Drunken audience requests for “FREE BIRD!” have been a staple at rock shows for 4 decades, at non-Lynyrd Skynyrd shows. Said requests are typically not well received.
Realize the song was heavily over-played on radio in the late 70s.
The song that has burnt more thumbs with cheap lighters than any other.
I was at a Frampton show and after he played Do You Feel apparently somebody yelled for Free Bird. He had a good laugh. “I just played the longest $#%^ing song in rock history now you want me to play the 2nd longest?!”
A friend and I had moved way, way back to watch the finale of a WHo concert in the Tangerine Bowl...1981. Supposed to have been over 80,000 in attendance We were probably four rows from the edge of the rim, and somebody let rip with “FREEEEEEE-Biiirrrrddd!!!!!” Struck me as funny as hell, at the time.
It was very well received in Winterland (SF) circa 1976.
The boys brought the house down Friday and Saturday night.
I saw both shows.
The original band was simply amazing live. I left astounded, both nights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx5gdTtBq90
I think on a live Jimmy Buffet album somebody yells out “Free Bird!”. I love the live album and have it. If I hear a studio recording of Buffet on the radio I switch channels!?
I seem to recall on Jimmy Buffet’s live album “You Had to Be There” a bunch of people shout out “Free Bird”.
I don’t care for Jimmy Buffet’s regular albums. But his live album was a staple of college parties.