The guitarist Gary Rossington, the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd died last March 5 at the age of 71 and now the group played their first concert after the musician’s passing. It happened at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL and they paid tribute to the guitar player during show while images of him were showned to the fans.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s current line-up has: Johnny Van Zant (Vocals), Damon Johnson (Guitar), Rickey Medlocke (Guitar), Michael Cartellone (Drums), Mark Matejka (Guitar), Peter Keys (Keyboards) and Keth Christopher (Bass).
Watch Lynyrd Skynyrd paying tribute to the late Gary Rossington:
In an official statament on their social networks, Lynyrd Skynyrd talked about paying tribute to the guitarist. “We felt you there with us last night, Gary. Looking down from Rock N’ Roll Heaven and helping us get through one of the toughest shows of our lives.”
“We felt you during the nuances of Free Bird, Tuesday’s Gone, Saturday Night Special. We felt you in the roar of the crowd as they cheered your name and stood up for most of the night.”
“And we will forever feel you on any stage and in our hearts as Skynyrd’s music continues to move billions of people across the world. We love you brother,” Lynyrd Skynyrd said.
The band still has scheduled tour dates across North American in April, May, July, August and September. They are currently on their farewell tour.
The show’s setlist
- “Workin’ for MCA”
- “What’s Your Name”
- “You Got That Right”
- “Whiskey Rock-a-Roller”
- “The Needle and the Spoon”
- “That Smell”
- “Cry for the Bad Man”
- “Saturday Night Special”
- “Gimme Back My Bullets”
- “Tuesday’s Gone”
- “Red White & Blue (Love it or Leave)”
- “Simple Man”
- “Gimme Three Steps”
- “Call Me the Breeze”
- “Sweet Home Alabama”
- “Free Bird”