If there’s a single song that Americans turn to sum up how we feel about rebellion and liberty, it’s probably Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1973 classic “Free Bird.”
Even the name itself alludes to the bald eagle—our national symbol, and the ultimate free bird. People don’t always realize that it’s actually a song about being free after leaving a stale relationship.
And who can blame us? A huge mythology has developed around this anthemic song with it plaintive melody and truly epic guitar solos. Like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Gun N’ Roses, it’s inextricably linked to the American stadium rock tradition.
After all, Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the key bands responsible for pioneering Southern rock in the 1970’s. In addition to “Free Bird,” they also brought us the unforgettable “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Interestingly, their brand of down-home Americana was just as big a hit across the pond as it was here at home. The same way Brits went wild for Tom Petty’s classic “American Girl,” they also loved the folk-inflected classic rock of Ronnie Van Sant and his band mates.
In 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd took the stage at the Knebworth Festival in Hertfordshire, England for a legendary performance to a crowd of thousands. According to some reports, they played their British competitors, the Rolling Stones, “off the stage” to the delight of fans everywhere. Check out the incredible moment below.
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