Rewatching Freebird ... the movie

[FenderGyrl]

Yeah, it was over 50 years ago. But damn, for some reason watching the Knebworth Festival performance really moved me this morning. They were so on their game.

I can only imagine the rush they were feeling knowing that the band was firing on all cylinders that day. The emotional high they probably felt afterwards must have been amazing. But sadly, when you experience something like that rush ... any bad times you find yourself in afterwards can feel amplified.

Just Sayin, what a feeling it must have been to be on that stage.
FG

 

[brookdalebill]

Yeah, it was over 50 years ago. But damn, for some reason watching the Knebworth Festival performance really moved me this morning. They were so on their game.

I can only imagine the rush they were feeling knowing that the band was firing on all cylinders that day. The emotional high they probably felt afterwards must have been amazing. But sadly, when you experience something like that rush ... any bad times you find yourself in afterwards can feel amplified.

Just Sayin, what a feeling it must have been to be on that stage.
FG

I saw em’ when I was a senior in high school, in 1975.
Tightest guitar band I ever saw, and I saw the early Eagles twice.
They were rockin’ out, havin’ fun, and playing their collective asses off.
Leon was owning the bass, and Ronnie prowled the stage.
Those guys were as “played in” as it gets.
All gone now, except Artimus.
RIP, and thank you, gentlemen.

 

[canteytoque]

I heard in a documentary that they put many hours and hard work into rehearsal of new material.

 

[Sparky2]

It is out of respect for Ed King, Allen Collins, and Gary Rossington that I have always shied away from playing most Skynyrd songs.

We've done Call Me The Breeze quite a few times, and Simple Man, but Sweet Home? Free Bird?
No way.

A band with one drummer, one bass player, three singers, and one guitar player just can't do those songs proper justice.

And the times I have seen similarly-configured bands give them a try, it's always been cringeworthy.

 

[FenderGyrl]

Steve Gaines just seemed like a natural born guitar player. Ronnie had them set up as a Cookie Cutter performing band... until Steve came in. IMO.

I saw them during the Second Helping Tour. And yeah...tight.
Stood behind the venue after the show. I lived across the street from the venue so I knew the exit / load out routine. They were traveling in a Winnebago.

I remember Ronnie storming out of the door ... Allen was at his side. Gary was following close behind them with this whipped puppy look on his face. He was really shy looking too. Ronnie was cussing the whole time. I remember my boyfriend asking Ronnie for an autograph while saying what a great show they just did. Ronnie just glared at him and brushed right past him - then getting into the Winnebago.

I remember Allen being tall and skinny. He looked kinda embarrassed for Ronnie and grabbed the Album and signed it, all the while Ronnie yelling for him to get in the friggin vehicle. Allen looked shaken and climbed the stairs. Gary just slinked by us looking down and climbed the stairs. I remember he looked like a kid who's dad told him to "fetch my belt and bring it here NOW". I clearly remember thinking to myself "What an A$$hole" in regard to Ronnie. Looking back, Ronnie appeared to be an adult and Allen & Gary looked like kids. Which yeah, they were !!!

Bob Burns, Billy, and I'm guessing Ed eventually came out and got on board. I dont remember Ed though.

Leon was the straggler that came out last. I clearly remember him stopping just outside of the venue door... all the while you could hear Ronnie yelling. Leon was patting his jean jacket pockets. He looked at me and came over to get a smoke. I remember him hanging with us for probably two smokes. I think I gave him the rest of my pack too. He was such a cool guy. Not like a rock star or anything. Had this big brother vibe about him. He was asking us what Ohio was like, what school we were in. He definitely didn't wanna get in that Winnebago until the yelling stopped. And in hindsight, Ronnie probably knew that Leon wouldn't put up with his bullying, having left the band earlier.

Leon thanked us for the smokes. Said goodbye and eventually got on board. I do remember that that the Winnebago was quiet for a few moments... only then did Leon climb the stairs. As soon as he was on board the door closed and the engine revved up. Off they went.
Leon= The Cat In The Hat

 

[FenderGyrl]

I also remember when the show started Ronnie was barefoot. Which I thought was really weird. I heard Artimus talking about him doing that though.

I also remember the Auditorium being almost empty. Most of the crowd was not paying any attention to the band. Only us musicians were standing up front. There were no seats, just an open floor. Everyone just wanted to hear FreeBird. Only then did everybody crowd in front if the stage.

I gotta say: yeah, Ronnie was a country singer who fronted a rock band. Yeah, he wrote amusing lyrics. He was determined for sure.
But, he was clearly the leader of the others. They followed him. I feel like he really lost the plot when it came to watching out for the safety and well being of his Rock n Roll family. <Get On The Plane>

Just Sayin= Artimus should have stood up to Ronnie that fateful day. Being a pilot and a Marine. Artimus manhandled Ronnie once earlier in the final year<s>. Too bad he didn't stand up to Ronnie that day.
Ronnie was clearly a bully.

 

[stxrus]

I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never seen Freebird. I did see them live twice between 1974 & 1976. Very tight and energetic. Sweet Home & Freebird were new enough to not to be overplayed.

Other than learning the basic of the basics of Freebird I never even considering playing it out.

Call Me The Breeze (JJ Cale) and Simple Man got played a fair amount. Simple Man was only done by request

 

[43mmNut]

They were the Kings of southern rock. It was so much seeing them in concert.