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13
MIDLAND, TEXAS PRESALE TOMORROW
Skynyrd is spending some more time in Texas this August! They'll be rocking Midland, TX on August 18, and we want the Skynyrd Nation to get first access to presale tickets before the general public! Presale tickets will be available beginning tomorrow, July 14 at 12PM Local Venue Time. Remember, tickets are limited and available on a first come, first served basis, so get them while we've got them!
8/18/10 - Midland Christensen Stadium (Midland, TX)
Presale tickets can be purchased at: http://tixx1.artistarena.com/lynyrdskynyrd/
*** If you are having difficulty accessing the ticketing link, make sure you are allowing cookies. If that isn't working for you try using another browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc...). If after all of that and you still can't get in, please call 212.420.1700 or email skynyrdnation@artistarena.com for assistance.
Additional presales may be announced shortly. Please do not call or email about shows that are not listed here, as we will post the information as soon as it's available.
We'll see you there!
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07
AUSTIN TEXAS PRESALE TODAY
Get ready, Texas! Skynyrd is coming to the Austin area this August, and we want the Skynyrd Nation to have first access to presale tickets before the general public! Presale tickets will be available beginning TODAY, July 7 at 12PM CST. Remember, tickets are limited and available on a first come, first served basis, so get them before they're gone!
8/19/10 - The Backyard (Bee Cave, TX)
Presale tickets can be purchased at: http://tixx1.artistarena.com/lynyrdskynyrd
*** If you are having difficulty accessing the ticketing link, make sure you are allowing cookies. If that isn't working for you try using another browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc...). If after all of that and you still can't get in, please call 212.420.1700 or email skynyrdnation@artistarena.com for assistance.
Additional presales may be announced shortly. Please do not call or email about shows that are not listed here, as we will post the information as soon as it's available.
We'll see you there!
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04
SKYNYRD NATION 4TH OF JULY CONTEST!
We hope everyone in Skynyrd Nation is excited about the 4th of July weekend! And what a better way to celebrate being an American than with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Johnny Van Zant talks about being proud of our country in a recent interview with the Chicago Sun-Times saying, “We mention our God above, and we definitely are proud to be U.S. citizens and patriots of a great country. All that goes hand in hand. We’ve been very blessed. A lot of artists come and go. Our fans stay and are with us for years and years, and turn their kids onto it.”
Baseball, apple pie and Skynyrd… What does America mean to you and how does the Skynyrd Nation make our country a better place? Let us know by entering the Skynyrd Nation 4th of July contest below.
Contest Rules
1.) Send us an email to skynyrdnation@artistarena.com
2.) Write "4th of July Contest" in the Subject line of the email.
3.) Tell us in the email how Skynyrd Nation makes America a better
place and what this country means to you.
4.) Attach at least one photo of any fireworks that you see this weekend.
The contest entry date has been extended until Friday July 16. The top winner will receive a Skynyrd Nation prize pack and their email and photo will be featured in the fan club. Runner-ups will also have their emails featured in the Skynyrd Nation at LynyrdSkynyrd.com.
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03
Lynyrd Skynyrd Interview: "For Us It’s An Honor, A Pleasure, To Still Be Carrying on The Skynyrd Nation"
Lynyrd Skynyrd are a Rock & Roll legacy. Overcoming adversity and loss throughout their 50+ year career, Skynyrd have strengthened the line that defines Southern Rock while stitching their music into the fabric of America with hits like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Freebird” among many others. Having been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, then returning in 2009 with a brand new album featuring new material in God and Guns, this family troupe has proven unstoppable. But with all their history, one thing’s for sure: Lynyrd Skynyrd put on one heck of a live show, and that’s exactly what they’re celebrating with their latest CD/DVD Live From Freedom Hall. Released right on the cusp of the band’s big summer tour, we catch up with vocalist Johnny Van Zant to find out all about the special performance that marks long-time keyboardist Billy Powell and late bassist Ean Evans’ last stand with the band, and what’s in store this summer as the Skynyrd Nation carries on from coast to coast and sea to shining sea.
Having just released Live From Freedom Hall as you embark on tour for the summer, what can fans expect to see on this DVD that they won’t see on this run and vice-versa?
Johnny: Well this DVD I think [was] just a great show; we actually was out on the Rowdy Frynds Tour with Hank Jr. and this was recorded I believe in Lexington, Kentucky and was just a great night for us. If you’re coming to see us now, you’re going to hear a lot of new music from God and Guns! And you know this particular year, we’re going to scramble up the set a little and I think people are going to be blown away...
Can you expand upon what it’s like still playing the Skynyrd staples after all these years, and how the crowd reaction differs from place to place?
Johnny: That’s what makes it very interesting. People say “Hey, don’t you get sick of playing ‘Freebird’ or ‘Sweet Home Alabama’?”And I’m like No! Most bands would give their right arm to have just one song like that and for us every night’s a different place. The crowds are different every night. Some nights they’re crazier as can be and other nights they’re not as crazy, but more nights of craziness than anything at a Skynyrd show -- that’s the way we like it. Just having a good time. For us it’s an honor, a pleasure, to still be doing that and carrying on the Skynyrd Nation.
And in carrying on the Skynyrd Nation through so much loss, does it get difficult to keep going?
Johnny: We’ve lived through a lot of tragedy, but Rock ‘n’ Roll has its tragedies. We’re a big family, let’s put it that way, and family members come and go and we’ll all have to take that trip one day. Now for us who are still here we’re gonna work our butts off and do everything in our power to carry on what they started. As far as for me, I always looked at is as my brother being the quarterback and me being the receiver and we were always trying to get that touchdown.
With Freedom Hall being the last performance with Billy Powell and Ean Evans, can you tell me a little bit about their legacy living on through the album?
Johnny: Right, this live album and DVD is very special to me of course, and I think every member of Lynyrd Skynyrd and I think it’s special to Billy and Ean -- they had the pleasure of seeing it and living it of course before their untimely passing and I think any true Skynyrd fan would love to have this DVD and CD because it has those two guys on there. I know for myself, because I’m very honored to play with those guys who were both not only great musicians but great people too. So I’m sure they’re up there going “Alright! People finally get to see and hear this!”
In keeping with the celebration of Skynyrd, what are you most looking forward to in performing now?
Johnny: Oh I’m looking forward to it! You know we’ve already had a great tour over in Europe in probably the coldest time. We’ve got some great fans over in Europe and we had a blast over there and we’re looking forward to going back over again. [But] now it’s time for us to conquer America in 2010 here. We’re looking forward to it -- we have the Freedom Concerts coming up, we’re going on the road with Bret Michaels who’s another survivor now. Talked to Bret today and he’s had some bad health stuff going on and I said, “Now you’re an official member of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band!” (laughs) And my brother’s going out with me this summer, .38 Special, so we’re looking forward to the summer. We’ve had a little time off but it’s time to get back to doing what we do.
Tell me more about the upcoming Freedom Concerts and what they stand for.
Johnny: The Freedom Concerts? Oh gosh yeah. Well first of all we’re going to be out there with our buddy Charlie Daniels and Michael W. Smith, who I’ve never met but I’ve heard he’s a great guy and I like his music a lot. And of course I love Charlie Daniels. Along with my father Lacy Van Zant, he’s the father of southern Rock ‘n’ Roll as far as I’m concerned. For us to be able to be involved with that is a great pleasure. We’ve been very blessed with music and in our life - and in this stage of our life - as much as we can give back is a great honor. And to give back for a great cause like the freedom concerts, it’s going to be special for us because we’re real, real big supporters of our troops and no matter what goes on in the government whether you’re Republican, Democrat, Independent, whatever, all that needs to be out the window and you need to support the troops. So you know we’re there to be able to do that for their kids and them. You know I think the only time we’ve ever been united is after 9/11. If we could figure out a way to get back to that without going through tragedy it would be a greater and better country.
Are there any songs that you guys don’t normally play live that fans might be surprised to hear in your set?
Johnny: Golly, you know I think we’ve played just about every one of them live. Recently we played a song called “All I Can Do Is Write About It” which I think is pretty much one of the most cool songs my brother ever wrote. You’d have to listen to the words but it’s just a touching song and I think it kind of summed up his life and what he felt.
With us putting so much emphasis on you guys playing live, who are some of the bands you’ve enjoyed seeing live in the past?
Johnny: Oh gosh, we’ve played with just about everybody (laughs). Who I’ve enjoyed seeing live? I think one of my favorite bands has been AC/DC. You know, as far as live goes and live performance, AC/DC puts on a great live performance. We got the opportunity to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame a few years back, and they had Metallica there and they were really cool to see -- and Sting. I love all sorts of music, so I love seeing James Taylor along with Metallica. Golly that’s a hard question to answer! Who knows, maybe there’s something I haven’t seen. My wife and I, we went to see Tim McGraw just recently --and Lady Antebellum, that was a good show [too].
Even though it’s obviously something you love, I imagine when people are not on the road or in the studio, they’re taking a break from music and that’s cool that you’re still going to concerts.
Johnny: Yeah I enjoy music; I’ve always enjoyed music. I think anybody who’s in the music business or doing it for a career, you have to love music first. You don’t have to quit your job but music’s a great thing -- it’s a good healer. Anytime I’ve been sick or whatever, I’ve listened to music and it makes me feel better. Or having a great time out on the town, music’s a big part of that. It’s good therapy.
The above article is posted courtesy of
RoadRunner Records
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03
Lynyrd Skynyrd brings masterful southern rock to Massachusetts ~ A review of Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Comcast Center on July 1, 2010
Lynyrd Skynyrd brings masterful southern rock to Massachusetts
A review of Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Comcast Center on July 1, 2010
The biker chaps, tattoos, and Confederate flags were out in force Thursday night as the spirit of southern rock swept over the Comcast Center in anticipation of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s visit. The air of an upcoming Independence Day added a sense of patriotism which would gracefully complement the ambiance of southern pride as the night played out its course. And when it had, one thing was clear: Lynyrd Skynyrd know how to electrify a crowd. From start to finish of their lengthy set, the level of energy palpable in the venue was simply insane.
As soon as Bret Michaels concluded, a buzz of excitement filled the air as fans waited for the legends of southern rock. A white sheet hid the stage while it was set up, and as soon as the lights dimmed again, the place erupted. It’s doubtful that so many people have ever screamed so enthusiastically at a white sheet. Finally the sheet dropped, revealing Lynyrd Skynyrd as they opened with “Workin’ For MCA”. Guitarist Michael Matejka took the honors of first solo, and wasted no time producing a dazzling melody as his fingers danced across the frets. Fans then got a taste of the latest album, last September’s God & Guns with “Skynyrd Nation”. It has a much more mainstream sound than the band’s older material with its heavy riffs and fillers, yet retains some of that defining southern element through vocalist Johnny Van Zant’s gruff voice and a solo from guitarist Gary Rossington, the only remaining founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The set also included “Still Unbroken”, another single from the new album.
Then it was right back to some of that older material, the recognizable melody of “What’s Your Name” eliciting an impressive reaction from fans. The song featured Rickey Medlocke’s guitar, and more importantly, Medlocke’s facial expressions. The faces he makes while ripping through solos are both hilarious and bizarre. Whether they are genuine or not, they are one of the reasons to see Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert. And people enjoyed it; the perpetual cheering, which carried on through “That Smell”, reached a point where it left the speakers fighting to be heard, an epic battle of decibels.
Van Zant would take a moment later on to recognize the upcoming Independence Day by dedicating the next song – “Simple Man” – to the nation’s troops and their families. It was a powerful moment in the Comcast Center, as thousands of people swayed back and forth in unison, raising small American flags which had been distributed by soldiers prior to the concert. Van Zant even paused during the song to declare, “God bless our troops and their families.” This was a meaningful gesture; any frontman will take the time between songs to show gratitude to our nation’s defenders, but not many care enough to interrupt a song. It was inspiring to see such a genuine act. The emotional interlude would continue as a recording of “All I Can Do Is Write About It” played while pictures of the late Ronnie Van Zant, the band’s founding vocalist, scrolled across the screen.
From there, the tempo picked up to conclude the set. The band launched into “Gimme Three Steps”, driving fans into a frenzy of dancing and screaming, while Van Zant spun around with a Confederate flag tied to the microphone stand. The cacophony continued into “Call Me The Breeze”, with Peter “Keys” Pisarczyk bringing the keyboard to life with a spectacular solo. Then came fan favorite and classic rock hit “Sweet Home Alabama”, and the band departed the stage. But the cheering only grew louder, for everyone knew what was coming next.
And when Lynyrd Skynyrd returned, Van Zant had gracefully replaced the Confederate flag with the good old star spangled banner, which he saluted as Rossington produced the wistful opening notes of “Free Bird”. The anticipation built through the first verses as fans waited for the song’s defining component. Then, after a lively keyboard melody, Medlocke took the spotlight as Lynyrd Skynyd’s three guitarists jumped into one of the best known solos of all time. Alternating leads, fingers flying up and down the frets, they turned three electric guitars into a furious, passionate harmony of classic rock at its best. Eyes were turned skyward as fans savored each riff, hammer-on, and chord that the band had deliberately saved for last. Finally, as Medlocke vigorously swung the vibrato bar and Van Zant appeared with an enormous American flag, the song winded down and the band again left, to a well-deserved clamor of cheers.
Lynyrd Skynyrd may have only one remaining original member, but the classics are as alive as ever, and the new material is sounding pretty good, too – it adds an element of mainstream rock, while still retaining the features that brought them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. What really stood out Thursday night was the fans’ reception; the band ignited the crowd from the opening notes, and that energy never diminished until the encore concluded. Seeing them perform only gives the impression that their talent and passion will never fade.
By: MacLean Cadman, Contributing Writer
Visit Boston Music Spotlight for more great reviews.
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28
Rickey, Johnny and Gary discuss the new DVD
The newly released Live From Freedom Hall not only captures Lynyrd Skynyrd doing what they do best, but it's also one of the last concerts to be recorded with longtime members Billy Powell and Ean Evans, both of whom passed away last year. The release is a tribute to and a celebration of all things Skynyrd. In the video below, Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, and Gary Rossington explain more about why and how.
Live From Freedom Hall is out now! Get your copy of the CD/DVD featuring a classic set list of the southern rock legends' greatest hits by going ,RIGHT HERE.
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24
Watch an Exclusive Clip From Skynyrd’s New DVD
Lynyrd Skynyrd have just released their brand new live set Live From Freedom Hall and Classic Rock Magazine is celebrating with a special exclusive clip from the disc's accompanying DVD.
Live From Freedom Hall includes the audio and video components of the band's special show at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky on June 15th, 2007. While the band play a set of Skynyrd classics and fan favorites, the show marks a special occasion for the Skynyrd Nation for many reasons. Watch as Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke and Gary Rossington explain it all at http://classicrockmagazine.com
Live From Freedom Hall is in stores now.
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23
NEW TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA PRESALES
The summer just got even better! Skynyrd will rock Beaumont, TX and Mountain Vew, CA this summer, and we want Skynyrd Nation to have first access to presale tickets and VIP packages before the general public! This presale will begin tomorrow, June 23 at 3pm Local Venue Time. Remember, tickets are limited and available on a first come, first served basis, so get them while we've got them!
8/22/10 - Ford Park Arena (Beaumont, TX)
8/29/10 - Shoreline Amphitheater (Mountain View, CA)
Presale tickets can be purchased at: http://tixx1.artistarena.com/lynyrdskynyrd/
*** If you are having difficulty accessing the ticketing link, make sure you are allowing cookies. If that isn't working for you try using another browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc...). If after all of that and you still can't get in, please call 212.420.1700 or email skynyrdnation@artistarena.com for assistance.
Additional presales may be announced shortly. Please do not call or email about shows that are not listed here, as we will post the information as soon as it's available.
We'll see you there!
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21
Lynyrd Skynyrd Frontman Goes Track-by-Track Through 'Live From Freedom Hall'
Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to release their live CD/DVD Live From Freedom Hall tomorrow, June 22nd, and to commemorate the album that catches the long-running southern rock staples doing what they do best, we caught up with frontman Johnny Van Zant to go through the set list.
Read what he had to say about each song being part of the band's live repertoire after all these years below, and don't miss the band on tour all summer long. Go right here for a full list of tour dates and ticket information.
And don't forget to pick up your copy of the new live album tomorrow at a record store near you!
“Travelin’ Man”
“That’s kind of like a duet thing that me and my brother did, and to be able to sing with him was pretty awesome. Years ago we had it on our record and for live, I think for Skynyrd fans to be able to see Ronnie up there actually singing and then it comes back to me on stage I think it’s just a very cool thing for fans and I always love doing that. Our dad was a truck driver and we’ve been travelin’ men our whole life. Ronnie for 29 years was a travelin’ man, ‘til his untimely death. And for me I’ve been doing it for about 30 something years. So it’s just a very cool song and for anybody.”
“Workin’”
“Well I think that goes back to our upbringing. We always have worked in our life and our fans are working class people and that’s what we believe in doing -- we’re probably one of the hardest working bands out there and have always been out there every year. Where a lot of other bands take off, we’re out there playing for our fans. And you know its something like ‘I’m gonna buy my baby shoes’ I have kids in college and I have to buy them shoes! (Laughs) …and keep ‘em fed! So thanks to the Skynyrd Nation we’re still around. And we’re actually playing it this year coming up. We change our set up here and there, there’s so many great Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. We know we have to do “Freebird”, “Sweet Home” and those kind of things, but that song was just a statement, we think of our fans as the working class of America –or all around. [Even] when we’re in Europe they’re the working class so we like doing that one. It’s an up tempo thing, it’s in your face and that’s us.”
“What’s Your Name?”
“Well that is just a great hit song. Most Skynyrd people don’t realize that was the highest charting song that Lynyrd Skynyrd ever had as far as the top 100 singles and it was a top 10 song, I’m not sure exactly how far it went but it went up there quite a ways. And it’s just a great song, great feel [good] song. You can always tell that the crowd loves that, which is why we pretty much keep that in our set every year. I mean the crowd, especially the ladies -- that one’s for the ladies. “
“That Smell”
“Well, ‘That Smell’ what a great song. That’s something Skynyrd’s always been about: true things that we’ve written about, and that’s definitely a true thing. We’ve all lived true our days of doing things that probably weren’t good for us (laughs). That one there with the audience you can definitely smell that smell if you get my drift.”
“Simple Man”
“Well that’s a great song and something that I think we all live by. I think anybody out there needs to respect their mother, and the words of their mother. It’s mama talking to you in that song and I think it’s probably one of my favorite’s if not my favorite to do live. It’s just a great song and that one stays in the set and the crowd always goes crazy on that one. Actually I just saw Lee [DeWyze] from American Idol do part of it a couple of weeks ago. Thought that was pretty neat.”
“Down South Jukin”
“Well that one’s just another fun up-tempo thing and I think that’s part of a medley. We’re from the south and just love doing that one; it just gets the crowd so much and to go from “Simple Man” into that just makes your blood start going up a little bit too, it’s a lot of fun.”
“The Needle and The Spoon”
“That’s a rare, really an obscure Skynyrd song. I mean not everybody knows “Needle and The Spoon” but we love doing it live just the whole riff the way it starts out and we’ve been doing it for many, many years.”
“Ballad of Curtis Loew”
“Well that one everybody does know. If you’re a Skynyrd fan you know “Curtis Loew” and again it just kind of brings the tempo down and just kind of lets us get that back porch feel.”
“Gimme Back My Bullets”
“Again that song it just in your face and that song’s pretty cool. The story behind that song and the reason why we like doing it is that when Skynyrd, when that album came out, everybody used to throw bullets at them because they thought it meant that, but what it really meant was on the Billboard charts it had a bullet besides it meaning it was doing really good, and the album before that, before Give Me Back My Bullets didn’t do quite as well as the first two. So this was something saying give us back our bullets, we’re here and in your face. It’s in your face so we love doing it.”
“Tuesday’s Gone”
“Again just a great ballad, up there with Simple Man. Fans love it, and we can hear a little bit of harmonica on that one and sometimes the fans sing louder on that one than when I’m singing at all. That’s one thing about Skynyrd, I’m kind of like the head cheerleader and we love for the crowd to get into it. I can understand people sitting and listening to the music, but for Skynyrd it’s, ok let’s take your worries away for a couple hours and let’s have fun. “
“Red, White and Blue”
“Well that’s one that was off an album called Vicious Cycle. We’re big supporters of our troops and we’ve always felt that’s a Skynyrd crowd; we always go back to our fans, we write about our fans and we love our fans. We’ve been blessed to have fans with us for years and years and years for multi-generations now and we’re supporters of our troops and our families. That song is basically written about our fans.”
“Gimme Three Steps”
“That’s our time to turn it up not to 10 but 11 and try to go out the night at 11. That’s also just a fun, boogie, sing-along song that we’ve done forever, we’re going to be doing it this coming year and it’s just an all around good song, good party song.”
“Call Me The Breeze”
“’Call Me The Breeze’ is an old J.J. Cale song that the band recorded years and years ago. Again it just keeps up – we go from “Three Steps” to “The Breeze” and the crowd just loves it and so do we. By that time in the set we’re ready to go to “Alabama” and “Freebird” you know? So it really pumps us up, not only the crowd but it pumps us up too. “
“Sweet Home Alabama”
“I think “Sweet Home” is something that, we’ve been the ambassadors of Alabama for years --they should give us the state award for spreading the word [laughs] but that song is just a timeless song. And you had Kid Rock last year with “All Summer Long” which used part of it and numerous movies and what can you say about it really except for that it’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’?”
“Freebird”
“Well that is a timeless song, that and “Stairway to Heaven”. For years Skynyrd has always closed the show with that song and the song has different meanings for different people. Somebody was telling me, it’s graduation time right now, this kid was telling me that they used it for their graduation song and not too long ago somebody told me that they used it at a funeral. And really it’s a love song, its one of the few that Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ever had. It’s about a guy and a girl. Of course at the end it was dedicated to Duane Allman from the band Allman Brothers because it goes into the guitar part. That one there if you can get through that one you’ve had a good night at a Skynyrd show.”
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19
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM SKYNYRD TRIBUTE?
Hey there Skynyrd Nation! Have you heard about the new Skynyrd tribute album coming out next month? Sweet Home Alabama -- The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd is a collection of classic Skynyrd songs covered by country artists.
Johnny Van Zant was quoted talking about the tribute in a recent interview with Billboard.com saying, "It's all these young country bucks doing Skynyrd songs, which is pretty cool to us…It gives me great pleasure, because they're doing older stuff...my brother wrote while he was still alive. People still love that stuff. They did what he did. He was a poet for the common people, and it's always great when other people are interested enough to re-do the songs."
The tracks on the tribute include:
"The Ballad Of Curtis Loew" - Eric Church
"Simple Man" - Randy Houser
"All I Can Do Is Write About It" - Uncle Kracker
"Call Me The Breeze" - Shooter Jennings
"Four Walls Of Raiford" - Jamey Johnson
"Tuesday's Gone" - Randy Montana
"Gimme Three Steps" - the Eli Young Band
"Sweet Home Alabama" - Ashley Ray
The album will be available exclusively at Walmart on July 20.
How about you, Skynyrd Fans? What would be your ideal Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute album, what songs would you want and what artists or bands would perform them?
Please share your dream tribute album in the comments below. We're excited to see what some of you post!
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18
Lynyrd Skynyrd Honored by U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was honored this week by the U.S. Congress by Florida Congressman Connie Mack, and Alabama Congressman Spencer Bachus along with recognizing the achievements of the band during a reception at the U.S. Capitol.
The congressional honor for the group, who are performing in Birmingham tonight, came during a visit to Washington including stops at both the Capitol and the White House.
"The Lynyrd Skynyrd band is a true voice of the South and a legend in the music world. "Sweet Home Alabama" is one of the best advertisements for my state and we now even proudly display the words on our license plates. We deeply appreciate the fact that the band does a lot to entertain our troops and support military families. They bring enjoyment to their many fans and it's a pleasure to welcome them to our nation's capital," said Bachus, who is dean of the Alabama House delegation.
After a hosted tour of the Capitol by Bachus' staff, Representatives Bachus and Mack presented a Congressional Record tribute to the band members, including Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Rickey Medlocke, recognizing the band's career and successes.
The Congressional Record tribute follows.
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
RECOGNITION OF THE MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF LYNYRD SKYNYRD BY CONGRESSMEN SPENCER BACHUS AND CONNIE MACK
In the music world, it is challenging enough for a band to record one hit song, much less become a voice for an entire region and a true icon. That is why Congressman Connie Mack and I are pleased to jointly recognize the accomplishments and patriotic spirit of the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd.
From humble beginnings, Lynyrd Skynyrd has become one of the most revered and accomplished bands in the history of music, having sold nearly 30 million records worldwide in the last four decades. Through their live performances and the music and songs still played on radio stations around the world every day, the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd have established themselves as timeless artists who transcend any one musical era or generation.
As validated by their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd has had a seminal impact on the development of rock and country music and a profound influence on the career development of many artists who followed in their creative footsteps.
Through their collective voices, the band has become a beacon for regional identity and pride in the American South. This is perhaps best epitomized by the song "Sweet Home Alabama," an anthem so universally identified with the state of Alabama that it is the official motto displayed on license plates.
Since their start in Jacksonville, Florida in the late 1960s, Lynyrd Skynyrd has been a spokesman for the everyday working man and woman, the friends and neighbors of their formative years. Their ability to capture a unique part of the American spirit has given their music emotional meaning to many fans and built a legacy that continues to grow year after year.
Amid triumph and loss, these sons of the south have evolved from band to close-knit family. A tragic airplane crash in 1977 claimed original members Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, but Ronnie's brother Johnny carried on the tradition as the new vocalist. Devoted fans also remember and cherish the contributions of Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, and Ean Evans. Today, led by core members Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlock, and Michael Cartellone, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to share an unbreakable bond with the fans they count as family as well.
Lynyrd Skynyrd has been a generous supporter of our men and women in the armed forces for many years. The band has long understood that our military personnel bravely and unselfishly stand guard over our everyday security and freedom. They have enthusiastically raised money for military families and played countless shows for our service members in uniform. Their song "Red, White, and Blue" was written as a tribute to the men and women who serve in the defense of freedom.
As representatives of timeless American values and champions of working class heroes, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to entertain and inspire millions of fans across the world. Along with Congressman Mack, I find it highly appropriate that the people's House takes time to recognize this classic band for lasting contributions not just to the world of music, but to American popular culture as a whole.
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Listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Gimme Three Steps" Live From Freedom Hall!
In celebration of the band's upcoming Live From Freedom Hall CD/DVD (out June 22nd), we've got a sneak peak of one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most classic staples in their live show repertoire: "Gimme Three Steps."
Listen to it below and be sure to pick up your copy of the feel-good album next Tuesday, June 22nd !
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Fan Comments
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bamachick73 said about Life in Lynyrd Skynyrd... by Johnny Colt
Appreciate you sharing such a personal time in your life. You've tamed that monster and have overcome what so many struggle with every da... -
raidersfan said about Life in Lynyrd Skynyrd... by Johnny Colt
Best thing I have seen on this site in a long long time. Thanks to Johnny for opening up and giving us this inside look. -
jaymanslawncare said about Life in Lynyrd Skynyrd... by Johnny Colt
Wow... I truly have chills crawling up my arms... Great great great story. Your an inspiration JC. jdkga... aka Jayman -
Kim G said about Life in Lynyrd Skynyrd... by Johnny Colt
There are times that you have to descend to the depths of despair in order to rise up. Sounds as if you hit rock bottom, but used the ex... -
ls-streetsurvivor said about Life in Lynyrd Skynyrd... by Johnny Colt
It's easy to stand with the crowd. It takes courage to stand alone. ▬▬▬▬▬▬.ılılıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llılılı...
