Freebird – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Recorded live July of 1976 at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia

Happy Friday! A big part of me starting this blog came from an inkling of an idea about Lynyrd Skynyrd being the most underappreciated and misrepresented band of all time, and at some point, I will make that argument; but for today, let’s just appreciate the absolute awesomeness that is Free Bird. I believe there is a very strong argument that this is “the great American rock song.” I figured this would be a great way to finish up the first live music week.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s One More From The Road is one of my all-time favorite albums and one of the first live albums that I really got into. Anything recorded in Georgia is always a draw for me, especially Atlanta. Beginning with the wailing sounds of Gary Rossington‘s slide on his SG during the intro, on to the bittersweet lyrics dedicated to (but not written for) Duane Allman, Ronnie Van Zant then utters the iconic words “Play it pretty for Atlanta” (which now greet every performer before they walk onto the stage at the Fabulous Fox), and the magnum opus truly begins.

Artimus Pyle builds up the heavy anticipation on the drums, Gary continues on the slide, and then Mr. Billy Powell delivers some really beautiful work on the keys. Billy Powell is so damn cool and so much fun to watch play. He actually started out as a roadie for the band before anyone realized what he could do musically. In my opinion, he is one of the most severely underappreciated talents in southern music history. I included a couple of clips about him below as well. Now, on to what the people came for. “Free Bird” contains what a lot of people consider to be the greatest guitar solo of all time, and I really don’t know where I personally stand on that statement. I do think it’s impossible to deem any one solo “the” greatest, but I have to say, I think you could make a really strong argument for “Free Bird” being in the number one spot. “Total guitar insanity” would probably be how I’d describe this one. Ronnie hits us again with another “Lord, I can’t change,” and it begins. Allen Collins lets it rip for the first solo. Assuming he was playing his signature Firebird, this has to be one of the most badass visuals of all time. One of my favorite things on this track is a few minutes later, Steve Gaines comes in toting a Les Paul, firing shots into one of the greatest guitar duels ever recorded. Talk about a band playing on fire. Just listen to those bends these guys are pulling off. And the drumming during the guitar solo is so perfect as well; Pyle is the unsung hero of “Free Bird.” He is just cruising through the song, and the way he builds up the anticipation before the final act is just perfect. I also have to give a shoutout to the bassman, Leon Wilkerson, for delivering such steadiness and consistency throughout such a chaotic and fast song.

Skynyrd and “Free Bird” are two of the most misunderstood pieces of Southern culture, and I plan on diving more into this at a later date. For now, let’s just appreciate the awesomeness that is “Free Bird”.

Unfortunately, there is no video of this performance, but the audio is great; I would totally recommend headphones if you’re able. There’s some really great footage of them playing the song in Oakland roughly four months before the plane crash that ended the true and original iteration of Skynyrd if you’re a more visually inclined person.

Link to audio – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kphg_kWMwE

Nice Billy Powell clips – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg3fGhxytVk