In a recent interview with Classic Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd lead vocalist Johnny Van Zant revealed that the iconic Southern rock band intends to “leave that door open” for the possibility of a new studio album, despite the absence of their beloved co-founding guitarist Gary Rossington, who sadly passed away in March 2023 at the age of 71. This news comes as the band prepares to honor Rossington’s legacy with the release of a new live album titled Celebrating 50 Years: Live at the Ryman, which is set to drop tomorrow under Frontiers Records. This impressive album features collaborations with various notable artists, including country sensation Jelly Roll, rock guitarist Marcus King, Shinedown frontman Brent Smith, and 38 Special veteran (and Van Zant brother) Donnie Van Zant.

Skynyrd’s most recent studio release, Last of a Dyin’ Breed, debuted in 2012, and the band hinted at “exciting new projects” upon announcing their signing with Frontiers Records. According to Johnny Van Zant, this could pave the way for the new studio material they had prepared prior to Rossington’s passing, indicating that the creative spirit of the band remains alive and well.

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Johnny Van Zant Discusses the Future of Lynyrd Skynyrd Music and New Recordings

During the interview, Van Zant elaborated on the band’s creative process, mentioning, “We recorded a song called ‘The Last of the Street Survivors,’ and we put it out [in 2020].” He continued by explaining that they were in the midst of planning a new studio album when Gary Rossington‘s health began to decline significantly. “There are other songs that were written collaboratively with Gary before he passed that we could potentially record,” he added, affirming their commitment to keeping the creative possibilities open for the future.

When asked about the potential release of these songs, Van Zant expressed that “it would be a question of time.” He reflected on the essence of Lynyrd Skynyrd, emphasizing that the band has always produced exceptional records, but their true strength lies in their live performances. “When I first joined, we were all about enjoying ourselves on stage and connecting with the audience. Now, our performances have evolved into a more spiritual experience, and we never compromise the quality of our music. This dedication is something I take immense pride in,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Lynyrd Skynyrd will continue to showcase their musical talents by hitting the road for live performances. The renowned rock band currently has numerous tour dates lined up across Europe and North America, scheduled to run through October, ensuring that fans can still experience their legendary music firsthand.