Photo: Tyler Lord
Zac Brown Band made history as the Grammy-winning group’s hit single served as the final wake-up song for NASA's Artemis II mission crew on Friday (April 10), announces a press release issued after the unforgettable moment happened.
“Good morning Reed, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy,” the band’s frontman, Zac Brown, said in a heartfelt message to the crew after a snippet of “Free” played. “Zac from Zac Brown Band here, checking in from the USA. We hope that piece of our song, ‘Free,’ helps start your day with the right kind of lift. We just want to say how proud we are of you. It takes courage, grit, and freedom to chase the unknown. It's the purest kind of American spirit. Millions back home are looking up and feeling more inspired because of you. Keep flying strong. Keep flying safe. We can't wait to welcome you home. Come see us on the road.”
Brown, his band and his fiancée, jewelry designer Kendra Scott, shared a clip of that moment on Instagram, along with a message from Brown and Scott. Scott said in the clip, “baby, wake up! They’re playing your song in space!” The couple sat in Scott’s son’s space-themed room as they spoke about the “incredible honor,” and applauded the crew on the mission. Watch that moment here, and scroll to the next slide to catch “Free” and Brown’s message playing in space (plus a blooper reel on the third slide).