As I said in my previous blog I recalled listening to Lynyrd Skynryd's "One More From the Road" when I was around five or six years old. I can say that I've always been a fan of Skynyrd. I've seen the reunion band, which now has been around longer than the original, numerous times. They are still out there touring and pleasing crowds wherever they go. I have to say I've seen videos of them, and they still have great musicians in the band. Gary Rossington is the only surviving original member, but longtime members Johnny Van Zant, Ricky Medlocke, and Michael Cartellone provide a stable core with newer members Mark Matejka, Johnny Colt and Peter Keys doing a good job replacing legends. I haven't seen them since 2004 in Paducah, Kentucky, but they are still putting out some good music and touring every summer. People argue all the time about this being a "scab" Skynyrd, basically out there for living off the songs that Ronnie created. They have recorded plenty of albums since 1991 and they have put out a good solid catalog of "new" Skynyrd songs. Of course they haven't had the "Freebird", or "Sweet Home Alabama", but they have been great at keeping the memories and music alive.
When I was a kid, I was going through phases of different music, I usually listened to whatever my parents or siblings were listening too. We had a bunch of albums that were mostly country, gospel, or blue grass. I remember listening to Elvis Presley's "Separate Ways" album that my mother had. We also had some eight tracks like Don Williams, Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, and the one that stayed with me the most, Lynyrd Skynyrd's "One More From (For) the Road". This was my introduction to Skynryd and planted a seed that laid dormant for a few years until one fateful day. I remember this day pretty well, school was out and my parents had took me and my best friend Rob to Old Settler's Days in Galatia, Illinois. We rode in the back of my Dad's pickup with our little jam box, I should note that back in the eighties riding in the back of the truck didn't seem dangerous and I don't believe it was illegal then, but anyway. On the way back home we stopped by WalMart in Harrisburg, and Rob had some money and was looking to buy something, we walked back to the music section and after some discussion he bought Skynyrd's "Second Helping". We listened to it none stop. Although my favorite song of Skynyd's and my favorite song of all time is "Freebird", "Second Helping" has got to be the best album of theirs. It was that particular day and that particular cassette that rekindled my love for Skynyrd. After that the hunt was on for more and more music of Skynyrd. To say I was obsessed with them would've been an understatement. Outside of Rob, I was the only kid my age who liked, or should I say, loved Skynyrd. I learned all I could about them. Then in 1987 they reunited with Johnny singing lead, and Ed King back on guitar, of course I got the tribute album. Then word came out that that the reunion band was putting out a new album. Of course I had to get it. Then I was working pushing in carts at Big John's in Eldorado, Illinois when I heard an ad coming from the radio about Skynyrd coming to Evansville, Indiana with the opener being The Jeff Healey Band, I asked the guy what day was and he said that hadn't told yet, then I heard it, August 20th, which just happened to be my 18th birthday. I went in, marked a day off on my schedule and waited to buy tickets. I got the tickets, my brother, and my cousin went, the only bad thing was that Drivin' and Cryin' had took Jeff Healey's place as opener, which was a downer, but I was going to see Skynyrd! This was my first "real" concert, I mean I'd seen country stars at local festivals, but no big rock show. Drivin' and Cryin' was alright, but Skynyrd was absolutely phenomenal. I couldn't believe that I got to see them. Within the next few years I saw them numerous times, sadly more originals passed away, and even replacements passed away. They will always be my favorite band, and "Freebird" will always be my favorite song.
Recommended Albums:
From the classic Skynyrd, I recommend them all. I can't say any of them is bad. A good place to start is Gold and Platinum, which has the live versions of Freebird and Gimme Three Steps. Pretty good compilation album, also the box set is great with some alternative versions of songs. But seriously, you can't go wrong with any of the albums.
As far as the "new" band, I would go for Twenty with the guitar lineup of Hughie Thommasson, Ricky Medlocke, and Gary Rossington. I think this was the strongest lineup that the new band had. 1991 and The Last Rebel are also pretty good albums.
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