This is our story of how we went from being Skynyrd fans just like you to becoming Freebyrd, the best Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band in Chicago.
As musicians we’ve all had struggles and hurdles while on our pursuit to find happiness in our musical careers.
And Ken Erickson, a professional guitar player from Addison, IL created Freebryd to help fellow musicians and himself overcome these obstacles.
Sadly after starting multiple classic rock cover bands, he realized by playing the same music as everyone else they had become the very thing he promised himself he wouldn’t become: a statistic.
But ultimately it was his disheartening awareness of failing to reach a local fan base that actually led to Ken’s pivotal moment.
One day he started thinking back to his teenage roots, reminiscing about the music he was a fan of growing up.
And when Lynyrd Skynyrd came to mind, that's when it hit him.
Ken at 19 wearing his Lynyrd Skynyrd Gimme Back My Bullets shirt.
By forming a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, existing Skynyrd fans (an untapped audience in Chicago) and new music venues could be reached.
This would allow him to create a festival type band to perform for larger crowds (something he’s always dreamed of) but also the opportunity to pursue a more dedicated fan base he could relate to.
After months of searching online and weeks of grueling auditions, an extraordinary tribute band began to emerge.
Ken brought together six professional musicians from Chicagoland with unmatched passion, purpose, and precision:
Lead Vocals
Guitar
Guitar
Guitar
Bass
Keyboards
Drums
Each musician draws on their influences in the Southern Rock genre from bands like:
Together they are committed Skynyrd fans with a shared vision to keep Lynyrd Skynyrd's legacy alive.
And in November 2019 Freebyrd formed to give Chicagoland the best Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute experience.
Freebyrd recreates the intensity, power, and spirit of Lynyrd Skynyrd not seen since the days of the original lineup.
Captivated and energetic audiences are dancing, screaming, clapping, and singing along to Lynyrd Skynyrd songs like:
And today with their local fanbase of over 1.8K Facebook followers, Freebyrd has the best track record of commanding crowds from 300 to over 3K.
This is why their band schedule consists of the most popular music venues in Chicagoland:
And best of all, their fans hire Freebyrd to play at their special events:
Freebyrd fan
Broken Oar
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“I see a lot of bands and am a critical listener. You really don't have a weak link on stage. Everyone is strong and tight with the others. Rarely do you see 3 guitarists that can play lead equally well. Your drummer is solid and on time, vocals are spot on. Keyboardist adds that layer you absolutely need for a great Southern rock band. Happy I spent Sunday funday with you guys.”
President
Willow Springs Village
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Freebyrd did an outstanding job performing at Willow Springs Willow Fest 2022! They sounded fantastic and the crowd loved them.
To anyone considering booking Freebyrd for their event, I would definitely say go for it.
You're going to love them!"
President and CEO
Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“The Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry booked Freebyrd to perform in a Country concert series benefiting Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187. They did not disappoint on any level: musically, vocally, stage presence, audience engagement, etc. Band members were easy to work with and represented themselves professionally.”
As you can see, Freebyrd is the best Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band in Chicago because they have won the hearts and minds of many.
Will you be next?