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Free Bird........ughhh
- Thread starter Mikey F
- Start date
I doubt that most of the whiners have ever even played Freebird. I can’t remember the last time I heard it on the radio or saw it played in a club. It’s the whine that won’t die. 
I saw skynard at welcome to rockville back in November. People went nuts and I had a great time. Nobody complained that they played freebird. Many people can't play freebird. As the OP pointed out, its not peddling 8ths on roots and fifths
I get that it's one of those anthem type songs, though as a non American, I didn't grow up with the connection to it that most of the commenters here clearly did. But it has that emotive semi ballad, but with guitar showy bits, that show ending numbers often have. (Not meaning to disparage it at all there.) Sort of like Stairway, or Brothers In Arms, Bohemian Rhapsody, etc.
Despite not being American, I do like a bit of Southern Rock and wouldn't mind hearing Free Bird every now and then.
Despite not being American, I do like a bit of Southern Rock and wouldn't mind hearing Free Bird every now and then.
You would be surprised... it's still pretty popular on the classic rock, roots scene. Point is it has to be played well, and we've never done the 5 minute guitar duel. We throw in a bit of the lead, but the goal is just to do "our" version that doesn't lose site of the original. I saw the original Skynrd band twice and they were fantastic. At the Capital Center in DC, and at the Ozark Music festival in 74' which was an incredible show.
It's a classic, I only wish I had the chops to play the original bass line (I normally switch to rhythm guitar when we do it).
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It’s even funnier when you turn launch into the tune! Just the first verse, though.
I must be the oddball here on TB. I think Freebird is an awesome song and I absolutely can't stand Brown Eyed Girl or Mustang Sally. If I hear a band play either of those, I'm gone. I'd be more impressed with a band that can pull off Freebird.
I agree. I am filling in for a bass player in a southern rock band on a couple of gigs next month and their songlist has about 5 Skynyrd tunes. I grew up listening to those tunes (Norther Florida) but didn't really pay that much attention to the bass lines other than to learn 3 Steps for my high school jam band. Tuesday's Gone is a cool bass part. As is That Smell. But then again so is a lot of southern rock. Allman brothers Ramblin man is great fun to play. And if we are talking about Free bird then you have to include Green Grass and High Tides by the Outlaws. there Goes Another Love song is also fun to play.
My complaint is directed at radio programmers who haven't updated playlists since 1975 NOT at southern rock, Free Bird or, heaven forbid, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I love Lynyrd Skynyrd and just wish radio stations would play a jam "Give Me Back My Bullets" or "On the Hunt" every now and then. Time to go listen to "Gold and Platinum".
I love Lynyrd Skynyrd and just wish radio stations would play a jam "Give Me Back My Bullets" or "On the Hunt" every now and then. Time to go listen to "Gold and Platinum".
I've had to play it a few times, but not really a fan. But, of all the cover bands I have heard play this song, not one of them has played it "correctly." Usually the are just playing roots.
Leon was in the band prior to them recording their first album, and then quit. So Ed King was recruited to play bass on that album (despite being primarily a guitar player). The producer, Al Kooper, also played on a couple of songs.
According to King, "One night, after the first album was done but not released, Ronnie came to me. I was sitting on my bed playing my Stratocaster. He put his arm around me and said 'Ed...you’re really the worst bass player I’ve ever played with.' So the next day Ronnie and Gary went out to this ice cream factory where Leon was working. They asked him to return to the band.... Leon came out to the rehearsal cabin. While there, the band played 'Simple Man' with Leon on bass. I had never heard the song before. After hearing Leon play bass, I decided he should be the bass player. He’s the best I’ve ever heard. To this day, I never write a bass part without asking myself 'What would Leon play?'”
King remained in the band as guitarist and songwriter for a few more albums.
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Well over the past 30 years or so I can state with honest joy that I have never had to play Free Bird on a gig. I considered this to be a badge of honor, kind of like never seeing a single episode of "The Voice" or "Friends". (I also hold this badge
That is until now......I have to play it next week, so I sat down to learn it. I guess I never payed attention to how interesting and cool the bass line is. I am actually really excited to play this: )! Take a listen to the iso track.
Well over the past 30 years or so I can state with honest joy that I have never had to play Free Bird on a gig. I considered this to be a badge of honor, kind of like never seeing a single episode of "The Voice" or "Friends". (I also hold this badge
That is until now......I have to play it next week, so I sat down to learn it. I guess I never payed attention to how interesting and cool the bass line is. I am actually really excited to play this: )! Take a listen to the iso track.
Almost every Skynyrd tune I've learned has incredible bass lines. Way more involved than I'd ever imagined. I know Sweet Home Alabama is "nails on a chalkboard" for most of us, but that bassline is actually quite fun to play.
If you enjoy playing Free Bird, cue up Gimme Three Steps. I promise, you won't be disappointed!
