I used to be in a classic rock cover band that would occasionally play the jammy end section of Freebird sans vocals if anyone yelled it out. It seemed to please the hecklers and was tolerated well enough by the band.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Freebird, and other cliche covers
- Thread starter Joe Nerve
- Start date
At one of the venues in our regular rotation, the owner insists on singing "Me and Bobby McGee" with us every time we play there.
It's truly horrific, but it's her place and she's the one paying us. Plus it's her customers she risks scaring away.
Funny in a sad way, you're there to make the audience happy, which in turn makes the venue owner happy, which means more paid gigs. I hate that damn song "500 Miles" but I end up playing it quite often. On the opposite side I get to play songs I really enjoy and it all makes for a fun night!
I have been "Freebird" guy....
Many years ago, I was at a "celebration". We retired to a cigar bar for top shelf scotch and cigars. There was a duo - keyboard and singer - we called for Freebird relentlessly. They tried to explain that as a duo, it just wasn't possible. In the end, they relented, played a 3-4 minute version best they could, and we shut up and continued to consume expensive consumables.
Many years ago, I was at a "celebration". We retired to a cigar bar for top shelf scotch and cigars. There was a duo - keyboard and singer - we called for Freebird relentlessly. They tried to explain that as a duo, it just wasn't possible. In the end, they relented, played a 3-4 minute version best they could, and we shut up and continued to consume expensive consumables.
Brown Eyed Girl - personally, I've just had to play it too many times in my musical life to enjoy it.
Play That Funky Music - the Freebird of funk.
Tennessee Whiskey/Copperhead Road - both equally as annoying.
Play That Funky Music - the Freebird of funk.
Tennessee Whiskey/Copperhead Road - both equally as annoying.
You know what, you're exactly right. That song gets crazy as hell the last few minutes! It starts out melodic and morphs into a bombast of screaming guitars backed by high-energy bass and drums. A true "jam" session in the studio. I've seen these guys live a few times and they sound better live than in the studio... if you can believe that! Leon Wilkerson was probably the guy credited with most of the recordings (bass) but Ed King (who was actually one of the 3 guitarists in the band) wrote and played some unbelievable stuff. I know King wrote and played the "Gimmie 3 Steps" bassline, among others.
This band I am auditioning for in the near future has this on their playlist. I chuckled when I saw it... you know, the old "yeah, right"! Come to think of it, I don't ever recall seeing a cover band perform this song either. I think even the best cover band would not do this song justice. I guess you can call it blaspheme. This is something I will discuss with the BL. He seems like a cool, logical guy. I'm pretty sure he will at least consider not attempting this rock 'n roll anthem.
My "please don't ever play it" list:
- Free Bird
- Stairway to Heaven
- The Star Spangled Banner (any version)... Jimi pretty much put a stamp on that one
- Anything from Boston's debut album
- Rock Bottom (UFO)
- We Built This City (On Rock 'n Roll)
- Missin' You (Waite)
- Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
- Rio
The list can go on and on for me. Some of those songs I listed because I think they shouldn't be attempted and the others because I just can't stand them. I know, I'm being stupid to a point. It's all opinion anyway.
For the longest time I got so annoyed when I saw bands playing the "typical" coverband tunes. My thought was how can you STILL be playing these songs? But, now that I've been involved with more of the working coverbands in the area, it's amazing how these songs STILL get great reactions when you play them. Like, the fact that people are getting excited over "All the Small things" and "Own Worst Enemy" amazes me. And if you're having fun, I'm happy to play it for you!
the country/Americana equivalent, some of which have already been mentioned, that I'd rather never play again.
Wagon Wheel
Achy Breaky Heart
Boot Scootin Boogie
Fast as You (although it WILL pack the dance floor)
pretty much anything from Blake Shelton
Red Solo Cup
On the Road Again (sorry Willie)
Wagon Wheel
Achy Breaky Heart
Boot Scootin Boogie
Fast as You (although it WILL pack the dance floor)
pretty much anything from Blake Shelton
Red Solo Cup
On the Road Again (sorry Willie)
A lot of Rock oriented songs in this topic.
I’ve never heard a cover band playing anything from Earth Wind and Fire that sounded well. I don’t think it can be done.
I’ve never heard a cover band playing anything from Earth Wind and Fire that sounded well. I don’t think it can be done.
This is correct, and I like playing every single one of them. Why? Because the audience likes them.
I'm there to please the audience, not to avoid playing something that I've played a number of times before. I also happen to love playing the Peter Gunn theme, which is one of the most basic tunes a bass player can do - which is exactly why I like it.
And if there's a "rock" number with less musical merit than Freebird, I can't name it offhand. Terrible piece of music. THAT is a good reason not to play it.
Great point! Not a lot of horn players out there. Especially in cover bands. I guess one could "emulate/mimic" horns on a high quality keyboard. EWF and Chicago were awesome bans. It would be nice to cover some TOP, "What Is Hip?" Not that I would be able to play it, though!
How about having melodic continuity, a beat that one can follow, and being a pleasant experience to play?
For me, Freebird meets none of those criteria. (Note the "I" statement.)
For me, Freebird meets none of those criteria. (Note the "I" statement.)
To each their own. I think it would be a fun, jammin' tune to play. How can you not follow that beat?
Maybe it's because the band is Skynyrd, which I can take or leave. But to me the entire intro/first section j-u-s-t d-r-a-g-s o-n-a-n-d-on. The tune on YouTube is 4:40 before it gets out of that draggy, guitar-whiny first section.
Different strokes.
If I never hear it again, I'll be happy.
