Zac Brown Band have taken their music to new heights — quite literally — making history as their global hit ‘Free' was played as the final wake-up song for astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission.
The moment marks a rare and powerful intersection between music and space exploration, with the band’s anthemic track soundtracking the start of the crew’s day as they orbit beyond Earth. As part of the wake-up call tradition, frontman Zac Brown also delivered a personal message directly to the astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — adding an emotional layer to an already historic moment.
“Good morning… Zac from Zac Brown Band here,” Brown began. “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.”
His message struck at the heart of what both the song and the mission represent — the pursuit of something bigger, driven by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to step into the unknown. As he continued, Brown acknowledged the impact of the crew’s journey back on Earth: “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.”
The use of ‘Free' — one of the band’s most beloved songs — feels especially fitting. Long associated with themes of escape, perspective, and emotional clarity, the track takes on new meaning when paired with a mission that quite literally leaves the planet behind.
NASA’s wake-up song tradition has long been a way to connect astronauts with life back on Earth, but moments like this elevate it further — turning a simple daily ritual into a shared cultural experience. For Zac Brown Band, it’s also a milestone that underscores just how far their music has traveled, both figuratively and now physically.
Back on Earth, the band is preparing to bring that same sense of connection and energy to fans with their upcoming Love & Fear Tour, kicking off July 17 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
From stadium stages to outer space, Zac Brown Band continue to prove that music — especially a song like ‘Free' — has no boundaries
