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About Freebyrd: the best Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band

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.

The backstory

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 Erickson as a teenager smiling while holding hand up in front of his yellow pick up truck

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:

Mel Stahler, lead vocals in Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebyrd holding mic stand on stage

Mel Stahler

Mitch Wierzgac

Ken Erickson

Lead Vocals


Ken Erickson, guitar player in Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebyrd performing on stage

Ken Erickson

Mitch Wierzgac

Ken Erickson

Guitar


Mitch Wierzgac, guitar player in Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebyrd looking down at crowd

Mitch Wierzgac

Mitch Wierzgac

Mitch Wierzgac

Guitar


Kevin Wierzgac, guitar player in Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebyrd looking out at crowd

Kevin Wierzgac

Mitch Wierzgac

Mitch Wierzgac

Guitar


John Vesely, bass player in Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebyrd looking back at drummer

John Vesely

John Vesely

John Vesely

Bass


Stan Karcz, Keyboard player in Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebyrd smiling at crowd

Stan Karcz

John Vesely

John Vesely

Keyboards


Rob Mazurek, drummer in Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebyrd performing on stage

Rob Mazurek

John Vesely

Rob Mazurek

Drums


The band

Each musician draws on their influences in the Southern Rock genre from bands like:


  • The Allman Brothers
  • The Outlaws
  • Molly Hatchet
  • Marshall Tucker


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:


  • Sweet Home Alabama
  • Simple Man
  • That Smell
  • What's Your Name
  • Free Bird

The results

And today with their local fanbase of over 1.9K 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:


  • Tailgaters
  • Bannerman's
  • Arcada Theater
  • Broken Oar
  • Tribute Island
  • Niko’s Red Mill Tavern
  • Jamie’s Outpost
  • Roadhouse on 47
  • Shaker’s
  • Firewater Saloon
  • Des Plaines Theater


And best of all, their fans hire Freebyrd to play at their special events:


  • Back The Blue 22 (Elgin Law Enforcement)
  • Rock n' Wheels (Village of Addison)
  • Sonny Acres Farm (Family Festival)
  • Willow Fest (Village of Willow Springs)
  • American Legion Post 187 (Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce)
  • The Warehouse On Park (Mary and Bill Loyd)

Headshot of Don Burch, Freebyrd fan from Broken Oar

Don Burch

Melissa Neddermeyer

Melissa Neddermeyer

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.”


Headshot of Melissa Neddermeyer, President of Willow Springs Village

Melissa Neddermeyer

Melissa Neddermeyer

Melissa Neddermeyer

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!"


Headshot of John Quigley, President and CEO of Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce

John Quigley

Melissa Neddermeyer

John Quigley

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.”


The end

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?

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