Lynyrd Skynyrd Bio
Beyond the tragedy, the history, the raging guitars and the killer songs, ultimately, Lynyrd Skynyrd is about an indomitable will. About survival of spirit; unbowed, uniquely American, stubbornly resolute.
With their first set of new studio material since 2003’s Vicious Cycle, legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with God & Guns, due out September 29 on Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records. Recorded in Nashville in 2008-2009, the project was interrupted—but, tellingly, not ended—by the deaths of founding member/keyboardist Billy Powell and longtime bassist Ean Evans earlier this year.
Driven by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, Lynyrd Skynyrd have recorded an album (“under duress, as usual,” according to Van Zant) that very much lives up to the legacy begun some 35 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, and halted for a decade by the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. Since then, the band tragically lost Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson and Hughie Thomasson, yet they rock on.
With the passing of Powell and Evans, “a lot of people probably expected us to say enough is enough,” admits Medlocke. But that would not be the way of this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame powerhouse. With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million, Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations, and God & Guns is a fitting addition to the canon. The Skynyrd Nation awaits.
“We wanted to show the people that not only are we doing the old material, keeping the music going, but we still have some new tricks up our sleeves, too,” says founding guitarist Gary Rossington.
Returning to the studio after the death of Powell, whose keyboards can be heard on more than half the songs on God & Guns, was “very difficult, I ain’t gonna lie to you,” says Van Zant. “But we got through it, as Lynyrd Skynyrd seems to always do. Music’s a great healer. These songs needed to be out there, this record needed to be made. Gary, Rickey and myself just said ‘let’s go for it, let’s get this thing done.’”
Unfortunately, coping with loss is familiar to this band. “We just kind of fell back in,” says Rossington. “We’ve been doing this a long time, so you just kind of do what you do. As you get older, you get a little more used to it. You know it’s coming, and it’s coming to you, too. I just thank God for every day and all the time I had with the guys that aren’t with us anymore.”
The crying is over and now it’s time to rock. “We’ve had some really bad moments this year already, and I’m glad we’re able to pick ourselves up by our boot straps and just continue to play,” says Medlocke. “For us to weather through this makes this record even more special. I’m sure Billy and Ean are looking down upon us with big smiles.”
With noted rock producer Bob Marlette, input from guitarist John 5, and a wealth of material written by the band and a cadre of elite Skynyrd-minded songwriters, a remarkable album emerged. “We never really worked with producers that well, we kind of always wanted to do it our way,” admits Rossington. “But Bob Marlette came on and he’s such a great guy; he figured out how to talk to us musically, and we became friends instantly. He had a lot of fresh ideas and ways to do things, and also wanted to capture the old sounds, too.”
Of John 5, Rossington adds, “he’s probably one of the best guitar players I’ve ever played with, and I’ve played with a lot of great ones. He just lives with a guitar on him, and he knows that neck like nobody I’ve ever seen.”
With a backbone of Southern rock and country, passionate Van Zant vocals, and trademark layered guitars, God & Guns manages to maintain the iconic Skynyrd punch while sounding completely contemporary. Sure to attract attention in these politically divided times is the title track, which harbors a sense of menace and unwillingness to back down that hearkens back to Skynyrd’s earliest days. The band knows the song, and others like “That Ain’t My America,” will have their critics, but Medlocke says listeners should get beyond the title.
“It’s not just the words ‘God and guns.’ you gotta look past that and look at what this country was founded on: freedom,” Medlocke says. “Everybody should be able to make their own decisions and not be led around by a nose ring and told what to do and when to do it.”
And if some critics don’t like it, “that’s called freedom of choice,” says Medlocke, who carries his Native American heritage with pride. “I’m sure some critics will look at it, God & Guns, the rednecks are back.’ Well, the guys in this band aren’t rednecks, Rickey Medlocke’s the only damn redneck in this band ‘cause I got red skin.”
The title track, along with the unmistakable Skynyrd bite of the first single “Still Unbroken,” form thematic songs for an album laden with attitude, heart and purpose. “Skynyrd’s about tradition,” says Medlocke. “We are guys that don’t go around preaching about our own personal or political beliefs, although I’m sure you could probably guess mine. In this record is personal tragedy, personal relationships and being on the road, all under that umbrella of real life. That’s what we think, that’s what we believe, and we stand next to that title, God & Guns.”
To portray Skynyrd as a bunch of “gun nuts” would be incorrect, according to Van Zant. “I’m kind of like Ronnie, ‘handguns are made for killing,’ and I’ve never seen anybody shoot a deer with a .38,” he says. “I do own a bunch of rifles, I live out in the swamp, and you’ve got to protect yourself.”
Skynyrd is a band, after all, that has never shied away from standing up and speaking for a segment of the population whose voices are seldom heard. “Everybody’s so scared to say stuff these days, that’s not what I’m about,” says Van Zant. “We live in America, we can speak our minds. These are our values. That doesn’t mean we’re always right in everybody’s mind. Hopefully, we don’t offend a bunch of people. And if we do, well, get a record deal, man, and make your own songs.”
This is a band well aware of the responsibility that comes with putting the name ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd’ on anything, be it an album or a concert. “We feel like we have to keep the standards high,” says Rossington. “I wouldn’t put this record out, I’d fight not to, if I didn’t think it was good.”
And so Skynyrd stands, “still unbroken,” in 2009. “People may say, ‘they need the money,’ well I don’t think any of us need the money,” Van Zant says. “It’s just that we love the music, it’s bigger than the money, it’s not even about that any more. We have to make a living, sure, but it’s about the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and what it stands for, what the fans are all about. There’s nothing like getting out there playing a great show with Skynyrd and seeing people love this music.”
Adds Rossington, “We’re still standing, still keeping the music going. We wanted to do the guys who aren’t with us any more proud, and keep the name proud, too.”
Gary Rossington- Guitar
Johnny Van Zant- Vocals
Rickey Medlocke- Guitar
Mark "Sparky" Matejka- Guitar
Michael Cartellone- Drums
Robert Kearns - Bass
Peter “Keys” Pisarczyk - Keyboards
Honkettes:
Dale Krantz Rossington- Backing Vocals
Carol Chase- Backing Vocals
Leave a comment (508 Responses)
Weirdo // September 07, 2010 7:31:06 AM UTC
To Whom This May Concern,
Hello. My name is Tod 'Weirdo' Wooldridge. I have a 1986 FLHTC Liberty Edition Harley Davison motorcycle. I have had it painted and done up in honor of our troops and veterans. I would like to share with you the story behind this amazing bike.
Bob Wooldridge, my uncle, was born in West Virginia on June 18, 1947. At the age of 16, Bob moved to Chicago to live with my father, Larry Wooldridge, and my mother, Ramona Wooldridge. Bob entered the United States Army on September 14, 1966, returning home on April 15, 1969. He then moved back in with my parents after he returned from Vietnam until he was able to get his own place and get back on his feet. Throughout the years, Bob was like the big brother I never had. He and I did alot of stuff together, some that I'm proud of and some that I won't talk about until I find out the statue of Limitations. Bob and I rode together for about 20 years and in 1998, my family and I moved to Tennessee. In September of 2004, Bob was to ride his bike down to ride the Tail of the Dragon with a friend and me. Unfortunately, Bob passed away on August 3, 2004 due to congestive heart failure complicated by diabetes. In his will, he asked that his ashes be spread at Oak Street Beach in Chicago, IL. I am happy to say that we honored that wish. Also, in Bob's will, he left me his two motorcycles. A 1969 FLH Old School Chopper and a 1986 FLHTC Liberty Edition. After I got my bikes home, it bothered me to ride them, so I let them sit most of the time and rode my own motorcycle.
At the end of 2007, I brought the bike to Kenny Hadron, who owns Air-FX in Cleveland, TN, and explained to him how much my uncle meant to me, how much the motorcycle meant to me, and that I wanted to honor my uncle, our troops, and our veterans. Kenny then spent six weeks creating a paint job that is a true tribute to my Uncle Bob, and all of our Armed Forces. In 2009, Charilie Wade of Ultimate Cycles in Chattanooga, TN, agreed to take on the challenge of doing a complete and total tear-down of the motorcycle so that I could have Jason Williams (from Auto-Cycle Powder Coating in Red Bank, TN) powder coat the entire motor, transmission, frame, and front end, matching the rest of the bike. After the powder coating was complete, the crew from Ultimate Cycles reassembled the whole motorcycle. While the work was going on, Kenny spent another six weeks working his magic with an airbrush. At the same time, we also had Henry and the guys from Chopper Squad Customs in Etowah, TN, do some fabrication work on the motorcycle such as converting real hand grenades into highway pegs, mounting M16 bayonets down the front forks, adding an eight-foot tall flag pole to the back, later adding a fallen soldier memorial to the back as well.
On the front of the bike there is a portrait of my Uncle Bob from when he was in Vietnam. Hanging from the dashboard is a small vial containing Bob's ashes and the sand where we spread his ashes, so that 30 years later, he and I are still riding together? On the bottom of the back fender are my father and uncle's dog tags painted side-by-side. This motorcycle touches many veterans and people who have someone serving in the military. There are often veterans who come up and look at the bike and start to cry. Like I said, this is a tribute to my uncle, veterans and those serving in our United States Military now. While my father will always be my number one her, Bob Wooldridge will always hold a special place in my heart.
My number one goal with this bike is simple: Get the word out that we couldn't go out on weekend and do the stuff we love if our Armed Forces did not go and fight for our freedom. I wish to spread this message to everyone. I have showed this bike locally and at bike shows for the past few years, but I would like to spread the message to a wider audience. That is why I think it would be cool for me to show this motorcycle at your concert in Maryville, TN. I hope it would touch more people. I also hope you would accept this offer. I would be happy to do it and be greatly appreciative if you were to accept. Thank you for your time. If you have any questions or comments please contact me at weirdo@bellsouth.net.
Weirdo
Simple Mountain // September 04, 2010 12:47:23 PM UTC
Nothing documents history on a personal level better than music.Through the good times as well as tough ones there always seems to be a song that coincides.For me its always been Skynyrd.The blaring of Freebird while strapping on the pads before a game,the death of a father,a marriage and watching three boys grow as i grow older with them. I have always found comfort in their music.And until i die and they play Simpleman and Freebird at my funeral,keep on rockin guys!Z.
Jacksonvill rock and roll // September 04, 2010 8:43:15 AM UTC
My sister saw your brother at his last concert. It was a sad day when your brother died i have been a fan sence Jacksonvill. I grew up in Ocala and have respected the southern rock all my life. My girlfriend got tickets tonight for my Bday she Knows what you guys mean to me. It was owsome to see you guys again you look just like your Bro love you both David G HAVE BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE YOUR FANS ROCK ON WE WILL FOWLLOW WE PROMISE AS ALWAYS BE SAFE.
sounder // September 04, 2010 4:00:46 AM UTC
To the band:
I got to see the show last night in Tulalip, WA; a great show! My ears are still ringing as I type this! I missed getting to meet you all after the show. (I did get Boxcar's autograph though-he was shocked that I asked him. He played well onstage with the Harmonica). Rickey: glad you are still playing and having fun-I still crankup "Highway Song" and "Morning Dew" from your Blackfoot days...I wish you all great success in the future.
Mike
L. Turner // September 02, 2010 7:33:21 PM UTC
Hey Michael, Thank you so much for the drum stick (Skynyrd Shoreline Aug.29th, 2010), what an honor.
Either way, you have been quite a thrill throughout my life and I thank you, you're awesome...
the evening was phenomenal
hd4lynette // September 02, 2010 1:41:41 AM UTC
I just want to thank all of you for the great show August 29,2010 in Mountian View, CA. This was the best show that I've seen. The awesome part of it all was that I started the show on the lawn and at the end of the show I was in second row. Ricky thanks for the towel and your great smile. All of you looked AWESOME!!!!!!! You can bet I'll be at your next show in the Bay Area. Love you all.
Lynette
Newark, CA.
elmerthud13 // August 31, 2010 12:39:22 AM UTC
Had the pleasure of seeing you guys in Belleville Ontario Canada. I drove 10 hours to be there and it was well worth it. Yes, I was the guy that asked for a picture as you tried to get into your hotel. Thank you for being so generous with your time.
longtimefan // August 30, 2010 9:37:43 PM UTC
Thursday-Sept.2nd. tulalip amphitheatre. 1.4 miles from my home. There will be 3 generations of us again for the 2nd time, rockin' with L.S. Myself, son & grandson will be enjoying you guys again. So close to home, WOW. I have been following you guys since the early 70's.Can't wait to see you again.
Alabama Joy // August 27, 2010 8:55:12 PM UTC
Hey Rick Heard you guys will be in Oregon Sept 3rd 2010 at the fair. I will be there hope to touch base with you!!(Met you at the Adams Mark in the swim pool a few years back in Mobile, Alabama)
Joy
L&M // August 27, 2010 7:30:19 PM UTC
Hey y'all!
Me and my partner only just really started to listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd recently (so happens he told me he wanted to listen to a bit more country 'cause newer music is getting his goat, and I picked up the greatest hits album), and we think all the songs, old and new completely rock!
I must say we have never taken to any band as quickly as we have Skynyrd, and we listen to the music everyday!!!
That Ain't My America really touched a nerve with me - It's a great song and speaks alot of home truths.
We live in the England, UK, but are moving across the ocean to Canada soon, and hopefully will scoot on down and catch a concert!
God bless
You must be logged in to comment
Please sign up for an account or current members login.