Home > Albemarle Sounds > Archives > 2008 > June > 09 > Entry
‘Hey, you going to see Skynyrd?’
Anybody who lived in the Midwest back in the 70’s, as I did, probably heard that phrase at one time or another. A Lynyrd Skynyrd concert wasn’t just a concert, it was an event. I was surprised to learn that Skynyrd actually formed as early as 1964 under the name ‘The Noble Five,’ claiming influences by bands like Free, The Yardbirds, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. They eventually won a battle of the bands contest which got them an opening slot on tour with the band Strawberry Alarm Clock. They went on to change their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd and got signed to the record label MCA by Al Kooper of Blood, Sweat and Tears. Pretty strange beginnings for a band that would become the kings of 70’s southern rock. After losing several band members, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zandt, in a plane crash, the band went on a decades-long hiatus, reforming in the 80’s with Ronnie’s younger brother, Johnny, on lead vocals. They now have a new CD and a tour coming up and will be headed our way in Sept. at the Coast Guard base. Hopefully, I will be getting in backstage to do some video of the band to post on The Daily Advance web site. A Skynyrd concert should bring back some memories.
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