Formed in Jacksonville, Florida back in 1964, Lynyrd Skynyrd spent five years touring and changing their line-up before chosing their name. From 1973 until 1977 they released 5 albums that became the most famous Southern Rock albums in history and gave the world hits like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird”.
On October 20, 1977, their chartered airplane crashed, killing vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines and seriously injuring the rest of the band. The group returned in 1987 with Ronnie’s brother Johnny Van Zant that remains until today the group’s vocalist. Nowadays the only original member of the group is the guitarist Gary Rossington. The band is also formed by Rickey Medlocke (Guitar), Michael Cartellone (Drums), Mark Matejka (Guitar), Peter Keys (Keyboards) and Keth Christopher (Bass).
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Rossington talked about the band’s current tour and said they are a tribute band.
Gary Rossington says that Lynyrd Skynyrd is now a tribute band
“It’s a tribute band right now, and everybody knows it’s not the original. Everybody who comes to see us is told that during the show, and probably knows before they even get there.”
“But people still come to hear it live. In a couple of years it’s supposed to possibly stop, and maybe it won’t. I just don’t know, because who can predict the future? We’ll decide then what’s really going to happen,” Gary Rossington said.
Even though most part of their live setlist is formed by the hits released by the classic line-up the group, they have released 9 studio albums since the band was reformed in the late 80s.
Next Lynyrd Skynyrd tour dates
December
- 9 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater At Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
- 10 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater At Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
2023 – February
- 23 – San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
March
- 12 – Plant City, FL – Florida Strawberry Festival 2023
July
- 14 – Prior Lake, MN – Lakefront Music Fest 2023