Southern rock fans know–and frequently pay homage to–Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic “Free Bird” which was released in 1974 on the band’s debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd that went on to become one of the all time classics. Earlier this week, someone sent me a link to an early demo version of the song, claiming to be recorded in 1970 by Ronnie Van Zant and the band. (You’ll notice a slight variation on the early version of the lyrics.) But along the way, I found research that indicated that there was actually a 1968 demo version of the song, complete with a piano solo introduction, so I went looking for that and look what I found!

Look, I’m not an expert on the band or the song, and both sound pretty good to me for demo versions, if in fact that is what they are and someone is not fabricating a hoax here. Take a listen, then you decide. Let us know what you think on our Facebook page!

Here’s more on the song from Wikipedia:

Released as a single in November 1974, “Free Bird” bowed at No. 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 23 and became the band’s second Top 40 hit in early 1975, where it peaked at No. 19. A live version of the song also reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977, peaking at No. 38. “Free Bird” also achieved the No. 3 spot on Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Guitar Solos.   It is used as a finale by Lynyrd Skynyrd during their live performances and is their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live. It is considered to be Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature song.

Free Bird – 1968 Demo Version?

Free Bird 1970 Demo Version

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