While at dinner last night, Freebird came on. Just made me think about this thread. That's not even my favorite Skynrd song; and, God knows, by the end of the '70s, no one really cared if they heard that or Stairway to Heaven ever again. However, I couldn't help thinking how amazing it would have been to have been lucky enough to have heard Freebird live between '73 and '77.
I see your Freebird and raise you The Outlaws Green Grass and High Tides... Better musicianship and stronger lyrics. Hughie Thomasson and Billy jones trading lead is guitar duel gold. IMHO, of course.
Back in college it was Little Feat. Not really southern rock, so I've strayed a bit off topic. Waiting for Columbus is a great live album, and was very popular with my nincompoop University of Virginia friends.