Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd

by Pete Clemons

Anyone thinking of rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd would be forgiven for immediately remembering just two songs. Sweet Home Alabama, a response to Neil Young's Southern Man, and Freebird, possibly the most identifiable rock anthem ever. But there was so much more to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The roots of Lynyrd Skynyrd can be traced back to 1964 when vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Gary Rossington begin jamming together. Soon after they add drummer Bob Burns.

Next to join was Allen Collins, mainly for the reason that Ronnie had heard that he had a guitar and he was gaining a reputation for playing it. Finally bass player Larry Jungstrom signed up to a band that became known as One Per Cent.

One Per Cent had a burning energy and became a kind of close knit family as they played, practised and wrote as often as possible. But playing rock music back then, as well as having long hair, was frowned upon. As such trouble seemed to follow the band.

West Coast guitarist Ed King, who had had a hit with a band called Strawberry Alarm Clock, had moved south. He caught up with One Per Cent towards the end of the 1960s and was left incredibly impressed by them. He left his contact details with Ronnie Van Zant in case the band ever needed a replacement.

The band name of Lynyrd Skynyrd came about during 1969. Bob Burns had heard the song 'Camp Grenada' which referenced, and indeed imortalised, a sports coach called Leonard Skinner from the school that some of the band had attended. The lyrics, which were about a letter from a son to his parents, began with 'Hello Muddah, hello Faddah, Here I am at Camp Grenada'. The lyric continued with 'You remember Leonard Skinner, He got Ptomaine poisoning last night after dinner'. Leonard's name seemed to fit the bill and were manipulated to fit.

Lynyrd Skynyrd were far from an overnight success. Additionally, they were gaining an off stage reputation for their hard drinking and fist throwing. This resulted in the band being turned down by nine major record labels. They had little money, and this led to Larry Jungstrom leaving and Leon Wilkeson being drafted in.

Billy Powell who had previously been a roadie for Lynyrd Skynyrd happened to pass an opinion on a song the band had just written. It was known that Billy played piano but few were aware of just how good. Billy suggested adding piano to the beginning of this new tune giving it a bit of melody. The new song was titled Freebird. Billy, who enjoyed the likes of Yes and ELP, was fired as roadie and hired as a band member.

Ronnie Van Zant felt the need for a third guitarist and Ed King was surprised to get a call from Ronnie during 1972. Ed jumped at the chance but, being from the West Coast, always felt out of place within Skynyrd. Not so much for the music. Ed was totally committed to that. But more for the high living that the band enjoyed.

After being discovered by Al Kooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd were signed to MCA Records. Al produced their debut album released 1973. But after criticising the track 'Simple Man' Al was removed from the day to day running of the band, only being allowed to return for studio work. The next album 'Second Helping' was released during 1974.

After illness issues with Bob Burns, drummer Artimus Pyle, began playing alongside Bob Burns during 1974. But things got worse and, after January 1975, Bob began to stop showing up. Artimus became sole drummer. A few weeks after Bob's departure and, after being attacked and remonstrated with by Ronnie Van Zant for breaking a couple of strings on stage, Ed King also left the band. Despite the upheaval, it didn't dent the bands fast growing reputation. And by the end of 1975 Lynyrd Skynyrd were huge.

While visiting the UK Lynyrd Skynyrd appeared on the Old Grey Whistle Test with a backdrop of a confederate flag. This was not for any political reason. Back then, and possibly still now, the UK viewed all Americans with the generic term of 'Yanks'. Ronnie Van Zant had picked up on this and Skynyrd were fiercely proud of their southern roots.

After Ed King's departure Lynyrd Skynyrd continued with just a pair of lead guitars. During that time Ronnie added a three girls as backing vocals which he dubbed as The Honkettes. One of the Honkettes, Cassie Gaines, recommended brother Steve when she became aware that Skynyrd wanted to revert back again to a three guitarists format.

Steve Gaines joined the band during May 1976, just in time for the recording of the live album 'One More From the Road'. Steve shook the band up giving them new direction and a fresh impetus. 'He seemed to scare everybody into playing their best in years' said Van Zant.

During August 1976 Lynyrd Skynyrd were asked to support The Rolling Stones at the Knebworth festival. It was the UK debut for the new line up. The stage was created to resemble The Rolling Stones tongue logo and Lynyrd Skynyrd were given one instruction and that was to stay inside the mouth. The tongue was Mick Jagger's domain. For the finale Ronnie Van Zant took his three lead guitarists by the shoulders and led them out onto Mick’s tongue. Apparently Mick was not happy about that.

Afterwards Ronnie Van Zant was quoted as saying that that gig was a particular highlight for the band. Supporting the Stones had indeed been a real high point. Festival promoter, Freddy Bannister, said 'Skynyrd caused a real buzz backstage. When they came off stage we all wondered how anyone could follow them'. Just over a year after Knebworth 76 fate would play a cruel twist on the band.

In a familiar tale, still relevant today, Ronnie Van Zant once told the LA Times – 'The band doesn't owe anything to anybody. Most of the media, especially the press, have consistently portrayed us as either children or a bunch of rowdy drunks. That may or may not be true, but I'd much rather deal with the audiences that really put us here'.