Fifty-two years after it was first released, Lynyrd Skynyrd have finally made a video for Free Bird

[highplainsdem]

Video first. Article from Classic Rock magazine, whose headline I used for the thread title, below.

https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/lynyrd-skynyrd-video-free-bird

Fifty-two years after it was first released on Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut 1973 album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), the band have finally released an official video for its most iconic track, Free Bird.

The video, directed by Max Moore, cuts between an older man and his younger self, looking back with affection at a past romance and the motorbike that facilitated it. Enamoured by all this nostalgia, the older man dusts down his bike, fixes it up and hits the open road, just in time for the guitar solo. The video is also riddled with romantic tropes, including a piggy-bag ride during a falling-in-love montage.

Director Moore has previously worked with Spiritbox, Code Orange, Knocked Loose and many more, while actor Mike Seely – who plays the older man – appeared as Hugh Heffner in the TV series Pam & Tommy.

-snip-

[Silent Type]

1. Before I look, did they have sense to leave confederate flags out? They trigger me.

[highplainsdem]

2. Don't worry. It's safe to watch.

[Silent Type]

3. Thanks.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Didn't See Any

I'm not impressed by the video. It's treacly as heck.
There are a few charming moments, but those go on & on just like that interminable & amelodic guitar solo.
BTW: in the rockumentary about the band, surviving members regretted the use of the flag and resented how it was co-opted by racists. When seeing them talk about it, it was easy to believe they were sincere.
I'm not much a fan of Skynyrd but the rock-doc is pretty darned good.
It's called "If I Leave Her Tomorrow".

[Silent Type]

5. Grew up in South and refused bands with that flag, no matter how much they apologize nowadays.

They knew what they were doing to draw rube fans, just like NASCAR, Mississippi, klan sympathizers, and worse.

[Nictuku]

6. Freebird was the song a boyfriend used to break up with me

He was on Oahu, and I had gone back to Maui for a few weeks to visit my mom. He called, and instead of saying anything, he just played Freebird. I knew what it meant.

I think I was just 17 years old at the time. He was quite the player, as I recall. At least he didn't end up with the girl he left me for (we are all still friends actually, but live on opposite sides of the country). They actually did get married, but it was a disaster, and I'm sure he played Freebird for her too.

Ahhh, the memories.

I sent him the link to the video and the article (via his wife, of course!) I know he will like it, probably pull a tear or two (as it did for me)

[George McGovern]

7. Neat video. Great song. Thanks highplainsdrifter!