{"id":270866,"date":"2025-05-08T10:16:18","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T14:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/livemusicblog.com\/?p=270866"},"modified":"2025-05-16T16:18:04","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T20:18:04","slug":"lynyrd-skynyrd-celebrating-50-years-live-at-the-ryman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livemusicblog.com\/rock\/southern-rock\/lynyrd-skynyrd-celebrating-50-years-live-at-the-ryman\/","title":{"rendered":"Lynyrd Skynyrd Releases Live Version Of Iconic Hit “Sweet Home Alabama” From Upcoming 50th Anniversary Album"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd has just released a live version of their iconic hit, \u201cSweet Home Alabama.\u201d The new single and music video is the second release from their upcoming live album and DVD, \u201cCelebrating 50 Years – Live At The Ryman<\/a>\u201d (Frontiers Music SRL) – spectacularly capturing the legendary southern rock band\u2019s historic 50th-anniversary concert at Nashville\u2019s legendary venue. The new release will be available everywhere on June 27, 2025. Pre-Order on 2CD\/DVD, Blu-Ray or a double LP here:\u00a0https:\/\/ffm.to\/lsryman50<\/a>

The new album showcases the band’s unparalleled energy and their signature blend of blues rock and Southern hard rock swagger and stands as a celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd\u2019s lasting legacy in music history. Special guests on the album include Jelly Roll, Marcus King, John Osborne (The Brothers Osborne), Brent Smith (Shinedown), and Donnie Van Zant (Van Zant & .38 Special).

This special release holds profound significance as it features the final performance of founding member Gary Rossington. Less than five months before his death in March of 2023, Rossington — the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd — expressed an earnest hope that the band’s music would continue to be performed even after he wasn’t around. And just as they\u2019ve done for over 50 years, the band remains a driving force in rock, honoring their roots while bringing their signature sound to new audiences.

With over 28 million records sold in the U.S. and a sound as iconic as the American culture it celebrates, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to inspire fans of all ages while embodying the very soul of Southern rock. From their humble Jacksonville beginnings, through tragedy, reunion, and redemption, the band has earned its place on Rolling Stone\u2019s list of the \u201c100 Greatest Artists of All Time\u201d \u2013 as well as a prominent spot in the hearts of generations.

Originally formed in 1964 as My Backyard, the band evolved into Lynyrd Skynyrd<\/a> in 1968, with a lineup featuring Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums). Their 1973 debut album introduced the world to their unmistakable blend of blues, country, and hard rock. Hits like \u201cSweet Home Alabama\u201d and the timeless \u201cFree Bird\u201d cemented their status as pioneers of the genre.

At the peak of their success, in 1977, a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines, leaving the music world in shock. Despite the unimaginable loss, Lynyrd Skynyrd\u2019s legacy endured, and their music remained a beacon of Southern rock.

In 1987, the band reformed with Ronnie\u2019s younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, taking over as lead vocalist. Lynyrd Skynyrd continued to tour and record, with guitarist Rickey Medlocke returning to the fold in 1996. Though founding member Gary Rossington’s passing in 2023 marked the end of an era, Lynyrd Skynyrd\u2019s influence remains stronger than ever. Their enduring music, spirit, and legacy will forever stand as a testament to the power of rock and roll.

“This is all about the music and keeping it alive and keeping those guys alive through the music,” says Johnny Van Zant. “People want to hear it, and they want to hear it played live. I have people all the time saying, ‘Thank you for carrying it on so we can experience it.'”

Adds Rickey Medlocke: “Gary expressed many times his wishes that the music didn’t perish with him, that the legacy of the music would continue, not just on the radio or TV or in soundtracks but for the band to take it to the fans, go out and make sure that we delivered it 100 percent. That’s what we do.”<\/p>\n\n\n

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Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Sweet Home Alabama" - Official Live Video<\/div><\/div>
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