How a young boy living in a little English Village got his hands on an album by a Southern Rock band from 'Shanti Town' has had me perplexed. What's more, how the music and lyrics connected on such an emotional level still has me a little bemused. Thus, I have pieced together: Lynyrd Skynrd came to prominence in the UK after their incredible performance at the Knebworth '76 Festival. Before this little was known of the now legendry band from Jacksonville, Florida.
150,000 fans at the Knebworth '76 Festival were treated to a performance that solidified Lynyrd Skynyrd's reputation as one of the finest Rock bands ever.
Truth be told, when Lynyrd Skynyrd swaggered onto the Knebworth '76 Festival stage, they had 12 years, 5 albums, and a setlist of 11 songs that would make them a hard act to follow. "Somewhere between the first chorus and the second verse (Workin' for MCA) the band went from unknown names to full-fledged stars." remembers concert promoter Freddy Bannister.
Back in my little bedroom of our semi-detached home in the UK, I would study the cover of PRONOUNCED, which features a rather menacing-looking band on the streets of Georgia. I must admit Leon Wilkeson (bass guitarist) looks like the ultimate rock star with his black cap, shades, and lightning bolt jacket. Under the logo of the band name (illustrated in bones) is the phonetic pronunciation of the band name (Pronounced 'Leh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd).
It is a well-known fact that Lynyrd Skynyrd spent years writing, jamming, and perfecting their songs in an old cabin known as the "Hell House". The band toured small venues and had recorded 17 songs over a two-year period at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Unfortunately, Allan Walden and his publishing team could not get the band a deal; a damaged promotional tape and overly long songs did not help their cause. Enter Al Kooper (musician/producer/sound engineer), who met Lynyrd Skynyrd while they were playing a residency at a club called 'Pinochio's' in Jacksonville. Al Kooper signed the band to his 'Sounds of the south' label, being impressed with their set-list, and amazed at their unique ability to play their songs note for note, night after night.
Al Kooper, a close friend of Pete Townshend, arranged for Lynyrd Skynyrd to support The Who on their 1973 American Tour. Al Kooper mixed the sound for Lynyrd Skynyrd, who quickly became a crowd favorite.
From the opening drum beats and wolf whistle of "I Ain't the One" to the incredible guitar extravaganza of "Free Bird", the album is a master-class in Rock n Roll. Lynyrd Skynyrd appeals to so many because underneath the street survivor image are songs written and performed from the heart, by musicians who had everything to win and nothing left to lose (just like Curtis Loew).
Lynyrd Skynyrd was, to my knowledge, one of the first bands to employ three distinctive guitar players; Gary Rossington who loves to solo and slide on his Gibson Explorer, Allen Collins who drives the songs with the incredible attack, style, and tone on his Gibson Firebird, while Ed King constructed classic licks on his Fender Stratocaster. Add to the mix Bob Burns on the drums, Leon Wilkeson on bass, and classically-trained (and former Skynyrd roadie) Billy Powell on keyboards.
Frontman and band leader Ronnie Van Zant was one of those incredibly gifted individuals to whom songwriting came fairly easily. For instance, Ronnie wrote the wonderful lyrics to 'Simple Man' in the shower. Ronnie's vocal delivery was that of a genuine storyteller, his style has been described as 'raw, pure and unfiltered, which is a great description of the man himself.
PERSONAL NOTES:
As I said at the beginning, time moved slowly in our little part of the world. One day I read an article in an old copy of 'Melody Maker' about the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, which killed Ronnie Van Zant, Steve, and Cassie Gaines, road manager Dean Kilpatrick along with the two pilots. I was devastated. These days, because of the internet, we can access information, interviews, and images of our musical heroes, which allows us to dig very deep. While researching for this review, I came across conflicting accounts of the crash survivors and some horrific footage of the day.
"Our motto when we started was ‘If we don’t make it we’ll die trying.’ And we made it, but at a terrible cost."
Gary Rossington.
The latest Artimus Pyle movie 'Street Survivors' has allowed the then drummer to tell his story of that fateful day on 20/10/1977. I have always loved Artimus Pyle for his enthusiasm, wisdom, and incredible energy. The legend of Lynyrd Skynyrd has become very political, which is another tragedy in itself.
SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
"Tuesday's Gone"
"Gimme Three Steps"
"Simple Man"
"Free Bird"