The homage to Southern solidarity, “Sweet Home Alabama,” the tireless denunciation of the glorification of guns whipped up in “Saturday Night” Special” and the ode to freedom in full flight “Call Me the Breeze” are as indelible now as they were when this concert took place, some 45 years ago. Of course, it’s inevitable that certain songs would stand out. Tough, tenacious and rich with resolve, Van Zandt cuts an imposing figure, his give ‘em hell attitude fully etched in every note and nuance shared on that stage. While the CD portion of the package serves as a veritable greatest hits, its while watching the DVD that evidence of their irrepressible intensity fully comes into focus. Witnessing Van Zandt’s determinedly defiant stance onstage in front of an adoring English audience numbering between 150,000 and 200,00 people not only bears witness to their transcendent stance, but also to the indelible impression that they imparted to their faithful followers and those for whom they represented a symbol of indomitable southern spirit and eternal insurgence. Granted, part of the reason for that reaction lies in the tragedy that took the lives of several of the members-singer and frontman Ronnie Van Zandt, guitarist Steve Gaines and back-up vocalist Cassie Gaines. And while it’s doubtful anyone would complain that “Free Bird” is never played enough on rock radio, hearing their hits performed with the passion and presence that served them so well with their loyal legions still makes for a moving experience. As much as any other outfit-the Allman Brothers and Molly Hatchet included-Skynyrd defined the southern rock sensibility, creating a sound that still survives today in the music of the Black Crowes, Kentucky Headhunters, the Marcus King Band, Blackberry Smoke, the Drive-By Truckers and innumerable other outfits that have made that trademark grit, growl and everyman persona a basic part of their continuing MO. With a catalog of over 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” having over two million downloaded ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations.Lynyrd Skynyrd/ Live at Knebworth/Eagle Rock/UniversalĬaptured at the peak of their prowess, Lynyrd Skynyrd Live at Knebworth serves as a reminder of why this band proved to be such an actual institution. We wanted to do the guys who aren’t with us any more proud, and keep the name proud, too.” There’s nothing like getting out there playing a great show with Skynyrd and seeing people love this music.”Īdds Rossington, “We’re still standing, still keeping the music going. 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.
“It’s just that we love the music, it’s bigger than the money, it’s not even about that any more. 2014 marks the 8th year for their annual Simple Man Cruise, a four day voyage filled with the best music in Southern Rock including an outdoor beach show featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd for the first time in the cruise’s history.Īnd so Skynyrd stands, “still unbroken.” “People may say, ‘they need the money,’ well I don’t think any of us need the money,” Van Zant says. The rock and roll powerhouse continually tours, this summer heading out on their second run with Bad Company. Since then, the band tragically lost Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson and Hughie Thomasson, yet Lynyrd Skynyrd rocks on with original member Gary Rossington joined by Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Johnny Colt, Peter Keys, Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase.
The legacy began some 41 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.
0 kommentar(er)
