Published 7/25/2023

Celebrating 50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd

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2023 is a landmark year commemorating 50 years of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band. Skynyrd is one of the most iconic classic rock band in music history, and the definition of Southern Rock.

This 50 year mark is calculated from the band’s first major label release.  Skynyrd’s first album, (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd), was released in August of 1973. I suppose that is generally the most logical point to calculate from.

Most Skynyrd fans know that the band existed for a few years before that. They were playing gigs, writing songs, and even recording some early demos.

In 1969 the band went into a local studio in Jacksonville and recorded some of their songs. Most notably Michelle and Need All My Friends. These sessions were so early in their career that the band’s name had not completely evolved yet. The label on the 45 single read, “Lynard Skynard.”

Just a couple years later in the summer of 1971, the band went into the legendary Muscle Shoals, Albama studio and recorded some more songs. These sessions included a very early version of Freebird, as well as Three Steps, Simple Man, and Down South Jukin’.

The sessions also included songs written, or co-written, bu current Skynyrd guitarist, Rckey Medlocke. The demos were shopped around a lot, but ultimately never picked up by any major label.

All of the songs were eventually released on a compilation record in 1978 entitled, “Skynyrd’s First… And Last.” it was then re-released in 1998 as “Skynyrd’s First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album.”

“Celebrating 50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a concert film recorded live at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The movie is showing at Drive-Ins and Cinemas, July 8-14, 2023.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd At The Ryman Auditorium – Gary Rossington’s Final Show

Lynyrd Skynyrd At The Ryman Auditorium

The video is the band’s preformance of Gimme Three Steps from the movie. It was released as a preview of what will be showing around the country and in Canada.

Gary Rossington, guitarist and lone original member of the band, had been off the road for awhile recovering from some heart and health issues. This show was recorded at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashvile, TN.

Unfortunately, this would be Rossington’s final show with the band.

Lynyrd Skynyrd 50th Anniversary Concert Film

This live show captured in a concert film will debut on July 8,  2023, and run through the 14th. It will be in theaters and drive-ins for a limited time only. (Presumably it will then go to streaming.) For locations and times just visit lynyrdskynyrd50.com.

Unbranded Events is the company promoting and distributing the film. They have an FAQ page if you have any questions.