Skynyrd News Archives

Since the main news page was getting too big, I've decided to move older news items here.

Van Zant II On The Way / Tour
February 15, 2001 6:47 PM

Look for the new CD by Johnny and Donnie Van Zant, VAN ZANT II, to be released on March 6th. The current single, "Get What You Got Comin'", is currently being played on radio stations across the country. So be sure to look for that. For the tracklisting for the new album and a ton of info, go to http://www.sanctuaryrecordsgroup.com/cmc/vanzant.html.

The Van Zant's will be going on tour in March to support the album. Here are the current dates:

03/06 House of Blues Orlando, FL
03/08 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
03/09 Tremont Music Hall Charlotte, NC
03/10 House of Blues Myrtle Beach, SC
03/11 Ritz Theater Raleigh, NC
03/13 BB Kings New York, NY
03/14 Boathouse Norfolk, VA
03/15 TBA Pittsburgh, PA

The Van Zant touring band will include Michael Cartellone (from Skynyrd) on drums, Erik Lundgren (from Johnny Van Zant Band) on guitar, Bobby Capps (from 38 Special) on keyboards, and a few others.

Collectybles Released
November 26, 2000 12:45 AM

Rush out to your nearest record store right now and pick up the new Lynyrd Skynyrd Collectybles CD. You won't regret it.

New Skynyrd Albums On The Way

October 13, 2000 11:35 PM

There are several new Skynyrd-related releases coming out in the next few months.

You can currently order The Artimus Pyle Band's "Live From Planet Earth" from http://www.apbband.com. Great deal at just $15.00, and that includes shipping. Plus, if you're one of the first 100 buyers Artimus will autograph your CD! The CDs will be shipped starting October 20th, as a way of remembering the plane crash.

A new Steve Gaines CD, "I Know A Little Live", can currently be reserved at http://www.stevegaines.com. You can check out the album artwork and tracklist there. The CD should be available for order later this month.

A new Skynyrd compilation from MCA Records, "Skynyrd Collectybles" will hit stores November 14. Here's a news release on the album: Lynyrd Skynyrd will release "Skynyrd Collectybles " on Nov. 14. The 26-song collection features unreleased material from a variety of sources including two demo sessions held before the group's first album was recorded. Also on the set are excerpts from a 1973 radio show in Memphis and out-takes from the sessions for the "Second Helping" and "Street Survivors" albums. In addition, "Skynyrd Collectybles" has alternate takes of songs from the 1976 live album "One More From The Road" that were recorded on different nights of the group's stand at the Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta. "Collectybles" was produced and compiled by Ron O'Brien."

Allen Woody Passes Away

August 27, 2000 10:35 PM

Some sad news to report, as Allen Woody, former Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule bassist, passed away in his sleep. Let's all have a moment of silence for yet another fallen Brother.

Leon Back; Skynyrd Christmas Album Details; Current Set List

August 17, 2000 11:33 PM

First off let me apologize for the lack of updates the last few months. Leon Wilkeson is back with Lynyrd Skynyrd, and looks pretty good. I saw the band in concert last week in Myrtle Beach, and they tore the place up.

Some details on Lynyrd Skynyrd's Christmas album are beginning to surface. It will be called "Skynyrd Family Christmas" and is scheduled to be released September 12th. Here's the tracklisting:
1. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'
2. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
3. Greensleeves
4. Skynyrd Family Christmas
5. Santa's Messin' With The Kid
6. Classical Christmas
7. Run, Run Rudolph
8. Christmas Time Again
9. Mama's Song

Charlie Daniels and .38 Special will also appear on the album. When a cover scan pops up I'll post it here.

Here's the current set list Skynyrd has been playing, with some variation:
Workin' For MCA
I Ain't the One
Workin'
What's Your Name
That Smell
T For Texas (AWESOME!)
[Medley
Don't Ask Me No Questions
Down South Jukin'
I Know A Little
Double Trouble]
Tuesdays Gone (Again, AWESOME)
Gimme Three Steps
Call Me the Breeze
Sweet Home Alabama
Free Bird

If you get the chance, go see this band!

Leon Gone Again; Skynyrd To Record Christmas Album

May 5, 2000 3:37 PM

A lot of interesting things came out on the Rockline broadcast from a couple of weeks ago. First and foremost, Leon Wilkeson seems to be gone from the band again, replaced by Ian Evans. I have no idea who this guy is or what Leon's status with the band is. If I find out anything else, I'll pass it along. Also, Skynyrd is set to release a Christmas album sometime later this year consisting of standards and originals. .38 Special and Charlie Daniels are as of now set to guest on the album. Finally, another Skynyrd compilation will be released soon. "Then and Now" will likely consist of songs from Twenty and Edge Of Forever as well as older songs recorded on Live From Steeltown.

Marion Van Zant Passes Away

April 8, 2000 7:02 PM

Sadly, I've just learned that Marion "Sister" Van Zant, mother of Ronnie, Johnny, and Donnie Van Zant, passed away yesterday at the age of 71. Apparently, she had some type of coughing attack and could not catch her breath. EMT's could not revive her. Johnny Van Zant was already in Jacksonville and is at the house now with Lacey, and Donnie Van Zant is on his way. Everyone is worried about Lacey (the Van Zants' father for those who don't know) as well, since he's been ill as of late too. My prayers go out to the Van Zant family. If I hear any more information, you'll find it here. Thanks to Tom Soares and the .38 Special mailing list for the info.

Artimus Pyle Interview

April 7, 2000 5:00 PM

There is an interview with former Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle at http://www.gritz.net/artimuspyle.html. It's a really good interview, but be warned: Artimus is pissed. He rips on everyone from Skynyrd (Billy Powell in particular) to Judy and Melody Van Zant. He also discusses the BS child molestation charges that got him in trouble with the law in the early '90s. Once you've read the interview, go to https://members.tripod.com/Skynhead/artyinter.html to read Billy Powell's reply to the article. Judy and Melody Van Zant are also expected to comment sometime this week, and you'll find their comments here as well.

Skynyrd On Rockline April 26

March 29, 2000 9:00 PM

According to the unoffical Rockline website (http://drchuck.net/rockline/ ) Lynyrd Skynyrd is booked for the show on Wednesday, April 26, 2000. I don't know if this is for an interview or a performance, but I'd hope for the latter since they were booked to perform on the show earlier this year but had to cancel due to illness.

New Skynyrd Compilation Released

March 29, 2000 9:00 PM

A new Skynyrd greatest hits CD, "All Time Greatest Hits" was released earlier this month. I wish MCA would quit repackaging the same music over and over and instead put out some unreleased material. This is the third new greatest hits CD in three years; 1998 had "Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd", 1999 had the cheap "Millennium Series" CD, and now this in 2000. Isn't that enough?

Skynyrd on Austin City Limits

February 26, 2000 3:36 PM

According to Judy Van Zant'ts FreeBird Cafe website and Joe Tennis, a writer for the Bristol Herald Courier in Bristol, VA (who has a source at CMC International Records), Skynyrd will be on PBS' Austin City Limits on April 1. They are supposed to have the entire 60 minute show to themselves. The performance was taped late last year. Special thanks to Joe for confirming this.

Massive Update To RealAudio Page, MP3's Down

February 26, 2000 3:36 PM

I've added 8 songs to the RealAudio page, including 3 from Skynyrd's latest tour, 3 from the Rossington Collins Band, and 2 from the Allen Collins Band. In order to make room for the files, I had to take down the MP3 file from the "Last Flight bootleg I had up. But never fear, I've found a new place to store MP3's (http://www.freediskspace.com), and as soon as I can, I'll have whole CD's of MP3 files up. Unfortunately, I've been really busy with school lately, so it will probably be a while before they are up. I'll let you know.

Steve Gaines' "Okie Special" Ready For Shipping

February 26, 2000 3:36 PM

Teresa Gaines Rapp has announced that the new Steve Gaines CD "Okie Special" is ready for shipping. Go to http://www.stevegaines.com for information on placing your order, and remember, this is a limited edition of only 1000 copies.

Skynyrd On Super Bowl Pre-Game Tomorrow

January 29, 2000 9:44 PM

Just a reminder that Skynyrd will be playing on ABC's Super Bowl pre-game show tomorrow sometime around 4:00. I've heard that they'll either be playing "Sweet Home Alabama" or "Free Bird". I wouldn't count on that start time though. Could be anytime before or after 4:00, so be watching.

More Steve Gaines "Okie Special" Info

January 18, 2000 7:57 PM

Some more information on the upcoming Steve Gaines "Okie Special" CD has been released. Here's the album cover:

In addition, the tracklisting has been announced as well. Here it is:

Road Runner  (by Junior Walker)
Cross Winds (by Billy Cobham)
You Talk Too Much  (by Joe Jones)
It Can't Make Any Difference To Me  (by Dave Mason)
Snatch It Back  (by Chuck Willis)
Ain't No Good Life  (by Steve Gaines)
I Don't Want To Lose  (by Steve Gaines and Marc Marcano)
No Money Down  (by Chuck Berry)
You Must Have Put Your Whammy On Me  (by Freddie King)
Why  (by Lonnie Mack)
Turkey In The Straw  (traditional)
Fanny Mae  (by Buster Brown)

For more information and to place your order, check out http://www.stevegaines.com. The price will be $15 plus shipping and handling.

Skynyrd On David Letterman

January 1, 2000 1:53 PM

Well, Y2K has come and gone, and we're all still here. I hope everybody had a happy new year. Anyway, I'm now hearing that Skynyrd will be performing on David Letterman on Friday, January 14. Be on the lookout for that. Also, I'd like to thank Teresa Gaines Rapp and Debbie Lindsey for putting a link to my site on their Official Steve Gaines page. Thanks a lot. LAter guys, keep on rockin' in the year 2000.

New Steve Gaines CD / Website

December 30, 1999 10:24 PM

I've been meaning to mention this for a while, but EVERYBODY needs to go check out the new Official Steve Gaines Website at http://www.stevegaines.com. It's being run with the help of Teresa Gaines Rapp, Steve Gaines' widow. It's a really well done site, especially considering how new it is. Be sure to check it out now, as you can make reservations for a brand new Steve Gaines CD called Okie Special. The CD will feature 12 live performances of Steve from his pre-Skynyrd days with his band Crawdad. Go to http://www.stevegaines.com/cdnews.htm to reserve your copy today!

Lynyrd Skynyrd Cancels Date When Bassist Becomes Ill

December 21, 1999 7:34 PM

The following comes MTV News:

Lynyrd Skynyrd's triumphant tour with ZZ Top hit a bit of a snag this week as the band was forced to pull out of Tuesday night's show in Odessa, Texas when Skynyrd bassist Leon Wilkeson fell ill.

The band had been making the rounds in support of "Edge Of Forever" when Wilkeson was rushed to a local hospital where he was treated for an intestinal and urinary tract infection. Wilkeson was treated and released, but not before the group had to drop out of its concert at Odessa's Ector County Coliseum.

The show went on with ZZ Top, and Wilkeson was well enough to rejoin the band for a taping of "Austin City Limits" on Wednesday.

Leon Hospitalized; Skynyrd To Play Austin City Limits

December 19, 1999 1:20 AM

Skynyrd bassist Leon Wilkeson was hospitalized earlier this week for reasons that are not quite clear as of yet. I've heard some conflicting reports, but the band's spokeswoman has said that Leon has a intestinal tract infection and was coughing up blood before being rushed to the hospital. Leon was released after being treated, with one concert being cancelled that I know of. Leon was back with the band on Wednesday to record a segment for PBS's Austin City Limits program to air in a few months. If I hear any more info on Leon's health, I'll pass it along.

New "Spyn-Off Bands" Section Completed

October 29, 1999 5:00

I've completed the section on the Lynyrd Skynyrd spin off bands, which you can find at https://members.tripod.com/Skynhead/spynoffs.html. Go there for info on bands such as Rossington Collins, Allen Collins Band, Rossington Band, Steve Gaines solo career, and more. You'll find information on their histories, all their albums, and more. I'm planning to add more pictures and some sound samples in the future.

Solo Flytes, Skynyrd Book Released

October 29, 1999 5:16 PM

Lee Ballinger's Lynyrd Skynyrd: An Oral History was released on October 5. The book is said to consist of interviews of band members, friends, etc. from both the past and present. To see what others are saying about the book, check out http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/038080154X/o/qid=941231945/sr=8-1/002-0074819- . Solo Flytes was released on October 12. If you haven't already picked it up, I suggest you do so. It's really good. To check out my comments about the album, go to the Solo Flytes Discography Entry.

Lynyrd Skynyrd: An Oral History

September 25, 1999

Look for a new Lynyrd Skynyrd biography in book stores soon. Lynyrd Skynyrd: An Oral History, by Lee Balinger (edited by Dave Marsh) is sheculed to hit the stores on October 5. Here's the cover (courtesy of http://www.barnesandnoble.com ):

The book is paperback and will have 256 pages. Here's what the publisher of the book has to say: "The inside story of one of the greatest American rock bands, told in their own words, both before and after the horrific 1977 airplane crash that claimed three of the band members' lives." You can preorded the book now at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com .

Solo Flytes Info

September 17, 3:20 PM

Well, I'm back. Not that I went anywhere. I just decided to take a one month vacation from my web site. School's started back, and I really haven't had much time for it lately. I'll try to change that though. Anyway, look for the new Solo Flytes disc to be in stores around October 5. That date isn't set in stone, as some sources say it will be released the following week. Here's the tracklisting:

Sounds pretty good. The disc will have the new liner notes, pictures, etc. we've grown to expect from Ron O'Brien and the crew at MCA. Check it out.

MCA Press Release On New Skynyrd Releases

August 18, 12:26 AM

Universal City, California - Universal Music Group has just released new digitally remastered versions of two classic Lynyrd Skynyrd studio albums, both featuring previously unreleased live bonus tracks.

Nuthin' Fancy (1975) includes never before released live versions of Railroad Song and On The Hunt, both recorded in concert at Bill Graham's Winterland in San Francisco in 1975. Gimme Back My Bullets (1976) features live versions of Cry For The Bad Man and Gimme Back My Bullets also recorded at Winterland in 1976.

Both these remastered albums include the original artwork and credits, as well as never before seen photos and new liner notes, featuring interviews with original band members Gary Rossington, Billy Powell and others about the making of these two classic albums.

Scheduled for release on September 21st is Lynyrd Skynyrd: Solo Flytes, a compilation of tracks from the Skynyrd solo albums released during the decades between the plane crash and the Tribute Tour. This newly remastered disc includes material from the Rossington Collins Band, Artimus Pyle Band, Allen Collins Band, Rossington Band, and Steve Gaines' posthumously-released solo album, all of it long out-of-print and unavailable on CD for years. The package also includes liner notes chronicling the history of these bands, as well as rare photos and complete credits. (Originally posted on www.skynyrd.com).

Skynyrd On Alan Handleman Show

August 8, 7:04 PM

Johnny and Rickey will be appearing on the nationally syndicated radio show The Allan Handelman Show tonight at 10:00 PM. To check if you get the show in your area, or to listen to the show on the 'net, go to http://www.alhandelman.com. Also, you can call in and talk to the guys at 1-800-ROCK-TALK.

Leon Returns

August 8, 6:33 PM

Word from the Van Zant list is that Leon Wilkeson is back on tour with the band, just in time for the Wal-Mart broadcast and new album release this Tuesday. Speaking of that, I'll have a review of Edge Of Forever up here as soon as I get it, which will hopefully be Tuesday.

New Skynyrd Reissues Released

August 4, 11:28 PM

The Gimme Back My Bullets and Nuthin' Fancy reissues were released yesterday, and they are well worth the wait. The sound quality has been improved greatly, especially on GBMB, with Artimus Pyle's drums sounding much better. The packaging is excelent, with new liner notes and the original elemnts of the albums restored. The best part of the albums would have to be the bonus tracks, recorded at 1975 and 1976 concerts at the Winterland in San Francisco.. While Nuthin' Fancy only has two live bonus tracks instead of the rumored three (a live I'm A Country Boy didn't make the cut), what is here is great. Railroad Song cooks here live, and On The Hunt simply blows the studio version away. The bonus tracks on Gimme Back My Bullets are a little more familiar, having appeared in FreeBird The Movie, but have yet to appear on album. A live version of the title tracks rocks, but the real winner here is Cry For The Bad Man. This has always been one of my favorites, and it sounds even better live. Take my advice, get these reissues! Even if you have the original CD releases, these are much, much better.

Win Peavy Guitar Signed By The Band

August 4, 11:17 PM

Be sure to check out Skynyrd's web site at http://www.rockuniverse.com, where you can sign up to win an autographed Peavy Predator guitar and other prizes. While your there, you can check out "Edge Of Forever" and "Full Moon Night" in RealAudio. Don't forget, the new album Edge Of Forever comes out Tuesday!

Release Dates, Tour Dates, and More

July 31, 7:04 PM

Well, I'm back from Myrtle Beach and a killer Skynyrd concert. More on that later. First here's how upcoming release dates are setting up for the next two months:

August 3rd - Nuthin' Fancy and Gimme Back My Bullets reissues (w/ bonus tracks)
August 10th - Edge of Forever
September 21st - Solo Flytes (tracks from Rossington-Collins, Steve Gaines solo, etc.)

The new tour dates with ZZ Top have just been announced and can be found here.

I'll have a review of the Myrtle Beach show with a set list up later. Check back tomorrow.

Leon Feeling Better

July 26, 10:01 AM

Quick update before I head to the beach. According to Judy Van Zant at www.skynyrd.com, Leon Wilkeson is feeling better and will most likely rejoin the band for their fall tour with ZZ Top.

Myrtle Beach Show

July 22, 9:45 PM

I'll be heading to Myrtle Beach on Monday to see the band at The Palace there on Thursday, so (for anyone that actually reads this page) don't look for any updates next week. When I get back, I'll have the set list and a review of the show for you right here.If anybody's gonna be there, maybe I'll see you. I'll be the fat, red haired, bearded redneck wearing a Skynyrd shirt in the second row. I'm not hard to miss. Catch you later.

New RealAudio Files Up

July 21, 10:00 PM

Two more RealAudio files have been added to Skynyrd's site at www.rockuniverse.com/skynyrd. Added this week are "Preacher Man" and "Through It All". Both songs are excellent. "Preacher Man" has an awesome wah-wah solo as well. Honestly, it sounds like he's channeling the spirit of Allen Collins. From what I've heard so far, this album has some of the best guitar work on a Skynyrd LP in a long time. Again, I have updated my own RealAudio page with a couple of new songs. Check it out by clicking here.

"Workin'" and "Gone Fishin'" RealAudio Files Up

July 12, 4:15 PM

Skynyrd's web site at www.rockuniverse.com/skynyrd has posted the full-length RealAudio files for the songs "Workin'" and "Gone Fishin'". Also, I just added some RealAudio files to my Skynyrd Audio page, including two songs that the band never recorded for any of their albums. Check 'em out.

"Edge Of Forever" Tracklisting + Liquid Audio Sampler

July 7, 9:15 PM

The tracklisting for the new Skynyrd album "Edge Of Forever" has finally been released, and here it is:

01. Workin'
02. Full Moon Night
03. Preacher Man
04. Mean Streets
05. Tomorrow's Goodbye
06. Edge Of Forever
07. Gone Fishin'
08. Through It All
09. Money Back Guarantee
10. Get It While The Gettin's Good
11. Rough Around The Edges
12. FLA

CMC International has just released a Liquid Audio Sampler of three of the songs off the new CD, "Workin'", "Preacher Man" and "Mean Streets". You can access the tracks at http://www.liquidmusicnetwork.com/cgi-bin/lms/lav?c,65373,1444873889,indie. It lasts 2:40 and can be downloaded for free (although I haven't been able to get that to work yet). You must have the Liquid Player to listen to this sampler, so go to www.liquidaudio.com and download one now!

New Album Info, Cover

July 6, 3:49 PM

First off, hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Now, let's get down to business. Skynyrd's website at CMC International (http://www.rockuniverse.com/skynyrd/) has posted some new information on the Edge Of Forever album. Here's the album cover:

The site will post complete RealAudio files of the songs "Workin'" (the first single from the album) and "Gone Fishin'" on July 12th. As soon as I get a track listing for the new album, I'll post it here, as well as the Discography section.

New Release Dates

July 2, 12:29 PM

ICE Magazine has just updated their site with release dates, and there are several Skynyrd CDs set to be released in the next two months. The Nuthin' Fancy and Gimme Back My Bullets reissues are said to be coming out on July 27, although I was told by executive producer Ron O'Brien they would be delayed until September. The new Skynyrd album, Edge Of Forever, will be released on August 10, which is comfirmed by CMC International's web site. Finally, on August 24, Solo Flytes, a compilation of Skynyrd spyn-off bands such as the Artimus Pyle Band and Rossington-Collins Band, is set to be released.

Leon Leaves Band Due To Health Problems

July 2, 12:29 PM

Word came out yesterday that Leon Wilkeson has stepped down from his position in the band temporarily due to health problems. His replacement is Rick Wills, former bassist for Foreigner and Bad Company. Leon's illness is said to be very serious, and he needs everyone's prayers. Hopefully this will just be temporary, and the tour is expected to go on with Wills filling in.

Skynyrd Sets Benefit With Wal-Mart Simulcast

June 25, 12:29 PM

From Reuters: NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lynyrd Skynyrd will headline a concert in San Francisco this summer to benefit the Never Forgotten Fund, established in memory of the 12 students and one teacher slain April 20 in the Columbine High School massacre. Skynyrd's set during the Aug. 10 show will be simulcast in the digital music departments of 2,100 Wal-Mart outlets around the country to a potential audience of hundreds of thousands of fans. The group plans to debut selections from its forthcoming album, including the title song ``Edge of Forever,'' which is about the apocalyptic hysteria leading up to the turn of the millennium and the Y2K computer bug. ``I don't think anything is gonna happen,'' said Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Gary Rossington. ``But people are building bomb shelters and thinking the world's gonna end. ``It's really funny. Down south in Georgia there's a lot of stores that sell all these things, shelters and generators and water purification tablets. It's crazy. They think the bombs are all going to go off that night and everything.'' If there is chaos, the band plans to celebrate it with some hellacious rock. ``Yeah actually, we're gonna be playing in Houston, Texas, with ZZ Top on New Year's Eve,'' Rossington said, ``so we'll be right in the middle of all the craziness.'' But to avoid tempting fate, the band has decided to stay away from airplanes on Jan. 1, 2000. ``We were supposed to fly back that next morning,'' Rossington said, ``and we told them we wanted to take the bus on home that day and have a good day's ride home. ``That's fine with me. I'm not gonna be up in the sky that night. We'll fill the bus up with plenty of gas the day before and just have a nice, cozy, nice ride home, watch some movies, right?'' - John Swenson

New Drummer Revealed June 25, 12:29 PM

Skynyrd has a new drummer, and his name is Mike Cartellone. Word from the Van Zant list is that he's played with the Damn Yankees and most recently toured with John Fogerty. Word has it that he's a very powerful drummer and that the band is cranking at a higher energy level than before. Also, Leon is aid to be looking great and didn't appear to be sick at all. If I get a setlist from one of the shows, I'll post it here. (Thanks to Mike T. of the Van Zant list for the info)

New Skynyrd Reissues Delayed June 25, 12:19 PM

I just recieved an email from Ron O'Brien of MCA, who confirmed that the new Gimme Back My Bullets and Nuthin' Fancy reissues, originally scheduled for release June 15th, have been delayed. Looks like it will be September before we will see these albums finally come out.

New Album Info + Leon Sick? May 24, 6:45 PM

The new album looks like it's gonna be called "On The Edge Of Forever" and is tentatively set to be released in July or August. The only known songs so far are "Tomorrow’s Goodbye", "Rough Around the Edges", "Working", "Preacher Man", and "Through It All". Go to Skynyrd's Official Site for an interview with Johnny Van Zant where he talks about some of the new songs. In other news, rumors coming from the Skynyrd Frynds list has Leon Wilkeson not feeling well. Not much else is known by me, but I'll let you know if I find out anything else.

Confirmed Tour Dates May 24, 6:45 PM

The following are confirmed tour dates for Skynyrd's summer tour. JUNE 18 Springfield, MO - 66 Country Music Fest 19 Poplar Bluff, MO - Black River Coliseum 21 Bossier City, LA - Horseshoe Casino 22 Bossier City, LA - Horseshoe Casino 25 Manhattan, KS - Country Stampede 26 Council Bluff, IA - Westfair Amphitheatre 27 Brighton, CO - Adams County Fair 30 Merillville, IN - TBA JULY 1 Muskegon, MI - Summer Celebration 2 Fort Madison, IA - TBA 3 Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest 4 Reno, NV - Hilton Amphitheatre 6 Traverse City, MI - National Cherry Fest 7 Lansing, MI - Oldsmobile Park 8 Beloit, WI - Riverfest 9 Walker, MN - Moon Dance Jam 11 Ft Loramie, OH - Hickory Hills Lakes 14 Seymour, WI - Outgamie County Fair 15 Cadott, WI - Rockfest '99 17 Aberdeen, MD - Aberdeen Proving Ground 28 Harrington, DE - Delaware State Fair 29 Myrtle Beach, SC - The Palace Theatre 31 Minnedosa, MB - Classic Rock Fest AUGUST 7 Louisville, KY - TBA 11 Sturgis, SD - Buffalo chip Campground 12 Sioux Falls, SD - Sioux Empire Fair 14 Green River, WY - Flaming Gorge Days SEPTEMBER 1 Lancaster, CA - Antelope Valley Fair 3 Escondido, CA - TBA 4 Temecula, CA - TBA 5 Kelseyville, CA - Konocti Harbor Resort 6 Eureka, CA - TBA More news on the Skynyrd tour will be posted here when it's recieved.

Rickey Medlocke Interview March 26, 10:18 PM

Head on over to www.lynyrdskynyrd.com and check out a new interview with Rickey Medlocke about the new album. It is tentatively set to be released sometime in August. The band will be working with legendary drummer Kenny Arnoff on all the tracks. Arnoff recently toured with John Fogerty, playing on his live Premonition album. While I would've liked to have heard Jeff MaCallaster(sp?) on record, Kenny Arnoff is one HELL of a drummer, and should fit in well with the band. Skynyrd is also going to do something with guitar legend Duane Eddy. Check out the whole interview here.

Rest In Peace Gary Smalley March 26, 10:14 PM

Word from Tom Soares on the Van Zant mailing list says that Gary Smalley, former Skynyrd guitar tech, passed away last night from cancer. As many of you may know, the band played two benefit shows for Gary in Jacksonville earlier this year. I am deeply saddened by this loss and give out my condolences to his family.

New Album, Tour On The Way

While the current tour situation is cloudy (see above news), it is known that Skynyrd is in the studio working on a brand new studio album for release later this year. Skynyrd will be working with legendary producer Ron Nevison, who in the past has worked with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss, The Who, and others. Recording has been taking place in Nashville since Feb. 25. Here are the only released tour dates thus far:
Friday, April 23, 1999 Laughlin, NV
Saturday, April 24, 1999 Laughlin, NV
Thursday, April 29, 1999 Tupelo, MS
Friday, April 30, 1999 Louisville, KY
Saturday, May 1, 1999 Huntsville, AL.
Check back here frequently for any further news about the upcoming album and tour.