Forty years ago today three Lynyrd Skynyrd band members* died in a plane crash—and –yet–the band lives on.

“Sweet Home Alabama” is still a mainstay on classic rock radio stations and play-lists, worldwide.  Kid Rock “reinvented” it in 2008 on his hit “All Summer Long,” connecting a younger, newer fan base to the group.

A biopic about the band, titled “Street Survivors,” was set to open but is tied up in court, and has been blocked from being shown. Whether the film will ever be seen is still unknown.

Biopic or not, Lynyrd Skynyrd band is being discovered by a whole new generation of rockers.

We honor the band with this almost 12-minute live version of “Freebird” from 1977 at the Oakland Coliseum.

*Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines (back up vocals and older sister of Steve) along with the bands assistant road manager, and the planes pilot and co-pilot.