Lynyrd Skynyrd and Marcus King rock Saturday Night Special

Lynyrd Skynyrd are streaming live video of their 1975 classic, “Saturday Night Special” – featuring Marcus King – from the recently released album and DVD, “Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman.”

The set captures the Florida rockers in concert at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN in 2022, and delivers the band’s final show with last original founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in 2023 at the age of 71.

Featuring guests such as Jelly Roll, Brent Smith (Shinedown), John Osborne (The Brothers Osborne), Donnie Van Zant (.38 Special), and more, the album showcases the band's unparalleled energy, their signature blend of blues rock and Southern hard rock swagger and stands as both a heartfelt tribute to Rossington and a celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lasting legacy in music history.

“50 years for Lynyrd Skynyrd… WOW!” says Johnny Van Zant. “We are so grateful to the devoted fans for their support throughout the years of transitions and losses. Last year we lost the great Mr. Gary Rossington. We unknowingly were able to have captured his final performance with us. It’s bittersweet but what a special place to have had his final performance, the mother ship of music - The Ryman Auditorium!”

The band is currently playing dates across North America, with shows scheduled into November.

“Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman” is available in multiple formats, including DVD, CD, and digitally.

Pick up some Skynyrd for yourself here.


See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Simple Man from 50th anniversary live package
Lynyrd Skynyrd release first-ever official video for Free Bird
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman

Lynyrd Skynyrd are streaming “Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman” in sync with its release on June 27.

The set captures the Florida rockers in concert at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN in 2022, and delivers the band’s final show with last original founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in 2023 at the age of 71.

Rossington was the Florida band’s last original founding member of the group, which released their debut album, "Pronounced 'Leh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd", in 1973.

Featuring guests such as Jelly Roll, John Osborne (The Brothers Osborne), Marcus King, Donnie Van Zant (.38 Special), and more, the album showcases the band's unparalleled energy, their signature blend of blues rock and Southern hard rock swagger and stands as both a heartfelt tribute to Rossington and a celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lasting legacy in music history.

“50 years for Lynyrd Skynyrd… WOW!” says Johnny Van Zant. “We are so grateful to the devoted fans for their support throughout the years of transitions and losses. Last year we lost the great Mr. Gary Rossington. We unknowingly were able to have captured his final performance with us. It’s bittersweet but what a special place to have had his final performance, the mother ship of music - The Ryman Auditorium!”

“It was a very special night with incredibly talented guest as we honored the iconic musicality of Skynyrd,” he added. “We are so grateful to the Ryman and to all of those have work so hard to make this project become a reality! This will forever be a keepsake in our hearts, and we are so happy to be able to share it with our Skynyrd Nation.”

“Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman” is available in multiple formats, including DVD, CD, and digitally.

Pick up some Skynyrd for yourself here.


See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Simple Man from 50th anniversary live package
Lynyrd Skynyrd release first-ever official video for Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Sweet Home Alabama from 50th anniversary live package
Lynyrd Skynyrd preview 50th anniversary live package
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Simple Man from 50th anniversary live package

Lynyrd Skynyrd are streaming live video of their 1973 classic, “Simple Man” - featuring Brent Smith of Shinedown - as the latest preview to their upcoming album and DVD, “Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman”

Due June 27 via Frontiers Music SRL, the set captures the Florida rockers in concert at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN in 2022, and delivers the band’s final show with last original founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in 2023 at the age of 71.

Featuring guests such as Jelly Roll, John Osborne (The Brothers Osborne), Marcus King, Donnie Van Zant (.38 Special), and more, the album showcases the band's unparalleled energy, their signature blend of blues rock and Southern hard rock swagger and stands as both a heartfelt tribute to Rossington and a celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lasting legacy in music history.

“50 years for Lynyrd Skynyrd… WOW!” says Johnny Van Zant. “We are so grateful to the devoted fans for their support throughout the years of transitions and losses. Last year we lost the great Mr. Gary Rossington. We unknowingly were able to have captured his final performance with us. It’s bittersweet but what a special place to have had his final performance, the mother ship of music - The Ryman Auditorium!”

“Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman” will be available in multiple formats, including DVD, CD, and digitally.

Pick up some Skynyrd for yourself here.


See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd release first-ever official video for Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Sweet Home Alabama from 50th anniversary live package
Lynyrd Skynyrd preview 50th anniversary live package
Lynyrd Skynyrd inducted into Florida Artists Hall Of Fame
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd release first-ever official video for Free Bird

Lynyrd Skynyrd are streaming the first-ever official music video for "Free Bird", the iconic song from the legendary Florida rock band and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

Fittingly, the song lands just in time for Memorial Day weekend, where the song is a staple at many gatherings across the U.S.

"There's nothing freer than a bird, you know, flying wherever he wants to go, ...that's what this country is all about...being free." - Ronnie Van Zandt

"Allen Collins wrote the music to it, he wrote the beginning, and I wrote the end. Ronnie said, 'There's too many chords, I can't write words to that many chords.' We were on the couch, and Ronnie said, 'play that again' and after two or three times, all of sudden he said, 'What do you think about this?' Then he'd sing the whole song to you....He wouldn't write it down. He thought if you couldn't remember it, it wasn't worth keeping.'" - Gary Rossington, 2019

"Free Bird" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. For over five decades, the song has resonated from one generation to the next. "Free Bird" remains not only one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most recognizable hits, but also one of the most famous rock songs of all-time.

It originally closed out the band's full-length debut LP, "(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd)", released in 1973; the song reached the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975.

Speaking to the song's longevity, it has generated a staggering 773 million Spotify streams and counting with numerous high-profile renditions including Bob Dylan. Most recently, Dolly Parton joined forces with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Artimus Pyle to record "Free Bird" for her 2023 album. A cultural touchstone, it has appeared in films ranging from Forrest Gump to Kingsman: The Secret Service.

"Everybody everywhere knows 'Free Bird.' It's played at graduations, weddings, and funerals." - Gary Rossington, 2019

The long overdue official video for, "Free Bird" finally has its release this summer.

Director Max Moore [New Found Glory, All Time Low] helmed the nine minute-plus cinematic visual. Although there are many interpretations to the song's meaning, this interpretation of the epic song is a nostalgic narrative of eternal love and the timeless spirit of "Free Bird" with its own relatable and uplifting American tale of true love.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will release the upcoming album and DVD, “Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman”, on June 27 via Frontiers Music SRL; the set captures the Florida rockers in concert at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN in 2022, and delivers the band’s final show with last original founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in 2023 at the age of 71.

Pick up some Skynyrd for yourself here.


See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Sweet Home Alabama from 50th anniversary live package
Lynyrd Skynyrd preview 50th anniversary live package
Lynyrd Skynyrd inducted into Florida Artists Hall Of Fame
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: LYNYRD SKYNYRD
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

The southern rockers are streaming live video of their iconic hit, “Sweet Home Alabama”, as the latest preview to their upcoming album and DVD, “Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman”

Read all about it and check out the video in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.


hennemusic Hot 10
week ending May 18, 2025

01 – Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Sweet Home Alabama from 50th anniversary live package
02 – Metallica stream Master Of Puppets classic from second Toronto show
03 – Metallica stream Holier Than Thou from first Toronto show
04 – The Doobie Brothers release new single Angels & Mercy
05 – Alice In Chains drummer shares health update after show cancellations
06 – Metallica stream Hero Of The Day from remastered Load package
07 – Foo Fighters fire drummer Josh Reese
08 – Alice In Chains cancels tour as drummer experiences medical emergency
09 – Metallica stream Moth Into Flame from second Toronto show
10 – Billy Idol rocks Jimmy Kimmel Live with Avril Lavigne


See also:

May 11: David Lee Roth
May 04: Billy Idol
Apr 27: Foreigner
Apr 20: Green Day
Apr 13: Pink Floyd

Lynyrd Skynyrd stream Sweet Home Alabama from 50th anniversary live package

Lynyrd Skynyrd are streaming live video of their iconic hit, “Sweet Home Alabama”, as the latest preview to their upcoming album and DVD, “Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman.”

Due June 27 via Frontiers Music SRL, the set presents captures the Florida rockers in concert at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN in 2022, and delivers the band’s final show with last original founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in 2023 at the age of 71.

Featuring guests such as Jelly Roll, Brent Smith (Shinedown), John Osborne (The Brothers Osborne), Marcus King, Donnie Van Zant (.38 Special), and more, the album showcases the band's unparalleled energy, their signature blend of blues rock and Southern hard rock swagger and stands as both a heartfelt tribute to Rossington and a celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lasting legacy in music history.

“50 years for Lynyrd Skynyrd… WOW!” says Johnny Van Zant. “We are so grateful to the devoted fans for their support throughout the years of transitions and losses. Last year we lost the great Mr. Gary Rossington. We unknowingly were able to have captured his final performance with us. It’s bittersweet but what a special place to have had his final performance, the mother ship of music - The Ryman Auditorium!”

“Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman” will be available in multiple formats, including DVD, CD, and digitally.

Pick up some Skynyrd for yourself here.


See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd preview 50th anniversary live package
Lynyrd Skynyrd inducted into Florida Artists Hall Of Fame
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: LYNYRD SKYNYRD
Rock News Story Of The Year No. 9: LYNYRD SKYNYRD
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd preview 50th anniversary live package

Lynyrd Skynyrd will release a special anniversary package, “Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman”, on June 27.

Captured in concert at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN in 2022, the project delivers the band’s final show with last original founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in March 2023 at the age of 71.

Rossington was the Florida band’s last original founding member of the group, which released their debut album, "Pronounced 'Leh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd", in 1973.

Featuring guests such as Jelly Roll, Brent Smith (Shinedown), John Osborne (The Brothers Osborne), Marcus King, Donnie Van Zant (38 Special), and more, the album showcases the band's unparalleled energy, their signature blend of blues rock and Southern hard rock swagger and stands as both a heartfelt tribute to Rossington and a celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lasting legacy in music history.

“50 years for Lynyrd Skynyrd… WOW!” says Johnny Van Zant. “We are so grateful to the devoted fans for their support throughout the years of transitions and losses. Last year we lost the great Mr. Gary Rossington. We unknowingly were able to have captured his final performance with us. It’s bittersweet but what a special place to have had his final performance, the mother ship of music - The Ryman Auditorium!”

“It was a very special night with incredibly talented guest as we honored the iconic musicality of Skynyrd,” he added. “We are so grateful to the Ryman and to all of those have work so hard to make this project become a reality! This will forever be a keepsake in our hearts, and we are so happy to be able to share it with our Skynyrd Nation.”

“Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman” will be available in multiple formats, including DVD, CD, and digitally.

The band is sharing footage of Jelly Roll joining the Southern Rock icons on “Tuesday’s Gone”, a classic from the 1973 debut.

Pick up some Skynyrd for yourself here.


See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd inducted into Florida Artists Hall Of Fame
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: LYNYRD SKYNYRD
Rock News Story Of The Year No. 9: LYNYRD SKYNYRD
ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd announce 2024 North American tour
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd inducted into Florida Artists Hall Of Fame

Lynyrd Skynyrd were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall Of Fame during a February 17 event at The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville.

“Thank you to the State of Florida for the Honor and induction into the Florida Arts Hall of Fame!,” says the band. “A sixty year legacy of music celebrating the members past and present. So good to see the families and band members celebrate Lynyrd Skynyrd and the music that has touched millions!”

Other 2025 inductees included St. Augustine artist Roger Bansemer, funk music pioneer George Clinton of Tallahassee, and Miami artist Xavier Cortada.

Established by the Florida Legislature in 1986, the Florida Artists Hall of Fame recognizes persons, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the arts in Florida either as performing or practicing artists in individual disciplines.

The artist may be a native of the state or one who adopted Florida as home. Recipients of this award demonstrate the diversity of artistic accomplishment that comprises the rich cultural tapestry of this state; read more here.

“Lynyrd Skynyrd, a legendary band with roots deeply embedded in the heart of Florida, has left an indelible mark on the music industry,” reads the band’s bio on the event’s website. “Formed in Jacksonville in 1964, the band quickly rose to fame with their distinctive Southern rock sound, characterized by soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and powerful lyrics.

"Since their inception, Lynyrd Skynyrd has been synonymous with the spirit of the South, captivating audiences with anthems like ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Free Bird.’ Despite facing adversity, including the tragic loss of band members in a plane crash in 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd's legacy has endured, inspiring generations of fans worldwide.

“With their unmistakable sound and uncompromising authenticity, Lynyrd Skynyrd has solidified their place as cultural icons. Their music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, earning them a well-deserved spot in the Florida Artist Hall of Fame. As ambassadors of Southern rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd's contributions to music history are unparalleled, ensuring their legacy will live on for years to come.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd is currently playing dates across the US.

Pick up some Skynyrd for yourself here.


See also:

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: LYNYRD SKYNYRD
Rock News Story Of The Year No. 9: LYNYRD SKYNYRD
ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd announce 2024 North American tour
Lynyrd Skynyrd celebrate 50th anniversary with FYFTY box set
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: LYNYRD SKYNYRD

As part of the 2023 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News Artists of the past year.

Finalists for the 14th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2023 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Thursday, December 21.


2023 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10

10 – TESLA
09 – THE ROLLING STONES
08 – HEART
07 – QUEEN
06 – KISS
05 – METALLICA
04 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS


Rock News Artist of The Year No. 3 – LYNYRD SKYNYRD


Lynyrd Skynyrd began 2023 on the road, playing scattered dates across the US.

The last surviving original member of the band, guitarist Gary Rossington, died on March 5 at the age of 71.

“It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today,” shared the band on social media. “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does. Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”

A supergroup featuring Slash, Billy Gibbons and Paul Rodgers, among others, delivered a tribute to Rossington and the band during the CMT Music Awards in Austin, TX on April 2.

In the days that followed the event, Lynyrd Skynyrd announced that they had decided to carry on the group’s legacy by continuing to perform their music for fans.

In July, the band brought Rossington’s final performance with the group to the big screen in a theatrical event that presented a November 2022 show at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.

Meanwhile, the group teamed up with ZZ Top for a summer tour of North America that wrapped up in mid-September; the following month, Lynyrd Skynyrd celebrated their 50th anniversary with the release of a new box set entitled “FYFTY”, which featured a career-spanning 50 tracks.

More concerts followed in the fall, with the band set to play a free New Year’s Eve show as part of Nashville’s Big Bash.



See also:

Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic
KISS And Journey win 2022 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen and KISS win 2021 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Pink Floyd sweep the 2020 hennemusic Rock News Awards
The Rolling Stones sweep the 2019 hennemusic Rock News Awards
AC/DC and Pink Floyd win 2018 hennemusic Rock News Awards

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

The Southern Rock icons delivered the No. 9 Rock News Story Of The Year as part of the 2023 hennemusic Rock News Awards.

Read all about it in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.

hennemusic Hot 10
week ending December 17, 2023

01 – Rock News Story Of The Year No. 9: LYNYRD SKYNYRD
02 – Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 10: TESLA
03 – Guns N’ Roses release new single The General
04 – Slash announces 2024 tour with Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators
05 – Rock News Story Of The Year No. 10: MOTLEY CRUE
06 – Def Leppard and Journey team up for North American tour
07 – Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 9: THE ROLLING STONES
08 – Green Day stream new Saviors single Dilemma
09 – Rock News Story Of The Year No. 7: MOTLEY CRUE
10 – Queen salute friends on The Greatest Live

See also:

Dec 10: David Lee Roth
Dec 03: Queen
Nov 26: Metallica
Nov 19: Ghost
Nov 12: Jimmy Page

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 9: LYNYRD SKYNYRD

As part of the 2023 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the daily news site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 14th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2023 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Thursday, December 21.


2023 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – MOTLEY CRUE


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 9: LYNYRD SKYNYRD

In June, Lynyrd Skynyrd announced plans to bring a historical anniversary concert performance to the big screen.

“The 50th Anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd” captured the band live at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN last November and delivered their final show with founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in March at the age of 71.

Check out the No. 9 hennemusic Rock News Story of 2023 on LYNYRD SKYNYRD here.


See also:

Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic
KISS And Journey win 2022 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen and KISS win 2021 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Pink Floyd sweep the 2020 hennemusic Rock News Awards
The Rolling Stones sweep the 2019 hennemusic Rock News Awards
AC/DC and Pink Floyd win 2018 hennemusic Rock News Awards

ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd announce 2024 North American tour

ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd have announced 2024 dates for a co-headlining North American tour.

The iconic classic rock bands have expanded The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour – which launched this past summer and played into the early fall – with a new run starting next spring in Savannah, GA with shows scheduled into late September.

The trek is named after a pair of classic tracks by the groups: ZZ Top’s 1983 “Eliminator” hit, “Sharp Dressed Man”, and “Simple Man” from Skynyrd’s 1973 album debut, “Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd.”

An artist presale begins Tuesday, October 31 at 10AM local time, with general public tickets available Friday, November 3 10AM local time.

Get your copy of the ZZ Top collection “Goin’ 50” here, and Skynyrd’s “All Time Greatest Hits” package here.



ZZ Top / Lynyrd Skynyrd
The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour
North America 2024

Mar 08 - Savannah, GA @ Enmarket Arena
Mar 09 - Estero, FL @ Hertz Arena
Mar 14 - Greenville, SC @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Mar 15 - Knoxville, TN @ Thompson-Boiling Arena at Food City Ctr.
Mar 16 - Columbia, SC @ Colonial Life Arena
Mar 22 - Bossier City, LA @ Brookshire Grocery Arena
Mar 23 - Southaven, MS @ Landers Center
Mar 24 - Macon, GA @ Macon Amphitheater
Mar 28 - Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena
Mar 29 - Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum
Mar 30 - Charleston, WV @ Charleston Coliseum
Apr 04 - Biloxi, MS @ Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Apr 05 - Tallahassee, FL @ Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
Apr 06 - Huntsville, AL @ Propst Arena at the Von Braun Center
Apr 12 - Evansville, IN @ Ford Center
Apr 13 - Moline, IL @ Vibrant Arena
Apr 14 - Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center
Apr 18 - North Little Rock, AR @ Simmons Bank Arena
Apr 19 - Lafayette, LA @ Cajundome
Apr 20 - Corpus Christi, TX @ American Bank Center
Aug 09 - Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Aug 15 - Syracuse, NY @ Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview
Aug 16 - Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Aug 17 - Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
Aug 22 - Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Aug 23 - Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion
Aug 24 - Hartford, CT @ Xfinity Theatre
Sep 05 - Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sep 07 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amph. at Virginia Beach
Sep 08 - Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
Sep 12 - Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sep 13 - Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sep 14 - Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
Sep 19 - Concord, CA @ Toyota Pavilion at Concord
Sep 21 - Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
Sep 22 - Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

See also:

New ZZ Top album to feature late bassist Dusty Hill
Slash and Billy Gibbons rock Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons announces European tour
ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd announce North American tour
Search ZZ Top at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd celebrate 50th anniversary with FYFTY box set

Lynyrd Skynyrd will celebrate their 50th anniversary with the release of a new box set.

Due October 13, the 4CD/digital package “FYFTY” features a career-spanning 50 tracks, starting with songs from the group’s 1973 debut, "Pronounced 'Leh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd", and running through a series of fan favorites and classic tunes.

The set traces the band’s roots by way of their early Muscle Shoals recordings through an abundance of iconic songs that defined the literal soundtrack of the ’70s. From there, listeners can revisit live cuts from the historic 1987 tribute show that ignited the band’s ensuing reunion, then continue onward and upward with the determined last-band standing defiance of fist-pumping latter-era tracks like “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” and “Last Of The Street Survivors,” and eventually touch back down on earth with a special previously-unreleased live performance of “Gimme Three Steps” that was culled from the band’s final show with co-founding guitarist Gary Rossington in November 2022.

“We just kind of notice what’s going on around us and write songs so people relate to them,” Rossington observed in the liner notes. “That’s always been our style. We learned that from Ronnie [Van Zant]; he always had a great way to take a subject and write a cool story around it so people could relate. We’re just trying to keep that going.”

“FYFTY” comes housed in the sturdy, vinyl-size 12x12-inch format, with a gatefold jacket that holds a detailed 40-page booklet featuring opening notes penned by a longtime friend of the band —esteemed rock journalist, screenwriter, and director, Cameron Crowe — along with detailed liner notes and track-by-track analysis by respected Detroit rock journalist Gary Graff. Additionally, "FYFTY" is filled with unreleased photos of the original band and the reformed band, a stirring visual chronicle of Lynyrd Skynyrd both then and now.

The last of the group’s original members, Rossington passed away this past March at the age of 71.

As Johnny Van Zant himself put it quite touchingly in the liners about his lifelong friend Gary, “We miss him so much. What kept me going was calling [Rossington] and having these conversations. He was my cheerleader. So now I’m gonna have to remember his voice to keep my spirits up and keep this thing going. . . as a tribute, and so people remember him and Ronnie and all the others who have been part of this.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd are playing dates this summer on a North American series with ZZ Top under the billing “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour.”

Ahead of the new box set, check out Lynyrd Skynyrd’s catalog here.


Lynyrd Skynyrd
"FYFTY"
Release date: October 13

CD 1

01. Comin' Home (Original Version)
02. I Ain't The One
03. Gimme Three Steps
04. Tuesday's Gone
05. Simple Man
06. Sweet Home Alabama
07. The Ballad Of Curtis Loew
08. Workin' For MCA
09. On The Hunt
10. Made In The Shade
11. Whiskey Rock-A-Roller (Live)
12. All I Can Do Is Write About It (Acoustic Version)
13. Gimme Back My Bullets
14. Double Trouble

CD 2

01. Saturday Night Special (Live)
02. T For Texas (Blue Yodel No. 1) (Live)
03. Travelin' Man (Live)
04. Free Bird (Live – Unreleased)
05. What's Your Name
06. You Got That Right
07. I Know A Little
08. Down South Jukin'
09. White Dove
10. Was I Right Or Wrong?
11. Georgia Peaches
12. Mr. Banker

CD 3

01. Call Me The Breeze (Live)
02. That Smell (Live)
03. Smokestack Lightning
04. Southern Women
05. The Last Rebel
06. Born To Run
07. Devil In The Bottle
08. Talked Myself Right Into It
09. Berneice
10. Voodoo Lake
11. Tomorrow's Goodbye

CD 4

01. Mad Hatter
02. Pick 'Em Up
03. Red White And Blue
04. Skynyrd Nation
05. Simple Life
06. Still Unbroken
07. God & Guns
08. Gifted Hands
09. Start Livin' Life Again
10. Mississippi Blood
11. Last Of A Dyin' Breed
12. Last Of The Street Survivors
13. Gimme Three Steps (Live – Unreleased)

See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd preview 50th anniversary concert theater event
Lynyrd Skynyrd bring 50th anniversary concert to the big screen
Lynyrd Skynyrd announce future plans following death of Gary Rossington
Slash and Billy Gibbons rock Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd preview 50th anniversary concert theater event

Lynyrd Skynyrd are sharing a video preview to their 50th anniversary concert event coming to theaters and more next month.

Fans can view the final performance of “Gimme Three Steps” by guitarist Gary Rossington at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN last November as featured in The Unbranded Events presentation of “The 50th Anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd.”

The concert film delivers the band’s final show with Rossington before his passing in March at the age of 71; it will be available for a limited week-long run – from July 8 to 14 – at drive-ins, indoor theaters and outdoor venues around the world.

Rossington was the group’s last original founding member of the Florida band that released their debut album, "Pronounced 'Leh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd", in 1973.

The Ryman performance sees Lynyrd Skynyrd deliver their classics, and features special guest appearances from John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, Brent Smith of Shinedown, Marcus King, and Jelly Roll.

For details on tickets and venues near you, visit lynyrdskynyrd50.com.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will team up with ZZ Top to launch “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour” next month.

Pick up your copy of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “All Time Greatest Hits” package here.




See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd bring 50th anniversary concert to the big screen
Lynyrd Skynyrd announce future plans following death of Gary Rossington
Slash and Billy Gibbons rock Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
Slash and Billy Gibbons to lead Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

The Southern Rock icons are bringing a 50th anniversary concert performance to the big screen next month.

Read all about it in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.

hennemusic Hot 10
week ending June 25, 2023

01 – Lynyrd Skynyrd bring 50th anniversary concert to the big screen
02 – Aerosmith to release Greatest Hits collection ahead of farewell tour
03 – Billy Idol expands self-titled debut album for 2023 reissue
04 – Foo Fighters play surprise set at Glastonbury Festival
05 – Stevie Nicks announces Complete Studio Albums & Rarities box set
06 – Motley Crue share video recap of headline performance at France’s Hellfest
07 – Guns N’ Roses share studio photo from Norway
08 – Metallica rock Whiskey In The Jar at Download Festival
09 – Queen’s Brian May reveals origins of Star Fleet Project ahead of 40th anniversary reissue
10 – The Cult announce fall US tour dates

See also:

Jun 18: The Doobie Brothers
Jun 11: The Doobie Brothers
Jun 04: Guns N’ Roses
May 28: Judas Priest
May 21: Greta Van Fleet

Lynyrd Skynyrd bring 50th anniversary concert to the big screen

Lynyrd Skynyrd are bringing a 50th anniversary concert performance to the big screen next month.

Presented by Unbranded Events, “The 50th Anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd” captures the band live at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN last November and delivers the band’s final show with founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in March at the age of 71.

Rossington was the group’s last original founding member of the Florida band that released their debut album, "Pronounced 'Leh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd", in 1973.

“We are excited to share this special night and celebrate 50 Years of Skynyrd music with the Skynyrd Nation and fans of these timeless songs,” says Johnny Van Zant. “We were fortunate to capture this special evening with Gary Rossington and Dale Krantz Rossington and all of the special guests that were able to join us on stage. It is certainly bittersweet because this was Gary’s last show, but we are so fortunate that we were able to share one last special night together on stage, doing what Gary loved.”

The Ryman performance sees Lynyrd Skynyrd deliver their classics, and features special guest appearances from John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, Brent Smith of Shinedown, Marcus King, and music sensation Jelly Roll.

“The 50th Anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd” concert film will be available for a limited week-long run – from July 8 to 14 – at drive-ins, indoor theaters and outdoor venues around the world.

For details on tickets and venues near you, visit lynyrdskynyrd50.com.

Lynyrd Skynyrd has been on the road playing dates across the US, and will team up with ZZ Top for “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour” next month.

Pick up your copy of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “All Time Greatest Hits” package here.


See also:

Lynyrd Skynyrd announce future plans following death of Gary Rossington
Slash and Billy Gibbons rock Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
Slash and Billy Gibbons to lead Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington dead at 71
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

Slash and ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons were among the rockers that led a tribute to the iconic Southern Rock band at the CMT Music Awards in Austin, TX.

Read all about it and check out the video in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.

hennemusic Hot 10
week ending April 9, 2023

01 – Slash and Billy Gibbons rock Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
02 – Lynyrd Skynyrd announce future plans following death of Gary Rossington
03 – Clutch extend No Stars Above North American tour
04 – Fleetwood Mac: Christine McVie cause of death revealed
05 – Pearl Jam stream 2016 Wrigley Field performance of Given To Fly
06 – Rolling Stones and Aerosmith members added to Jeff Beck tribute concerts
07 – Slash and Billy Gibbons to lead Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
08 – Queen and Adam Lambert expand North American Rhapsody tour
09 – KISS stream rare 1984 performance of I Love It Loud
10 – Metallica release 72 Seasons lyric video in multiple languages

See also:

Apr 02: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Mar 26: Def Leppard
Mar 19: Bruce Springsteen
Mar 12: Neil Young
Mar 05: Clutch

Lynyrd Skynyrd announce future plans following death of Gary Rossington

Lynyrd Skynyrd has announced its future plans following the recent passing of the group’s last original founding member Gary Rossington.

In a newly-released statement, the band says the current members – led by Johnny Van Zant, the group’s lead singer for the past 36 years – were unsure if they would continue following Gary’s untimely passing. After much discussion with the band, the families of Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, and Dale Rossington, the collective has reached unified support, and feel that continuing to perform live, and keeping the music alive, is in the best interest of the fans and everyone involved.

“I recently lost my husband and partner of over 41 years,” says Dale Rossington. “He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother and friend, but most importantly was a world class musician and songwriter. It’s been my honor and privilege to share the stage with him for all these years. His music touched so many millions of people around The World, and Gary was always the first to say how, ‘Skynyrd’s music is bigger than me or any one person.’ Gary made it known at every chance to express how timeless the music was, and it was always his goal to keep the music alive for his brothers because that was always their dream. He spent his entire life trying to carry on that dream for Ronnie, Allen, Steve and all the others over the years. While he was not able to physically be on stage with the current lineup over the last couple years, he supported them in every way. His dream will continue thanks to Johnny, Rickey and the rest of our band mates to continue to carry his legacy and music on for future generations.”

“Gary was not only my brother, bandmate and friend, I think he loved me as much as I loved him,” adds Johnny Van Zant. “We would do anything for each other. We laughed, we fell, we cried and made up, and shared the stage for the last 36 years. Gary, along with my brother Ronnie and Allen started this band and left us all a legacy of music that has stood the test of time, and crossed three generations of fans. The music they created, and the music we created, together since 1987, was always meant to be experienced LIVE. We have come together with the founding band member estates, and everyone involved, and feel the music should continue for everyone to love and enjoy. So we will continue to perform for the Skynyrd Nation.”

“Lynyrd Skynyrd has been a part of my life for 50+ years,” explains Ronnie’s widow Judy Van Zant Jenness. “The journey has been filled with love, joy, friendship and tragedy. Ronnie, Gary and Allen’s dream was to write music that would connect with people and to play that music live. I cannot say with certainty what those who have passed on would want us to do, but I do know what Gary wanted. And I know what the fans want. To show our undying love for those who are no longer with us and to pay tribute to them, the music will continue. The Lynyrd Skynyrd family is unified in this decision.”

An all-star cast that included Slash, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes and Paul Rodgers performed a tribute to Rossington and the band at the CMT Music Awards in Austin, TX on April 2.

In June, Encore will present Lynyrd Skynyrd’s performance filmed at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN on November 13, 2022. The concert film captures the final public performance of Gary Rossington, and will be exhibited on big screens in movie theaters across the U.S before being broadcast in August on PBS.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will team up with ZZ Top for a previously-announced co-headlining North American tour this summer, with shows starting in West Palm Beach, FL on July 21.

Pick up your copy of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “All Time Greatest Hits” package here.


See also:

Slash and Billy Gibbons rock Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
Slash and Billy Gibbons to lead Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington dead at 71
ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd announce North American tour
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Slash and Billy Gibbons rock Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards

An all-star cast performed a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd at the CMT Music Awards in Austin, TX on April 2.

Organizers closed out the 2023 edition of the annual event with a two-song medley that saw Paul Rodgers and Cody Johnson trade lead vocals on “Simple Man” and “Sweet Home Alabama” alongside a lineup that included guitarists Slash, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Warren Haynes, longtime Rolling Stones pianist Chuck Leavell, a rhythm section of veteran Nashville studio and touring musicians Ethan Pilzer and Rich Redmond, and LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna Judd filling the role of "The Honkettes."

The music industry tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd comes just weeks after the passing of the group’s last original founding member Gary Rossington; no cause of death has been revealed.

“A night to remember…Gary Rossington and celebrate our brothers and sisters in Skynyrd,” shared Rodgers on social media. “It was wild!”

Rossington’s widow and band member Dale Krantz Rossington was joined by Skynyrd singer Johnny Van Zant and guitarist Rickey Medlocke at the event, which took place at Austin’s Moody Center and was hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown.

“It’s a great night celebrating Gary and the music of Skynyrd!,” posted the group.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will resume its 50th anniversary tour at the end of the month.

Pick up your copy of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “All Time Greatest Hits” package here.


See also:

Slash and Billy Gibbons to lead Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington dead at 71
ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd announce North American tour
Lynyrd Skynyrd announce 2022 US tour
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Lynyrd Skynyrd tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

Slash and ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons are among the rockers set to lead a tribute to the iconic Southern Rock band at the CMT Music Awards in Austin, TX.

Read all about it in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.

hennemusic Hot 10
week ending April 2, 2023

01 – Slash and Billy Gibbons to lead Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute at CMT Music Awards
02 – David Lee Roth performs Van Halen classics in Las Vegas
03 – The Cult release video for new single Vendetta X
04 – Jimmy Page shares demo for Led Zeppelin classic The Rain Song
05 – Eric Clapton announces North American tour
06 – The Who stream Live At Wembley performance of Eminence Front
07 – Rush stream Digital Man visualizer from Signals 40th anniversary reissue
08 – Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler details Into The Void memoir
09 – The Cult announce Under The Midnight Sun UK and European tour
10 – David Lee Roth details Eric Clapton influence on Eddie Van Halen on The Roth Show

See also:

Mar 26: Def Leppard
Mar 19: Bruce Springsteen
Mar 12: Neil Young
Mar 05: Clutch
Feb 26: Van Halen