Music Monday: Lynyrd Skynyrd “Freebird” and an AI tidbit
Posted By RichC on December 8, 2025
Today’s “Freebird” for Music Monday by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a 1973 classic, but I also recently 
heard “Freebird!” being exclaimed as a joke Fox Business as a way to “break the monotony” of a conversation and humorously “make fun of” each other on the 12-2pm slotted “The Big Money Show.”
So for today … here’s one of the greatest classic rock video performances from the Official Lynyrd Skynyrd YouTube channel (and you should probably turn the volume up LOUD). 😉
Freebird!
People yell “Freebird” at concerts as a humorous tradition that started in the 1970s, often during quiet moments, as a way to request the iconic song by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It has become a running joke across various music genres and events, regardless of whether the band actually plays the song.
Origin of Yelling “Freebird” and Historical Context
The phrase “Freebird!” is commonly shouted at concerts, originating from the song “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, released in 1973. The tradition began in the 1980s, where it became a humorous request at various performances, regardless of the band or genre.
Key Events
- Live Album Influence: During a concert recorded for their live album “One More From the Road” in 1976, lead singer Ronnie Van Zant asked the audience what song they wanted to hear. The crowd’s enthusiastic response of “Freebird!” solidified its status as a fan favorite.
- DJ Influence: Chicago DJ Kevin Matthews popularized the practice by encouraging listeners to shout “Freebird!” at concerts, especially at less exciting shows, which helped spread the joke.
Cultural Impact and Concert Phenomenon
- Cliché Request: Over time, yelling “Freebird!” has become a cliché at concerts, often used to break the monotony or to poke fun at the performance. It is now a common occurrence, with many bands simply ignoring the request or responding humorously.
- Widespread Recognition: The phrase has transcended music, appearing in various cultural references, including comedy and sports events, further embedding it in American pop culture.
Audience Interaction
- Mixed Reactions: While some find it amusing, others view it as an outdated joke. Many musicians have acknowledged the request, sometimes with playful retorts or by actually playing a snippet of the song.
This tradition continues to be a quirky part of concert culture, showcasing the blend of humor and nostalgia associated with classic rock music.
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