Lynyrd Skynyrd will release “Celebrating 50 Years: Live at the Ryman,” marking their last performance with guitarist Gary Rossington, on June 27. Pre-orders are currently available.
“We are so grateful to the devoted fans for their support throughout the years of transitions and losses,” frontman Johnny Van Zant said. “Last year, we lost the great Mr. Gary Rossington. We unknowingly captured his final performance with us. It’s bittersweet, but what a special place to have had his final performance—the Ryman Auditorium!”
The album includes 15 classic Lynyrd Skynyrd songs and a documentary bonus track. Rossington performed “That Smell” and stayed on stage until the encore, “Free Bird.” The tracklist features a duet on “Tuesday’s Gone” with Jelly Roll and appearances by Marcus King on “Saturday Night Special,” John Osborne on “Workin’ for MCA,” Brent Smith on “Simple Man,” and Donnie Van Zant on “Red White and Blue.” Donnie is the brother of original frontman Ronnie Van Zant and current frontman Johnny.
“It was a very special night with incredibly talented guests as we honored the iconic musicality of Skynyrd,” Johnny Van Zant added. “We are grateful to the Ryman and everyone who worked to make this project a reality. This will forever be a keepsake in our hearts, and we are happy to share it with our Skynyrd Nation.”
Ronnie Van Zant was among those lost in the 1977 plane crash that devastated the band. Rossington later reformed Lynyrd Skynyrd with Johnny Van Zant in the late ’80s. By the time of the Ryman performance, Rossington had been facing health issues for many years and passed away in early 2023, leaving Rickey Medlocke to continue the band’s legacy.
Track Listing for “Celebrating 50 Years: Live at the Ryman”:
1. “What’s Your Name”
2. “Workin’ for MCA” (with John Osborne)
3. “You Got That Right”
4. “I Know a Little”
5. “Down South Jukin"”
6. “That Smell”
7. “Cry for the Bad Man”
8. “Saturday Night Special” (with Marcus King)
9. “Tuesday’s Gone” (with Jelly Roll)
10. “Red White and Blue (Love It or Leave)” (with Donnie Van Zant)
11. “Simple Man” (with Brent Smith)
12. “Gimme Three Steps”
13. “Call Me the Breeze”
14. “Sweet Home Alabama”
Encore:
15. “Free Bird”
Bonus Track:
– “Celebrating 50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd Documentary”
