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--- Lynyrd Skynyrd & FreeBird News Archive ---
 
  February 7, 2009: 
New Video
FreeBird has added a new video on YouTube. The band plays Marshall Tucker's "Can't You See" to a packed and enthusiastic crowd at O'Reilly's in Oakdale, N.Y., on Nov. 15, 2008. Check out the video here.


January 28, 2009: 
Another Tragic Loss
The members of FreeBird and everyone else who loves the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd deeply mourn the loss of yet another band member, pianist Billy Powell, who passed away last night. Who hasn’t been moved by Billy Powell's beautiful opening of Free Bird, or his fiery solos on songs like Call Me the Breeze, Sweet Home Alabama, I Know a Little, and many others. It is another sad day in the history of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the members of FreeBird are proud to do their best to carry on the music of this great band. Rest in peace, Billy Powell, you will be missed.


January 25, 2009: 
The photos are up from the Double R show. Check out the band Friday, January 30th at Matty T's in Deer Park. What song is it you wanna hear?

December 1, 2008: 
Show Time
The show at Lily Flanagan's in Islip on Friday, Dec. 5, will start at 7 p.m. sharp, so don't be late!


November 21, 2008: 
Sweet Home!
FreeBird has played at O'Reilly's seven times now, and the latest show on Saturday, Nov. 15, was the absolute best yet! The place was jammed, the crowd was loud, and the band was firing on all cylinders. O'Reilly's can now officially be called the FreeBird's home. The band thanks everyone who came out and danced, whistled, cheered, and whooped it up until the wee hours. See the photos.


October 1, 2008: 
A Little Catch-Up
Thanks to the incredibly enthusiastic crowd that came out to the Blue Parrot on Sept. 28. The band energized the already pumped-up crowd by playing two songs for the first time: Rick Derringer/Johnny Winter’s funky and rocking Still Alive and Well and Molly Hatchet’s hard-charging Flirtin’ With Disaster. Toss in all the Skynyrd favorites and the night was a whole lot more than One More From the Road. See the photos here.
 
FreeBird gives a big thanks to Bo and The Hog Shoppe for having the band perform at its Big Summer Bash on Aug. 30. It was a great night of food, prizes, camaraderie, and of course music. Check out The Hog Shoppe website for their future events or stop by their place in Levittown for the best selection of bike gear around. See photos from The Big Summer Bash here.
 
FreeBird is looking forward to returning to Mulcahy’s in Hauppauge on Saturday, Oct. 25. Showtime is 7 p.m., and bring your appetite with you — Mulcahy’s is now serving dinner. Supper, shots, Skynyrd — yummy!


August 11, 2008: 
The Bash Is Coming
FreeBird is looking forward to playing at The Hog Shoppe's first Big Summer Bash, being held Aug. 30 at Nawton's Pub in Westbury. There will be free barbecue, beer specials, contests, raffles, and of course Skynyrd music filling the air all night long. For more info, call the Hog Shoppe at (516) 735-3322, or visit their website, or just ride on out to Nawton’s — the revelry starts at 8 p.m.


May 20, 2008: 
New Hot Spot
Mulcahy's is opening a new location in Hauppauge, and FreeBird will be performing there! Mulcahy's already is one of the premier clubs on Long Island with locations in Wantagh and Centereach. Now, with the opening of their third "pub and concert hall," Mulcahy's is really rocking the Island. FreeBird is excited to be playing in the new Hauppauge venue on Saturday, June 28th. Congratulations to Mulcahy's, and FreeBird hopes to see everyone come out and celebrate the new location Skynyrd-style!


January 26, 2008: 
Tribute to a Hero
FreeBird was proud to perform at the 3rd Annual Tribute to Jimmy McNaughton, held at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh on Jan. 19. After the show, Jimmy’s parents gave band members a coin and patch commemorating their son, who died while serving in Iraq. The band was honored to receive the keepsakes. See photos from the event here.


December 22, 2007: 
Special Benefit Show
FreeBird has just added a bunch of new shows, including a special benefit performance at the 3rd Annual Tribute to James D. McNaughton, at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, on Saturday, Jan. 19. Jimmy McNaughton made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while serving in Iraq in 2005. Come out for a day of food, friends and entertainment and support a good cause – proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and FreeBird will be taking the stage around the middle of the afternoon, so get there early! Click here for additional FreeBird shows.
— Click here to view a poster of the event!


December 4, 2007: 
Hot Bruno's
What a great, enthusiastic crowd at Bruno's on Friday night, Nov. 30. See the photos here. On the music front, the band, always looking to expand its repertoire and give fans something new, debuted the fiery song Hot 'Lanta by the Allman Brothers. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows.


October 15, 2007: 
New Videos!
FreeBird has two new videos on YouTube from the band's recent show at Mulcahy's (linked here). The songs are T for Texas and Sweet Home Alabama. Enjoy!


October 12, 2007: 
They Call Me Mulcahy’s
Some cool pics from a great night of fun at Mulcahy’s on Oct. 6 are now up on the Photos page. If you were there take a look, you might see yourself. If you weren’t there, what’s your excuse? The band played a super set of Skynyrd’s best, including many of the songs from “One More From the Road.” More shows are coming up soon and keep an eye out for new ones to be added.


September 14, 2007: 
First Time Appearance
FreeBird will be appearing at Mulcahy's in Centereach for the first time, on Saturday, Oct. 6. The band hopes everyone comes on out to one of Long Island's best music and bar venues and gets down and dirty with some smokin’ Skynyrd. Show starts at 9 p.m. — see you there! The band thanks everyone who came out to O’Reilly’s on Sept. 8 — it was a blast. Go see the pictures here.


August 15, 2007: 
New Shows!
Are you ready? FreeBird has added 4 new show dates and has others in the works!


April 29, 2007: 
200,000 !
The FreeBird website has surpassed 200,000 homepage hits! Thanks to everyone for your continuing support and interest.


April 24, 2007: 
One More From Bruno's
FreeBird paid an excellent return visit to Bruno's in Ronkonkoma on April 21 — see the photos here. It was another evening of "Skynyrd Plus," meaning the usual full dose of Skynyrd songs, plus a special treat of Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, Outlaws and others. Many thanks to the great crowd that came out. The band is working on future show dates, so check back here, or get on the band’s mailing list.


March 5, 2007: 
Cookin’ at Katie’s
All the photos have been posted from a fun night at Katie’s with old and new friends of FreeBird. Al was at his singing and bantering best, and the band cooked until the wee hours. Keep checking back for new show listings, and then come on out for a great time and some great Skynyrd music.


February 26, 2007: 
O’Reilly’s, Oh Yeah!
FreeBird gave a taste of something new at O’Reilly’s on Feb. 24, adding several surprise covers: "There Goes Another Love Song" by the Outlaws, "Can’t You See" by Marshall Tucker, and a raucous version of Cream’s "White Room" that rattled the walls. Add in all the classic Skynyrd songs, and it was a night to remember: the best music, a super crowd, and a perfect venue that had great food and drink and the coolest staff. Photos from this "Saturday night special" are here. FreeBird returns to Katie’s this weekend. Be there!


February 1, 2007: 
A Katie’s Surprise
Photos from the Jan. 27 show at Katie’s have been posted (click here). The band showed its versatility by adding several non-Skynyrd songs, including devastating versions of Layla, Jessica, Ramblin’ Man and few others, all played true to the original recordings that everyone loves. The band says it will continue adding new songs and keeping things fresh, so now in addition to getting your Skynyrd favorites, you never know what else you’re in store for.


December 20, 2006: 
Seasons Greetings!
We have Happy Holiday news: FreeBird will be playing at Katie’s of Smithtown on Saturday, Jan. 27. The band has been working out some new tunes and expanding its repertoire, so be prepared for some new year’s surprises. FreeBird played at Katie’s last July and everyone had a great time, and the band is really looking forward to getting back on Katie’s stage and dishing out some New York fried Skynyrd. See y'all there.


Aug 9, 2006: 
Buchmann's Photos
Photos from a great night at Buchmann’s Radio Grill on Aug. 5 have been added to the site. The crowd was large and noisy, and FreeBird lit the place up with three sets of Skynyrd music. It was great to see all the good friends and family of FreeBird along with fans of Skynyrd and everyone else who came down for an excellent night of fun and music.


Jul 25, 2006: 
Back On Stage
FreeBird returned to the stage on Saturday, July 22, and with new bassist Jimbo in the lineup the band rocked Katie’s house. Photos from the night have been posted. The band thanks Brian and the other nice people at Katie’s for helping make it a great night of Skynyrd madness. Katie’s is right up with the best places FreeBird has played. Next up is Buchmann’s Radio Grill on Saturday, Aug. 5.


Jul 14, 2006: 
FreeBird Returns Earlier
The band has added a new show on Saturday, July 22, at Katies of Smithtown. Then on Aug. 5, FreeBird will play its much-anticipated show at Buchmann’s Radio Grill (see news item below). Katies is a great place that has two floors with two bars plus an outdoor patio. It’s an excellent setting for a night of Skynyrd music at its best, brought to you live by FreeBird.


Jul 9, 2006: 
FreeBird Returns
The band marks its long-awaited return to the live music scene with a show at Buchmann’s Radio Grill on Saturday, Aug. 5. The Radio Grill, operated by Carol Buchmann and her well-known DJ husband Bob Buchmann of Q104.3 -- New York’s Only Classic Rock Station -- is an excellent bar and restaurant decked out with rock memorabilia. And it’s the perfect place to see FreeBird in its comeback show! You DON’T want to miss this.


May 12, 2006: 
It’s Official!
FreeBird has officially found the bass player it has been searching long and hard to find. New bassist Jim comes from a progressive rock and blues background and is musically, technically and personality-wise a perfect fit for FreeBird. Solidifying Jim as FreeBird’s new bass player means one big thing: after months and months of waiting, FreeBird is going to be out playing again at clubs and venues that are currently being lined up. So keep an eye out and get ready to start yelling: Free Bird!


Mar 19, 2006: 
Major FreeBird News!
Fans of FreeBird and Skynyrd music get ready! The best Skynyrd tribute band around is planning to start playing live again soon. The band has taken a layoff to find a new bass player, but the long search is complete. More details will be coming out shortly. Meantime, keep an eye out for new show listings because FreeBird is beginning to take bookings. It’s about time! FreeBird!


Mar 14, 2006: 
A Just Award
Congratulations to Lynyrd Skynyrd on its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a lasting and fitting tribute to a truly great band. Finally, surviving band members, along with those who’ve played with the band throughout the years, and those we’ve lost -- Ronnie, Allen, Leon, Steve and Cassie -- have received the credit, respect and recognition they deserve. And as Billy Powell commented, "Obviously this proves that the music is here to stay."


Jul 15, 2005: 
Bass Opening
As you may have seen in Good Times, FreeBird is looking for a new bass player, one that will be able to play Skynyrd songs note-for-note and possibly a few other Southern Rock songs (keep in mind FreeBird is based on Long Island, NY). If interested contact Jim at jim@skynyrdtributeband.com.


Jul 8, 2005: 
The FreeBird website home page surpassed 100,000 hits on July 7th! Thanks to all who have visited and continue to visit the site!

Jun 21, 2005: 
Mustang Sally's Pics
Photos from the June 18th Mustang Sally's show have been posted - click here to see them.


May 8, 2005: 
Pics and Shows
A load of photos from the Double R show have been posted - click here to see them. Meantime, two new shows have been added, and they’re at one of the band’s favorite places - Mustang Sally’s in West Islip. The band hopes everyone can come out and get down with some Skynyrd madness!


May 3, 2005: 
Double R Blast
Ahh, finally! FreeBird returned to the stage on Saturday, April 30, playing to a large and very enthusiastic crowd at the Double R in Islip Terrace. The energy level was high as the band kicked out Skynyrd’s best, from Gimme Three Steps, to Sweet Home Alabama, to Red, White & Blue, and everything in-between. And of course, the show topper was ... you guessed it: Freebird! The band thanks everyone who came out and also the super folks at Double R - great food and great drinks. Photos from the night will be posted soon, so keep checking back.


April 20, 2005: 
FreeBird Is Back!
Get ready for your long-awaited Skynyrd fix! FreeBird will be playing at the Double R in Islip Terrace on Saturday, April 30. The band hasn’t played out since late last year, so this promises to be a super special night. FreeBird sounds better than ever with the addition of new bass player, Jack, a polished pro who says he’s waited all his life for the opportunity to play Skynyrd tunes. So come out to the Double R - a great place - and get ready to answer the only question that matters: What song is it you want to hear? FreeBird!


March 14, 2005: 
We know the news hasn't been updated in a while, don't worry, we got over the Yankee loss. FreeBird will begin announcing a whole new slate of shows in the upcoming months.

October 20, 2004: 
Looney Tunes Show Cancelled
FreeBird’s scheduled October 20th show at Looney Tunes has been cancelled due to the Yankees ALCS Game 7 occurring around the same time.


October 16, 2004: 
Skynyrd Tribute CD
Sanctuary Records just released "Under The Influence" -- A Jam Band Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd," which contains 11 Skynyrd songs interpreted by some great bands like Gov’t Mule ("Simple Man") and Blues Traveler ("Free Bird"). To celebrate the release, FreeBird is playing at Long Island’s favorite music store, Looney Tunes in West Babylon, on Wednesday Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. So come out to this special event and enjoy some live Skynyrd music played by FreeBird and try out a copy of the new CD while you’re at it.

Hog Wild!
FreeBird’s second appearance this year at Harley-Davidson of Suffolk on Oct. 2 was just as good as the first one back in May. Thanks to the great guys at Harley, WBAB and Fingers, and everyone who came out. Also a special thanks to Peter Cannizzaro of the High Tydes Band, who filled in at bass. See pics of the event here.


September 26, 2004: 
Harley Happening
FreeBird returns to Harley-Davidson of Suffolk, in Oakdale, for a special afternoon of Skynyrd music, food, good times and, of course, the best deals on bikes and accessories. Long Island’s premier rock station, WBAB 102.3, will host the outdoor event on Saturday, Oct. 2, and will be giving out prizes. FreeBird hits the stage about 1 p.m. - click here for directions and details. FreeBird played at H-D of Suffolk’s grand reopening back on May 8, and it was a memorable day - click here to see the pictures.


September 1, 2004: 
FreeBird thanks everyone who's visited our website. The website turned 1 year old on August 31st and the home page has been visited 35,073 times since the site opened Aug 31st last year! We hope you have enjoyed the music and video clips, pictures, content, and hope you've been able to catch some of our shows. The site has been visited from all around the world and we've received tons of great e-mails. Thanks.

July 28, 2004: 
Sweet Home Pennsylvania
FreeBird is spreading its wings with a show in PA. on Aug. 14 at the Flagstaff Ballroom. The band is currently lining up some new venues, adding to its repertoire and hopes soon to have a new series of fall and winter shows. So stay tuned.

Fun in F'dale
The band thanks the great crowd that came out to the Changing Times Pub -- see the pics -- and the staff, which was the best!


June 23, 2004: 
Full Throttle
Check out the June 2004 issue of the New York/Long Island edition of Full Throttle Magazine, the 'Magazine For Motorcycle Enthusiasts', for an article about the May 8th Harley-Davidson of Suffolk Grand Opening Anniversary Sale event at which FreeBird played. The article, found on page 15, states that FreeBird "sounded perfect, playing renditions of the bands [Lynyrd Skynyrd's] classic rock music". It also comments how "the turnout was very impressive and included families with their young children, older folk's, younger folks and many motorcycle clubs" and goes on to mention that the shop's GM said "the staff was so pleased with the day's events and really enjoyed themselves".


May 25, 2004: 
Jim Beam Night at Houlihans
FreeBird will be appearing at Houlihans in Lake Grove at 8pm on Thursday May 27th for the first of a summer of events at Houlihans that'll be sponsored by Jim Beam. So come on out to Houlihans, order up some shots of Jim Beam and listen to Long Island's original Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band playing all your favorite tunes. See you there!


May 14, 2004: 
May 8th Photos Are Up
Photos from Harley-Davidson & Fins Pub have been added!


May 6, 2004: 
Doubleheader Saturday!
May 8th: Harley-WBAB Event & Fins Pub
Can't get enough Skynyrd? Listen to FreeBird during the afternoon while trying out some Harley's at Harley-Davidson of Suffolk and then at night while kicking back some drinks at Fins Pub. Yup, FreeBird is taking over Oakdale! We'll be playing first at the grand reopening celebration at Harley-Davidson of Suffolk, an event that will be hosted from Noon to 3PM by Fingers, afternoon DJ at WBAB 102.3FM. FreeBird is proud to be officially linked to Long Island's oldest Harley dealership, which has just finished a major expansion. So check out the Harley's, say Hi to Fingers, and get some free stuff. View our promo poster! Then at night, we'll be returning to Fins Pub, home of FreeBird's first ever gig. So see y'all Saturday!


May 4, 2004: 
Thanks to Peanuts for inviting us back to play - the staff is the best and they run a great bar. We hope you all enjoyed the show. Check out the photos.

April 26, 2004: 
Fuzzy Ball
Saturday's show at Fuzzy's was a blast, especially when keyboardist Richie Tancredi from the High Tydes Band joined FreeBird on stage for a smokin' T for Texas and then closed out the night with an outstanding version of Free Bird (see the photos). The band's other friends from High Tydes -- bassist Peter Cannizzaro and sound specialist Vinny -- also came by. Thanks guys, and get High Tydes back out there playing soon.

Harley-WBAB Event!
FreeBird will be playing at the grand reopening celebration at Harley-Davidson of Suffolk, in Oakdale, an event on Saturday afternoon, May 8, that will be hosted from Noon to 3PM by Fingers, afternoon DJ at WBAB 102.3FM. FreeBird is proud to be officially linked to Harley-Davidson and Long Island's oldest Harley dealership, which has just finished a major expansion. So come by and try out a new Twin Cam 88, say Hi to Fingers, get some free stuff and listen to great Skynyrd music played live by FreeBird. See our promo poster!


April 1, 2004: 
MORE SHOWS
Several new shows have been added on the shows page to fill your spring with the tunes of Skynyrd. See you there!


March 21, 2004: 
Additional Photos
We've added some more photos from a great night of southern rock at Monsters of Mock 7 at Wildwood Lanes. Check them out!


March 2, 2004: 
MONSTERS OF MOCK 7
The Southern Fried Night at Wildwood Lanes on Saturday, March 6 has been expanded to a full-blown MONSTERS OF MOCK show, sponsored by 98.5 The Bone, Long Island's world class rock station! You'll see FreeBird performing with three other Southern Rock tributes: Eddie Jelly and Cold Shot (Stevie Ray Vaughn), Eliminator (ZZ Top) and Brother Peach (Allman Bros.) "No one has ever done a Southern Rock Show of this magnitude," says DJ Eric Davis from The Bone's Shut-Up & Rock Morning Show. Don't miss this great show!

Fatty Fotos
See pics of FreeBird and frynds at the Fatty McGee's show.


February 6, 2004: 
NEW VIDEOS
A bunch of new videos have just been added to the Music page of FreeBird playing live at the recent Someplace Else show in Farmingdale, NY. See the band playing Gimme Back My Bullets, What's Your Name and others. Also see guest bass player, Peter Cannizzaro, of The High Tydes Band, joining FreeBird on Call Me the Breeze. Enjoy!


February 3, 2004: 
Featured Band
FreeBird is this week's featured band on WestchesterRocks.com.
Check it out!


January 29, 2004: 
VIDEO CLIP ADDED!
We're starting to add video clips of FreeBird playing live (on the music page), and have an audience shot of the band playing Free Bird at the recent Village Pub show. Now you can have a real taste of what you get at FreeBird shows. Enjoy!


January 21, 2004: 
Tuxedo Junction
We posted a bunch of pics from our recent show in Connecticut. Thanks to everyone who braved the freezing cold to hear some hot Skynyrd music.


January 16, 2004: 
Skynyrd Party!
Skynyrd is playing at the Westbury Music Fair, and FreeBird is celebrating with a show Feb. 28 at Fatty McGee's. If you can't see Skynyrd-or if you want an encore-come and hear the New York area's closest thing - FreeBird! Admission to this Skynyrd celebration is free, and Skynyrd stuff will be given away.

Southern Fried Night
FreeBird is honored to now be playing at tribute shows sponsored by 98.5 The Bone, Long Island's world class rock station! FreeBird will take the stage Saturday, March 6 with Eliminator (ZZ Top tribute) and Brother Peach (Allman Brothers tribute) for a rockin' Southern Fried Night at Wildwood Lanes. You don't want to miss this one!


January 4, 2004: 
The show at Someplace Else was a huge hit, especially because one of the founding members of the High Tydes Band, bassist Peter Cannizzaro, joined FreeBird on stage for several tunes - check out the Someplace Else pics. Rocking hard on his vintage '59 P Bass, Peter showed he still has what it takes to muscle the beat, which he did during the late '70s and early '80s for Long Island's High Tydes Band. And Vinny, former soundman for High Tydes, also came out, giving some expert advice. Thanks to Peter and Vinny for coming out and also for passing on their wide knowledge, and tremendous thanks to everyone else who jammed into Someplace Else to hear great Skynyrd music the way it's supposed to be played - by FreeBird!

January 1, 2004: 
Thanks to all who came out to Village Pub. Photos are up from the show. Happy New Year from FreeBird!

December 15, 2003: 
Hey, we all had a blast at Peanuts on Saturday, Dec. 13! Thanks to everyone who came out, including Eric Davis from The Bone 98.5. It was one rockin' evening of Skynyrd! Go to the Photos page to see some pics. Thanks to the management and staff at Peanuts, a great place to dine--and party!

December 7, 2003: 
The Bone will be appearing live at FreeBird's gig at Peanuts on December 13. Join FreeBird, Long Island's Skynyrd Band and The Bone as they celebrate an evening of Skynyrd hits. Keep listening to The Bone 98.5 for more details.

December 6, 2003: 
UPDATE: Disappointed that FreeBird's December 6th show at Someplace Else got cancelled due to the blizzard? We've rescheduled! FreeBird will now be playing at Someplace Else on Saturday, January 3rd. Let's hope the snow stays away this time.

December 6, 2003: 
FreeBird's December 6th show at Someplace Else has been CANCELLED due to the blizzard. Enjoy the snow and safe travels.

November 10, 2003: 
Show dates added! Check out the Shows page and join FreeBird for a night of rockin' high energy Skynyrd performed at its best.

October 26, 2003: 
Skynyrd fans were out in force at Fins Pub for the FreeBird show!!! And FreeBird delivered Skynyrd's hits with the southern rock energy that Skynyrd fans expect. See show photos and check here for upcoming FreeBird shows. Hear Skynyrd performed at its best.

October 23, 2003: 
Check out music clips of FreeBird playing some of your favorite songs. Six new sample clips have been added to the music page, including: Gimme Three Steps, Sweet Home Alabama, and What's Your Name. And check out the shows to see where you can hear these songs played by FreeBird live.

October 12, 2003: 
FreeBird was asked to do a spur of the moment gig at Fin's Pub and rocked the house. The crowd got to hear all the Skynyrd greats. Check out the photos and be sure to come down and join us October 25th if you missed us last time.

September 27, 2003: 
Hey you Sweet Home Alabama fans! Freebird, the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band will be hitting the clubs again on Long Island and the New York metro area very soon, so keep checking back here.

September 20, 2003:
Update from August 28th - Timmy returned as planned, fully recovered from surgery. Thanks to all that wished him well.

September 4, 2003:
LYNYRD SKYNYRD will now commence their "VICIOUS CYCLE" tour September 16 in Trenton, NJ after the band's founding lead guitarist GARY ROSSINGTON rests under doctor's orders.

August 28, 2003:
Guitarist, Timmy, had hand surgery to remove the stabilizer pin from his thumb. He is on the road to recovery and we expect him back by September 20th.

August 24, 2003:
FreeBird adds the new Lynyrd Skynyrd hit "Red White & Blue" to its set list. It smokes!

August 16, 2003:
FreeBird website goes online!

August 4, 2003:
LYNYRD SKYNYRD have been forced to cancel the remainder of the "Party of a Lifetime" co-headline tour with Sammy Hagar due to the medical condition of the band's founding lead guitarist GARY ROSSINGTON.


 
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Lynyrd Skynyrd