Zac Brown Band Wakes Up Artemis II Crew with 'Free' on Final Day

The country band sent a special message to the NASA astronauts circling the moon.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:30pm

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An abstract, highly structured painting in soft blues, greens, and grays, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and concepts of space travel.Zac Brown Band's uplifting message provides a patriotic boost for the Artemis II crew on the final day of their historic moon mission.Grand Rapids Today

On the final day of their 10-day mission to orbit the moon, the Artemis II crew awoke to a special wake-up call from Zac Brown Band. The country music group played their 2010 hit song 'Free' and delivered a pre-recorded message of encouragement to the four astronauts - Reed, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy - as they prepared to return to Earth.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight around the moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972. The wake-up call from Zac Brown Band provided a patriotic and uplifting moment for the crew and the millions of Americans following their historic journey.

The details

In the message, Zac Brown told the astronauts, '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.' The Artemis II crew is scheduled to return to Earth on Friday evening, wrapping up their 10-day mission.

  • The Artemis II crew awoke to Zac Brown Band's 'Free' on the final day of their 10-day mission.
  • The Artemis II crew is set to return to Earth on Friday evening.

The players

Zac Brown Band

An American country music band known for hits like 'Free' and their upcoming 'Love & Fear Tour' starting in July 2026.

Artemis II Crew

The four-person crew of NASA's Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight around the moon since 1972, including astronauts Reed, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy.

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What they’re saying

“Good morning Reed, Victor, Christina and Jeremy. 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.”

— Zac Brown, Lead Singer, Zac Brown Band

“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.”

— Zac Brown, Lead Singer, Zac Brown Band

What’s next

The Artemis II crew is scheduled to return to Earth on Friday evening, wrapping up their historic 10-day mission to orbit the moon.

The takeaway

Zac Brown Band's patriotic wake-up call and message of encouragement provided an uplifting moment for the Artemis II crew and the millions of Americans following their journey, as the astronauts prepare to make the historic return trip from the moon.