Lynyrd Skynyrd has officially announced their highly anticipated album, Celebrating 50 Years: Live at the Ryman, which marks a poignant tribute to their last performance featuring the legendary guitarist Gary Rossington in 2022 at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This remarkable album is set to be released on June 27, and fans can already take advantage of pre-ordering options to secure their copy.
In an emotional statement, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s frontman Johnny Van Zant expressed heartfelt gratitude towards their loyal fans for unwavering support throughout the band’s journey, which has seen its share of transitions and profound 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 mothership of music – the Ryman Auditorium!” he shared, reflecting on the significance of the venue.
The album Celebrating 50 Years: Live at the Ryman includes fresh interpretations of 15 beloved Lynyrd Skynyrd classics, complemented by a special documentary bonus track. Notably, Rossington participated in the iconic song “That Smell” and remained on stage until the climactic encore performance of “Freebird.” Below, you can find the complete track listing, which also highlights a special collaboration on “Tuesday’s Gone” featuring Jelly Roll.
READ MORE: Discover the Top 10 Iconic Songs by Gary Rossington
Additional guest appearances on the album include Marcus King performing “Saturday Night Special,” John Osborne of the Brothers Osborne on “Workin’ for MCA,” Brent Smith of Shinedown on “Simple Man,” and Donnie Van Zant of 38 Special on “Red White and Blue.” Donnie Van Zant is the brother of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant, as well as the band’s current lead vocalist, Johnny Van Zant.
“It was a very special night with incredibly talented guests as we honored the iconic musicality of Skynyrd,” Johnny Van Zant added. “We are so grateful to the Ryman and to all of those who have worked 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,” he concluded, emphasizing the emotional resonance of this release.
The tragic legacy of Ronnie Van Zant looms large over the band, particularly after the devastating plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. In the late 1980s, Gary Rossington successfully reformed the band alongside Johnny Van Zant and others. However, by the time of their performance at the Ryman, Rossington had been facing significant health challenges for many years. He passed away in early 2023, leaving long-time collaborator Rickey Medlocke to carry on the band’s legacy.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, ‘Celebrating 50 Years: Live at the Ryman’
“What’s Your Name”
“Workin’ for MCA” (with John Osborne)
“You Got That Right”
“I Know a Little”
“Down South Jukin'”
“That Smell”
“Cry for the Bad Man”
“Saturday Night Special” (with Marcus King)
“Tuesday’s Gone” (with Jelly Roll)
“Red White and Blue (Love It or Leave)” (with Donnie Van Zant)
“Simple Man” (with Brent Smith)
“Gimme Three Steps”
“Call Me the Breeze”
“Sweet Home Alabama”
Encore:
“Free Bird”
Bonus Track:
“Celebrating 50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd Documentary”
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