Gary Rossington Tribute

Custom Short Link – sknrd.us/cmtgrt

The 2023 CMT Music Awards assembled an impressive, and fairly entertaining tribute to Gary Rossington and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The tribute performance included, Warren Haynes, Chuck Leavell, Paul Rodgers, Slash, Billy Gibbons, LeAnne Rimes, and Wynnona Judd.

Overall it was pretty good. But, as you would likely expect, there were some high points, and some low points. I’ll get into those in a minute.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Facebook Post From The Event

Lynyrd Skynyrd posted from the event on their Facebook account. Johnny, Rickey, and others were among the attendees to the event in Austin, TX.

Read More…

Gary Rossington and Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Medley of “Simple Man” & “Sweet Home Alabama” | 2023 CMT Music Awards – Watch on Youtube

The On-Stage Line-up

There was some pretty major pickers on stage for this memorable tribute to Gary Rossington and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Rossington, guitarist and last remaining original member of Skynyrd, passed away March 5, 2023.

Guitars

The guitar slots were more than adequately held down by Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule), Slash (Guns N Roses, Velvet Revolver), and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top).

The camera was panned out when Sweet Home Alabama started, so I instantly was trying to see who was playing Ed King’s iconic intro lick. I kind of figured the only picker on stage that could play it that well was Haynes. Then they cut to him holding a red Strat, and that answered that question.

Keyboards

Probably no one better to handle the keyboard duties on something like this than Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers Band, Sea Level, Rolling Stones), And that’s exactly who it is. Creator of the greatest piano solo in Rock and Roll history, IMHO, in the song Jessica, by the Allman Brothers band.

Vocals

Paul Rodgers is one of the most iconic voices in the Rock and Roll, with a list of hits and credits as long as your arm. He was the vocalist in two of the most influential bands on the original Lynyrd Skynyrd members, Free and Bad Company.

It’s unfortunate that he has to keep looking down at the prompter for the lyrics. But, even though he’s no doubt very familiar with the songs, he’s probably never actually had to get on stage in front of a huge audience and sing them.

Unfortunately, Rodgers frequently gets drowned out by some clown by the name of Cody Johnson. I’ve never heard of Cody Johnson, but apparently he’s a big country music deal these days, so I suppose they felt like they had to include him. I hope I never hear from or of him again.

Rhythm Section

Much to CMT’s discredit they do not give credit to the drummer or bass player. The rhythm section does a fine job on this performance, I just don’t know who they are.

Background Vocals

Background vocals were pretty well done by Wynonna Judd and LeAnn Rimes. Judd seems a little too intent on bringing attention to herself, and really doesn’t know when to quit singing. or basically just moaning a couple times. Rimes does an admirable job and basically stays out of the way.

Overall it is an enjoyable performance. It gives us yet another reminder of just how influential Lynyrd Skynyrd has been on so many artists over several decades. And it is a worthy tribute to Gary Rossington, who was a notably influential guitarist in his own right.