This is my second post about an entire band, rather than a specific person. By Dixie standards, I would be considered a city boy, although my drawl is evident when I'm outside of the south. However, I've always been a huge fan of Southern Rock. The gritty sound and songs about the swampland have always appealed to me. No band exemplifies southern rock more than Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd. I've seen the tribute Lynyrd Skynyrd band 4 times to be exact. While Lynyrd Skynyrd may be synonymous with southern rock, they are also synonymous with tragedy. Following a number of huge hits in the 1970s including "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Freebird", the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were in a plane crash on October 20, 1977 in Gillsburg, MS. Lead Singer Ronnie Van Zant, Guitarist Steve Gaines, Backup singer Cassie Gaines, road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot and copilot of the plane were all killed. The remaining band members and passengers were left with injuries and emotional scars for the rest of their lives. Ten years later, the band name Lynyrd Skynyrd would continue. Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother Johnny would take his shoes as lead singer joined by some of the remaining original members and additional musicians. Even though the Lynyrd Skynyrd tradition would continue, there would still be turmoil among bandmates. While guitarist Ed King (guitar player before plane crash) and drummer Artimus Pyle (second original drummer) would rejoin the band, they would leave for various reasons and carry grudges with various members. In addition, original guitarist Allen Collins passed away as well as original bassist Leon Wilkeson. The deaths of these original members led to contractual disputes between the band members and Ronnie Van Zant's widow Judy. There was an agreement made where there had to be at least three original members in the band to carry the name Lynyrd Skynyrd. There were various complications and variations of the contract. However, the band carried on playing the music that was still touching the lives of succeeding generations of music fans. Despite the turmoil within the band, the surviving members of the original renditions of Lynyrd Skynyrd joined together to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 alongside Black Sabbath, the Sex Pistols and several others. In addition, the surviving members were joined by the all additional musicians and Johnny Van Zant to perform an unforgettable performance of Freebird proving the band's music was alive and well. Of course, there would be additional losses. Replacement Guitarist Hughie Thomasson (The Outlaws) passed away in 2007. Original Member and Pianist Billy Powell passed away in 2009 as would replacement bassist Ean Evans. Female backup singer Jo Jo Billingsley died in 2010. Original Drummer Bob Burns (Before Artimus Pyle and plae crash) died in 2015. Original and long time member Gary Rossington had a heart attack in 2015.However, he said in an interview that that cant stop him and that Lynyrd Skynyrd would be back on the road. Original Guitarist Ed King, whom left Skynyrd before the plane crash, died Last Year. Larry Junstrom, also of .38 special,who played in the Earliest Days of Lynyrd Skynyrd, died last year. Lynyrd Skynyrd are currently on their Farewell Tour.
The surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd include (Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle, Backup Singer Leslie Hawkins, Current Guiarist Rick Medlocke whom also played in one of the first renditions of Skynyrd along with Greg T. Walker) (Medlocke and Walker would form Blackfoot).
have endured hardships, fighting, deaths, drug and alcohol problems, contractual disagreements, and most importantly a devastating plane crash which killed some of their band mates and friends and threatened to kill the Lynyrd Skynyrd name and music. Lynyrd Skynyrd continues as a Tribute Band and their music will never die. Since its heyday, the band is praised outside the south and all over North America, Europe, Asia and the world over. They have influenced various genres including Classic Rock, Folk, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Alternative, Country, Blues and Soul. I leave you with a poem written by Charlie Daniels after the plane crash in 1977.
A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last.
A BRIEF CANDLE, BOTH ENDS BURNING
AN ENDLESS SMILE, A BUS WHEEL TURNING
A FRIEND TO SHARE A LONESOME TIME
A HANDSHAKE AND A SIP OF WINE
SAY IT LOUD AND LET IT RING
THAT WE'RE ALL PART OF EVERYTHING
THE FUTURE, THE PRESENT AND THE PAST
FLY ON PROUD BIRD, YOU'RE FREE AT LAST
A BRIEF CANDLE, BOTH ENDS BURNING
AN ENDLESS SMILE, A BUS WHEEL TURNING
A FRIEND TO SHARE A LONESOME TIME
A HANDSHAKE AND A SIP OF WINE
SAY IT LOUD AND LET IT RING
THAT WE'RE ALL PART OF EVERYTHING
THE FUTURE, THE PRESENT AND THE PAST
FLY ON PROUD BIRD, YOU'RE FREE AT LAST
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