still remember me, I must be traveling on now" is pretty chilly to think about events that would occur a few years later .... This song was released in August of 1973 and a little over 4 years later 3 members of the band (6 people in total) including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, Steve and Cassie Gaines would perish in a plane crash in Mississippi in October of 1977...Yes, Mr. Van Zant, we still remember u and the legacy this band gave us for generations to remember.......
Absolutely 💯✌️♥️
I remember the day of the plane crash. I was a freshman in high school. If I remember correctly, I was at lunch when I heard the news. I felt like my heart stopped beating. I haven't heard this song for a while. I was crying like a baby the whole song. Watching Polo's reaction made me smile through the tears! ❤
I looked for the documentary, heard it was on Netflix but it's not, currently.... have you seen it?
In 1973, I was 5 years old. I'm too young to remember the first time that I heard Lynard Skynard. These songs are timeless, and they've always been with me.
I was a baby in the 60s, a kid in the 70s, a teen in the 80s, and a full adult by the 90s. I grew up with the best 3 decades of music. (The 90s were OK, but nothing like 60s-80s.)
My brother and his girlfriend had tickets to the venue they were going to…. They kept those tickets… did not want the refund. They still have them.
They cannot only do this live like this. They can do it better and longer and in a full concert.
"play it pretty for atlanta"
It was 17 minutes when I saw them live.
Exactly, they sometimes would play this for 30 minutes straight on full on jam session.
I seen them also. This song was pure perfection. Didn't time it but didn't care. Just enjoyed every second
If polo does a take on the live version. His video will exceed an hour.
They did a longer version live. And you are hearing 3 guitars in perfect unison and harmony with each other.
Who played lead guitar on Free Bird?
2 guitars. twin lead guitar solo
Although this video hit the UA-cams a few years ago, we thought you'd enjoy hearing the isolated guitar-solo track from Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird." The solo on the song-which was played by Allen Collins and Gary Rossington-comes it at Number 3 on Guitar World's list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.
@@billwalker7556 Allen Collins is still underrated as a guitarist for how many people recognize and commend his work.
@@Rorymoa I agree
@@Rorymoa Lynyrd Skynard was an underrated band as well. Of all thier hit songs, none of them ever reached #1 on the charts. Thier highest charted song was Sweet Home Alabama which topped the charts at #8. The iconic song Free Bird only reached #38 on the charts.
They were an iconic band that begun as teenagers originally formed in Jacksonville, FL.they were inducted into the rock and roll Hall of fame. Yet still never recieved the accolades they deserved.
No it was only 2 guitars playing a twin lead guitar solo originally played by Alan Collins and Gary Rossington.
Welcome to Lynyrd Skynyrd, my brother from another mother. One of my favorite southern rock bands. I'm 60 years old. Saw them twice. We'll go see them again. They're losing original members but the brother still sings and Ricky Matlock still plays guitar. God bless
There is actually 3 guitars battling.... One of the most epic solos EVER!
Technically theres 4 guitars 5 if you include the bass.. but everyone forgets about the acoustic guitar layered in there
Actually 4, the bassist is 🔥 too
Yeah…the end soloing is all Collins
Leon Wilkeson laying down that bass line. He was all over the neck!🎶🎸
@@catherineroper6521 leon wasn't on this album and ed's playing bass so there's only 2 guitars.
I am 71 and this is my all time favorite song. I told my kids I want this played at my funeral. Nothing like seeing this live !!!!!
75 here. Love it!
I’m 28 and it’s one of my favorite songs of all time! Got to see them in 2019 and it was an experience! Nothing like seeing them back in the day I can guess!
I want it buried with me and played non-stop (with solar to charge up the battery) (but the Oakland live '77 version)
44 and one I’ve always loved too ❤
I agree , I was fortunate to experience them live in Tucson Az , 6 months before the tragic plane ✈️ crash …. I was 19 yrs old and flying High ! 🦅
Yes they did it live for this long. Saw them in 73 and 75. Words can’t explain the intensity of this band live.
I can't even imagine how this must have felt back then. There are few things in life I regret. Born in '78 I'm too young to lifed through this time of music history. It's good to get stories from old time music lovers to get an idea how it was back then. Thanks for that impression.
@@cookiemonsterdayzI was born in 69' so, was fortunate enough to hear much of this music when it was originally airing on the radio. My love for music began very very young as a result. Was a teen in the 80's, just as music was becoming corporate crap. I always have and always will prefer the music of the 70's above all else.
@misslora3896 I was born in 98, and if I could to back in time it would be for a concert of the 70s for sure
@@steveharvey3351 Yeah. If I had a time machine I know exactly where I'd be right now. I'm grateful for what I did get to experience of the 70's, but would love to have been there to live it in my teens or 20's. It was an all around far better time on top of the music.
I watched it in the 40 anniversary, god my first real concert, I went loco
Mostly this song and was played at the final if my memory help me.
This is one of those songs where you really gotta watch your speed if you are driving
“Can they do it live like this?”
Oh yes, yes they can
Hahaha
Whilst quaffing bourbon like there was no tomorrow :D
it's actually even better live
Oh yes, they can, and yes they did....
@@JCaylor2099
W. Brian Belcher
I agree. The live version has the big BOOM! buppa-buppa-buppa-buh BOOM! finish as opposed to the album cut's fade out.
I am 73 years old and this is one of my favorite songs of all time. So glad you enjoyed the review of this tune by Skynyrd.
As a member of Gen alpha I do have respect for anybody who doesn't like free bird
I'm 58 and I agree 1000%!
62 and is on fire
Listen to Saturday night special from them as well...what a story that was!! #1rated, and loved band in all of the 70s.hands down
RESPECT
Don’t forget to put some respect on that bassist! That support is underrated
Leon Wilkeson~Mad Hatter RIP ❤️❤️❤️
Agree Leon was a master. The were all great at what they did.
Great point man, that bass line drives the song. I’m a guitar player but they’re mostly just noodling while that bass carries the whole thing 🤘
@@davidpratt9881 from a drummer don't forget Artimus Pyle on drums.
Comon' bro! don't tell me you never heard that song before! Can I, as a white Irish man do a review of "For All My Niggaz & Bitches" Song by Tha Dogg Pound and The Lady of Rage? It would be funny but some how I think I'd get in trouble 🤣🤣
1978 middle school dance…start out slow and close and end up jumping….screaming…sweating….laughing-what a great song!
This is the meaning of classic rock. No matter how much time passes, how old us classic rockers get. Free Bird will always be as fresh and loved as the day it was first played.
Totally agree
Ma'am, i think you hit the nail on the head. With a hammer....
Agree.
Is right 👍
Great music is timeless. 🔥 I'm GenX. I remember where I was when I first heard this song. I was at a party in high school, 1992. My buddies older brother came downstairs, didn't say a word, hit stop on the CD player, glared at us and proceeded to play this on his turntable. We all just sat around and listened for hours. This began an appreciation for classic rock. Now, I do similar things with my nieces by showing them Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Oasis, Blur, The Verve....minus the booze and Marlboro. 😅
Not only did they play it live, they'd play it for 15 minutes and it was the last song played. So play a whole concert then end with a 15 minute song that just keeps getting more intense. They were great at playing emotion into their songs, you can absolutely feel the visceral anger in "Cry for the bad man". Or the love in "Simple man",or the loss in "Tuesdays gone".
The long version was almost 45 min
I saw them in 94 with Teddy and and Bad co.
Well said brother. I gigged drums for years. I can't get enough of "On The Hunt." Most bands screw Skynyrd up. They always get "That Smell" wrong. We fronted Molly Hatchet at a club back in the day. A guy in the crowd yelled free Bird when Hlubek was tuning up. He said, fuck free Bird. Roland was cool. Crump was cool too. Hlubek we as blow nose to asshole.
Welcome to Rockville...2 yrs ago..LIVE !! And YES they can still play exactly the same as back in 70s..AMAZING SHOW !!
I remember seeing them in Oklahoma
Drummer was no joke either!!!
They way the song builds to the solo from the first note of the keyboard is something you don’t see often
Few moments in my life were magical. Being in the audience as 15.000 people singing I can't cha-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-nge followed by the guitar solo was one of those moments.
Amen
I can't imagine. That must have been wonderful!!
I was at Sturgis
I yell free bird at every concert I go to.
I pulled into the TA truck stop in Pa close to the N.Jersey line, in the Poconos area of the state, and met a waitress, that wanted me to go up into the mountains there, to meet her later, and these guys were playing, I got there about 4:30 pm, and stayed till they came on around 9 pm, … just sitting there drinking some beer, and got hammered, and was ready to dance on the tables by the time they got yo this tune, … but was too drunk, … great thing was I had a cab over Pete, and slept it off in the truck, … went the next afternoon back to the trkstop yo pickup my trlr, and saw her there again, … I was still hammered, … but was ok, … I dropped off my load, on Monday, & reloaded for Wisconsin, and was gone again, … but the band was fantastic, … those stories from back in the day, … man we had some great times, …
This is a _very_ special song for me. About 25 years ago I was living in the Jacksonville beaches area when my best friend Kenny died. This was *his* favorite song so we took his ashes to the beach at about high tide and poured them onto the sand. About the time the song ended (9 minutes) the waves had washed him away.
By the way, Lynyrd Skynyrd was from Jacksonville.
Sorry to hear about your friend. But, over the last 25 years, he's probably gotten to experience some badass rock shows up there.
Wow. This is beautiful, I'm sorry for your loss🙏🏽
Very nice send off for your friend Kenny much Love ✌
May your friend Rest in Peace.
I live in Jacksonville, definitely going to listen to it on my next beach night walk. RIP.
The 1970s was the best decade for music, no auto tunes just pure talent
Absolutely!
Right on man
What I wouldn't give for some Disco.
Whats sad is in 2070's they will reminisce on today's music...
Yes it was
That guitar just sings, doesn’t it? They were Incredible!
Can they do it live? Funny you should ask, the live version of this song might be the best version. "What song is it you want hear?" The crowd screams "Freebird!" and the rest is astonishing.
Live in Atlanta. Beautiful version!!!! Brings me to tears every time I hear it. If I'm not mistaking it was the last recording of that song. The piano solo at the beginning is so much better than the album version. For those that haven't heard it : ua-cam.com/video/1kphg_kWMwE/v-deo.html
@@dashoeman last recording was August 24* 1977 Fresno selland arena, ur welcome
@@diegogardner6218 what album was it on?The Atlanta version I’m referring to was on Gold and Platinum. First album I ever heard. It was my dad’s and I first learned to play the drums from that album.
Now that you’ve heard the studio version, next is to hear the live version…what a blowout!!! The guitar solos/shootout in the live version are fantastic!! And the crowd…..well you just have to see it! Happy Holidays
@@dashoeman nice, it wasn't an album but here on UA-cam, there's about 8/11 of the full songs from that day scattered all over the internet, the last actual clip/footage of them was in a Pepsi commercial from 77 also on UA-cam
Nobody can outdo Skynard. Gone way too soon. I’m a 69 year old lady who grew up on this. It never gets old. Turned my kids onto it and now my grandkids. People don’t understand what they missed by not growing up in that era.
I'm 13 years old and I'm so glad i was raised on Skynyrd, the Beatles, the rolling stones, etc and not taylor swift or any of that trash! You have a blessed life for being able to grow up then.
Yeah we do
I'm right there with you!
I was a teen and I put on Zappa at my friend's parent's Xmas party, and they all lost their minds (in a good way) and were shocked I knew him. Thank my dad.
We SO had THE BEST MUSIC!
You must see this live. The whole song is taken to another level and the guitar solo is even more intense
Agree!! Seeing the crowd react and dance/sway is epic. Old video also has more beautiful women then I ever saw in concert video.
One of the few songs that the live version is way better than the studio version
Agreed! The live version from Oakland '77. There's even a badass piano solo.
@@philpennington826 Live in Knebworth in '76 when Ronnie walks the guitarists out on The Rolling Stones tongue stage is epic.
Only the life performance in Oakland California is any good
Skynyrd will never be surpassed. Greatest band of all time. Their music is timeless. I'm sure the band is together in heaven still rocking.
Love Lynyrd Skynyrd but AC/DC right with them.
This isn’t just a song. It’s an Anthem. And your reaction is awesome. Love watching these.
Yep!
Perfectly stated!!!!!
I never remember paying much attention to these lyrics when I was a young teen. But my dad died by suicide/accident (not sure) in ‘80 when I was 15. I was driving by myself a year later and this song came on the radio. I felt like he was talking directly to me through this song. Hard to explain, but it did help. I can’t listen to it without all the emotion of that first time I actually listened. Every single time I’m catapulted back to my 16 year old self trying to understand wth happened to my world. But with a fondness now, like it was sent at that particular moment to help me cope. It’s our song. Miss you daddy ❤
May your father Rest in Peace until you reunite... He is as free as a bird
Love when beautiful things like this happen.
My sympathy. Glad this song means so much to you. Just lost my husband of 43 years in Oct. Our wedding song was Precious & Few.Some songs just hit your heart. I wish you well.❤🕊🙏✌🌻🌻
Thank you for sharing, michwenz8413. I had a similar situation when my father passed away but it was a Johnny Cash song that came on the radio. All the same, we can't always get what we want but if we're lucky, we get what we need.
Anthem of the South. Blew us away when we first heard it in the 1970's and stops us dead when we hear it today. Thank you ,Polo. You are my favorite reviewer. I appreciate your style.
In the 70’s we had the BEST music.
THIS was the ballad of our youth in the 70’s. Everything was so simple and indefinite. Possibilities were immense. Love was simple.
This brings back so many memories of love.
Freebird was our ballad.
Oh So true.. The 70s rocked. glad I got to grow up in that era. Feel like young kids these days are missing out big time
Alright, tough question : which area is better, the 70s or the 80s?
I always say the 70s, 80s, and 90s were the golden era for music. Everything happening nowadays in music was built on the groundwork laid by the amazing bands from those years.
Yasssss we did.
Agreed. The 70s had the BEST music 👍
This song is LEGENDARY. We played this at my high school graduation in 1980 as we exited the ceremony. It is a favorite of my generation. RIP, guys. Y'all left us a phenomenal gift and I can't even imagine what y'all would have produced had tragedy not taken ya'll far too soon.
Can they do this live? YES! The three of them right at the edge of the stage. Unbelievable! You should do the live version.
saw it live.... and its like it was, well a long time ago in a fog that cost alot of money not yesterday. BUT THEY KILLED IT
I would actually prefer them to do the Free Bird live version, it just shows the talent these guys have, live and raw.
yeah, the live version with the giant confederate f*&^ng flag in the background 😪
I just watched it.
Live in Oakland.
My man had my heart rate up and had me breathing hard, waiting for him to see the potential of this song. PS if you listen to this on the interstate, make sure you set your cruise control because you will be flying down that mother.
So we’ll said.
They're now saying speeding is legal during the Free Bird Solo.
GF of 6 years broke up with me this weekend, was driving my old CRX on the Autobahn where the limit was 120. This song came on the radio and I nearly went 100 over the limit.
I'm not saying that it was smart or good but I can relate 100%.
If you get pulled over listening to Free Bird all you have to do is keep it playing as the officer approaches. They will hear it and then let you off with a warning.
I got pulled over going 53 in a 30
This was called Southern Rock back in the day...the live version would blow your mind!
Knebworth 1976
"Play it purty, for Atlanta"
Saw them do this live in concert before the crash
It was amazing
Goosebumps!!!! Damn, I'm so happy to have been born when I was.
Some songs are just so common, and you hear them a million times. And you forget how great the song is. This is one of those songs. Watching you enjoy it for the first time reminded me how great this song is.
This is the exact reason i watch reaction videos
Hell yeah Bill
who the fuck forgets how good free bird is?, but yeah, i want my first time back
@@ArchieN1761 I think I specifically said how you can forget how good it is…when you’ve heard it a million times.
@@maineiacialamen
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd features three guitarists: Allen Collins, Ed King, and Gary Rossington. Despite having three guitarists, the song opens with an organ as the lead instrument, which gives the guitars more impact when they arrive1. It’s a classic rock anthem and one of the most iconic guitar-driven songs of all time! 🎸🔥
I never thought about the arrangement that way, but you are absolutely right;)
I think the intro to free bird is one of the best parts
Leon Wilkeson quit the band right before the album was recorded. Ed King was the bass player on the first album (and hence, Freebird). After recording was complete, Leon rejoined- so he was on the album cover but didn’t play.
Ed only played bass on that album- so no guitar for him on Freebird. However, he said Sweet Home Alabama was written right after he was moved to guitar.
Allen Collins wrote that solo at 18 or 19 years of age. Incredible talent.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think him and BB King are the only 2 men (that I know of) that changed a broken string in the middle of a song.
@@ThePawsitiveMind ua-cam.com/video/8yWaZVchd6k/v-deo.html
@@ThePawsitiveMind I think SRV did also.
Incredible guitar player!
Not just talent. He must have an incredible IQ, highly intelligent at such a young age. Rarely do geniuses get to express their intelligence in a form of art.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the most amazing groups. What a great loss.
‘Can’t describe this vibe’ - you’re feeling Southern gospel/rock at its finest. My youngest son just added this to his playlist & and asked me ‘where are bands like THiS now?’ - no idea son,but we lived in the golden age of music.
Yes we did! The 70's were great.
Maybe have him try Whiskey Myers, songs: American Outlaw, Gasoline....Broken Window Serenade etc....
Why do all of the good songs need to be created multiple decades before i was born
Try bare noble
Marcus King, Gary Clark Jr are two current GREAT southern rock/blues guitarists
You just heard the best song of the 70's. The compilation was written with purpose and skill. This song stands the test of time. It is a masterpiece.
I would be willing to say it is the best rock song of all time.
Can’t ya just say your favorite song of the 70s? Seriously, there are so many great songs and I personally would find at least a couple dozen songs from 1971 alone (my FAVORITE year for music) that I like better than Freebird. It’s a subjective judgement, not absolute
@@billbitterman9487 Never did a more apt name exist than Bill "bitter man". Of course it is subjective; but let's spotlight Sir William. 🔦
Bohemian Rhapsody would disagree with that
@@paulinoaz Quot homines, tot sententiae
Interesting fact about this song.... What you're actually hearing is 2 lead guitars, 1 rhythm and 1 bass. It's epic how they made it sound
Also this is a or 75 recording so it’s pre plane crash
actually i think its three lead guitars and a bass
@@jaycarlin6942 it’s multi tracked on the solo, but it’s all Allen Collins playing. Rossington played the slide and rhythm, but Collins played all the solo work when the fast tempo kicks in. And one hell of a guitarist, Ed King, playing bass on this.
and the best end of a movie ever... devils reject... exactky so i wanna die once...
They were called the three guitar army
Ronnie Van Zant was a perfectionist. He made the band work and would not settle for anything less. This is what made them great. Now they still keep the intensity even with no original members. These guys have put in work for decades and are true to the original band.
can't believe there are ppl in 2022 who still haven't heard of this song/band. absolutely mind-blowing. what an amazing thing to watch someone hearing this for the first time! literally tears
I'm in so much grief that I first heard this when I wasn't a rock fan and I DIDNT actually like it until recently...
Yes I know, I was a simple and dumb young fellow.
You nailed it. It isn’t about the technical ability or difficulty of the solo- although it isn’t to be sneezed at- it’s about the RELEASE it expresses. The feeling of soaring. The catharsis. It’s a masterclass in translating that wordlessly into music.
Unlike most of the great solos discussed this is remarkably easy to play. There are just four basic movements in the whole solo. And that is not to take away from the musicianship on display. It is always much easy to recreate than to create.
Easy, LoL. Sure, just not easy to play it right, LoL.
nicely described
That's actually guitar duet! Welcome to the classic southern rock dualing guitar lead. Marshall Tucker. 38 Special. Skynyrd. They all rocked that HARD.
Absolutely
Don't leave out The Allman Brothers.
Rossington Collins
@@JuliusC1973They were incredible!
Find live Little Feat, especially during the Paul Barerre and Fred Tackett years.
That’s why it’s one of the best songs of all time
60's , 70's, and 80's .....where ALL the great music came from! 😮
Agree, but I extend it into the mid-nineties. Pearl Jam on MTV unplugged was the official end of the great music era for me. Oh, and I'll also give the Chili Peppers honorable inclusion.
Agree, but gotta throw 90s in there
Absolutely 60, 70,80s best music ever. I'm gonna throw the 50s in there too
Not 80s for me. Like Madonna 👎 yuck.
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who have heard Freebird, and then those who will hear Freebird. The best part is that both groups experience the song like they’ve never heard it before. It just keeps giving.
No kidding. Watching his reaction makes me appreciate the song (and I’ve heard it a thousand times) even more.
As an 83 y.o. I've been listening to this piece since 1973. I disagree. Within the first few bars I'm reminded that my eardrums are in for a range of emotional experiences like no other! On the other hand, there is no way to explain to a first-time listener the emotions they will experience as the music progresses. Once heard, words are unnecessary to describe.
You have no idea how many people get goosebumps when they hear the opening notes of Free Bird. The band is amazing, the time was amazing watching this song live made you feel like you were flying. Still does the same thing after all these years. RIP to all of Lynard Skynard's original members. You created a legend.
Dude, you HAVE to watch them do it live. Takes it to yet another level.
Simple Man is my favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song. My brother picked it to be played at our dad’s funeral because it fit it him so perfectly. If you haven’t listened to Simple Man yet, I highly suggest it.
cant hear that jam without tearing up
Call Me The Breeze is my favorite
Thanks I'll have a listen
Actual fun fact here, but Simple Man/Free Bird are the top 2 most requested funeral songs of all time outside of Hymns.
Simple man!!!
I love watching these type of reaction videos, when I am already very familiar with the song, and ths is a classic example.
Reactor: "I love the way it is starting to build up..."
In my head: "Bless you. You have know idea what is coming your way in about 4 minutes' time!"
A few moments later...
Reactor: "Oh, they've switched up the tempo here..."
In my head: "Nope, you still have NO idea what is yet to come!"
Brilliant.
Keep up the good work Mr Polo.
Really, it is pretty hilarious that theu have no idea what is about to hit them!
YESSSSSSS
💯
We played this at my Pop's funeral as we carried him to the back of a military Humvee for a Veteran's memorial at Jefferson Barricks. This always brings tears to my eyes. R.I.P. Dad and thanks to all our Veterans
Im sorry for your losse. But that is the single most American thing ive every heard holy shit.
the solo too?
This was also played at my grandpa's funeral I still can't listen to this song and had to skip through.. this song was played at the end of the wake as we got ready to carry him to a harley trike with a trailer for one last ride for him to go for a ride one last time... thank you for your Pops service
Rip hero❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
One of my friend’s family owns and runs a funeral home, and he has mentioned how this is one of the most common songs to be requested at funerals
I'm 61 and I seen Lynyrd Skynyrd live three times in my life 1976 2005 and 2014 show me free bird is the greatest song ever next to Stairway to Heaven
In the 1970's this was considered by MANY to be the greatest rock song of all time. Personally, I believe that still to hold true today! Many radio stations in the 70's would not play the album version due to its length. (There was a shortened radio version). This made a lot of Skynyrd fans angry. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Polo! Cheers!!
I was one of those angry fans of the short version. To chop up one of the greatest songs ever was unimaginable.
I could say the same about. Bohemian Rhapsody; both lost too soon, but even children today know the lyrics
@@frankt...I personally would rather just listen to the solo!
In the 2000s too.. if you were a rock band and didn't play free bird at the talent show.. you were not winning😂😂.. we want free bird
Why
It's magical watching someone's discovery of something you might have heard your whole life. They often notice things you didn't before and now you can appreciate it even more.
Greatest solo ever. And when you know the band's true history it just makes it that much more emotional and better. Three guitars my friend three
Yep Blend so well most cant tell where one stops and the next one starts
If one guitar is good then two is awesome... FUCK it let's go with three, lol. I am born of the 70's and this runs in my blood. Good on you brother.
I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd live on four occasions. At one point there are three guitars. The primary solo in the early career was Allen Collins. Check this video - Live at Knebworth ’76
So iconic is this song, that for years at many rock concerts, no matter who the band was, the crowd would shout out "FREEBIRD" when there was a pause between songs.
So true!
I still do 😂
I play in a band. We still get that. It's iconic. It'll live forever.
For many cover bands, this is the last song of the night. There are two reasons for this. One is that you can make it last as long as you need to. The other is that once you've played Freebird, you can't top it.
As a sound man for bands like this, it was my que to say, "Okay, let's see what this sound system will do." I've destroyed speakers to this song (got to be friends with the guys in the reconing shop).
First thing I thought of! SO true!
They had 3 guitar players, each very unique in technique. That's why this sounds so awesome.
On the studio version of "Free Bird," which appeared on Skynyrd's debut album, Collins played the entire solo himself on his Gibson Explorer, with Rossington playing rhythm on his Les Paul (“Bernice”) and adding the slide fills on his SG. “The whole long jam was Allen Collins himself,” Rossington says.
There was 4 guitar players, including bass player and 3 lead guitarists
@@254967conwell Not on the studio version.
When the surviving members with Van Zant brother, Johnny played this after the plane crash, they left one lone microphone spotlighted on the stage for Ronnie. It’s one of the iconic moments in music history imho
I was wondering who was going to break it to him.🥺
I saw that tour.... just a hat on a microphone stand....... I saw the original Skynyrd 4 other times...I was happy to see Johnny singing Free Bird again later on.
Concord pavillion is where they were headed when the crash happened. It was also the first place the band played after Donnie took over the vocals. I was there and during the entire show not one person sat down and during this songg the audence sang it and by the end there was not a dry eye in the place. LOVE this song.
Three guitarists that can switch and play any part.
This song is so iconic it screams 70s.
I'm sure most of you have seen the signs in the guitar section of music stores that read; NO FREE BIRD!
“No Stairway” is another, haha!
"No Stairway, No Free Bird, No F***ing Oasis" was the sign in my local music shop a few years ago.
I think the MOST common would be "No Smoke on the Water" tho ;)
I mean if 2 or more guitarists wanna knock out some Free Bird i dont see how any sane person could object.
@@Schmuni Unless those two guitarists are Allen Collins and Gary Rossington, there's a better than average chance that they'll suck at it!
In my 30-odd years of guitar playing, I've never seen such a sign. Hell, I'd be impressed if someone broke out a slide and tried to play it at a store, slide ain't easy.
Some songs are not merely songs but masterpieces. This is the definition of a masterpiece. Lyrically, musically, and emotionally this song is perfect.
Perfect description for the greatest song ever played, saw them live and actually cried with joy hearing that song in concert
I still get goosebumps EVERY time I listen to it. I’d love to see him watch one of the live performances (Oakland Coliseum or Knebworth).
And ultimate guitar shred
My second husband died in 2018. He was 71 years, a base player in a band.
We played “Free Bird” at his funeral. 🕊🙏
I will never forget some friends and I were at the movie theater and they stopped the movie to report that members of the Lynard Skynard band had died in a plane crash. I am 69 years old and that moment in time was etched in my mind forever. Girls were crying and my friends and I just looked at each other in shock and disbelief, it felt like a bad dream, we couldn’t speak we just hugged one another. Still today we mourn one of the all time greatest bands ever.
One of the great joys of 70’s music is that every great band (and there were many) was unique. Sound, look and motivation. Right my peeps?? Rock on!!! 🎸
Absolutely!!!!
Damn straight!
That's THREE guitars working MAGIC together. One of the most brilliant guitar Jamming highlights in Rock Music 🎵 history.
@58 Marine Looking at the band, it looked like a lot of people, and with the complexity i was thinking 3 guitars, a bass, drums, keys, and singer
3 guitarists wailing on this one: Alan Collins, Gary Rossington, and Ed King....masters, every one of them!
Three guitarists, Allen Collins, Ed King and Gary Rossington. Always a pleasure to see younger generations discover and enjoy the classic rock music I grew up with.
Honestly do you have to stop it every 25 seconds sometimes to say absolutely nothing of value? Jesus Christ.
The guitar work in this song is second to none, in my opinion. The way that Collins and Rossington bounce the lead parts between them is sublime. I first heard this song on my 16th birthday (too many years ago) and was instantly in love.
Please don't leave out bassist Leon Wilkeson! In the Oakland Coliseum live version, he works his fingers in that passage near the end of the song so fluently and crisply, on those huge bass guitar "cables" (they're not "strings"), it's true musicianship and skill.
@@artbagley1406 You speak truth and wisdom, kind Sir.
@@randallflagg606 bro you're watching a react stream lmao
I wish you had been around in the 70s sweetheart. My hubby is 76 and this will be played at his funeral and I am almost 60 and this needs to be played on vinyl
Dude you were like 10 in the 70's..😂😂you are a spring chicken❤
The live version in Atlanta, where Ronnie Van Zant says, "Play it pretty for Atlanta" is one of my favorite versions of the song. The piano in that version is amazing!
Couldn't agree more!!
I was here.
yes yes yes
damn skippy
The late Billy Powell on piano.
My favorite part about the reactions to free bird are how much they love the intro. But little do they know what they are in for. Easily the greatest reaction song to watch.
Exactly!!!
The Freebird drop.
Skynyrd was a three guitar ban, all fantastic and all with different styles and guitar preferences. There ARE two guitars playing the lead, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington. Extremely talented band.
They played in my hometown in Florida over a decade ago and I really really regret missing them. I have seen countless bands out there, was a shame to miss this one for sure.
You are right about the leads, but there were actually 4 guitars playing in tandem by the end, not including the bass.
There's 3 bro don't forget young Gains, a young up and coming talented guitarist that sadly died with his sister in the crash 😢
The; GUITAR ARMY
Actually on the studio version, Allen Collins plays all of the solo tracks. Rossington plays the rhythm electric and the slide fills, and Collins also plays the acoutsic, with Ed King on bass. Collins was a bad man. Rossington even talked about it in a Guitar World article.