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What is FreeBird?

Long Islands Only Classic Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band

FreeBird is a band that exclusively plays the great songs of one of the best bands ever, Lynyrd Skynyrd. FreeBird is a "sound-alike" band, faithfully playing and sounding just like the real deal. Skynyrd wrote and played some the most rockin, high-energy, fun, kick-ass music ever done. FreeBird is out to play those great songs as close to the originals as possible because Skynyrd really knew how to rock, so why mess with a great thing. 

Now, there are a lot of Southern Rock bands out there and some of them sound great, and they may play a few Skynyrd tunes in their show, and you should go out and see them—we support them. But if you want to have a totally Skynyrd experience, then you gotta see FreeBird because the band ONLY does Skynyrd, the way they sounded and played. FreeBird is a true tribute: You want to hear Skynyrd the way they played live, and that’s what you get. 

You’ll hear the Skynyrd standards like Sweet Home Alabama, Gimme Three Steps, and of course Freebird. And you’ll hear excellent songs that you may not have heard for awhile like Gimme Back My Bullets, Whiskey Rock-a-Roller, Needle and the Spoon, and T for Texas. And you’ll hear some Skynyrd songs you may not have heard for a long, long time like What’s your Name, You Got That Right, and Double Trouble. 

With free bird, you’ll swear to God the original Skynyrd was reborn and playin up there on the stage. 
 
 

FreeBird is a group of musicians who are crazy about Skynyrd, love playing their music, and want the crowd to get up, jump around, yell, hoot and have a great time listening to Skynyrd the way it's supposed to be played. Most of the members have been playing in FreeBird since September 2002, though they’ve been playing and singing Skynyrd in other groups for many years. Three of the band members are brothers—guitarists Tom and Timmy, who founded FreeBird, along with George, who handles equipment, sound and lighting. The band really operates as a family, which is appropriate since the original Skynyrd was always like a family.
 

Al is the main man on stage, singing in that sometimes soulful, sometimes gritty Ronnie Van Zant manner. Al has been performing with various bands for a long time and has sung all types of music. Now he feels he’s finally doing what was meant to be: singing skynyrd and bringin down the house like the great Ronnie did.

Tom is the brains behind the group—it was his original idea to put together a Skynyrd tribute, even though he was only a youngin when the original band was around. But he grew up listening to Skynyrd with his older brother band members. Tom is a master of the guitar and plays the hyper-energetic Alan Collins parts, the soulful Gary Rossington sounds and the country-licked Steve Gaines riffs.

Frank drives the beat, playing the drums in the live style of Artimus Pyle. Over the years, Frank has played in numerous original and cover bands. His enthusiasm for playing comes through in every song. Playing Skynyrd really allows him to let loose and be "free."

Jim, FreeBird's bassist, has been playing for about 25 years. He began his music career playing progressive rock and heavy metal covers. Jim was involved in original progressive rock and bluesy type rock projects throughout the 80's and early 90's. "I was always a fan of southern rock music," says Jim, "but I never had an opportunity to play any. That has all changed. I can only hope to do Leon proud. I am a definite fan."

Timmy, another band brother and guitarist, grew up listening and playing Lynyrd Skynyrd, along with other Southern greats like Allman Bros, Marshall Tucker Band and The Dixie Dregs. Tim has played in southern rock bands for over 20 years and is a protege of Duane Allman. Tim  trades guitar parts of Collins, Rossington and Gaines with Tom.

Jim is FreeBird's keyboardist. He has been playing the circuit  for 25 years in numerous R&B and rock bands. He is an accomplished musician with a music degree and has also spent several years as a music instructor. Being a long time aficionado of Skynyrd, playing that honky tonk Billy Powell style comes very naturally to him.

George is yet another band brother (that makes three of them). He handles equipment, lights, and most importantly sound. The oldest of the brothers, George has been around sound from the start. With FreeBird aiming to provide the perfect mix, George is the man to do it.

 
Honorary FreeBird Members:

Chris, the band’s original bass player, and brother of George, Tim and Tom, was a founding member of FreeBird and played many of the band’s original shows. He has now moved on to other pastures.

Jack played bass for FreeBird for several shows in 2005. He continues to be bass player for 2112, a very highly regarded Rush tribute, which he has been involved in since 2001.

To have fun, to play and listen to Skynyrd music, hang out with our friends, laugh our asses off, have a couple of beers. What else is there that matters? 

Seriously though, there’s a real need out there for tribute bands that sound authentic and play the songs like they’re supposed to be done. Skynyrd was a truly great live band, just listen to the One More From the Road album. They were one rockin, good-time band with a slew of great songs. FreeBird is continuing to play that music live. 

The band respects Lynyrd Skynyrd, it’s history and the great Ronnie Van Zant, Alan Collins, Steve Gaines,  Leon Wilkeson, Gary Rossington, Billy Powell, Artimus Pyle and others who played in the band at one time or another. That’s why FreeBird is playing their music and keeping the flame alive.
 
 

Keep coming back to the free bird homepage and check our show dates. Then come on out, bring your friends and have a great time listening to some truly great music from the lynyrd skynyrd tribute band.