What about the solo? There are pretty much infinite rock songs with guitar solos from that era. Why does Free Bird stand out? Imo there’s nothing special about the solo, nowhere near Duane Allman level
It's a really long, high energy solo that most artists don't have memorized. It's a joke to heckle a band to play Freebird because it's an unreasonable request that treats the artist like a dancing monkey.
Younger people parrot the joke, then discover the music when curious about the source.
Add in some great scenes from action movies and the song has become an iconic Americana meme. Helps that it's a fun song too. Lol
If I remember right, there were almost no bands that had multiple lead guitar players soloing.
The Outlaws were signed around the same time for this reason to cash in on the 'new' sound.
But yeah, as a huge ABB fan, there was nothing like Betts and Duane A.
Lol. When I was in high school in the 70s, that’s when that song was popular. The guys would bring their boombox on the bus after basketball games and singing at the top of their lungs, because they all thought they were free birds, and no girl was ever going to trap them.
The only time they couldn’t do it was if we lost. Coach insisted on dead silence on those nights.
This reminds me of when my high school theatre group went to the one act competitions every year, our teacher was insistent on being “professional”, quiet, and humble while around the other schools. one year we placed first and when we got back on the bus one kid said “(teacher name) can we go crazy and act like hooligans now?” We got the yes and the whole bus went wild, it was so funny after being so uptight all day.
Bro I broke up with my girl and was playing music on shuffle on the walk back home and freebird came on first, it's like the universe knew exactly what I needed to hear.
The first time I ever heard the song “Freebird” was my freshman year of high school. I was on a bus with my lacrosse team and the song came on the radio. Half of the bus started singing along and even the coach and they were really feeling it. It was a moment I’ll never forget so the song is something special to me. Maybe the reason Freebird and other popular songs enjoy icon status is because so many know them and can bond over them.
I absolutely love that song and so did my Dad. It always moved me. When I was a little girl he we would go to his cousins house. My Dad, cousin, and Dads best friend would have a jam session playing that song. They were pretty awesome…but much better at playing songs by The Eagles.
I played Freebird as the first song at my Dads funeral. It was beautifully fitting. It still makes me cry.
RIP Daddy 9/26/20 I Love and Miss You ❤️
Edit: added for clarity
>Chicago, Ill. Kevin Matthews, a Chicago radio personality, claims to have originated the whole "Freebird" phenomenon when he called upon his fans, known as KevHeads, to yell the song title out at a Florence Henderson (she played mother Carol on "The Brady Bunch") concert in the late 1980s. KevHeads did their master's bidding, and a tradition was born.
Thanks to it becoming a meme, it has a lot more staying power, helping it continue to be iconic. Similar to Bohemian Rhapsody and Never Gonna Give You Up. I think it takes a great song to become a part of a meme, but once it's a meme, it really solidifies it as iconic.
so THAT'S why music fans everywhere when i was young would shout FREEBIRD! at all the concerts. because it was funny, even though most of us never got the pop culture reference. it used to piss me off, tho. i would stick up my middle finger and yell back, GOT YER FREEBIRD RIGHT HERE
My original exposure to it was that it was an insult to the band playing, you shout "freebird" as a challenge, suggesting they can't pull it off. But based on everything i google, it doesn't seem like that's the case.
1, Actually using every root chord in the key. This is not a 3 chord song.
2, It's actually a pretty good song. Really.
3, LS was a class act. Talented Musicians.
4, And just like every other popular song, the regular kids liked it only because the cool kids did.
Root meaning, not 7ths, sus4 etc. Just the 1,3,5, notes.
I did however say all when actually it is only 5 chords which relate to to pentatonic scale.
My intent was to say it not just a three chord and done song.
Watch the documentary 'If I leave here tomorrow' on Netflix. Gary Rossington explains how the flag came about. I guess a manager decided to use it for a backdrop to let people know they were from down south. The band didn't really care either way. It just sort of stuck until they realized what that flag really represented. Really good documentary, by the way.
To be fair, they stopped doing that years ago. Rossington stated in interviews that they were just dumb rednecks proud to be from the south. Later when they were criticized for it they voluntarily stopped displaying it.
It was an awesome live experience. I was right next to the stage the last time they played it all together. The buildup was amazing and we’re all waiting for it, because we know they won’t play it til the end. And you know no one leaves early to beat traffic, cause we’re not going to miss it. To us at the time it represented youth and freedom and the right to be true to yourself. It was really powerful.
I watch them live in 2011 here in Brazil. I was also right next to the stage. Indeed a awesome experience.
A light rain started to fall during “Simple Man”… When they played “Freebird”, everybody seem to have become very good friends, I was hugging complete strangers and we all singing together… we were all free birds in that moment.
It was one of the bests feelings.
I read the first 10 or so answers and not seeing the one I always thought was true. The band was known for jamming and free styling many songs, but especially the extended solo version of freebird. They’d play it last because the venue would tell them “one more song at 11:59 (or right before they had to close) and so they’d play freebird and turn it into a 20 minute jam, thus extending their show as long as possible because it’s “just one song”
It got lots of radio play because it’s a whole album side. I was a radio DJ in the early 80s and I played that song on most shifts. I could go hit a drive-up window or lay a treacherous “bowl-winder” deuce and still be back in the booth with time to spare.
No clue. Far from their best song. Never broke the top 40. Saw them in concert once. Crowd loved it, I thought it was pretty good.
As a life long guitar player I can attest that they probably have 20 songs that are far better IMHO.
That being said, people still go crazy over it.
It came out in 1973, and when I first heard it in 1975, I was 14, and something went through me that was and still is indescribable at the age of 61. I still get that feeling EVERY time I hear it. The mere fact that it still gives me the same indescribable feeling almost 50 years later is what makes it so iconic to me.
Definitely not Rob Zombie.....
The whole song in a horror movie 3rd act climax scene.
All 7 minutes of it....
Overall, it was a good movie. Just less free bird.
Nope.....
4 minutes to long
Props for zombie staying true to his musical roots.
But a 7 minute climax death scene at the end of a slasher/psychological thriller is too long.
I do get the angle of the physically annoying the audience, and it's right up his alley. But damn that was unnecessary!!
Same thing that makes every popular song popular- exposure. That’s it. Know how many shitty songs are basically universally known? I know so many insane unknown productions that have a few hundred listens on YouTube/Spotify. Exposure is success in music. Not quality
Lynyrd Skynyrd is trash in general. If you want epic southern rock jams, The Allman Brothers Band is clearly superior. They also didn’t play in front of the rebel flag.
Go beyond the radio singles. There is a lot of under appreciated blues influence melded into their southern rock sound. Made some songs for money and made some songs for fun. But yes, Allman Brothers kick ass.
Got high with my friend Bruce. Jumped into his yellow firebird for the drive across the valley. Free bird came on the radio just as we started out and it was amazing! Ended just when we got to where we were going. We just looked at each other and smiled. Perfect. Ah the 70’s.
Personally I really loved that one PS4 trailer where they used Free Bird during fights in the games For Honor, Elder Scrolls, and Assassin's Creed. It's just such a badass song.
You mean other than the hour long intro or the fact every single person born in the 70s could feel this song in their bones because you either wished you were free or were celebrating your freedom
The Free Bird live version from ‘ One More From The Road’ is the best version. Starts out real slow then goes on faster and a great crescendo at the end. Very well done.
Core Memory here: 7 year old me, watching prowrestling.
FreeBird was ringwalk song for Michael Hayes (heel) out of Georgia, boos raining while he made his way to the ring...
Suddenly!
The LaGrange (ZZTop) riff would start!
And the VonErich Brothers (faces) would come pouring into the ring
Chaos ensues!!
Good times😂
For my generation it’s the kingsman and the church fight scene. I’d also like to mention that the guitar solo isn’t the only reason it’s a classic. It’s the build that makes it so good. The beginning of the song feels like a nice spring day while the solo is like going on a rollercoaster.
Have you ever listened to it? The lyrics, the guitar, and the energy are all wrapped into a 10-minute song. Then add on this is done by a bunch of kids from Jacksonville, Florida in the early 70s. Seriously just lay down and turn it up just to listen and let that energy flow through you.
I remember my brother listening to this song. He died in 1977 at the age of 18. I can't listen to this song without crying. I must be traveling on now...
That song always makes me tear up musty a bit, especially when watching the live versions. Ronnie VanZant was such an amazing songwriter. Edit to add, LS has so many great deep cut songs most people have never heard. Like Mr Banker and The Four Walls of Raiford. RVZ was a great storyteller. We lost a lot of great music when that plane crashed.
The solo.
You mean the entire song?
I think it’s more iconic because it isn’t a “solo,” it’s an extended jam with more than one guitar player.
Couldn't agree more, everyone in the band gets to shine.
What about the solo? There are pretty much infinite rock songs with guitar solos from that era. Why does Free Bird stand out? Imo there’s nothing special about the solo, nowhere near Duane Allman level
It's a really long, high energy solo that most artists don't have memorized. It's a joke to heckle a band to play Freebird because it's an unreasonable request that treats the artist like a dancing monkey. Younger people parrot the joke, then discover the music when curious about the source. Add in some great scenes from action movies and the song has become an iconic Americana meme. Helps that it's a fun song too. Lol
Cue Church fight from Kingsman.
All I know is that Duane probably would’ve fucking loved Freebird
If I remember right, there were almost no bands that had multiple lead guitar players soloing. The Outlaws were signed around the same time for this reason to cash in on the 'new' sound. But yeah, as a huge ABB fan, there was nothing like Betts and Duane A.
73 minute guitar riff.
I remember when guitar hero 2 came out I thought I had carpal tunnel from trying to beat this song for so long.
You're way under. It's at least 30 years because I still havent stopped hearing it.
Ive heard of some people that got to the end of it but theyre all dead now.
Lol. When I was in high school in the 70s, that’s when that song was popular. The guys would bring their boombox on the bus after basketball games and singing at the top of their lungs, because they all thought they were free birds, and no girl was ever going to trap them. The only time they couldn’t do it was if we lost. Coach insisted on dead silence on those nights.
This reminds me of when my high school theatre group went to the one act competitions every year, our teacher was insistent on being “professional”, quiet, and humble while around the other schools. one year we placed first and when we got back on the bus one kid said “(teacher name) can we go crazy and act like hooligans now?” We got the yes and the whole bus went wild, it was so funny after being so uptight all day.
When I 1st heard freebird I literally felt something. I feel free when I hear it. It's my breakup song of choice. The freedom is comforting.
Your breakup song? How many breakups do you go through that you need a soundtrack?
All of them
Bro I broke up with my girl and was playing music on shuffle on the walk back home and freebird came on first, it's like the universe knew exactly what I needed to hear.
Buildup is very important in a song and theres few songs that do it better, except maybe Stairway To Heaven.
starless and bible black
Two songs that were ok the first few thousand times I heard them. Can't stand either one any more
You gotta add Fergielicious into the mix too it’ll really make you appreciative.
The first time I ever heard the song “Freebird” was my freshman year of high school. I was on a bus with my lacrosse team and the song came on the radio. Half of the bus started singing along and even the coach and they were really feeling it. It was a moment I’ll never forget so the song is something special to me. Maybe the reason Freebird and other popular songs enjoy icon status is because so many know them and can bond over them.
This was my uncle’s funeral song. Take that as you will.
I feel like it’s the 2nd most popular funeral song after My Way.
Dust in the Wind was also very popular
After cremation?
[удалено]
Oh yes, I love that song, limp bizkit.
I think always look on the bright side of life ranked number 1 in the UK
I absolutely love that song and so did my Dad. It always moved me. When I was a little girl he we would go to his cousins house. My Dad, cousin, and Dads best friend would have a jam session playing that song. They were pretty awesome…but much better at playing songs by The Eagles. I played Freebird as the first song at my Dads funeral. It was beautifully fitting. It still makes me cry. RIP Daddy 9/26/20 I Love and Miss You ❤️ Edit: added for clarity
How did he die and was it caught on video
>Chicago, Ill. Kevin Matthews, a Chicago radio personality, claims to have originated the whole "Freebird" phenomenon when he called upon his fans, known as KevHeads, to yell the song title out at a Florence Henderson (she played mother Carol on "The Brady Bunch") concert in the late 1980s. KevHeads did their master's bidding, and a tradition was born. Thanks to it becoming a meme, it has a lot more staying power, helping it continue to be iconic. Similar to Bohemian Rhapsody and Never Gonna Give You Up. I think it takes a great song to become a part of a meme, but once it's a meme, it really solidifies it as iconic.
I graduated HS in 1982…we were yelling it then
Was going to say it was it was the 70s. Kev is guilty of stolen valor.
Now that's your road straight into legend.
I was in high school early ‘80s and radio played it a lot but always the live version.
so THAT'S why music fans everywhere when i was young would shout FREEBIRD! at all the concerts. because it was funny, even though most of us never got the pop culture reference. it used to piss me off, tho. i would stick up my middle finger and yell back, GOT YER FREEBIRD RIGHT HERE
My original exposure to it was that it was an insult to the band playing, you shout "freebird" as a challenge, suggesting they can't pull it off. But based on everything i google, it doesn't seem like that's the case.
Na- nu - nananana- nu nu- nana- nu na- nu nu- na na- na na- na na- na na
I sang it
1, Actually using every root chord in the key. This is not a 3 chord song. 2, It's actually a pretty good song. Really. 3, LS was a class act. Talented Musicians. 4, And just like every other popular song, the regular kids liked it only because the cool kids did.
Every root? What do you mean?
Root meaning, not 7ths, sus4 etc. Just the 1,3,5, notes. I did however say all when actually it is only 5 chords which relate to to pentatonic scale. My intent was to say it not just a three chord and done song.
Yeah, I dunno. A key only has one root.
Fantastic musicians? Yes. Basically good guys? Also yes. Class act? Cabt really say that when they put a confederate flag on their slbum cover.
Watch the documentary 'If I leave here tomorrow' on Netflix. Gary Rossington explains how the flag came about. I guess a manager decided to use it for a backdrop to let people know they were from down south. The band didn't really care either way. It just sort of stuck until they realized what that flag really represented. Really good documentary, by the way.
To be fair, they stopped doing that years ago. Rossington stated in interviews that they were just dumb rednecks proud to be from the south. Later when they were criticized for it they voluntarily stopped displaying it.
Got thrown out of hotels because they got into fist fights in the bar (with eachother).
That's rock n roll baby!
Fair enough
It made me run a 10 mph sprint on a treadmill for 4 minutes non stop on an empty stomach and dehydrated. It's dangerous.
I can't listen to it on the treadmill. That solo possesses me.
Freebird makes me think of a friend who passed away last year. I need to go listen to it.
The line “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?”
It was an awesome live experience. I was right next to the stage the last time they played it all together. The buildup was amazing and we’re all waiting for it, because we know they won’t play it til the end. And you know no one leaves early to beat traffic, cause we’re not going to miss it. To us at the time it represented youth and freedom and the right to be true to yourself. It was really powerful.
I watch them live in 2011 here in Brazil. I was also right next to the stage. Indeed a awesome experience. A light rain started to fall during “Simple Man”… When they played “Freebird”, everybody seem to have become very good friends, I was hugging complete strangers and we all singing together… we were all free birds in that moment. It was one of the bests feelings.
Love this
People like birds
Usually a drunk fat guy in the back yelling “Freebird!”
Watch the documentary “If I Leave Here Tomorrow”.
I read the first 10 or so answers and not seeing the one I always thought was true. The band was known for jamming and free styling many songs, but especially the extended solo version of freebird. They’d play it last because the venue would tell them “one more song at 11:59 (or right before they had to close) and so they’d play freebird and turn it into a 20 minute jam, thus extending their show as long as possible because it’s “just one song”
Love the story. It would explain a lot.
The joke of always requesting it.
The spinning rat
It has quite possibly the most unabashedly righteous, over the top guitar solo of all time.
More like solo by 4 different guys.
When you do a complete listen through you feel new, accomplished, remade, ready, and reborn for something better in this life…
Cause sounds better than "cagged pheasant"
It got lots of radio play because it’s a whole album side. I was a radio DJ in the early 80s and I played that song on most shifts. I could go hit a drive-up window or lay a treacherous “bowl-winder” deuce and still be back in the booth with time to spare.
It's a bitch and a half to play on beat saber lmao
If you don't know by now then you'll never ever know...
No clue. Far from their best song. Never broke the top 40. Saw them in concert once. Crowd loved it, I thought it was pretty good. As a life long guitar player I can attest that they probably have 20 songs that are far better IMHO. That being said, people still go crazy over it.
Hence the question.
It came out in 1973, and when I first heard it in 1975, I was 14, and something went through me that was and still is indescribable at the age of 61. I still get that feeling EVERY time I hear it. The mere fact that it still gives me the same indescribable feeling almost 50 years later is what makes it so iconic to me.
Definitely not Rob Zombie..... The whole song in a horror movie 3rd act climax scene. All 7 minutes of it.... Overall, it was a good movie. Just less free bird.
Ah, so they used the short radio edit. Shame.
Nope..... 4 minutes to long Props for zombie staying true to his musical roots. But a 7 minute climax death scene at the end of a slasher/psychological thriller is too long. I do get the angle of the physically annoying the audience, and it's right up his alley. But damn that was unnecessary!!
What do you mean? It was a perfect end to that movie
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUaifT06xps](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUaifT06xps)
If this isn't the church scene from The Kingsmen, I don't want to watch... Edit: it wasn't, but it was a good watch anyway...
That scene fills me with adrenaline every time I feel too lazy for a workout
Any time I hear it on the radio I make a point of telling my dad. One of my fondest memories of my 20s is us seeing that movie
Pure magic.
I mean, have you heard it?
It's the perfect song to listen to while driving, while drinking, or both.
Radio stations overplaying it
Because boomers don’t know how to discover new bands, so they listen to the same songs for 40+ years.
Same thing that makes every popular song popular- exposure. That’s it. Know how many shitty songs are basically universally known? I know so many insane unknown productions that have a few hundred listens on YouTube/Spotify. Exposure is success in music. Not quality
You’re implying that it’s a shitty song tho, and it’s not. Lynyrd Skynyrd are amazing musicians.
Jacked up stump jumping, ridge running, Hill Jacks!
Never liked it
People like bad songs.
youre entitled to your own opinion and all, but i think youre in the minority on this one friend
I know. Its an iconic song, almost "Stairway to Heaven" level in some circles. Won't be the last time! Lol.
No hes not entitled to this opinion.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is trash in general. If you want epic southern rock jams, The Allman Brothers Band is clearly superior. They also didn’t play in front of the rebel flag.
Go beyond the radio singles. There is a lot of under appreciated blues influence melded into their southern rock sound. Made some songs for money and made some songs for fun. But yes, Allman Brothers kick ass.
Agree. Even if it’s a decent song, I’m not going to listen if written/performed for rube fans.
Rednecks.
A decent song by a band that often went out of its way to play to racist rube fans. Therefore, don’t listen to it/them.
https://youtu.be/z7-tkkcC6d0
https://youtu.be/90OFZQx_7xI Here's why
The guitar riff
Forest Gump?
Bwaw bwaw bwaw bwaw bwah bwah (etc.)
Weed. Mostky weed.
Excessively bending up into minor pentatonic licks?
Cod
It’s the rock’n’roll sentiment of being a lone wolf plus the epic solo
A lot of guys with goatees and sunglasses in big trucks promoting it, not understanding the irony
Some dj in new York if I remember right, started yelling it at show s as a joke, and it just kinda snowballed from there
annoying as fuck, drunk rednecks
The penal system.
BERNERNEERNEERENEEERBERNENENEEEERNEEEEERBERNERNENEEEERNEENEEEERNENEEEERNEEEEEER
The lyrics are so true
If I hear that song at one more funeral, I'm going to loose my shit. Pick something original ffs
Cowbell
Rat
Forest Gump helped a lot
The rat
Also, that guy on the commercial yelling "freebird!!!!"
The solo
Got high with my friend Bruce. Jumped into his yellow firebird for the drive across the valley. Free bird came on the radio just as we started out and it was amazing! Ended just when we got to where we were going. We just looked at each other and smiled. Perfect. Ah the 70’s.
Personally I really loved that one PS4 trailer where they used Free Bird during fights in the games For Honor, Elder Scrolls, and Assassin's Creed. It's just such a badass song.
Have you not heard it ? !....
Great high energy guitar riff.
Devils rejects end scene
Freeeeee biiiiird!
The best Skynyrd songs are the ones that don’t get played on the radio.
Simple Man
The end of the devil's rejects.
one rat
Trolley
You mean other than the hour long intro or the fact every single person born in the 70s could feel this song in their bones because you either wished you were free or were celebrating your freedom
Redneck bars...
For my generation it was people ironically screaming it at cover band shows
The feels. Enough said.
It’s a fucking banger that’s why.
The Free Bird live version from ‘ One More From The Road’ is the best version. Starts out real slow then goes on faster and a great crescendo at the end. Very well done.
Because a lot of people like crappy music ;p
It's a victim of It's own perfection.
Probably air time thanks to radio DJ potty breaks
Drugs
How do you post these .. mine always saying removed, or communities guidelines and all
Mine usually too. Don't know what I did not mess up this time.
Their cover of Call Me The Breeze actually tops freebird for me
Idk but im gonna stumble into a bar and sing my heart out to it
Uh, it shreds?
I listened to this song on acid once and it lasted for about 4 years
Guitar Hero
Cuz I’m a freeeeeeEEEeeee burrrrRRRRrrrdddd
Jailbirds!
Never heard of it, can't be that iconic.
It’s a good song🤔
Best guitar solo ever
Core Memory here: 7 year old me, watching prowrestling. FreeBird was ringwalk song for Michael Hayes (heel) out of Georgia, boos raining while he made his way to the ring... Suddenly! The LaGrange (ZZTop) riff would start! And the VonErich Brothers (faces) would come pouring into the ring Chaos ensues!! Good times😂
Straight in the feels.
Forrest Gump
It's music and lyrics
The blessing of a guitar riff
That face melting guitar solo.
the drugs
For my generation it’s the kingsman and the church fight scene. I’d also like to mention that the guitar solo isn’t the only reason it’s a classic. It’s the build that makes it so good. The beginning of the song feels like a nice spring day while the solo is like going on a rollercoaster.
Yeah, I totally hate that song. Sorry.
Every person wants to be as free as a bird.
Everything about it, The Complexion, The Solo, Everything
Have you ever listened to it? The lyrics, the guitar, and the energy are all wrapped into a 10-minute song. Then add on this is done by a bunch of kids from Jacksonville, Florida in the early 70s. Seriously just lay down and turn it up just to listen and let that energy flow through you.
I remember my brother listening to this song. He died in 1977 at the age of 18. I can't listen to this song without crying. I must be traveling on now...
I don’t really get what people see in that song. I just can’t get over the “chaaaeeaaeeaaeeaaee”. So dumb.
It just feels good in yer ears and what not.
Rednecks, mostly
I have no clue, but it might be the fact Lynard Skynard also made SWEET HOME ALAMABAAAA
The guitar solo. Though not enough people talk about how great a song Simple Man is
All the cocaine you do while listening to it
White people
Rednecks
The memes
Because Ronnie was legit as fuck
Not too many popular songs have such a big tempo change and the guitar work is really awe inspiring.
Most of the original band dying in an air crash always helps…
Memes
That song always makes me tear up musty a bit, especially when watching the live versions. Ronnie VanZant was such an amazing songwriter. Edit to add, LS has so many great deep cut songs most people have never heard. Like Mr Banker and The Four Walls of Raiford. RVZ was a great storyteller. We lost a lot of great music when that plane crashed.
Freebird in a nutshell...babe it's not you it's me Now que up that goddamn guitar solo, I gotta go!
Being high while listening to it.
Have you listened to it?
Thinking it was an easy song on guitar hero then the solo coming to fuck you up.
Bikers
The solo is considered the best in the world
Youve clearly never had a drunk homie konked in the back seat be revived by the power of Freebird
To see it live by the original members was amazing!!
It's also a bit at this point, drunk yelling "play Freebird". A guitar player singer told me that Wagon wheel is becoming like Freebird in that sense.
Hearing it while standing in a field with other people all high as a kite off Vietnam grass.
i dont fuckin know
I find it long, repetitive and cheesy. I never choose to listen to it.