The Free Bird meme refers to the iconic Lynyrd Skynyrd song “Free Bird” and the tendency for audiences to shout requests for the band to play it during concerts. Though Lynyrd Skynyrd released “Free Bird” in 1974, the meme of shouting for the song didn’t emerge until decades later. This article will explore the origins and evolution of the “Play ‘Free Bird’!” meme over time.
The Original Free Bird Song
“Free Bird” was first released on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) in 1973. The sprawling guitar rock ballad was written by band members Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. It begins with a slow piano intro before building into an epic guitar solo at the end.
“Free Bird” was not initially released as a single, but it quickly became a concert staple and fan favorite of Lynyrd Skynyrd shows. The nearly 9-minute track stood out for its length and use of guitar work by Collins and fellow guitarist Gary Rossington. It remains one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most enduring and iconic songs.
Some key details on “Free Bird”:
- Released: March 1973 on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album
- Written by: Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins
- Length: 8:58
- Features an extended 5 minute guitar solo at the end
- One of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most popular and well-known songs
Early Audiences Requesting Free Bird
As Lynyrd Skynyrd gained popularity in the 1970s, “Free Bird” became a song that audiences frequently requested at shows. Fans were eager to hear the classic tune and its epic guitar work played live.
Some key early examples of audiences requesting “Free Bird”:
- A live version on 1975 live album One More from the Road features fans repeatedly shouting “Free Bird!” during a brief pause towards the end.
- A 1976 performance in London where fans loudly request it before the encore.
- Fans began regularly requesting it at shows, wanting to hear the full 9-minute version with the long guitar solo.
So even in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1970s heyday, there was already a practice of audiences shouting requests for “Free Bird” during lulls at concerts. However, it had not yet fully crossed over into a widespread cultural meme.
Origin of the Meme
Most accounts attribute the widespread popularity of shouting “Free Bird” requests to the 1977 film The Duellists. In the film, actor Keith Carradine sings a partial rendition of “Free Bird” in a tavern scene. After he finishes his brief version, another character shouts “Free Bird!”
This moment crystalized the idea of demanding the Lynyrd Skynyrd song at concerts and public events. After The Duellists hit theaters, audiences adopted it as a comedic callback and way to make a classic rock reference.
Throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s, the meme spread through pop culture. “Play ‘Free Bird’!” became shorthand for demanding a tired cliche rock song. Lynyrd Skynyrd even referenced it in a 1988 comeback tour titled the “Free Bird… The Movie Tour.”
Key Points on the Meme’s Origin
- Can be traced back to a scene in the 1977 film The Duellists
- Audience member shouting “Free Bird” after a partial performance became a comedic moment
- Quickly adopted by real-life audiences and spread through pop culture
- A shorthand way to ask for a cliche rock song
Evolution Through the Decades
From the 1980s onward, the “Free Bird” meme continued to evolve and take on new forms. Some key ways it spread over the decades:
1980s-1990s
- A joke reference shouted at many classic rock concerts
- Used when audiences wanted to hear a long guitar solo
- Part of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s enduring popularity and connection to 1970s rock
- Referenced in films like Wayne’s World 2
2000s
- Invoked ironically by audiences at non-rock concerts
- Associated with tired classic rock cliches
- Spread online through early internet forums and messaging boards
2010s-Today
- A widely recognized meme and internet joke
- Shared through social media like Twitter and Reddit
- Often used mockingly or satirically
- Part of the evolution of 1970s rock into generic internet jokes
Over decades, the simple audience call of “Free Bird!” has lived on as short-hand for hacky classic rock jokes and cliches. It endures both ironically and sincerely as a Lynyrd Skynyrd and 1970s rock culture reference.
Cultural Impact
The Free Bird meme has intersected with culture in a few key ways over time:
- Concert tradition: It remains a routine part of Lynyrd Skynyrd shows and many other classic rock concerts
- Internet joke fodder: It has inspired endless jokes and memes online as classic rock has become more distant
- Generational touchstone: It connects younger audiences to 1970s southern rock traditions
- Representing endurance: The continued use of the meme represents how some jokes persist over generations
Some see it as a boastful, outdated reference from another era. But others view shouting “Free Bird!” as a way to honor rock history and show appreciation for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s musical legacy.
Why Does the Meme Endure?
There are a few factors that contribute to the longevity of the Free Bird meme:
- It originated from an authentically iconic song and meaningful musical moment (the guitar solo)
- The film scene that sparked its use as a comedic meme was highly memorable and widely viewed
- It taps into the perennial appeal of classic rock nostalgia and irony
- Each generation reinvents its meaning – from earnest in the 70s to mocking later on
- “Free Bird” retains popularity on classic rock radio and streaming playlists
- Lynyrd Skynyrd itself has leaned into the meme over the years
The Free Bird phenomenon has stayed relevant even as the context around it has changed. It remains one of the most universally recognized call and response jokes in rock culture decades after its creation.
Notable Examples and Reference in Pop Culture
Below are some noteworthy examples of the “Free Bird” meme being referenced in films, TV shows and other pop culture:
- Wayne’s World 2 (1993) – Wayne and Garth shout for “Free Bird” at an Aerosmith concert
- The Simpsons – In multiple episodes, characters demand “Free Bird” ironically
- Family Guy – In the episode “The King is Dead”, Peter plays a slowed down “Free Bird” on guitar
- South Park – Eric Cartman plays “Free Bird” on guitar in several episodes
- A Will Ferrell Saturday Night Live skit poked fun at audiences who request it
- The Rock praised a child’s guitar skills on Twitter, joking he was ready for “Free Bird” solos
These examples represent the meme’s spread into comedic pop culture references over time. The ubiquity of shouting “Free Bird!” at live events has made it shorthand for tired rock cliches.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Response
As their signature song became internet joke fodder, Lynyrd Skynyrd themselves have had mixed responses:
- Initially embraced it in the 1970s-1980s as sign of popularity
- Began calling audiences out for unoriginal requests in 2000s-2010s
- Lead singer Johnny Van Zant has good-naturedly lectured crowds on the overused joke
- Ronnie Van Zant’s widow Judy has said the constant meme is annoying
- Still lean into the joke by selling “Free Bird” merch
While proud of their hit song, the band recognizes the “Play ‘Free Bird’!” shout has shifted to mockery. They aim to move past the overplayed meme while still celebrating their music’s legacy.
Conclusion
The ubiquitous cry of “Free Bird!” represents a unique evolution from beloved hit song into enduring pop culture cliche. What originated as an earnest fan request transformed into a symbolic joke about the excesses of 1970s arena rock.
But even as mocking internet generations continue to revive the meme, it also ensures Lynyrd Skynyrd’s musical legend lives on. The duel meanings of “Free Bird” requests are a testament to how iconic songs can take on a life of their own. Audiences are likely to keep shouting for “Free Bird!” well into the future, whether as a nostalgic callback or an ironic meme.
